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Abstract
The present study seeks to analyse the monastic ordination, hierarchy and administration in the monasteries (Gonpas) of Ladakh.Not only spiritually, but also materially, the glory of Ladakhi Buddhism is undoubtedly the gonpas or monasteries that hold the Buddhist heritage alive. Ladakh renowned for its well preserved monasteries and spiritual traditions played an important yet diverse role in keeping alive culture, education, religion and knowledge in the Himalayan region. The organisation and function of monastic communities deserve particular attention not because monasteries are highly respected and fruitful centres but also because of the fact that the entire social and cultural history of Ladakh has been and is being dominated by the monasteries. Endeavour will be made to examine the monastic life, organisation and maintenance, and the complementary roles it played towards the society.