SIKKIM

The Lepchas
It is an established fact that the earliest inhabitants of the land were the Lepchas. The Lepchas were food gathering people who claimed they came from Mayel, a legendary kingdom on the slopes of Khangchendzonga. They lived in close harmony with nature, for she gave them all they needed—the flesh of animals, fruits, medicinal herbs, honey and fibres that could be woven in fabric. They called themselves, Rong Pa literally meaning ravine folk or the Mutanchi, meaning the beloved people of the mother earth.

The Lepchas also call themselves as Rongkup (Children of Rong) followed Bongthing and worshipped the spirits of mountains, forests and rivers that is to say nature in general. They are a simple people in rhythm with nature.

They speak the Lepcha language - an ancient language. The Lepchas are mongoloid in appearance with oblique eyes small in stature and fair in complexion who are amiable, cheerful, hospitable, shy, good humoured, sociable, indolent, docile and peace loving. Most of them are concentrated in the Dzongu valley of North Sikkim. They used to live on hill tops, which could not be reached easily. They livelihood came from hunting, fishing, trade and later agriculture.

They are also good entomologists in identifying the names and behaviour of the wild animals, birds, insects, fishes, frogs, medicinal herbs and also at ease in distinguishing all the edible roots, bulbs, fruits and plants of the jungle from that of the poisonous ones.

The Lepchas are expert weavers and cane craftsmen and very handy with the bow and arrow. These days they follow Buddhism and some have been converted to Christianity.

Agriculture is their main occupation and cardamom, cinnamon, paddy and oranges are their main crops. The Lepcha tribe is now spread in all parts of Sikkim because of network of roads, communications, education and seeking government jobs. They are marching forward with the rest of the fellow citizens of the State.

Language
The Lepchas have their own script and language. The language of Lepchas is recognised by the Government of Sikkim and is taught up to the Graduate level. They have held many important posts during the rules of various Maharajas of Sikkim and now they have come to the level of bureaucrats, ministers and hold other covetable posts under the Government of Sikkim. In the Sikkim legislative Assembly, 12 seats are reserved for Lepchas and Bhutias.