Routledge Trade and Contemporary Society along the Silk Road

Explore the complex history of Ladakh through this ethno-historical study of its traditional trade systems. Once a vital entrepot for Silk Route commerce connecting Central and South Asia, Ladakh underwent significant changes when national boundaries were established in the mid-20th century. This transition from a global network hub to an isolated border region fundamentally altered the local social life. The author uses a multi-disciplinary approach to examine these shifts. By combining anthropological, historical, and archaeological methods, the book provides a deep look into how the end of Central Asian trade impacted the region. Readers gain access to insights drawn from primary documents, ethnographic interviews, and direct participation-observation fieldwork. This work is an essential resource for those studying the intersection of trade, geography, and social evolution in South Asia.