Ancient Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh

(Exercise)

Let's Recall

1. What material was used to build the roofs of houses in Burzahom?

Answer: The roofs at Burzahom were made from the bark of burze (birch) trees. That is why this place is called Burzahom.

2. Where do we get the first historical mention of Durgara?

Answer: The Durgara (Jammu) kingdom is mentioned in an eleventh century copper plate inscription at Chamba. In medieval times, it was also known as Dugar which subsequently as a Dogra.

3. Mention the names of ancient Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh?

Answer: The names of the ancient Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh were;

1. Alchi monastery in the village of Alchi on the banks of river Indus.

2. Hemis monestry in Ladakh 49 kilometers from Leh.

Let's Discuss

4. Mention the names of ancient women rulers of Kashmir.

Answer: The names of the ancient women rulers of Kashmir are:

1. Sugandha: The mother of infant king Gopalavarman acted as guardian and after his death, she herself assumed the royal power.

2. Dida: She ruled Kashmir from 981 CE till 1003 CE.

5. Name the tribes that inhabited the Jammu region in ancient times?

Answer: The tribes that inhabited the Jammu region were Darvas and Abhisara.

6. Who was Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo?

Answer: Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo in 11th Century CE become the most respected spiritual teacher of the Ladakh and personal Lama of the royal family. He left the wordly things at a very young age of 13 years. He was sent to Kashmir by king Yeshes Od to study Buddhism along with others. He took steps to promote Buddhism by patronising many scholars.

Extra Questions

1. How the name of Jammu came into being?

Answer: There are many different views about the name Jammu:

According to one tradition there is a cave known as Jamwant Gufa on the bank of Tawi river attributed to Jamwant (King of Bears), hence the name Jambu Or Jammu came into being.

Some people believe that because of the availability of the enormous Jambulin (Jamun Or Jammu) tree in the region, the Jammu came into being.

Others believe that the name Jammu is derived from the name Jambu Lochan, the legendary king of Jammu.

2. Who introduced Buddhism in Ladakh?

Answer: Buddhism was introduced in Ladakh by king Surendra of Kashmir. He also constructed a vihara beyond Zojila pass at Saurasa Or present day Suru.

3. What is meant by term Vansavalis?

Answer: From remote times it has been customary in the Royal families to keep a careful record of their lineages in the shape of Vansavalis.