Ancient History (Pre-10th Century CE)

• Ladakh was part of the ancient trade routes that connected Tibet, India, and Central Asia, making it an essential center for commerce and culture.
• The early inhabitants were influenced by Indo-Aryan and Tibetan cultures, with Buddhism arriving in the region as early as the 2nd century BCE.
• It was once part of the larger Tibetan Empire, particularly during the reign of the Tibetan kings in the 7th–9th centuries CE.

Medieval Period (10th–17th Century CE)

• In the 10th century, the first independent Ladakhi dynasty was established by Nyima-Gon, a Tibetan prince. He founded a kingdom that promoted Buddhism and built early monasteries.
• The 16th and 17th centuries saw the rise of the Namgyal Dynasty, which strengthened Ladakh’s independence and built many of its famous monasteries, such as Hemis, Thiksey, and Spituk.
• During the 17th century, Ladakh faced invasions from the Mughal Empire and the Kashmiri rulers, leading to political struggles.

Colonial and Modern History (19th–21st Century)

• In 1834, Ladakh was invaded by the Dogra General Zorawar Singh, leading to its incorporation into the Dogra kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir.
• In 1947, after India’s independence and partition, Ladakh became part of Jammu and Kashmir but was contested by Pakistan.
• In 1948, 1962, 1999, Ladakh witnessed military conflicts:
  • First Kashmir War (1947-48): Pakistani forces attempted to capture Ladakh.
  • Sino-Indian War (1962): China took control of the Aksai Chin region.
  • Kargil War (1999): Conflict between India and Pakistan in the Kargil sector.

Formation of Union Territory (2019-Present)

• On August 5, 2019, the Government of India revoked Article 370 of the Constitution, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status.
• On October 31, 2019, Ladakh was separated from Jammu and Kashmir and became a Union Territory, without a legislature, directly governed by the central government.