Ladakh, for centuries, has been a land of mystery for the people of many ethnicities. Notwithstanding a rich historical background, Ladakh today is a vast land with its own unique culture and traditions. Known by many names like the Land of Lamas, Moon land, Land of High Winds, Cold Desert and the like; Ladakh is truly Nature's workshop, studio and art gallery all rolled in one. This book is dedicated by the author to Rigzin Namgyal Kalon, the man who did wonders for the development of the Ladakh region. Ladakh and many generations to follow would always be grateful to him and all that he did for this region and the people, irrespective of their place, caste, creed or religion. For Ladakh, with all its glory and splendid isolation; the twentieth century has been a period of great trials and tribulations, crisis and opportunities; and in the final analysis a number of downs and many more ups. The region has flourished but is still not clearly out of the woods. The author with his personal experience in the region has brought out these facets of the region in great details.

Dr. Sudhir S. B1oeria, lAS (J&K- 1968) is an ex-Army Officer having served in the Infantry, The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, from 1966 to1972. He took part in the 1971 war with Pakistan, in the Fazilka sector. An alumnus of the Scindia School Gwalior, he is a science graduate, also holds a Masters Degree in History, and acquired the Ph.D Degree for his thesis on "The Battles of Zojila-1948". A graduate of the National Defence College, New Delhi, he takes a keen interest in military history and national security matters. Dr. Bloeria was posted as Special Commissioner, Rajouri and Poonch districts during 1990-1992. He remained Home Secretary to the State Government in 1995 and 1996 when Parliament and Assembly