Interpreting the Rock Art of the Western Himalayas: A Case Study of Zangskar, Ladakh

Interpreting the Rock Art of the Western Himalayas:
A Case Study of Zangskar, Ladakh

doi:10.17746/1563-0110.2026.54.2.100-110

M.A. Shah, A.R. Lone, and M. Bilal
University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, India

The Western Himalayan region of Zangskar is strategically located at the crossroads of Central Asian trade routes. For thousands of years, it served as a vibrant cultural meeting point. This interaction, fueled by the movement of traders, pilgrims, and migrants, greatly influenced its unique cultural landscape. A striking record of these exchanges can be seen on the valley’s rocks, which feature a large collection of petroglyphs and Buddhist engravings. These enduring art forms act as tangible records, showcasing how artistic styles, symbols, and religious images were shared and blended over long distances and through various cultures in these high-altitude landscapes. The paper presents significant new findings from recent systematic fieldwork in the Zangskar Valley. The research documents a variety of sites, petroglyphs, and engravings that portray animals like ibex and deer, hunting scenes, and geometric symbols. It also covers historical Buddhist carvings that depict stupas, deities and intricate devotional scenes. The study focuses on detailed stylistic and thematic comparisons with similar rock art traditions found across Central Asia and Tibet. By establishing these connections and identifying shared themes, and symbolic elements, the paper aims to create a relative chronological framework for Zangskar’s rock art. This framework will help trace artistic developments and cultural influences along trade routes, and highlight the cultural exchanges that took place in this remote Himalayan valley over centuries.

Keywords: Zangskar, rock art, petroglyphs, prehistoric, Buddhism, steppes