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The Suru Valley
with Mt.Nun in background
(For
large view click on image)
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Introduction
The western
parts of Ladakh comprising the river valleys, which are drained and
formed by the Himalayan tributaries of the high Indus, constitute Kargil
district. Prominent among these are the spectacular valleys of Suru
and Zanskar, which lie nestled along the northern
flank of the Great Himalayan wall. The smaller lateral valleys of Drass,
Wakha-Mulbek and Chiktan constitute important
subsidiaries.
This region
formed part of the erstwhile Kingdom of Ladakh. In fact it is believed
to be the first to be inhabited by the early colonizers of Ladakh, the
Indo-Aryan Mons from across the Great Himalayan range, assorted Dard
immigrants from down the Indus and the Gilgit valleys and itinerant
nomads from the Tibetan highlands. Also, being contiguous with Baltistan,
Kashmir, Kulu etc. these valleys are believed to have served as the
initial recipients of successive ethnic and cultural influences emanating
from the neighbouring regions. Thus,
while the Mons are believed to have introduced north-Indian
Buddhism to these valleys, the Dard and Balti immigrants are credited
with introducing farming and the Tibetan nomads with the tradition of
herding and animal husbandry.
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View
of Suru Valley near Kargil
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About 15,000
sq. kms. in area, Kargil district has an agrarian population of approximately
120,000 people, who cultivate the land, along the course of the drainage
system, wherever artificial irrigation from mountain streams is possible.
About 85 % are Muslims, mainly of the Shia sect, Islam having been introduced
to the original Buddhist population around the middle of the 16th century
by missionaries from Kashmir and Central Asia. Their descendants, locally
titled Agha, are mostly religious scholars who continue
to hold sway over the population, even as the age-old traditions of
Buddhist and animistic origin are discernible in the culture. Many elements
of the ancient supernatural belief systems, especially many traditions
connected with agricultural practices, are still followed with subdued
reverence.
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