
1865.] Description of a Mystic Play. 71 
Description of a Mystic Play, as performed in Ladak, Zaskar, &e.— 
By Captain H. H. Govwiy-Avsten, Surveyor, Topographical 
Survey, F. R. G.S. 
[Received 21st October, 1864]. [Read 2nd November, 1864]. 
These Mystic Plays of which I am about to give an account, are 
performed on certain feast days in all the principal monasteries of 
Ladak, about twice in the year, in spring and autumn. They are also, 
I have been informed, enacted at Lhassa and Bhootan, but I did not 
see one when in the latter country. I can give no information as to 
their origin, and must here state that not being a Tibetan scholar, I 
cannot vouch for the true orthography of proper names written down 
at the time vivd voce, and which are very difficult to catch. The Play 
hereafter described, I saw performed in the fine old Gonpa or Monastery 
of Himis, which is situated in a lateral ravine that joins the river 
Indus a day’s journey above Leh on the left bank of that river. From 
its secluded position, this was one of the few religious houses that 
escaped destruction on the invasion of the country by the Dogra army 
under Wazier Jerawur. At that time much curious and interesting 
property and valuable religious writings were ruthlessly destroyed. 
The theatrical property, consisting of silk dresses, masks, &., are 
therefore seen in greater perfection at Himis than at any other mon- 
astery in the country. On entering the court-yard onthe day of 
performance, we found the head Lhama with all the gylongs (monks) 
of the establishment were assembled, the musical instruments were 
arranged ready under the little verandah to the proper right of the 
large Prayer Cylinder which stands under the centre of it, and every 
thing betokened the coming scene. 
Before commencing an account of the strange performance, it will 
be as well to roughly describe that portion of the building where it is 
enacted. The principal entrance to the monastery is through a mas- 
sive door, from which runs a gently sloping and paved covered way 
leading into a court-yard about 30 x 40 yards square, having on the 
left hand a narrow verandah, in the centre of which stands the large 
Prayer Cylinder above mentioned, The larger picturesque doorway 
