Lahaul and Spiti have had a checkered fascinating history and lying on the Himalayan borderlines they have always been the bone of contention for various powers in the Region from the states of Kashmir, Chamba, Kullu, Bushahr, Ladakh, Guge, Tibet, the Chinese and even the Mongols, Baltis and Yarkandis. However little is known of the exact circumstances and the chain of events of History that followed as there are no written records. All the above powerful states / people left some mark or influence on these two adjoining Regions. This is an attempt to piece together their History though for most of the time the History followed its separate course in Lahaul and its own course in Spiti.
The Remanent of an Army
The only surviving member of the Army of the Indus, was the assistant Surgeon William Brydon who was immortalized in this classical Painting by Elizabeth Butler called the “Remnant of an Army” as he trudged on his tired horse with the Fort of Jalalabad in sight. One of the worst defeats suffered by the British Empire.
The Chamba Story
The state of Chamba as it used to be was once a powerful Hill Kingdom which held sway from Kishtwar to Zanskar and Lahaul and Spiti. Notes on this small Kingdom with a big heart.
The Khukris of Kotkhai Palace
The Story of how the Gurkhas once met on the battlefield and how they came close to fighting the British together but alas its a tale of missed chances. And how the Gurkhas Kingdom once stretched all the way from the present day Nepal to Kangra valley.