JIGMET DADUL
LEH: A book on archaeological remains of Ladakh titled ‘gSter-rNying’ was released by the Member Parliament Thupstan Chhewang and MLA and Chairman Congress Legistive Party Nawang Rigzin Jora here on Tuesday.
Briefing about the book, author Dr. Sonam Spalzin, who is a local Archaeologist said that her book not only gives the account of archaeological remains of Ladakh but it also provides information on geography, advent of Buddhism, advent of Islam and even describes about Palaeolithic and Neolithic sites of Ladakh. She informed that after many years of succession of Buddhism in Jammu, it reached Kashmir and later spread to Ladakh. Denying the claim of many foreign and local scholars that Buddhism came to Ladakh from Tibet, she said that there is ample evidence to prove that Buddhism flourished in Jammu and Kashmir much before than in Tibet. She also disagreed on the claim of some scholars calling Ladakh as ‘Little Tibet’ or ‘Western Tibet’. She also informed that Islam started spreading from 8th century in Ladakh.
Appreciating Dr. Spalzin for her commendable work, MP Thupstan Chewang said that her work will not only provide information about the archaeological remains, geography and history of Ladakh but it will become a source of reference for scholars and researchers.
Terming her work as most relevant, Jora said that Dr. Spalzin is the real inspiration and younger generation should take a cue from her sincere approach and hardwork.
Renowned scholars and writers from Ladakh including Geshey Konchok Phandey, Sonam Phunchok Achinathang, Tsewang Dorjay Dongbos and Tsering Nurboo Martse also spoke on the occasion. Besides, scholar Tsering Tashi, Head of Archives Leh and Presidents of various religious organisations including Anjuman Immamiya, LBA, Anjuman-Moin-ul-Islam and Councillor, Sarpanch and Nambardar of village were also present. Dr. Sonam Spalzin was born in village Thiksay (Ranbirpu). She has acquired B.A. History (Honours), Master in Archaeology, Ph.D in Buddhist Archaeology and also qualified UGC (NET) in Archaeology.
