The making of a Christian community a study of Ladakh in the 19th and 20th C centuries

Abstract

In the 19th and the 20th centuries, the region of Ladakh witnessed the arrival of Christian missionaries. The arrival of the missionaries in the region was accompanied by the introduction of new ideas, thoughts, beliefs and systems which resulted into changes upon the lives of the people and society in general. It led to the dissemination of western ideas and practices among the people of Ladakh which inflicted changes in the traditional system and opened different avenues and prospects in the field of education, medicine, craft industry and agriculture. As the creation of a new religious community brings changes in the religious-milieu, society and economy of the region. However, when a new religious community emerges in a region it is bound to be influenced by their traditional practices and a sharp break with the past seems impossible. Similarly, in Ladakh what appeared out of this encounter was unique community with the traits of both the old and new influences. It led to the creation of a Ladakhi Christian Community. newline