Performance of the lullaby 'Tou chabyo, uoi uoi' with subtitles in Uipo and English.

Performance of the lullaby 'Tou chabyo, uoi uoi' with subtitles in Uipo and English.

In this insightful discussion, Gyafo (King) Phuntsok Dawa, the King of Padum, answers the questions raised on Zangskar and its history by Dr. Tadeusz Slupski, a regular visitor to Zangskar since 1977. Gyafo Dawa delves into the rich heritage of his lineage and the Zangskari royal family. He recounts the pivotal moment in June 1948 when Zangskar faced invasion from Pakistani forces, prompting his father and the entire family, accompanied by Kushok Bakula Rimpoche, to seek refuge in Himachal Pradesh. Dr. Slupski further inquires about the demographics of Zangskar, leading the discussion towards the significant societal and cultural changes Zangskar has experienced over the past four and a half decades, since he first visited. Recorded in Old Padum village, Ladakh Union Territory, India.

In this enlightening discussion, Prof. Tadeusz Slupski of Poland, a visitor to Zangskar since November 1977, discusses the cultural shifts over the decades with a couple from Sani village. Slupski narrates the socio-cultural transformations he witnessed since his initial visit and invites the couple to expand on these changes from their firsthand experiences. They discuss the nuances of the architectural evolution of Zangskari houses, delving into traditional heating and lighting methods, recalling cherished olden poems, songs, and dances—emphasizing the "chham" (Chham) dance and costumes, and reminisce about traditional weddings marked by horseback marriage processions. Dr. Jamphel Sheyan, Assistant Professor of English at GMDC, skillfully interprets the conversation, bridging Zangskari and English. Recorded in Sani village, Ladakh Union Territory, India.

View of rice paddies from Rolam Mazhing toward Thragom village. It is known as Mazhing 'main', meaning it is the main paddy for Rolam village. Conversations among the villagers and children can be heard in the background.

Neeraj and Rajdeep discuss their customs and traditions, debating whether some of them should be preserved or discarded. The recording was made at Umar Homestay in Rakchham village.

Balbir and Hardev discuss whether pesticides should be used in agriculture. Balbir suggested the topic, since both participants are involved in agricultural work. The recording was made at Balbir's home in Rakchham village.

Manish and Radju discuss their use of smartphones, The recording was made at Umar Homestay.

Santan and Savitri discuss what they were doing in the village and their plans for the week. The recording was made in Rakchham village, nearby the main temple.

Raj and Sahdev discuss whether the Chhitkul-Rakchham language should be taught at school. They are members of the current leadership of Rakchham village ('Panchayat'), elected in 2015. The recording was made after a a long meeting with members of the Panchayat at the Panchayat building ('Panchayat Bhawan') in Rakchham village.

Nand and Sunder discuss the overall economic situation in India and compare the current situation with that of 5-10 years earlier (2000s). The recording was made in Vinod Kumar Negi's garden in Rakchham village.

Nand and Sunder discuss the history of Rakchham village. The recording was made in Vinod Kumar's garden in Rakchham village.

Bijender and Tikam discuss the practice of transhumance, which is when animal flocks are moved to higher pastures at the start of a new season. They are asked whether this practice is still necessary, in light of climate change. The recording was made at Tikam's house (and shop) in Rakchham village.

Meena and Seema complete set-up 1 of the Family Story Task, a picture-based stimulus task. They describe the 16 pictures and then rearrange them in whatever order they think is right. Then, they tell the whole story from start to finish. In this case, the final step of re-telling the story from another perspective was skipped because there was no third participant. The recording was made at Uma Homestay in Rakchham village.

Rajesh Kumar Thakur and Bhag Singh Negi discuss the Dumti road, which was being built at the time. The road will connect Chhitkul to Dumti, located closer to the border with China (Tibet). Dumti will serve as a military post. The road is the result of recurring tensions between India and China. The recording was made in front of Rajesh's house in Chhitkul village.

Rajesh describes a very peculiar event that marks the beginning of the Sazo festival during Maang. The festival takes place in Chhitkul during the month of January. The recording was made in front of Rajesh's home in Chhitkul village, on the path that leads towards Amar Guest House, at the back of the main temple.

Amir and Kahan complete set-up 1 of the Family Story Task, a picture-based stimulus task. They describe the 16 pictures and then rearrange them in whatever order they think is right. This recording is the first part of three. The task was broken into three parts because the instructions for this task are too lengthy. Consequently, breaking down the recording made it more manageable to follow the instructions. The recording was made at Amir's home, Amar Guest House, in Chhitkul village.

Amir and Kahan complete set-up 1 of the Family Story Task, a picture-based stimulus task. This is the second part of the task where they tell the whole story from start to finish. The recording was made at Amir's home, Amar Guest House, in Chhitkul village.

Amir and Kahan complete set-up 1 of the Family Story Task, a picture-based stimulus task. This is the final part of the task where they tell the whole story from start to finish, from the man's perspective. The recording was made at Amir's home, Amar Guest House, in Chhitkul village.

Arvind and Kahan discuss the Panchayat, the village leadership that runs government programs in Chhitkul village, and what it has achieved. Arvind is a current member of the Panchayat, while Kahan is a former member. The recording was made at Amar Guest House in Chhitkul.

Sarita and Narayan discuss the Sazi Festival, which takes place every year at the end of March in Rakchham village. The recording was made in the garden of Uma Homestay.

Satender describes his experience as interpreter of the deities in Rakchham village. The recording was made at his second house in Dhangdhangshi, further down Rakchham village.

Satender describes gunsaa, the traditional migration to lower (and warmer) places from Rakchham and Chhitkul village that takes place during winter. The recording was made at Satender's second residence in Dhangdhangshi, a place that belongs to Rakchham, down below the village.

Ravinder Singh Mathus and Devi Chand describe the functions they perform at Rakchham’s main temple. They are the interpreter and oracle of the local deities, respectively. The recording was made next to Shiv's temple in Rakchham, during a ritual break.