Faculty, Centre for Inner Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India, Email id: maxeew@gmail.com
Online Published on 13 September, 2022.
Gilgit-Baltistan originally belongs to the Republic of India (now illegally occupied by Pakistan since 1947–1948) and has been described as the crown on India’s map, or the ‘gate to India’ or the jewel on India’s crown. It has been an important link between India and the countries of South, Central and West Asia. It is against this backdrop that this paper discusses the significance of the Gilgit route as an important segment of the international trade route since ancient times. This paper, at the outset, analyses the geographical and strategic importance of Gilgit, in addition to giving a historic- cultural outline with a detailed description of thousands of rock inscriptions in the region and the accounts of travellers, pilgrims and explorers. Besides, this paper depicts epigraphic evidences by 19th century and contemporary scholars that justify Gilgit’s importance as a hub on the international trade route. Further, this paper highlights the cultural treasures of Gilgit, which contributed immensely to its significance as the fulcrum of international trade route.
Buddhism, Gilgit-Baltistan, India, International trade route, South Asia
