Lepchas in Sikkim: Are they a Vanishing Tribe? :  Their struggle for the existence

Sandhya Devi Thapa, Karma Loday Tamang, Bhuwan Chhetri

International Research Journal of Commerce , Arts and Science

( Online- ISSN 2319 - 9202 ) New DOI : 10.32804/CASIRJ

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LEPCHAS IN SIKKIM: ARE THEY A VANISHING TRIBE? : THEIR STRUGGLE FOR THE EXISTENCE

3 Author(s): SANDHYA DEVI THAPA, KARMA LODAY TAMANG, BHUWAN CHHETRI

Vol - 7, Issue- 11 , Page(s) : 96 - 107 (2016 ) DOI : https://doi.org/10.32804/CASIRJ

Abstract

A tiny state of Sikkim in the north-eastern part of India is located between 27°46’ and 28°7’48”N latitude and between 88°0’5” and 88°55’25”E longitude in the Eastern Himalayas has population of 6.07 lakhs (2011) mainly consists of Nepalis, Bhutias and Lepchas The Lepchas who are in minority in the state are mainly settled in North district of the state have their unique culture closely linked to their natural surroundings. The village Dzongu (North district) which is inhabited by this community was declared a reserve for the Lepcha people over 100 years ago. As mentioned by Fonning in his writings ‘Lepcha My vanishing Tribe’ Lepchas population is decreasing in substantial manner. Saying goes ‘putting salt in the wounds’ likewise at present the developmental project associated with various hydro-power projects has alienated the Lepcha community from their ancestral land, which is leading to a serious repercussion and is leading to social tensions in this relatively peaceful region. The Lepchas feel alienated and their main concern is the huge influx of work force for construction and operation of these projects and further it would demographically and culturally inundate the Lepchas in their last stronghold. This paper focus on the issues related to the resistance of the Lepcha community to safeguard their land and culture.

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