THE ETHNIC PEOPLE OF SIKKIM
C.K. Dorjee*
Tugged in the lap of the Himalayas, Sikkim is one of the most beautiful States of India. Much of the 7300 sq.km of Sikkm is interlaced with jungle-clad ridges and deep ravines created by the mountain rivers, emerald valleys and dense forests.
The waterfalls, rivulets, lakes and the abundance of orchids and rhododendrons make this Himalayan State, what the original Lepcha inhabitants call it Myel Lyang – "the land of hidden paraduse". To the Bhutias, it is Beyul Demojong – the hidden valley of rice and the Limbus call it Su khim, which means ‘the new house’. The landscape of this tiny State is dominated by the world’s highest mountain peaks. Dominating them all is Kangchendzonga, the third highest mountain on earth.
Strange as it may sound, Mt. Kangchendzonga has played a major unifying role among the three ethnic communities of Sikkim. One strong evidence of this is the absorption of Mt. Kangchendzonga into the Buddhist ceremonies. This mountain has been worshipped by the Lepchas from very early times. Yet today, it is equally revered by the Bhutias and Nepalese. Pang Lhabsol is an annual festival celebrated to commemorate the consecration of Mt. Kangchendzonga as the guardian deity of Sikkim.
Sikkim was ruled by the Namgyal dynasty till 1975. In April 1975, the erstwhile Himalayan kingdom became the 22nd State of India by the thirty-eighth Amendment Act of the Constitution. Sikkim thus merged with the Indian Union bringing to an end more than 300 years of monarchy. Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal was the last ruler of the Namgyal dynastry.
The population of Sikkim is 5 lakh 40 thousand, mainly consisting of the Nepalese, the Lepchas and the Bhutias. Of these, the Nepalese are the largest in number followed by the Bhutia and Lepcha communities. A small number of people from other parts of the country have also settled in Sikkim. Despite such an ethnic diversity, a remarkable feature of Sikkimese society is the tolerance and acceptance of different cultures and their harmonious co-existence.
The Lepchas
The Lepchas are the earliest settlers of Sikkim. They call themselves – "Rongkup", meaning the children of Rong. Regarding their origin, the anthropologists and historians are still debating whether the Lepchas belong to one of the Naga tribes or are associated with the Jimdars and Mech in their eastward migration from Nepal. Some scholars have found a similarity between the Lepachas and the tribes in Arunachal Pradesh. Yet some others contend they are related to the Khasis in Meghalaya. The Lepchas themselves are convinced that their home has always been the legendary kingdom of Mayel in the vicinity of Mt. Kangchendzonga. In fact, most Lepcha clans claim to have mythical connections with particular mountain peaks which they worship as their deity. Thus the mountains Simvo, Siniolchu and Kanchenjua find prominence in the Lepcha culture.
The Lepchas have their own language and script. The Lepcha language is one of the eleven official languages recognized by the Sikkim government and is taught up to the high school level. The Lepcha dances, songs and folk tales reflect a wonderful synthesis between men and nature.
The Bhutias
The Bhutias are mainly descendants of the early settlers in Sikkim from Tibet and Bhutan who accompanied the ancestors of the first Chogyal, Phuntsok Namgyal. The members of the former Namgyal dynasty belong to this ethnic group. The early Bhutias had three distinctive social classes-the aristocracy, the quasi aristocracy – those belonging to the leading Bhutia families who were land holders and were called Kazis- and the commoners. When the monarchy was abolished, these social distinctions also lost their relevance.
Tibetan Budhism played a special role in shaping the Bhutia society. The monasteries and the monks are the pivot around whom their daily lives revolve. Every household ritual, marriage, birth, death ceremonies and agricultural rites are conducted by the monks from the Gompas which are prominent in all the Bhutia and Lepcha villages. The faith generated by Buddhism is total and the devotion of the laity to the monastery is absolute.
Like the Lepchas and the Nepalese, the Bhutias are fond of their "chang", the local brew. This preparation from fermented millet is served in bamboo containers. It has become an indispensable part of every Sikkimese ceremony, whether religious or secular.
The Bhutias are famous for their weaving, wood carving and theThanka painting. The hand-woven rugs, carpets and blankets and the exquisite Thankas displayed in the State Handicraft Centre at Gangtok are proof of this skill.
The important festivals observed by the Bhutia community include Losoong, Pang Lhabsol, Kagyat dance and Saga Dawa.
The Nepalese
The Nepalese community of Sikkim is itself a conglomeration of diverse ethnic groups, some speaking their own vernacular. Nepali is the lingua franca of all the Sikkimese people. These ethnic groups can be roughtly divided between the Magars, Murmis, Tamangs, Gurungs, Rais, Limbus, Damis, Kamis, Bahuns and the Chhetris.
Most Nepalese are Hindus or Buddhists. Some of them have also adopted Christianity. The Hindu Nepali populace of Sikkim follows the ethos which governs its counterparts elsewhere in the country.
The Rais, Limbus, Magars, Murmis, Tamangs and Gurungs have somewhat similar physical characteristics inasmuch as they are all Mongoloid. But each group has its own distinctive culture. These ethnic groups have been known for their bravery and a large number of them have served as soldiers in the British and Indian armies. The major festivals of the Hindu Nepalese in Sikkim are Dasain, Teohar, Makar Sankranti and Baisakhi.
Sikkim is one of the most peaceful States in the country and the ethnic groups with their different languages, dialects, cultural backgrounds live in total harmony, symbolizing the essence of unity in diversity. Like the rainbow with its beautiful multicolored shades, the people in this small Himalayan State have set an example as to how different ethnic groups can coexist and mingle with each other in total peace and tranquility. (PIB Features)
*News Editor, AIR, Gangtok
THE OLD SETTLERS OF SIKKIM....................e.newsletter of the old settlers living in Sikkim prior to its merger with India who have a history of 130 years in Sikkim: .....Editor: S K Sarda
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
OBC status for left out communities ‘golden opportunity’ for SDF: SHRP
GANGTOK, 17 Nov: The “high level committee” of the Sikkim Himali Rajya Parisad Party convened a meeting chaired by its president, AD Subba at its headquarters today. The meeting discussed the present political scenario of the state and the political strategies that the party needs to adopt, informs a press release.
Dr. Subba, informing about the central government’s decision to include the left out communities in the Other Backward Communities list across the country, expressed that it has given a golden opportunity for the SDF Government to show its consideration towards the left out communities.
The SHRP president contended that these communities, included in the state OBC status, now have to be included into the national OBC list, for which the party would submit a memorandum to the state as well to the central government, he informed.
Mr. Subba also expressed that the inclusion of Newar, Chettri and Bahun communities in the national OBC list would bring about the possibility of other left out communities to be included into the Scheduled Tribe category, the release adds.
source:Sikkim NOW
GANGTOK, 17 Nov: The “high level committee” of the Sikkim Himali Rajya Parisad Party convened a meeting chaired by its president, AD Subba at its headquarters today. The meeting discussed the present political scenario of the state and the political strategies that the party needs to adopt, informs a press release.
Dr. Subba, informing about the central government’s decision to include the left out communities in the Other Backward Communities list across the country, expressed that it has given a golden opportunity for the SDF Government to show its consideration towards the left out communities.
The SHRP president contended that these communities, included in the state OBC status, now have to be included into the national OBC list, for which the party would submit a memorandum to the state as well to the central government, he informed.
Mr. Subba also expressed that the inclusion of Newar, Chettri and Bahun communities in the national OBC list would bring about the possibility of other left out communities to be included into the Scheduled Tribe category, the release adds.
source:Sikkim NOW
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
SHRP welcomes umbrella organization of different communities for tribal status
source:Sikkim Now
GANGTOK, 09 Nov: Sikkim Himali Rajya Parisad Party has welcomed and supported the move of different community organizations to come under one banner and demand the tribal status for left out communities.
The party contending that such a move is free from political motives has congratulated these organizations.
A SHRPP press release issued by its general secretary, Tara Shrestha informs that a meeting was convened today under the president, Dr AD Subba to discuss on the same. The party has also suggested that before providing the tribal status, it is important and mandatory to place a united demand to include Chettri, Bahun and Newar into the central OBC list.
Today’s meeting urged the people to request the state government to withdraw Prof Roy Burman Commission and to review the subject again. The party urged the civil society to take part in a strong manner and also to take suggestions and support from Bhutia-Lepcha communities, according to the release.
source:Sikkim Now
GANGTOK, 09 Nov: Sikkim Himali Rajya Parisad Party has welcomed and supported the move of different community organizations to come under one banner and demand the tribal status for left out communities.
The party contending that such a move is free from political motives has congratulated these organizations.
A SHRPP press release issued by its general secretary, Tara Shrestha informs that a meeting was convened today under the president, Dr AD Subba to discuss on the same. The party has also suggested that before providing the tribal status, it is important and mandatory to place a united demand to include Chettri, Bahun and Newar into the central OBC list.
Today’s meeting urged the people to request the state government to withdraw Prof Roy Burman Commission and to review the subject again. The party urged the civil society to take part in a strong manner and also to take suggestions and support from Bhutia-Lepcha communities, according to the release.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
About Old settlers in "Sikkim Now".
Apr 02, 2011
Apr 02, 2011
GANGTOK: The Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim has announced strong support for the 48-hour Sikkim Bandh called by the Sikkim Democratic Front on the various demands pending with the Central Government including ...
Mar 24, 2011
Mar 24, 2011
... for reservation of seats for the enlisted tribals of Limboo and Tamang communities without disturbing the 12 seats reserved for the BL communities and also to secure Income Tax exemption for the old settlers of the State. ...
May 27, 2011
May 27, 2011
The letter argues, “the government is issuing Residential Certificates to old settlers in the state who can justify their stay in the state prior to 26/04/1975 under the ambit of same notification issuing COI to 5 (five) categories of ...
Mar 05, 2011
Mar 05, 2011
“The SDF party is the party of the people and was born to protect the rights of the Lepchas, Bhutias, Nepalis and the Old Settlers of Sikkim,” he contended. “This is the fourth term of the SDF party in the state and this has been ...
1
Mar 28, 2011
Mar 28, 2011
... of Sikkim Subjects Regulation, 1961; all the old settlers, i.e., the business community who have been residing continuously and had permanently settled in Sikkim prior to the enactment of Sikkim Subject Regulation, 1961; ...
Mar 31, 2011
Mar 31, 2011
Also included in the list are the demands for immediate reservation of seats for Limboo and Tamang communities in the State Assembly, tribal status for all others as well and Income Tax exemption for the old settlers. ...
2
What is positive for someone could often be exactly the opposite for someone else. Say for instance, a healthy person is bad news for the doctor. Ditto is the case of Bihar. After years of stagnation and illness, the state has been in the limelight for rapid economic growth in recent times. Great turnaround for Bihar! But as it turns out, this hasn't been too good a thing for real estate and infrastructure firms in other parts of the country. Why? The answer is simple. The state had been one of the biggest exporters of migrant labour to other states, comprising about 50% of the unskilled workers employed in these sectors across the country. Now thanks to increased government expenditure and private investment there, rural migration has fallen significantly, almost by 30% in recent years. This has not only caused labour shortage but has also pushed up wage costs for real estate companies. While the economic progress in Bihar bodes well for its people, the supply of chea p migrant labour to other places is set to decline.
Monday, November 7, 2011
DoNER minister praises Sikkim
source:iSikkim
7 Nov 2011
Paban Singh Ghatowar, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India paid a two-day visit to Sikkim from 2nd November to 3rd November 2011. The Hon’ble Minister was accompanied by P.K. Pattaniak, Joint Secretary, Ministry of DoNER.
On arrival, the Hon’ble Minister called on H.E. the Governor and the Hon’ble Chief Minister. The Hon’ble Chief Minister hosted a dinner in his honour at Samman Bhawan on 2nd November 2011 which was also attended by H.E. the Governor, Hon’ble Ministers and other dignitaries.
IPR
The Hon’ble Minister of State for DoNER chaired a meeting at Chintan Bhawan on 3rd November 2011 at 9.AM to review the NLCPR & NEC projects in Sikkim. The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary and Secretaries. The Minister expressed his satisfaction with the implementation of the projects and lauded Sikkim for being one of the best performing States in the North East Region. He stressed that the pace of work must be hastened especially in view of the recent earthquake in order to avail of the maximum assistance from the Central Government. He informed that the Prime Minister had assured that Sikkim would be granted financial assisatance over and above Rs. 1000 crores already announced and advised that schemes for utilization of this special grant must be finalized on priority basis.
In addition, the Hon’ble Minister of State also informed that the Government of India has launched a new Central Sector Scheme called NLCPR-Central under which funding will be available to Union Ministries/Departments for taking up projects in North Eastern States with the objective to enhance budgetary flow over and above the existing mandatory 10% earmarking. The MoS announced that under this new scheme, one of the first projects to be taken up will be one relating to improving the power transmission lines in Sikkim
source:iSikkim
7 Nov 2011
Paban Singh Ghatowar, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India paid a two-day visit to Sikkim from 2nd November to 3rd November 2011. The Hon’ble Minister was accompanied by P.K. Pattaniak, Joint Secretary, Ministry of DoNER.
On arrival, the Hon’ble Minister called on H.E. the Governor and the Hon’ble Chief Minister. The Hon’ble Chief Minister hosted a dinner in his honour at Samman Bhawan on 2nd November 2011 which was also attended by H.E. the Governor, Hon’ble Ministers and other dignitaries.
IPR
The Hon’ble Minister of State for DoNER chaired a meeting at Chintan Bhawan on 3rd November 2011 at 9.AM to review the NLCPR & NEC projects in Sikkim. The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary and Secretaries. The Minister expressed his satisfaction with the implementation of the projects and lauded Sikkim for being one of the best performing States in the North East Region. He stressed that the pace of work must be hastened especially in view of the recent earthquake in order to avail of the maximum assistance from the Central Government. He informed that the Prime Minister had assured that Sikkim would be granted financial assisatance over and above Rs. 1000 crores already announced and advised that schemes for utilization of this special grant must be finalized on priority basis.
In addition, the Hon’ble Minister of State also informed that the Government of India has launched a new Central Sector Scheme called NLCPR-Central under which funding will be available to Union Ministries/Departments for taking up projects in North Eastern States with the objective to enhance budgetary flow over and above the existing mandatory 10% earmarking. The MoS announced that under this new scheme, one of the first projects to be taken up will be one relating to improving the power transmission lines in Sikkim
Sunday, November 6, 2011
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