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Under the British, Ladakh remained under Jammu, with monasteries retaining their land and status. The descendants of the royal family continued to live at Stok, but all power resided in Srinagar. In 1947 Ladakh formally became part of the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian army retains a strong presence, because of the continuing border disputes with Pakistan and China. Tibet ceased to exercise any sovereign powers after 1959. With political turmoil in Kashmir, Ladakh has gained more independence, with direct air links to Delhi. Tourism has become a major new contributor to the economy.

Trade routes and tourism

Trading caravans have crossed Ladakh for many centuries, only ceasing in the early 1950s (see below). On the east/west route between Tibet and Kashmir pashm – the raw material used in shawls produced in Kashmir from pashmina goats bred in western Tibet – as well as sheep wool were traded. Gold, saffron and textiles were sent to the high lamas of Tibet. Tea was imported from Lhasa via Ladakh – the only source of tea for consumption in the Kashmiri Valley until the early 19th century. Salt, grains and dried fruits were traded too.