Author: A H Francke
Publisher: LP Publications
Year: 1999
Language: English
Pages: 432
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8175361670
Description
This personal narrative in two volumes bound in one with maps, 45 plates and 4 text illustrations was first published in 1914 and is an archaeological survey of the districts which once formed the kingdom of Western Tibet.
These mountainous regions, then belonging to the Indian Empire, and therefore indicated as Indian Tibet had never been explored by any scholar combining a knowledge of local history and antiquities with a thorough acquaintance of Tibetan. The author Dr. Franck acquired these rare accomplishments in the course of his many years in in Ladakh and Lahul.
Starting from Simla on the 14th June, 1909, he traveled up to Satluj Valley through the hill-state of Rampur-Bashahr, and crossing through Pharang Pass, and mountain passes the Phologongkha Pass and the Thagland Pass reached Ladakh, the real center of the ancient realm of Western Tibet. After a brief stay at Leh, the ancient seat of the Gyal-Po rulers of that country, Dr. Francke traveled westwards and after crossing the Photho La, Namika Pass, and the Zoji La, reached Srinagar on the 16th of October.
This journal of his four months travel bear ample evidence of the spirit of the explorer who was animated by the true enthusiasm of the scholar. This journal made very important additions to our knowledge of the archaeology and history of Indian Tibet.