ART

INTEGRATED
PROJECT
Theme : Ladakh
 PRESENTED BY:-
 NAME : ANKIT BHADURI
 CLASS : x
 SECTION : C
 Class roll number: 32
 CBSE ROLL Number: 12207870
 Subject : english
 Guided by: Amrita chand
 SCHOOL : KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA
IIT KHARAGPUR
 GENERAL ASPECTS OF
LADAKH
 Area: 97,000 sq kms out of which nearly 38,000 sq. kms are
under Chinese occupation since 1962.
 Population: Approx. 2.40 lakh in the 2 districts of Leh &
Kargil.
 Languages: Ladakhi including Balti / Purgi, Shina or
Dardic, Urdu / Hindi.
 Ethnic composition: Mongoloid/Tibetan, Dardic and
assorted Indo-Aryan elements.
 Altitude: Leh 3505 m, Kargil 2750 m
 Rain-fall : 15cm, 6" (annual average)
HISTORICAL ASPECTS ON LADAKH
 For nearly 900 years, from the middle of the 10th century, Ladakh
was an independent kingdom, its ruling dynasties descending
from the kings of old Tibet. The kingdom attained its greatest
geographical extent and glory in the early 17th century under
the famous king Singge Namgyal, whose domain extended
across Spiti and western Tibet right up to the Mayum-la, beyond
the sacred sites of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
 Gradually, perhaps partly due to the fact that it was politically
stable, Ladakh became recognized as the best trade route
between the Punjab and Central Asia. For centuries it was
traversed by caravans carrying textiles, spices, raw silk, carpets,
dyestuffs, narcotics, etc. Heedless of the land’s rugged terrain
and apparent remoteness, merchants entrusted their goods to
relays of pony transporters who took about two months to
carry them from Amritsar to the Central Asian towns of Yarkand
and Khotan.
 On this long route, Leh was the midway stop, and developed
into a bustling entrepot, its baazars thronged with merchants
from distant countries.
The famous pashmina (better known as cashmere) also came
down from the high-altitude plateaux of eastern Ladakh and
western Tibet, through Leh, to Srinagar, where skilled artisans
transformed it into shawls known the world over for their
softness and warmth. Ironically, it was this lucrative trade that
finally spelt the doom of the independent kingdom. It attracted
the covetous attention of Gulab Singh, the ruler of Jammu in the
early 19th century, who sent his general Zorawar Singh to invade
Ladakh in 1834 AD. There followed a decade of war and turmoil,
which ended with the emergence of the British as the paramount
power in north India. Ladakh, together with the neighbouring
province of Baltistan, was incorporated into the newly created
state of Jammu & Kashmir. Just over a century later, this union
was disturbed by the partition of India, as a result of which
Baltistan became part of Pakistan, while Ladakh remained in
India as part of the State of Jammu & Kashmir.
 GEOGRAPHICAL ASPECTS OF
LADAKH
  Ladakh is a land abounding in awesome physical features, set in
an enormous and spectacular environment. Bounded by two of
the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Karakoram in the
north and the Great Himalaya in the south, it is traversed by two
other parallel chains, the Ladakh Range and the Zanskar Range.
 In geological terms, this is a young land, formed a few million
years ago. Its basic contours, uplifted by tectonic movements,
have been modified over the millennia by the process of erosion
due to wind and water, sculpted into the form that we see today.
 Today a high-altitude desert, sheltered from the rain-bearing
clouds of the Indian monsoon by the barrier of the Great
Himalaya, Ladakh was once covered by an extensive lake
system, the vestiges of which still exist on its south-east plateaux
of Rupshu and Chushul, in the drainage basins or lakes of Tso-
moriri, Tso-kar and Pangong-tso. But the main source of water is
winter snowfall.
 Drass, Zanskar and the Suru Valley on the Himalaya's
northern flanks receive heavy snow in winter, this feeds the
glaciers from which melt water, carried down by streams,
irrigates the fields in summer. For the rest of the region, the
snow on the peaks is virtually the only source of water. As the
crops grow, the villagers pray not for rain, but for sun to melt
the glaciers and liberate their water.
 Ladakh lies at altitudes ranging from about 9,000 ft (2,750 m) at
Kargil to 25,170 ft (7,672m) at Saser Kangri, in the Karakoram
Range. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 27C in the shade,
while in winter they may at times plummet to minus 20C even
in Leh. Surprisingly though, the thin air makes the heat of the
sun even more intense than at lower altitudes. It is said that
only in Ladakh can a man sitting in the sun with his feet in the
shade suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time!
 CLIMATE OF LADAKH
 The climate of Ladakh is cold and dry. Average annual
precipitation is roughly 3 inches (80 mm); fine, dry, flaked snow is
frequent and sometimes falls heavily. Vegetation is confined to
valleys and sheltered spots, where a stunted growth
of tamarisk (genus Tamarix) shrubs, furze (also called gorse; spiny
plants of the legume family), and other plants supply much-
needed firewood. The principal products are wheat, barley, millet,
buckwheat, peas, beans, and turnips. Woolen cloth and other
textiles are the primary manufactures.
 WILDLIFE OF LADAKH
 Wildlife in Ladakh is indeed an unparalleled destination, Ladakh
is proud of being home to a number of bird species as well as
exotic animals roaming freely in their natural habitat. With its
barren plateaus and uplands, Ladakh has a distinct alpine, floral
and faunal variety. With its notable ecosystem Ladakh gives a
chance to wildlife admirer as well as a photography fanatic to
view some diminished and most beautiful Ladakh wildlife species
with a striking background of the crystal blue lakes, snowy
peaks, the dramatic mountains and clear sky creates a picture-
perfect frame for wildlife photography.
 You can spot Blue sheep, Yaks, Marmot, Tibetan hare, ibex, wild
ass, Bharal, the Tibetan antelope, also called the Chiru etc; Ladakh
is having approximately 225 species of birds which are often seen
in high-altitude wetlands like Tsomoriri Lake. Snow Leopards
which is an endangered species and is the star attraction also
found in Ladakh.
 Besides, if you are interested in knowing other species that dwell
in the blistering cold then a visit to Hemis National Park is a must.
Hemis National Park is known as a protected area that provides
shelter to various conserved and endangered species.
 HISTORICAL
MONUMENTS AND
BUILDINGS OF
LADAKH
 TAKTHOK
MONASTERY
Housing close to 55 lamas, Takthok
Monastery is famous for its magnificent
architecture, murals, assembly hall and the
holy throne of Dalai Lama. The monastery
has a temple, a Dukhang which is stands
for an assembly hall and caves. The
monastery also has  the Kandshur, the
sacred book of Buddha’s teachings in 108
volumes.
Highlights - Meditation cave of
Padmasambhava and statues of Future
Buddha and Dorje.
Best Time To Visit - Summer time when the
festival happens on the 9th and 10th days
of the Tibetan calendar’s 6th month and
sacred dances are seen at this time. 
 THIKSEY
MONASTERY
Situated at an altitude of 11,800 feet, it is one of
the most beautiful monasteries in Ladakh. It is
famous for its pilgrim activities, architecture,
and exploration. You can enjoy a beautiful
view of the flood plains of the Indus Valley
from there. It's painted in red, yellow and
white. Maitreya Temple is the main attraction
inside the monastery as it's dedicated to Lord
Maitreya who is considered to be the Future
Buddha.
Highlights - A two storey tall statue of Maitreya
Buddha, which is the largest statue in Ladakh is
a major attraction. Also, its assembly hall which
houses numerous manuscripts and murals is an
interesting feature.
Best Time To Visit -  It is open from 7 am till 7
pm. Many people come by 7 am to be a part of
the morning prayer there.
 CASTLE OF SANI
This castle is blessed by Padmasambhava of
Oddhiyana and is also a cemetry of
Dechendal which makes it one of the most
important historical places of Leh Ladakh. The
Stupa of Kanishka is also built inside the
Castle of Sani. There is also a meditation cave,
it is said that The Guru stayed there and
practiced meditation for a long time.
Highlights - The most sacred statue of Naropa
which is unveiled on the 15th, day of 6th,
month of the Tibetan calendar can be seen
and there are also various surreal wall
paintings inside the castle executed by Zadpa
Dorje.
Best Time To Visit -  November To March
 
 LEH PALACE
It's a perfect place to enjoy the Divine
panoramic view of the entire Leh along
with Zanskar mountain range. From the
top of this glorifying palace, you can also
take pleasure to experience the aesthetic
beauty of sunsets and sunrises.
The opening time is 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM so
make sure you visit it during these hours.
It was constructed and completed in 1553
and completed in the 17th century -
imagine the kind of history waiting to
unwind by you. It depicts Medival Tibetan
Architecture and is also known as the hub
of Buddhist culture.
Highlights - Panoramic views of mountain
ranges, A vast collection of crowns,
ceremonial dresses and jewelry, Tibetan
Paintings, Interiors made out of wood
carved figurines.
Best Time To Visit - April To September
 STOK PALACE
This is another beautiful architectural
construction in the arms of Leh to show the
royalty of the royal family. It displays
crowns and various royal amenities to
make the tourists go starstruck. Along with
royal glory, it has gardens amazing views
and the complete aura of the place is royal.
It was built in 1820 by King Tsepal
Namgyal, it was open to the public after
the blessing of his holiness - The Dalai Lama.
Highlights - A library with 108 volumes of
the Kangyu, Queen’s ancient crown called
Yub-Jhur and a sword that the king’s Oracle
managed to bend into a knot called the Uri
Geller–style.
Best Time To Visit - May to September
 SHANTI STUPA
Constructed in 1991, It's a white-domed
stupa situated on the hilltop of Chanspa. It
rests on the hilltop at 11841 feet above sea
level from where you can witness a
panoramic view of Changspa village which
is a breath-taking sight. It is situated
opposite to the Leh Palace and is
illuminated with lights at night which a
beautiful sight - it's considered as one of
the best places to visiti in Leh Ladakh when
considering tourist attractions. Timings to
visit - 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Highlights - Relics Of Buddha,
Dharmachakra, Scenic hilltop views, Sight
of traditional Ladakhi houses.
Best Time To Visit - May to September
 HEMIS
MONASTERY 
t'd interest you to note that Naropa- an
Indian Buddhist attained enlightenment at the
Hemis Monastery. It is one of the wealthiest
and the largest monasteries in Ladakh. It's
one of the most beautiful Tibetan Buddhist
Monastery In India. You'll awestruck by the
beauty of the architecture and interiors. You
can pay a tribute to the two big statues
of lord Buddha and Guru Rimpoche inside the
monastery.
Highlights - It has a mesmerizing architecture,
and you can witness the beauty of a huge
copper statue of Buddha. It also houses a
number of Buddhist relics and ancient items. 
Best Time To Visit - The best time to go there is
during the two-day Hemis Festival, which is
held in June-July where you can enjoy the
famous Cham Dance or Masked Dance.
 SHEY PALACE
The Shey Palace complex is located on the
hillock in Shey which is 15 kms to the south of
Leh-Ladakh. Shey used to be the summer capital
of Ladakh in the history. It's almost in ruins now
- it was built by the kind of Ladakh - Deldan
Namgyal. It was a summer retreat place for the
kings of Ladakh. It was constructed in 1655 and it
also has the second largest statue in Ladakh
inside the Shey Palace Complex.
Highlights - The offerings placed to the deities
for worship are grain, jewels, holy signs and
with mantras inscribed on them. The ruined
remains of an ancient fortification above the
palace depict the antiquity of this site and
inscriptions were found inside the Palace.
Best Time To Visit - July to September