Overview of Sikkim

Brief History

The Modern History of Sikkim begins from 1642 A.D. with the coronation of Puntsog Namgyal as the first Chogyal or king of Sikkim in a tranquil pine covered hill in Yuksom Norbugang in West Sikkim. The Namgyals were scions of Mi-nyak House in Eastern Tibet. It is said that there were three brothers. Chiefs of Kham Mi-nyak. A letter dropped from heaven directed the middle brother to go south towards Sikkim where his descendents were fated to rule. It was in Sakya that his eldest son single handedly raised the pillars of the Sakya monas try and earned himself the sobriquet of Khye Bhumsa (the strength of a lakh of men).

The Sikkim Coronation book describes Guru Tashi as the first ruler of Sikkim who paved way for a regular monarchy. Five generations later, it was Phuntsog Namgyal who was consecrated as the first Denjong Gyalpo or the King of Sikkim by the three great Lamas who came from the North, West and South to Yuksom Norbugang in West Sikkim in 1642 A.D. The event, predicted as it was by Guru Rinpoche was the 'Naljor Chezhi' or the meeting of the four yogic brothers or the four saints or four sages. This historical congregation of the three holy Lamas is called Yuksom, which in Lepcha means 'the Three Superior Ones'. The coronation took place in the Chu-ta or water horse year in 1642 A.D. Thus, Phuntsog Namgyal was installed' on the throne of Sikkim with the title of Chogyal or King who rules with righteousness with both spiritual and temporal powers. While the three Lamas spread Buddhism, in Sikkim, Phuntsog Namgyal started consolidating his Kingdom. Twelve generations of Chogyals ruled over SikkimfOr over 300 years. This tiny HimalayanKingdom however witnessed tumultuous change in 1972-73. In 1975 the institution of the Chogyal was abolished and on May 16, 1975 Sikkim was formally inducted as the 22nd statk 'of India

Agriculture

The economy of Sikkim is basically agrarian. More than 64% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Sikkim's agricultural land is estimated to be around 1,09,000 hectares, that is, 15·36% of the total geographical area of Sikkim. Farmers commonly follow mixed farming. Maize, wheat, potato, rice large carda­mom, orange and ginger are its major principal crops. It may be noted here that the state of Sikkim has the largest area and highest production of large brown cardamom in India. The other cash crops include ginger, potato, orange and off-season vegetables.

Industry

Sikkim has been declared industrially backward state. But now the situation is changing. Even being the industrially backward state, the existence of craftsmanship based on traditional Sikkimese cottage industries dates back to several centuries. Lepcha's skill in bamboo-craft, woodwork, spinning of yarn and carpet weaving in traditional textures is well known while another ethnic section of Sikkim Bhutias excel in ancient Tibetan practice of carpet and rug weaving. Nepalis are experts in crafts­manship of their metal work, silverware and woodwork. Sikkim Jewels Limited is one of the sophisticated and precision oriented industries for the manufacture of jewel bearings for electric meters, water meters and other measuring instruments like watches and clocks. The Sikkim Industrial Development Investment Corporation gives loan for Cottage industry.

Power

Total installed capacity of power in the state is 36 Megawatt. It is hydrobased with transformation capacity of 123 MVA. Rangeet hydel project has an installed capacity of 560 Megawatt. The total power potential of the state is estimated at 8000 Megawatt. The Teesta Valley Project which is now under construction has the installed capacity of 510 Megawatt.

Transport

The capital of Sikkim Gangtok is well connected with Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and also with the district headquarters within Sikkim by roads. But there is no airport in Sikkim.

Festivals of Sikkim

The population of Sikkim comprises three main ethnic communities. They are Bhutias, Lepchas and Nepalis Maghey Sakranti, Durga Puja, Laxmi and Chaite Dassai, Ram Navami Dassai Tyohar, Sonam Losoong, Namsoog, Losar (Tibetan New Year) are the major festivals. The other principal festivals include Sakewa (Rai) Sonam Lochar (Gurling) and Barohimzong (Mangar) etc.

Places of Interest

Phodong-It is one of the six major monastries of Sikkim. It is known for its architectural design and is situated 38 km from Gangtok.

Phensang-In this monastry which was built in 1721 under the Nyngmapa Buddhist order, the annual festival

Cham is performed on the 29th day of the tenth month of Lunar calendar (Tibetan calendar).

Singhik- The place offers one of the most specta­cular and closest views of Mt.Kanchenjunga and its ranges.

Yumthang-Situated at an elevation of 11800 ft. is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora and fauna.

Temi Tea Garden-The only tea garden existing in the state. It produces one of the top quality teas in the international market.

Menam-Situated at an altitude of 10,300 ft. the scenic view from this height is perhaps unmatched in this part of the world.

Tourism

Sikkim is well known for its lush green vegetation, its forests, scenic valleys and majestic mountains and a range of rich and magnificent cultural heritage. The state government has recognised the potential of adventure tourism, and now it is setting up a Himalayan Centre for Adventure Tourism at ChemcheyVillage in South Sikkim.

The Premier monastry of Sikkim is Pemayantshe in Pelling. Besides, Tashiding Monastry in West Sikkim is considered the holiest of all monastries in the state. Of the Hindu Temples the best known is Thakurbari in the heart of Gangtok. There is a holy cave in South district having a Shiva Lingam that irradiates the cave where no other light finds its way.

Some Points to Remember About Sikkim

· The world's third highest mountain Khangchendzong is situated in Sikkim.

· Sikkim is one of the 18 biodevoisity hotspots in the world.

· More than 5000 species of angiosperm are found in the state which is one third of the total found in the country.

· Sikkirn is stretched 112 krn from North to South and 64 km from East to west.

· Sikkim lies in the North-Eastern Himalayan between 27 degrees 0046 to 28 degree 0748 North Latitude and 88 degree 0058 to 88 degree 55'25 East longitude