Legends of the Lost: Himalayan Cave Burials in Oral Tradition

Abstract (English)

Caves particularly those nestled in the remote and rugged terrains of the Himalayan belt, have long captured the human imagination, not only as natural formations but as deeply symbolic spaces steeped in cultural memory. Across high mountain landscapes, these natural cavities have served diverse functions, ranging from habitation and refuge, to sacred sites, stables, and burial grounds. This presentation explores the enduring relationship between humans and mountains through the lens of death and mortuary customs, examining how caves in this terrain have been ritually employed for the disposal of the dead. Drawing on archaeological evidence and rich local folklore, it delves into the ways in which these spaces reflect beliefs about death, the afterlife. By investigating both the archaeological material and intangible dimensions of these sites, this work aims to illuminate the broader socio-cultural and cosmological frameworks that shape mortuary traditions in high-altitude environments.