Sikkim, the 22nd state of the Indian union, is a small mountain state in eastern Himalayas. The kingdom of Sikkim is located between 28o 07' 48" and 27o 04'46" north latitudes, and 88o 00 58" and 88o 55'25" east longitudes. It is bounded by Tibet on the north, Nepal on the west, Bhutan on the east and West Bengal lies to its south. It is the least populous state in the union. Sikkim is strategically important for India. It lies astride the shortest route from India to Tibet.

The capital Gangtok, which is situated in the east district, is the principle urban centre; in this district more than one third of population resides now. The capital of the state can be said to constitute the focal point of all socio-political and cultural activities. It is connected by well-developed road links with all four districts. Gangtok, is the principal commercial centre of the state. Being the seat of the government, it has become the most important centre of administrative and political activities. The population of Gangtok is composed of all ethnic groups -the Bhutia-Lepcha, the Nepali and the plainsmen.

Sikkim is a land of rich and varied scenic beauty, magnificent mountains, eternal snows, dark forests, green fertile valleys, raging torrents and calm, placid lakes. Her magnificent variety of flora and fauna are the naturalist's dream; the steep variations in elevation and rainfall give rise to a glorious multitude of species within a comparatively limited area. The scenic grandeur of mighty snow-capped peaks, the highest of which is the 28,162 feet Kanchanjunga on the Nepal-Sikkim border, has been a symbol of romantic awe and wonder for the people. It is the world's third highest peak. Kanchanjunga has five satellite peaks: Jano, Kabru, Pandim, Narsim, Simiolchu.

Two principle mountain ranges are the Singilela and Chola which start in the north and continue, following a more or less southerly direction. Between these ranges are the principle rivers, the Rangit and the Teesta, forming the main channels of drainage. These rivers are fed by the monsoon rains as well as by melting glaciers.

CLIMATE

Sikkim's climate varies from the tropical heat in the valleys to Alpine cold in the higher altitudes. The Tropical climate prevails in the deep valleys with elevation up to 5000 ft . The temperate climate zone comprises areas having elevations between 5000 ft and 13000 ft. Above 13000 ft are the Alpine climate Zones reaching upto 16000 ft which marks the beginning of the perpetually snow-bound zone.

Sikkim is a region of heavy rainfall. On an average, Sikkim receives 125 cm rain. But the rainfall varies widely between various regions like sheltered valleys, foot hills and high mountains .

HISTORY

Sikkim lies in the Eastern Himalayas. Being a region which had its geophysical uniqueness owing to its location and climate conditions, human inhabitation was sparse. It was only in 1641 that it was given a political entity. The population inhabiting this area were of Indo-Mongoloid, Tibetan or Nepalese origin. The population of the region is rural and tribal. The influence of the Buddhism has created a unique culture, different from other parts of the country. The tribals had little contact with the other parts of the country. Agriculture through jhum cultivation besides animal rearing formed their important occupation. The Lepchas and the Bhutias who came from the regions of Tibet settled in Sikkim.

PEOPLE

The present population of Sikkim is primarily composed of different races or ethnic groups. They are the Lepchas, the Bhutia, the Nepali and the plainsmen. These different ethnic groups have their distinct languages and cultural pattern. This cultural diversity of the ethnic groups who have no common racial backgrounds has become the central point of socio-economic and political problems in Sikkim. Over centuries, the narrow fertile valleys of the inner Himalayas and the rugged hill tracts of the greater Himalayas have been settled by the Tibeto-Burmese, Tibeto-Mongoloid and Indo-Aryan races who have adjusted themselves to the rigorous climate of this state. Thus Sikkim has become a state of multi-racial inhabitants. The oldest inhabitants are the Rongs or Lepchas who migrated via Assam to this mountain state. Next came the Khampas from the Tibetan province of Kham, they are now commonly known as Bhutias. The Limbus who are considered by some as belonging to Lhasa gotra are believed to have migrated from Shigatse, Penam, Norpu, Giangtse etc of the Tsong province of Tibet. These Limbus and other Magar, Rai, Gurung, Murmi etc are allied races and in fact belong to the Kirati sub-cultural stock of the Nepali race who migrated to Sikkim from Nepal in the west.

English is the official language of Sikkim. The Lingua-franca is however Nepalese. It closely resembles Hindi. The Lepcha language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family. The languages of the Bhutias, Limbu, Murmi, Magar, Khamba and Mewar also belongs to it.

High priority has been given to education. Education is free upto the primary school level. While in the higher classes the fee is nominal, for girls education is free up to class XI.

The Lepchas

The central zone, the lands of the Lepchas, roughly covers the area from the junction of the river Teesta and the Lachung river to the junction of the Teesta and the Dikehee rivers. The Rong-pas, who are known as the Lepchas are the original inhabitants of Sikkim. Earlier it was believed that, the tribe was a very ancient colony from southern Tibet. Their physical characteristics showed them to be a member of the Mongolian race. But later, it was supposed that they had come from the east, from the direction of Assam and Burma. The Lepchas are markedly Mongolian in features and differ from the Tibetans. It is also said that the Lepchas have similarity with the tribes of Hangarang in the North West Frontier Province and with the mountain tribes of the Laree area in Ladakh. Others content that the Lepchas and the Khasias of Khasias of Khasi -Jaintai area are two different branches of the same ethnic group. Though, at one time, the Lepchas had blood relation only with the Limbus at present no restriction is maintained in establishing matrimonial relations with other tribes. The Lepchas have no caste distinction, but they believe that they belong to either of the five classes of Syang-Den, Mu, Ling-SingMu, Himu, Karthak Mu and Thikung Syalang. There are certain other classes based on the places of residence.

Polyandry was prevalent among the Lepchas in the past. Marriage of wards is normally negotiated by the parents and after fulfilling certain condition, the marriage is publicly celebrated with much feasting. The Lepchas are primarily animists. They acknowledge the existence of god and the bad spirits and do a lot to appease the bad one. Every class has a priest doctor, who is in fact an exorcist. The priest doctors may be either male or female. The male one is called bon and the female one is called generally monn. The Lepchas have their own language which according to Mainwaring is the oldest of all the hill dialects. It is contended that the language they speak is of the Tibeto-Burmese family.

The Lepchas are very intelligent, amiable and always cheerful. They are very modest, extremely hospitable people. They love sports and games and are sociable. They are innocent and good humoured. They are peace-loving people who avoid quarrels.

Kanchanjunga is about 40 km from Gangtok and is the most unifying force in the myth and identity of the state. Khang-chen-dzod-nga means the five treasures represented by five summits of this gigantic mountain. According to tradition the five treasures are salt, precious stones, religious scripts, medicines and grains and invincible armour. The natural environment in which the Sikkimese live have made them to revere, fear and worship this mountain. They believe that their prosperity even their lives depend on the good humour of the deity, for he has the power to destroy human habitations with devastating floods and avalanches, wash away their bridges and ruin their crops by sending terrible hail storms down the valleys.

Kanchendzonga is portrayed as a fiery red - countenanced deity with a crown of five skulls, riding the mythical snow lion and holding aloft the banner of victory. Esoteric masks, flashing silks, opulent brocades and embroidered boots are the costumes of the dancers. The dancers are all male. In this warrior Dance the warlike pomp and panoply, the war deity resplendent the flaming robes, the fantastic Snow lion, comprise the essence of the dance. This mask dance is termed as Singhi Dance i.e. Lion Dance by Nepalese. They visualise the ferocious god of Kanchanjunga riding over a lion and hence call this dance as Singhi Dance.

Lossoong
On Lossoong, the Sikkimese New Year Day, Black Hat (kali topi) Dance demonstrating the triumph of good over evil is demonstrated. This masked dance is also performed by male dancers mostly the Lamas. The dance revives the old story which narrates that about twelve centuries ago King Land-Darma was slain for suppressing Buddhism in Tibet. The king was slain by a Lama wearing a fantastic black robe lined with white and riding a white horse blackened with soot.

TOURISM

Sikkim is a land of immense scenic beauty, natural charm and a variety of fauna and flora. The third highest mountain in the world Kanchanjunga (8,586 meteres) is situated here. 'Sikkim' commonly attributed to the Tsong word 'Su-Khim' means New or Happy House. Sikkim has a lot of open monasteries, chortens, flying prayer flags and lofty stupas all giving a tinge of mysticism.

Siliguri junction (114 km from Gangtok) and New Jalpaiguri Junction (125 km from Gangtok )are the two closest railway stations to this Himalayan state of India. Bus service for Bangkok is available from Darjeeling and Kalimpong also. Calcutta is the starting point for travel by air. Indian Airlines operate a regular scheduled flight between Calcutta (Dum Dum airport) and Bagdogra. A Dakota service between Calcutta and Ambri is also available.

The entrance to the state of Sikkim is at the border town of Rongpo which is located in the Tista valley. Rongpo is a small town famous for the liquors and wines produced here. It is a great market for oranges.

Gangtok

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. Its name means the 'High Hill'. Situated at a height of over five thousand feet above sea level, the city looks to be tucked away in a cloud sprawling over a hill. Kanchanjunga, renders a spectacular view from Gangtok, with its magnificent snow and ice scenery.

Some of the important sites of the city of Gangtok, like the Palace, Palace Chapel Tsuklakhang, the Deer park, Institute of Tibetology and the Namgyal chorten are located on the spine of the ridge.

Tusklakhang

Tusklakhang Royal Chapel is situated on a level ground in the palace complex. On all corners of the chapel are located the formidable heads of snow lions - wood sculpture in relief. Inside the chapel is depicted the magnificent wood work, highlighted by the massive Buddhist murals that adorn the walls. An eternal butter lamp, lights the floor to ceiling altar, housing the deities and the scriptures. Tsuklakhang is the venue of all important festivals and festivities. The warrior dance to worship Kanchanjunga, the Black Hat dance to celebrate Sikkimese New year's day etc. are all celebrated in this chapel. Earlier the coronations of Chogyals, Oath taking by councilors and royal weddings were celebrated inside the chapel.

The Research Institute OR NAMGYAL Institute of Tibetology

This institute is on the top of a hill. It was established to promote research on Tibet and Mahayana Buddhism.

Opens from Monday to Saturday - 1000 to 1600.

The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology has come to be known as the highest seat of learning among the Mahayana scholars. The institute was inaugurated by Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on October 1,1958.

The Institute is dedicated to the cause of advancement of Tibetan studies. Located in serene surroundings, the institute has its interiors lavishly decorated with great murals and ornate wood carvings and altars holding the images of the Buddhas ,the Bodhisattvas and the Tantric deities. The cabinets of the halls contain a vast library of Tibetan deities. It contains a greatest collection of books on Mahayana Buddhism. The museum of the institute contains another asset of Mahayana. More than two hundred icons, prized objects of traditional art, ritualistic chortens, brass bells, Dorj-is (thunder bolts ), Rosaries, thangkas (hand painted scrolls woven or appliqué )are the main collections of the museum which have won international acclaim for the institute.