WHAT IS THE ZANSKAR CROWN

The meaning of the term Zanskar Crown, would depend on the context. This might he seem a bit vague but honestly, the rumors of the Zanskar Crown are truly confusing. Since the name Zanskar, would most likely be linked to an existing location in Kashmir (India), the possible interpretations would reference Zanskar as a geographic location.

zanskar vallery crown sapphire

ZANSKAR REGION

Zanskar lies within the Himalayas, known for dramatic snow-capped ranges. A particularly majestic mountain or summit might be nicknamed the “Crown of Zanskar.” People with familiarity to the Zanskar and Padar valleys, would probably interpret the term Zanskar Crown as a massive glacier! This could be the Drang-Drung Glacier – the largest glacier in Zanskar lies near Pensi La (Pass) at about 4,400 m. The glacier is massive, about 23 km long, and feeds the Stod River, a tributary of the Zanskar.

A REAL CROWN

The name Zanskar Crown could also refer to an actual royal crown originating from the Zanskar in Kashmir (India). Zanskar was historically ruled by local kings and nobles, and ceremonial crowns or headdresses might have been used in coronations or religious festivals.

Three maharajas ruled Kashmir from 1857 to 1947, it is possible that the Zanskar Crown was a crown, worn by one of these royals.

  • Maharaja Ranbir Singh (1857–1885)
  • Maharaja Pratap Singh (1885–1925)
  • Maharaja Hari Singh (1925–1947)

Learned historians might not be impressed with this interpretation of the name Zanskar Crown. This because it does seem that, the Maharajas of Kashmir wore turbans rather than crowns. Lavishly ornated turban ornaments, adorned those turbans.

A TREMENDOUS SAPPHIRE

Kashmir sapphires were discovered in the late 19th century near Sumjam / Padder Valley, which geologically belongs to the Zanskar range. Blue sapphires mined in the Padar and Zanskar region of Kashmir, have an extraordinary velvety blue, often described as “cornflower blue,” and many of the Kashmir blue sapphires have become legend.

Gemstone connoisseurs would agree that terms like Zanskar Sapphire, Zanskar Crown, Zanskar Blue could be imagined as Kashmir blue sapphires of extraordinary beauty from that Himalayan belt.

SUMMARY

The term Zanskar Crown could be interpreted in a few ways, at least until the rumors gather momentum and provide more clarity on its true meaning.