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 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.
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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