For other uses, see Sikkim (disambiguation).
'vbras mo ljongsའབྲས་མོ་ལྗོངས་Sikkim
GangtokLocation of 'vbras mo ljongsའབྲས་མོ་ལྗོངས་Sikkim
Coordinates
27°20′N 88°37′E / 27.33°N 88.62°E / 27.33; 88.62
Country
India
District(s)
4
Established
16 May 1975
Capital
Gangtok
Largest city
Gangtok
Governor
Balmiki Prasad Singh
Chief Minister
Pawan Chamling
[[Legislature of Sikkimसिक्किमLegislature]] (seats)
Unicameral (32)
Population• Density
540,493 (28th)• 76.17 /km2 (197 /sq mi)
Official languages
Nepali, Tibetan, Limbu, Bhutia, Lepcha
Time zone
IST (UTC+5:30)
Area
7,096 km2 (2,740 sq mi)
ISO 3166-2
IN-SK
Website
sikkim.gov.in/
Seal of 'vbras mo ljongsའབྲས་མོ་ལྗོངས་Sikkim
Sikkim (Limbu: Sikkim (help·info), Tibetan: འབྲས་ལྗོངས་, 'bras ljongs; Denzong[1]) is a landlocked Indian state nestled in the Himalayas. It is the least populous state in India and the second-smallest in area after Goa.[2] The thumb-shaped state borders Nepal in the west, the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north and the east and Bhutan in the southeast. The Indian state of West Bengal borders Sikkim to its south.[3] Despite its small area of 7,096 square kilometers (2,740 sq mi), Sikkim is geographically diverse due to its location in the Himalayas. The climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine. Kangchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak, is located on the border of Sikkim with Nepal.[4] Sikkim is a popular tourist destination owing to its culture, scenic beauty and biodiversity.
Legend has it that the Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche visited Sikkim in the 9th century, introduced Buddhism and foretold the era of the monarchy. Accordingly, the Namgyal dynasty was established in 1642. Over the next 150 years, the kingdom witnessed frequent raids and territorial losses to Nepalese invaders. It allied itself with the British rulers of India but was soon annexed by them. Later, Sikkim became a British protectorate and was merged with India following a referendum in 1975.
The official language of the state is English, but there is a sizable population that converses in Nepali (the lingua franca of the state), Lepcha, Bhutia, and Limbu. It is the only state in India with an ethnic Nepalese majority. The predominant religions are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Gangtok is the capital and the largest town. Sikkim has a booming economy dependent on agriculture and tourism.
Contents[hide]
1 Toponymy
2 History
3 Geography
3.1 Geology
3.2 Climate
4 Subdivisions
5 Flora and fauna
6 Economy
7 Transport
8 Demographics
9 Culture
10 Government and politics
11 Infrastructure
12 Media
13 Education
14 See also
15 Notes
16 References
17 External links
//
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Sikkim
Upland state of northeast India, bounded by Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the east, Tibet (China) to the north and West Bengal state to the south; area 7,299 sq km/2,818 sq mi; population (2001 est) 540,500. The capital is Gangtok. Industries include carpets, textiles, cigarettes, and food processing, but the state is largely dependent on agriculture. Cardamom, tea, maize, rice, wheat, fruit, ginger, and soybeans are grown, and the livestock raised includes cattle and buffalo in the humid subtropical area, and yaks and sheep on the plateaus and lower slopes of the Himalayas.
Formerly a protected state, Sikkim was absorbed by India in 1975, the monarchy being abolished. China does not recognize India's sovereignty.
Features include Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 m/28,210 ft), the third highest in the world; wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and orchids; and the River Tista, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, joined by the rivers Rangit and Rangpo. There are mineral deposits of copper, lead, zinc, coal, iron ore, garnet, graphite, pyrites, marble, gold, and silver.
The main languages are Bhutia, Lepecha, and Khaskura (Nepalese) – all official. Principal Religions are Mahāyāna Buddhism and Hinduism.
The Lepchas are regarded as the indigenous inhabitants of the region. Sikkim was ruled by the Namgyol dynasty from the 14th century to 1975, when the last chogyal, or king, was deposed. Allied to Britain in 1886, Sikkim became a protectorate of India in 1950 and a state of India in 1975. The border with Tibet was closed at the outbreak of hostilities between India and China in 1961.
Upland state of northeast India, bounded by Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the east, Tibet (China) to the north and West Bengal state to the south; area 7,299 sq km/2,818 sq mi; population (2001 est) 540,500. The capital is Gangtok. Industries include carpets, textiles, cigarettes, and food processing, but the state is largely dependent on agriculture. Cardamom, tea, maize, rice, wheat, fruit, ginger, and soybeans are grown, and the livestock raised includes cattle and buffalo in the humid subtropical area, and yaks and sheep on the plateaus and lower slopes of the Himalayas.
Formerly a protected state, Sikkim was absorbed by India in 1975, the monarchy being abolished. China does not recognize India's sovereignty.
Features include Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 m/28,210 ft), the third highest in the world; wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and orchids; and the River Tista, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, joined by the rivers Rangit and Rangpo. There are mineral deposits of copper, lead, zinc, coal, iron ore, garnet, graphite, pyrites, marble, gold, and silver.
The main languages are Bhutia, Lepecha, and Khaskura (Nepalese) – all official. Principal Religions are Mahāyāna Buddhism and Hinduism.
The Lepchas are regarded as the indigenous inhabitants of the region. Sikkim was ruled by the Namgyol dynasty from the 14th century to 1975, when the last chogyal, or king, was deposed. Allied to Britain in 1886, Sikkim became a protectorate of India in 1950 and a state of India in 1975. The border with Tibet was closed at the outbreak of hostilities between India and China in 1961.
Communities, Cultures, Religions and Customs of different hues intermingle freely here in Sikkim to constitute a homogeneous blend. The predominant communities are the LEPCHAS, BHUTIAS and NEPALESE. in urban areas many plainsmen have also settled and they are almost engaged in business and Government service. Because of the development activities in the state, like the construction of roads, bridges and buildings a small part of the population consists of migrant labourers from the plains and Nepal. THE LEPCHAS The original inhabitants of Sikkim are said to be Lepchas. They existed much before the Bhutias and Nepalese migrated to the state. Before adopting Buddhism or Christianity as their religion, the earliest Lepcha settlers were believers in the bone faith or mune faith. This faith was basically based on spirits, good and bad. They worshipped spirits of mountains , rivers and forests which was but natural for a tribe that co-existed so harmoniously with the rich natural surroundings. The Lepcha (Zongu) folklore is rich with stories. The Lepcha population is concentrated in the central part of the Sikkim. This i s the area that encompasses the confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers and Dickchu. Life in a Lepcha dwelling is very simple. The male Lepcha wears a dress called a "pagi" made of cotton, which is stripped. The female Lepcha wear a two piece dress. The Lepchas speak the language lepcha, although this language is not very well developed but is rich in vocabulary related to the flora & fauna of Sikkim. Lepchas are very good at archery. The polyandry marriages are permitted amongst the Lepchas. THE BHUTIAS These are the people of Tibetan origin. They migrated to Sikkim perhaps somewhere after the fifteenth century through the state of Sikkim. in Northen Sikkim, where they are the major inhabitants, they are known as the Lachenpas and Lachungpas. The language spoken by the bhutias is sikkimese . Bhutia villages are as large as those compared to those of Lepchas . A Bhutia house called "Khin" is usually of rectangular shape . The traditional dress of the male member is known as the "Bakhu" which is a loose cloak type garment with full sleeves. The ladies dress consists of a silken "Honju" which is a full sleeve blouse and a loose gown type garment. The ladies are very fond of heavy jewelry made of pure gold. THE NEPALESE The Nepalese appeared on the Sikkim scene much after the Lepchas & Bhutias. They migrated in large numbers and soon became the dominant community. The Nepalese now constitute more than 80 % of the total population. The Nepali settlers introduced the terraced system of cultivation. Cardamom was an important cash crop introduced by the Nepalis'. Except for the Sherpas & Tamangs who are Buddhists, the Nepalis' are orthodox Hindus with the usual cast system.
History :The Nepalese form the majority constituting about 70-80% of the Sikkim's total population. The Nepalese are a conglomeration of different ethnic groups, socially self contained. The Nepalese are excellent farmers and soon after their migration and settlement in Sikkim they introduced terrace cultivation which brought a productive method of farming to the mountainous terrain. Lifestyle :The Nepalese are spread throughout the east, west, north and south districts of Sikkim. Their style of living is comparatively much economical. Their dresses and diets are simple. They are good farmers and businessmen. Also, they are ahead in education which enables them to get jobs in the Government. Nepalese- Their Festivals :Dasain is the biggest and most important festival celebrated by the Nepalese Hindu. It falls approximately in the month of October and is concurrent with the northern Indian celebration of Dussehera. The Nepalese decorate their house doors and pillars with banana leaves and strings of marigold flowers and say prayers for the goddess Durga. On the eighth day or Ashtami, many families sacrifice goats or buffaloes and on the tenth day or Vijayadashami, the elder family members smear the foreheads of the younger members with tikas and relatives visit each other seeking blessings from the older members. Tihar festival is celebrated 15 days after Dasain with great gaiety and enthusiasm. The Nepalese worship Goddess Laxmi on the first day. During the evenings thousands of butter lamps are lighted and crackers are burst to celebrate the festival of light. On the third day is Bhai-Tika when sisters put tikas on their brother's forehead and pray for their well-being. Nepalese- Their Culture :The Sikkimese Nepali is the inheritor of the legacy of Hindu traditions. The language spoken by Nepalese is understood and spoken by people all over the state. The Nepalese woman wear 'Chobandi cholo' as blouse and sari complete the outfit. The men wear 'dowra suruwal'. Many Nepali folk dances and songs are connected with cultivating and harvesting seasons. One such popular dance is 'Dhan Naach' performed to project a rich cultural heritage of this community. 'Maruni' is one of the oldest dances in which young girls embellished with colourful costumes and rich ornaments perform dance in an extremely graceful and lyrical style on festive occasions.
The Nepalese community consists of several tribes. Among them are the Gurungs, Limbus, Tamangs and Rais. Learn more about them.
Sikkim has an interfusion of diverse communities, cultures, religions and customs. Sikkim is a fine specimen of harmony between people from different areas and regions. The people of Sikkim are known as Sikkimese. In Sikkim, the leading communities are the Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese. However, the municipal areas are dominated by the plainsmen, who have settled there, owing to their businesses and Government services. The developmental activities in Sikkim like construction of roads, bridges, buildings etc, have informally invited migrant laborers from the plains and Nepal. In the following lines, we will discuss the three cultural communities and their lifestyle in detail. The Lepchas The Lepchas are said to be the original inhabitants of Sikkim. They used to reside in Sikkim, long before the migration of Bhutias and Nepalese. The original Lepchas were believers of the bone faith or mune faith. The faith was essentially based on spirits, good and bad. They used to worship spirits of mountains, rivers and forests. Perhaps, this could be the reason why these people prefer to live in the healthy natural world. Constituting only 13% of the total population of Sikkim, Lepchas are concentrated in the central part of Sikkim. Lachen, Lachung River and Dickchu are the prominent places of Lepchas. The Lepchas have a very simple lifestyle. The males wear a dress known as 'Pagi', a cotton dress in strips. The females sport a two piece dress. They speak 'lepcha' language, which is not very popular in the state. These people are really good at archery. The Bhutias The Bhutias are people of Tibetan origin. After the 15th century, these people migrated to Sikkim. The northern part of Sikkim is basically inhabited by the Bhutias. These people speak 'Sikkimese' language. If compared with the Lepchas, the Bhutias are dominating large number of villages. The rectangular shaped house of a 'Bhutia' is known as 'Khin'. The males wear a dress known as 'Bakhu', which is actually a loose cloak form garment with full sleeves. The females wear a silken 'Honju' that is a full sleeve blouse with a loose gown type garment. The Bhutia ladies love wearing heavy jewelry made of
Communities, Cultures, Religions and Customs of different hues intermingle freely here in Sikkim to constitute a homogeneous blend. The predominant communities are the LEPCHAS, BHUTIAS and NEPALESE. in urban areas many plainsmen have also settled and they are almost engaged in business and Government service. Because of the development activities in the state, like the construction of roads, bridges and buildings a small part of the population consists of migrant labourers from the plains and Nepal. THE LEPCHAS The original inhabitants of Sikkim are said to be Lepchas. They existed much before the Bhutias and Nepalese migrated to the state. Before adopting Buddhism or Christianity as their religion, the earliest Lepcha settlers were believers in the bone faith or mune faith. This faith was basically based on spirits, good and bad. They worshipped spirits of mountains , rivers and forests which was but natural for a tribe that co-existed so harmoniously with the rich natural surroundings. The Lepcha (Zongu) folklore is rich with stories. The Lepcha population is concentrated in the central part of the Sikkim. This i s the area that encompasses the confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers and Dickchu. Life in a Lepcha dwelling is very simple. The male Lepcha wears a dress called a "pagi" made of cotton, which is stripped. The female Lepcha wear a two piece dress. The Lepchas speak the language lepcha, although this language is not very well developed but is rich in vocabulary related to the flora & fauna of Sikkim. Lepchas are very good at archery. The polyandry marriages are permitted amongst the Lepchas. THE BHUTIAS These are the people of Tibetan origin. They migrated to Sikkim perhaps somewhere after the fifteenth century through the state of Sikkim. in Northen Sikkim, where they are the major inhabitants, they are known as the Lachenpas and Lachungpas. The language spoken by the bhutias is sikkimese . Bhutia villages are as large as those compared to those of Lepchas . A Bhutia house called "Khin" is usually of rectangular shape . The traditional dress of the male member is known as the "Bakhu" which is a loose cloak type garment with full sleeves. The ladies dress consists of a silken "Honju" which is a full sleeve blouse and a loose gown type garment. The ladies are very fond of heavy jewelry made of pure gold. THE NEPALESE The Nepalese appeared on the Sikkim scene much after the Lepchas & Bhutias. They migrated in large numbers and soon became the dominant community. The Nepalese now constitute more than 80 % of the total population. The Nepali settlers introduced the terraced system of cultivation. Cardamom was an important cash crop introduced by the Nepalis'. Except for the Sherpas & Tamangs who are Buddhists, the Nepalis' are orthodox Hindus with the usual cast system. The Nepali language is spoken and understood all over the state. This language is similar to Hindi and uses the Devangri script . The traditional male nepali dress consists of long double breast garment flowing below the waist and a trouser known as "Daura Suruwal". The female dress consist of a double breasted garment with strings to tie on both the sides at four places, which is shorter than the Daura and is known as "Chow Bandi Choli". They also wear a shawl known as "Majetro". The "Khukri" which has become a synonym to the Nepali (Gurkha) culture, is a very sharp edged, angled, heavy weapon carried in a wooden or leather scabbard known as "Daab". pure gold. Sikkim has its religion incorporated with Bhutias. Constituting around 16% of the total population of Sikkim, Bhutias regard priesthood as their academic as well as spiritual choice. The Nepalese In Sikkim, the Nepalese came long after the Lepchas and Bhutias. They migrated to Sikkim in huge numbers and rapidly, emerged as the leading community. In the present day, the Nepalese constitute 67% of the total population of Sikkim. These people commenced terrace farming in the state. Cardamom is an important cash crop that was cultivated by the Nepalese. The Nepalese are sub-divided into various castes and tribes like Bawans (Brahmans), Chhetries, Gurungs, Tamangs, Rais, Limbus, Magars, Damais, Kamis etc. The majority of their population follows Hinduism, whereas Buddhism is also practiced by some groups. These people speak language that is similar to Hindi and is understood throughout the state of Sikkim. The traditional Nepali dress for males comprises a long double breasted garment flowing below the waist along with a trouser known as 'Daura Suruwal'. The traditional dress for females comprises of a double breasted garment known as 'Chow Bandi Choli'. The shawl wore by them is known as 'Majetro'. 'Khukri' is a heavy weapon that is carried in a wooden or leather case known as "Daab".
Communities, Cultures, Religions and Customs of different hues intermingle freely here in Sikkim to constitute a homogeneous blend. The predominant communities are the LEPCHAS, BHUTIAS and NEPALESE. in urban areas many plainsmen have also settled and they are almost engaged in business and Government service. Because of the development activities in the state, like the construction of roads, bridges and buildings a small part of the population consists of migrant labourers from the plains and Nepal. THE LEPCHAS The original inhabitants of Sikkim are said to be Lepchas. They existed much before the Bhutias and Nepalese migrated to the state. Before adopting Buddhism or Christianity as their religion, the earliest Lepcha settlers were believers in the bone faith or mune faith. This faith was basically based on spirits, good and bad. They worshipped spirits of mountains , rivers and forests which was but natural for a tribe that co-existed so harmoniously with the rich natural surroundings. The Lepcha (Zongu) folklore is rich with stories. The Lepcha population is concentrated in the central part of the Sikkim. This i s the area that encompasses the confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers and Dickchu. Life in a Lepcha dwelling is very simple. The male Lepcha wears a dress called a "pagi" made of cotton, which is stripped. The female Lepcha wear a two piece dress. The Lepchas speak the language lepcha, although this language is not very well developed but is rich in vocabulary related to the flora & fauna of Sikkim. Lepchas are very good at archery. The polyandry marriages are permitted amongst the Lepchas. THE BHUTIAS These are the people of Tibetan origin. They migrated to Sikkim perhaps somewhere after the fifteenth century through the state of Sikkim. in Northen Sikkim, where they are the major inhabitants, they are known as the Lachenpas and Lachungpas. The language spoken by the bhutias is sikkimese . Bhutia villages are as large as those compared to those of Lepchas . A Bhutia house called "Khin" is usually of rectangular shape . The traditional dress of the male member is known as the "Bakhu" which is a loose cloak type garment with full sleeves. The ladies dress consists of a silken "Honju" which is a full sleeve blouse and a loose gown type garment. The ladies are very fond of heavy jewelry made of pure gold. THE NEPALESE The Nepalese appeared on the Sikkim scene much after the Lepchas & Bhutias. They migrated in large numbers and soon became the dominant community. The Nepalese now constitute more than 80 % of the total population. The Nepali settlers introduced the terraced system of cultivation. Cardamom was an important cash crop introduced by the Nepalis'. Except for the Sherpas & Tamangs who are Buddhists, the Nepalis' are orthodox Hindus with the usual cast system. The Nepali language is spoken and understood all over the state. This language is similar to Hindi and uses the Devangri script . The traditional male nepali dress consists of long double breast garment flowing below the waist and a trouser known as "Daura Suruwal". The female dress consist of a double breasted garment with strings to tie on both the sides at four places, which is shorter than the Daura and is known as "Chow Bandi Choli". They also wear a shawl known as "Majetro". The "Khukri" which has become a synonym to the Nepali (Gurkha) culture, is a very sharp edged, angled, heavy weapon carried in a wooden or leather scabbard known as "Daab". pure gold. Sikkim has its religion incorporated with Bhutias. Constituting around 16% of the total population of Sikkim, Bhutias regard priesthood as their academic as well as spiritual choice. The Nepalese In Sikkim, the Nepalese came long after the Lepchas and Bhutias. They migrated to Sikkim in huge numbers and rapidly, emerged as the leading community. In the present day, the Nepalese constitute 67% of the total population of Sikkim. These people commenced terrace farming in the state. Cardamom is an important cash crop that was cultivated by the Nepalese. The Nepalese are sub-divided into various castes and tribes like Bawans (Brahmans), Chhetries, Gurungs, Tamangs, Rais, Limbus, Magars, Damais, Kamis etc. The majority of their population follows Hinduism, whereas Buddhism is also practiced by some groups. These people speak language that is similar to Hindi and is understood throughout the state of Sikkim. The traditional Nepali dress for males comprises a long double breasted garment flowing below the waist along with a trouser known as 'Daura Suruwal'. The traditional dress for females comprises of a double breasted garment known as 'Chow Bandi Choli'. The shawl wore by them is known as 'Majetro'. 'Khukri' is a heavy weapon that is carried in a wooden or leather case known as "Daab".
Sikkim's
Communities, Cultures, Religions and Customs of different hues intermingle freely here in Sikkim to constitute a homogeneous blend. The predominant communities are the LEPCHAS, BHUTIAS and NEPALESE. In urban areas many plainsmen have also settled and they are almost engaged in business and Government service. Because of the development activities in the state, like the construction of roads, bridges and buildings a small part of the population consists of migrant labourers from the plains and Nepal.
THE PEOPLE
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