SIKKIM

Much of Sikkims’ history is veiled under clouds of legends and myths. Its geography and location have played an important role in shaping the history of Sikkim. It is an established fact that the earliest inhabitants of the land were the Lepchas.

Sikkim is derived from the Limbu dialect, Su (New) and Khyim (palace or house). In Tibetan, the name for Sikkim is ‘Bayul Demazong’, which translates to ‘the valley of rice’ and for the Lepchas, autochthons of Sikkim, “ ne máyel lyáng ‘hidden paradise’ or ne máyel málñk lyáng ‘land of eternal purity’ ”.

It is also believed that in pre-historic times there existed in the valleys of Sikkim the three tribes of Naong, Chang and Mon. There are no recorded data and not much is known about these three tribes but is believed that they were completely absorbed by the Lepchas, who arrived here a little later.

The actual origin of the Lepchas are shrouded in mystery. Some contend that they are derived from the clans of the Nagas of the Mikir, Garo and Khasia hills which lie to the south of the Bramaputra valley. Other’s contend that they came from somewhere on the borders of Tibet and Burma.

According to their own tradition they came to Sikkim from the east in company with Jindaxs, who went to Nepal and shared their tradition. They led a tribal life with a tribal leader.

The first form of organizing into some sort of a society was developed by a person called Tur ve pa no. He was eventually elected leader or king called "Punu" around A. D. 1400. He was later succeeded by three Kings - Tur Song Pa No, Tur Aeng Pa No and Tur Alu Pa No. After the death of Tur Alu Pa No, with no heir to succeed him, the Lepchas resorted to the practice of electing a leader whose advice and counsel was sought on crucial matters.