File:'Fighting and taking policy decisions', from a painted scroll documenting the joint Dogra-Sikh invasions of Ladakh, Baltistan, and Western Tibet, ca.1840's.jpg

English: 'Fighting and taking policy decisions', from a painted scroll documenting the joint Dogra-Sikh invasions of Ladakh, Baltistan, and Western Tibet, ca.1840's. Zorawar Singh Kahluria was a general of the Dogra Dynasty, whom at that time were vassals to the Sikh Empire (who were their suzerain). He invaded and conquered the Namgyal Dynasty of Ladakh (annexed to the Sikh Empire in 1842) and the Maqpon Dynasty of Baltistan (annexed to the Sikh Empire in 1845). He led an invasion into Tibet (1841–1842) but was driven back by the forces of the Qing Dynasty, in-turn driving back their invasion of Ladakh.

Plate No. 4: Fighting and taking policy decisions (General Zorawar Singh consulting his lieutenants including Wazir Uttam Padhiar); standard-bearers, buglers and drummers are also seen standing nearby.

Description of the painted scroll (written by C. L. Datta and published in 'General Zorawar Singh: His Life and Achievements in Ladakh, Baltistan and Tibet', 1984):

Pages 108–124:

Appendix D: Painted Scroll

Bharat Kala Bhavan, Banaras Hindu University, Banaras, Acc. No. 6831.

There is a long painted scroll which throws flood of light on the socio-military aspects of Wazir Zorawar Singh's invading army. During the years 1834-1841 A.D., when the Dogras invaded Ladakh, Baltistan and Western Tibet, there were no press correspondents who accompanied the army and gave details about the movements of troops and various actions fought by the invaders. There is no other source which gives details about the war preparations made by Zorawar Singh's army and description,of weapons and accoutrements used by the Dogra soldiers. In the absence of any such document, this scroll is unique and gives details by one, who appears to be eye- witness. As the scroll is now in many pieces and its end is gone, it is not possible to say with certainty about its author. It is, however, conjectured that the artist who drew these portraits was Ganga Ram Nakashi! Perhaps he was in the employment of Zorawar Singh and took part in various Dogra expeditions, which were sent to conquer Ladakh, Baltistan and West Tibet.

This scroll unfolds panoramic vision of the terrain and various aspects of the battles fought by the Dogras. Here a selective list of eleven portraits is being given. The meaning of these scenes cannot be grasped fully unless we visualize them in their own environments. The portraits give details about the weapons, accoutrements, dress and religious observances of the Dogras. Almost every soldier was having a match-lock1 and a sword. Other weapons of offence were sabres and spears. The weapon of defence was shield. Infantry and cavalary formed most important parts of Zorawar Singh's army. The usual means of conveyance were horses and ponies.

The Dogra soldiers did not wear uniforms. Although they were to fight in the Himalayan and trans-Himalayan regions where snow- fall and blinding blizzards are a common phenomenon, from these portraits, at least, it appears that no special pains were taken to fit them with suitable accoutrements such as woollen or leather jackets, trousers, caps, etc. A close study of these portraits reveals that in order to save themselves from the rigours of elements, soldiers got warmth by sitting around the burning logs of wood. They wore thick clothes and perhaps at a time, had many dresses on their person. Most of the soldiers covered their heads, ears and chins with a piece of cloth and it may be remarked here that even now a days, the residents of Kishtwar and the Jammu Hills are seen covering their heads and chins in this fashion. The soldiers also carried blankets and few kilograms of parched grams and flour over their backs. Wazir Zorawar Singh was a religious person; he appears to be a worshipper of goddess Durga. In plate No. 9, he is seen standing with folded hands in front of a Trishul. A goat has been killed to propitiate the goddess, while another is being kept ready for sacrifice (Puja bali). Here, it may not be out of place to mention that the present writer during his recent visit found the image- of goddess Durga on a high boulder near the residence-cum-fort of General Zorawar Singh. The fort, although in shambles, still stands on the bank of river Chenab at a place about six kilometres from Reasi-a town situated about seventy-five kilometres from Jammu city. It is said that during his stay at this place, the general used to worship the goddess and the image stands there since his times.

It appears that there were no elaborate medical arrangements to treat the wounded and sick soldiers. From the portrait (Plate No. 6), one gathers the impression that when Wazir Uttam Padhiar was wounded, he was not given adequate medical treatment. From another source, Alexander Cunningham, we know that after fighting a bloody and well-contested battle with the Ladakhis at Langkartse the Dogras lost Wazir Uttam Padhiar along with many soldiers and two leaders, namely, Hazru Wazir of Una and Surtu Rana.

Brief description of various portraits is given below:

Plate No. 1: The Dogra Army crossing a very deep ravine and marching over snow-clad mountains.

Plate No. 2: Soldiers taking rest and getting warmth after a long and tiresome march.

Plate No. 3: Taking meals after a tedious march.

Plate No. 4: Fighting and taking policy decisions (General Zorawar Singh consulting his lieutenants including Wazir Uttam Padhiar); standard- bearers, buglers and drummers are also seen standing nearby.

Plate No. 5: A battle-scene.

Plate No. 6: Wazir Uttam Padhiar wounded seriously; retreat of the Dogras.

Plate No. 7: Pashkym fort being set on fire after Dogra victory.

Plate No. 8: A battle-scene; defeat and retreat by the Ladakhis and producing a Ladakhi leader before Zorawar Singh.

Plate No. 9: Zorawar Singh (standing with folded hands in front of Trishul of Goddess Shakti) and his companions offering goats as sacrifice (Puja bali). Also seen in this portrait are vanguard of the Dogra army with drummers, buglers and standard-bearers.

Plate No. 10: Zorawar Singh and his victorious army entering Leh.

Plate No. 11: After the fall of Skardu fort, king Ahmad Shah of Baltistan being produced before Zorawar Singh.

Page 6:

PAINTED SCROLL AFTER PAGE 111

Plate No. 1. The Dogra Army crossing a deep ravine.

Plate No. 2. The soldiers taking rest.

Plate No. 3. Taking meals after a tedious march.

Plate No. 4. Fighting and taking policy decisions.

Plate No. 5. A battle scene.

Plate No. 6. Retreat of the Dogras.

Plate No. 7. Setting on fire of Pashkym fort.

Plate No. 8. A battle scene.

Plate No. 9. Zorawar Singh Kahluria offering Puja bali.

Plate No. 10. The Dogras entering Leh.

Plate No. 11. King Ahmad Shah of Baltistan being produced before Wazir Zorawar Singh

Pages 9–10:

Secondly, an invaluable scroll, which at present is available with the Bharat Kala Bhavan, Banaras Hindu University, Banaras, gives details about the socio-military aspects of Dogra invasions. Certain photographic reproductions of most important parts of this rare art piece have been given in the end of this book.

Pages 13:

To Professor Anand Krishna, Honorary Director and the staff of Bharat Kala Bhavan, Banaras Hindu University, Banaras for showing me the scroll about Zorawar Singh's invasions and providing me with photographs and permission to publish the same.