In this book, the splendid and ancient monasteries located in Lahul & Spiti and Kinnaur districts of Himachal Pradesh have been taken up for a detailed discussion in their historical, archaeological and architectural contexts. Cultural, sociological and political aspects of these edifices have also been studies in depth. The study of important ancient monasteries in the trans-Himalayan region of Himachal and the modern Buddhist and non-Buddhist Bon establishments has been accopmplished in this volume. How far these establishments have been able to vouchsafe the traditional Tibetan customs and practices under the obtaining alien environment has also been discussed.
The present work is a result of strenous field-work and deep research of many decades. All the available source material—traditional, literary and archaeological— has been pooled together to present a comprehensive picture of this exotic land in its spatio-temporal context. It is hoped that this pioneering study shall prove to be an important trailblazer for the regional historiography.


The Contents
Preface
Notes & Abbreviations

1. INTRODUCTION
Geophysical Setting
Cultural background
Literary Account

2. BUDDHIS CONCEPT OF MONASTICISM
General Concept in Ancient India
Diffusion of Monastic Idea
Monastic Philosophy
Monastic Life

3. INTRODUCTION OF BUDDHISM IN TIBET
The First Epoch
The Second Epoch

4. EFFLORESCENCE OF BUDDHISM IN HIMACHAL PRADESH
Early Period
Medieval Renaissance
Modern Transformation

5. MONASTIC CENTRES
Lahul Valley
Marichi Vajravarahi Temple
Avalokitaeshvara (Trilokinath) Temple
Guru Ghantal (Gandhola) Monastery
Shashur Monastery
Spiti Valley
Temples at Kibar
Pin (Gungri) Monastery
Tangyud (Hikim) Monastery
lalung Monastery
Tabo Choskhor
Ki Monastery
Dhankar Monastery
Satluj Valley (Kinnaur)
Monastery and Temples at Nako
Lotsaba-bai-lha-khang at Poo
Buddhist Monastery and Temples at Kanum
Lotsaba Lha-khang at Ropa
Beas Valley
Terma Significance of Sahor (Mand-Rewalsar Area)
Buddhist Monasteries at rewalsar
Modern Sectarian Monasteries
Gelukpa Establishments
Sakyapa Establishments
kargyupa Establishments
Nyingmapa Establishments
Chonangpa Establishments
Drigung-Kargyupa Establishments
Bonpa Establishments
Sakya Monastery at Puruwala
Bon Monastery at Dolanji

6. MINOR VOTIVE STRUCTURES
The Chorten
The Mani-dung
The kankani

7. FUNCTIONAL ASPECTS OF MONASTERIES
Educational Aspect
Social Aspect
Economic Aspect
Politico-Administrative Function

8. ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENTS OF MONASTERIES
Early period
Medieval Development
Modern Changes

9. MONASTIC ART
Canons of Monastic Art
Symbolism in Monastic Art
Monastic Pantheology
Wall paintings
Thankas
Sculpture
Sacramental Artefacts
Musical Instruments

APPENDICES
A. Location of Monasteries in Lahul Valley
B. Location of Monasteries in Spiti Valley
C. Location of Monasteries in Satluj (Kinnaur & Shimla Districts) Valley
D. Location of Monasteries and Temples in Beas Valley
E. Location of Modern Monasteries in Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, Shimla and Sirmaur Districts

Bibliography
Index