Iconographic interaction between Ladakh and Kashmir in the remote antiquity
Author(s): Dr. Tsering Punchok
Abstract: The present work looks at the remnants of Buddhism in a relatively unorthodox terrain of Kashmir. Buddhism is generally believed to have come to Kashmir in the time of emperor AsÌoka, but the present work shows that it was prevalent in the Kashmir valley long before his time. Buddhism was prevalent in Kashmir in the time of the native king Surrendra who ruled some time after the Buddha’s maha-parinirvana but before AsÌoka. As opposed to the perceived isolation of the valley in popular perception it shows the vibrant cultural interaction of the Kashmir valley with rest of India. The archaeological remains scattered throughout Kashmir attest the vibrant presence of Buddhism in the valley. In this regard the present work closely examines the cultural and artistic links between ancient Kashmir and Ladakh. The connection of Kashmir with Ladakh was not just confined to politics or ruling circles, but it also enjoyed an important position for the fact that one important trade route which connects India with her neighbors in the north and the north-west actually passed through Ladakh. Dissemination of Buddhism from Kashmir valley towards the east or Ladakh region has been encountered at many places in the form of petroglyphs, inscription, sculptural and architectural finds which have been discussed in detail in the present work. Nevertheless, certain things need to be delineated at the very outset in the context of the present work. First is regarding the usages of the term iconography or remnants. This term has been used exclusively in the context of ‘archaeological or structural remnants/remains’ in the course of the present work while fully acknowledging the availability of several other markers of presence of Buddhism in Kashmir from ancient times. Secondly, the present work deals more with the historicity of Buddhism in Kashmir than its presence forms and cultural nuisances.
Dr. Tsering Punchok. Iconographic interaction between Ladakh and Kashmir in the remote antiquity. Int J Hist 2024;6(1):33-36. DOI: 10.22271/27069109.2024.v6.i1a.260
