Author : Muneer Ahmad
Introduction
Ladakh,
often referred to as the 'Land of High Passes,' is a region in northern India
known for its unique geography, rich culture, and diverse religious landscape.
While Buddhism has been the predominant religion, Islam has also found its
place in the region over the centuries. The introduction and spread of Islam in
Ladakh is a multifaceted story involving missionary activities, political alliances,
and cultural exchanges
2. Early
Islamic Influence
2.1 Mir Sayyid
Ali Hamadani (Shah-i-Hamadan)
In the 14th century, Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, a prominent
Sunni Sufi saint from Iran, played a pivotal role in spreading Islam in the
Kashmir Valley. His arrival in Kashmir in the late 1300s marked the beginning
of significant Islamic influence in the region. Hamadani brought with him a
group of followers, including artisans, scholars, and traders, who introduced
various crafts and industries to Kashmir. His teachings emphasized monotheism, social
reforms, and the eradication of practices like black magic and Sati. Hamadani's
influence extended beyond Kashmir, reaching regions like Ladakh and
Gilgit-Baltistan, where his followers established Islamic communities.
2.1 Mir Shams-ud-Din Araqi
Following Hamadani's influence, Mir Shams-ud-Din Araqi, a
Shia Sufi saint, further propagated Islam in the Kashmir Valley and its
surrounding regions. Araqi is credited with introducing the Noorbakshi Sufi
order to the region, which gained prominence among the local Muslim population.
His teachings and leadership contributed to the consolidation of Islamic
practices and beliefs in the area.
3 Islamic Influence in Ladakh
The spread of Islam in Ladakh can be attributed to several factors:
4 Architectural and Cultural
Integration
Islamic influence in Ladakh is evident in its architecture
and cultural practices:
5 The Tibet–Ladakh–Mughal War
(1679–1684)
In the late 17th century, Ladakh sided with Bhutan in its
dispute with Tibet. The Tibetans decided to punish Ladakh for interfering in
their relations with Bhutan and the oppression of Gelug monasteries in Ladakh.
In 1679, the 5th Dalai Lama appointed the lama of the Tashilhunpo Monastery,
the Khoshut Galdan Chhewang, as the commander of the Tibeto-Mongol expedition
to Ladakh. Galdan Chhewang first secured his flanks when he made a treaty with
Raja Kehri Singh of Bashahr, granting him trade rights with Tibet.
Galdan Chhewang's first campaign resulted in the defeat of
the Ladakhi army led by Shakya Gyatso at Khan-dMar. The following year, he
defeated the Ladakhis again at Chang La (Byan-la) and occupied the country with
the exception of the fortresses of Basgo and Tinggmosgang, which held out
against the Tibetan attacks for the next three years.
The stalemate was broken with the Mughal Empire's
intervention in the war. Kashmir was a Mughal province at this time and
included Ladakh in its sphere of influence. In 1683, an army led by Fidai Khan,
son of governor Ibrahim Khan of Kashmir, defeated the Tibeto-Mongol army and
lifted the siege of Basgo, continuing the pursuit until Lake Pangong. The Kashmiris
helped restore Ladakhi rule on the condition that a mosque be built in Leh and
that the Ladakhi king convert to Islam. The Mughals retreated after signing a
treaty with the Ladakhis. Kashmiri historians assert that, after this, the
Ladakhi king converted to Islam in return. However, the Ladakhi chronicles do
not mention such a thing, and the Ladakhi people refute it. The king agreed to
give tribute to the Mughals in return for their help.
6 The Treaty of Tingmosgang (1684)
In 1684, the Ganden Phodrang Prime Minister Desi Sangye
Gyatso and the King Delek Namgyal of Ladakh signed the 1684 Treaty of
Tingmosgang to end the war. According to the Ladakh Chronicles, the treaty
fixed the Tibet-Ladakh border at the Lhari stream near Demchok and regulated
trade and tribute missions between Ladakh and Tibet.
7 Contemporary Muslim Community in
Ladakh
Today, the Muslim community in Ladakh is an integral part of
the region's social fabric. They actively participate in various aspects of
life, including education, politics, and cultural preservation. The community
maintains its religious practices while contributing to the pluralistic society
of Ladakh.
8 Conclusion
The introduction and spread of Islam in Ladakh is a
testament to the region's rich history of cultural and religious exchanges.
Through the efforts of missionaries, traders, and political alliances, Islam
has become an integral part of Ladakh's diverse religious landscape. The legacy
of these interactions continues to influence the region's culture,
architecture, and social dynamics.
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