Synopsis of Sikkim

A brief discussion on the Indian state of Sikkim, its history, the structure of government, capital, culture, landscape and wildlife.

History of Sikkim

Sikkim is currently a state of India but it has a long history that goes back to monarchy and as an autonomous region under the British empire. In the 17th century, the Namgyal Dynasty founded the Sikkim Kingdom. And even in the colonial era when the British Raj was established over India, this state remained in its protectorate status.

In 1947, India got its long-awaited Independence and In 1950 India established itself as a Republican country and accepted Sikkim’s autonomous status. But in 1973, at the Chogyalpalace an anti-royalist movement took place and the Indian army took over Gangtok city. After this incident the then prime minister Smt. Indira Gandhi held a referendum that led to the abolishment of the monarchy and officially incorporated the land of Sikkim as the 22nd state of India.

Sikkim’s Government

Sikkim has a parliamentary system with representative democracy just like the other states of India. This state also has a similar structure of governing bodies similar to other states of India that divides the government into three separate sections legislative, executive and juridical. After the abolishment of the monarchy, the Indian National Congress gained power through an election in 1977.

Then Nar Bahadur Bhandari of Sikkim Sangram Parishad party became the chief minister of the state in 1984 and 1985 consecutively. Pawan Kumar Chamling of Sikkim Democratic Front became chief minister in 1994 and this political party held power for a considerable long time. The current chief minister of this state however is Prem Singh Tamang of Sikkim Krantikari Morchawho came to power in the 2019 election and the current governor of the state is Ganga Parishad.

Capital of Sikkim

Gangtok is Sikkim’s Capital, which is the largest town in the state. It has a rich cultural heritage with a touch of modernity. This town is full of heritage architecture like Stupas, Buddhist monasteries and pagoda roofed houses. It is also called the ‘Switzerland of the East. Indigenous tribes that constitute the majority of the population of this state are Bhutias, Lepchas and Tibetans.

Sikkimese culture

The culture of any state, nation or region comprises folk songs, dance, tells indigenous cousins, clothes as well as religious and spiritual practices etc. Similarly, the state of Sikkim also has its own unique multi-ethnic culture that makes it a very unique and interesting state of India.

Folk music and dance –Folk dance and music are an integral part of Sikkimese culture. The main theme of the folk songs and dances is the harvesting period and native people perform them for prosperity, wealth and wellness. And this dance is accompanied by colourful and vibrant costumes, traditional masks and folk musical instruments and chantings. This makes Sikkimese festivals immensely beautiful and interesting to the natives as well as to the foreign visitors.

Art and crafts – Art and handicrafts are another important part of Sikkim culture. There are numerous different types of art and craft one can witness in Sikkimese culture as the major population of this state comes from rural areas and all of them have their own Artefacts and crafts that represent their roots and origin.

Some of the most important and beautiful handcrafts of Sikkimese culture include woollen carpets, traditional bamboo cane and other products, choksi table, canvas painting hangings, thangkas paintings, woven artworks etc. And Melli, Namchi and Gangtok cities are the current hubs of producing these traditional artefacts.

Local festivals –Sikkimese culture also includes local festivals and traditional events. This state has numerous festivals that are celebrated throughout the whole year. It is one of the most culturally enriched states in Southeast Asia. Some of the major festivals of this state include Saga Dawa, Lhabab Duchen festival, Losar festival, PhangLhabsol, Bumchu, losoong, Tihaar and Dashain Festival.

Cuisines- In any culture, food or local cuisines constitute an integral part. Sikkimese culture is also reflected in its indigenous food habits. Cuisines of this state have been influenced by various cultures like Tibetan, Indian, Bhutanese and Nepalese. Here, many people consume rice on a daily basis. Other than this, they boast of traditional delicacies like sinki soup, thukpa, momo, dumpling, bamboo shoots, fermented soybean, tomato pickle, cottage cheese etc. Among non-vegetarian foods beef, pork and fish are popular choices.

Nature and Wildlife

Sikkim is one of the three ecoregions of India. This state is situated in the ecological hotspot of the lower region of the Himalayas. Here more than 40 types of rhododendrons grow across the state and bloom from April to mid-June. Noble orchid is the state flower, rhododendrons are the state tree and the red panda is the state animal. This state displays a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Here you can find numerous tropical, alpine, tundra and species of plants as well as a variety of wild creatures.

Conclusion

The state of Sikkim is a unique and interesting part of India. It is also declared one of the heritage places of the world by UNESCO. Sikkimese culture, food, tradition, and festivals always amaze people from other parts of the world.

Also, the geographical location and the diversity of flora and fauna make this state very special. Therefore, this state is not only a place that is culturally enriched but also a place of diverse natural landscapes and animals.