Nubra under the shadow of gigantic snow peaks with lush green fields, delicious apricot orchards and glacier rivers is a mini paradise surrounded by rugged mountains. It is the biggest sub-division of Ladakh and played an important role in maintaining trade contacts with Chinese and Central Asian countries. Several monasteries, palaces and chortens built here indicated that Buddhism flourished and maintained a link with Central Asian countries. The Buddhist monasteries and antiquities housed in these structures are the incredible treasure which have been surveyed and documented for the first time. Further researches may reveal many more hidden aspects of Nubra Valley culture.

About the Author

Prof. R.C. Agrawal (b. 1947) obtained his Master’s Degree in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology with merit from the Jiwaji University, Gwalior in 1970 and Post-Graduate Diploma in Archaeology in 1971. In 1972, he joined the Archaeological Survey of India. He also participated in excavations at Purana Qila, Delhi; Mathura and conducted excavations at Hampi in Karnataka in the year 1977-80. During 1985-1990, he explored Buddhist sites in Ladakh region and carried out excavations at Tisseru stupa. He also took up extensive conservation of the monuments of Kashmir valley and Jammu region. In 1992, he identified the Buddhist site of Satdhara for large scale conservation and excavation in Madhya Pradesh. He also initiated the conservation of number of monuments in Madhya Pradesh. He has been closely associated with many academic bodies and has published research papers on art, archaeology and paintings.

In his career, he has served as Director (Monuments), Joint Director-General, Institute of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India; Member Secretary, Indian Council of Historical Research, Ministry of HRD; Pro-vice Chancellor and Professor Museology, National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology (Deemed to be University); Principal-Director, Architecture Heritage Division, Indian National Trust for Art and Culture (INTACH). Presently, he is a visiting faculty to Architectural Conservation Department, School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) and Institute of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India.