Burial Cultures and Spatial Diversity in the Spiti Valley, Indian Trans-Himalaya

Ekta Singh

Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India; singhekta1091@gmail.com

Archaeological investigations in the Spiti Valley have fundamentally reshaped our understanding of the Trans-Himalayan region, transitioning the narrative from a predominantly Buddhist-centric history to one of deep-rooted prehistoric antiquity. By expanding on foundational research in the trans-Himalayan region, this study conceptualises the Trans-Himalaya as a unified cultural zone characterised by shared funerary traditions. At these sites sophisticated burial structures and material remains have been unearthed that provide unique insights into ancient belief systems. Scientific analysis and absolute dating of these remains have established a chronological framework bridging the gap between the Bronze Age and the early historical period. Crucially, paleogenomic data from this northern Himalayan frontier reveal that these populations predominantly possess Tibetan-related genetic ancestry, while also exhibiting a dynamic history of admixture with Steppe-related lineages over the past 1,300 years. The spatial distribution and architectural variations of these burials reveal a complex evolution of archaeological remains that correlate with high-altitude settlement patterns and socio-economic interactions. By establishing these early dates and genetic links, the research successfully populates the "pre-Buddhist" silence of the Indian Trans-Himalaya. This investigation not only enriches our knowledge of regional heritage but also addresses modern challenges in identifying and preserving these archaeological sites within a rapidly changing environmental and cultural landscape.