Introduction

For several centuries, Keylong and Lahaul remained in relative geographical and cultural isolation. The only routes to either the south (and Kullu), the northwest (and Ladakh), the east (and Spiti) were over treacherous passes that remained closed for a substantial portion of year. This allowed a fairly distinctive sub-culture to take birth and flourish. Much of this was heavily influenced by Vajrayana Buddhism (the ‘Thunderbolt Vehicle’), the predominant form of Buddhism in the trans-Himalaya. The Drug-pa (Red hat) sect had built and ran most of the monasteries that were the founts of religious and social influence. With the rapid breakdown of this isolation in the last few decades, substantial political and social changes also began taking place in and around Keylong.

To help preserve the distinct cultural and religious identity of the area, Himachal’s Department of Art and Culture established a community museum of tribal and folk art in Keylong in 2008. The museum has archaeological and anthropological artifacts. Other exhibits include utensils made of stone – which are still used in some homes; farm implements and traditional apparel. Handmade carpets are also on display. Other items include the collection of rare manuscripts in the Bhoti and Tankri scripts.

Among the artifacts collected for the museum is the excellent collection of various items donated by the monasteries of the region. These include the rare thangka paintings some of which date back several centuries. Thangkas first appeared in Tibet in the seventh and eighth centuries. Given the close ties Lahaul has had with Tibet, these images soon appeared here too. Carried as talismans, or as banners in religious processions, or unfurled on the external or internal walls of temples and monasteries, or displayed at domestic altars, a thangka is created according to strict rules of iconography and ritual. The traditional artists were invariably monks.

Special Attributes

Community museum which is an excellent window to the area's culture and history.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Comfortable

Connectivity

By taxi and on foot

Enjoyed by

Knowledge seekers and cultural enthusiasts

Exposure

None indoors

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Parking. Restaurants close by.

Things Not Allowed

Not such restriction

Tip

The thangka paintings are exemplary

Type of site

Museum