A.H. Francke termed Ladakh as Western Tibet. In 1905 he collected 89 inscriptions, compiled then under the title 'First Collection of Tibet Historical Inscriptions on Rock and Stone from West Tibet.' I got these manuscripts in 1983 and thought to do further Research on it. Francke written preface and dated the inscriptions in German language. Therefore, till 2000, I was unable to translate the German portion in English. However, with the German Embassy's kind co-operation the translation work was done in the end of 2000. This year when my publisher Sri Satguru publication was ready to publish the same. I decided to complete this work. I made Five chapters viz. Tibetan Text in Classical Language, Text in Roman Transliteration, Possible correct form of the Tibetan Inscriptions, Translation of the Tibetan Text and Notes and References in order to give a shape of book.
Since the manuscript was very old and was even difficult to understand the collected inscriptions, Francke also admitted this. I feel these inscriptions have historical importance, therefore, I made all possible efforts to translate them correctly.
Francke endeavoured to arrange the inscriptions in a systematic order since 800 A.D. to 1902. Thus this manuscript now a historical document of Scientific study. Which reflects the complete History of Ladakh kings regime.
The present book has many inscriptions related with Buddhism and in the interest of Ladakh history I do not feel to explain them is details. However, historical facts being considered. I prefer to give the name of this book 'First Collection of Tibetan Historical Inscriptions on Rock and Stone from Ladakh Himalaya. I hope this work will be useful for Teachers & students who are interested on Ladakh studies. |
