Abstract

Exhibiting an intricate and somewhat complex history, embodying prolonged periods of socio religious equilibrium, yet characterised by episodic geopolitical upheavals and at times even abrupt socio-political ruptures, Ladakh provides extremely rich insights into realities of tribal communities. How do self-sustaining indigenous / tribal communities with long histories of interaction and boundary crossing evolve and adapt to treacherous and difficult habitats; while being periodically overwhelmed by violent political cataclysm with external forces. From an indigenous / tribal perspective, Leh Ladakh with eight Schedule Tribe communities inhabiting the geographically bounded region is an important site of inquiry within tribal studies. This article seeks to elucidate the socio-political context embedded and constantly unraveling among the Leh Ladakhi peoples. It locates the phenomena within the rich yet complex politico historical reality of the region.