1835.] the capital of little Tibet. 597 



to Baraldoh, three days' journey from the capital, the country in 

 general is of a level description. To the south of the city there is a plain 

 about seven or eight kos in extent, which is covered with cultivation 

 and gardens. The other two sides of the hill of Iskdrdoh are chiefly 

 occupied by the population of the city, and the aspect of the country 

 for a day's journey in those directions also is open and well cultivated. 



Fortified places. — There are several fortified places within the 

 limits of the Iskdrdoh territory ; some are situated on the frontiers, and 

 others in the interior parts. Every fort has a separate jurisdiction. 

 The fort of Iskdrdoh has already been described. It is called by the 

 natives That Iskdrdoh and Kharpucheh, which means the chief fort. 

 At a distance of half a day's journey to the south of Iskdrdoh lies the 

 fort of Shakar. Shakar is the chief town of any note in the province 

 next to Iskdrdoh. It is situated in a narrow and well-cultivated 

 valley, about 13 miles long. The hill itself is about 500 paces high. 

 There are several hills in its vicinity but none of the same height. 

 The fort is supplied with water from the foot of the hill. There 

 is a stream running through the valley of Shakar, from the bed 

 of which the people collect gold, the quality of which is stated to be 

 superior to that which is found in any other part of the country. At 

 the eastern end of this valley is a hot spring, where the Gelpo has 

 formed a residence, to which he occasionally resorts. Kartakhshd is 

 also a fort of some note. It is situated on the Indus, in the vicinity 

 of some high hills. The country about it is said to be rugged and 

 difficult, and the fort itself to be a place of some strength and import* 

 ance, from its situation on the Laddkh frontier. 



Population, character, and habits of the people. — No correct 

 estimate can be formed of the population of the country. It is 

 said to amount to three lakhs of families, which in all probability 

 greatly exceeds the actual number. The people are divided into 

 several different tribes, but they are generally known by the name 

 of Baldi. Among them there is a tribe called Kerah, the members of 

 which are enjoined by their religious laws to follow four ordinances, 

 viz. first, to destroy their female infants ; second, not to tell falsehoods ; 

 third, not to desert their party in the day of battle ; fourth, not to 

 slander any one. The natives are described to be of a phlegmatic 

 disposition, like other Tibetan tribes*. They are a stout, well-made 

 race of people, with ruddy complexions and good features ; but have 



* Asiatic physiologists maintain the opinion, that the temperament of man is 

 affected by the nature of the animal or vegetable production on which he feeds ; 

 and the phlegmatic character of the inhabitants of little Tibet is accordingly 

 ascribed to barley, millet, and fruits, being their chief articles of food, 

 4 H 



