Sikkim

Geography
Sikkim, the 22nd state of the Indian union, is a small mountain state in eastern Himalayas. The kingdom of Sikkim is located between 28 o 07' 48" and 27 o 04'46" north latitudes, and 88 o 00 58" and 88 o 55'25" east longitudes. It is bounded by Tibet on the north, Nepal on the west, Bhutan on the east and West Bengal lies to its south. It is the least populous state in the union. Sikkim is strategically important for India. It lies astride the shortest route from India to Tibet.

The capital Gangtok, which is situated in the east district, is the principle urban centre; in this district more than one third of population resides now. The capital of the state can be said to constitute the focal point of all socio-political and cultural activities. It is connected by well-developed road links with all four districts. Gangtok, is the principal commercial centre of the state. Being the seat of the government, it has become the most important centre of administrative and political activities. The population of Gangtok is composed of all ethnic groups -the Bhutia-Lepcha, the Nepali and the plainsmen.

Sikkim is a land of rich and varied scenic beauty, magnificent mountains, eternal snows, dark forests, green fertile valleys, raging torrents and calm, placid lakes. Her magnificent variety of flora and fauna are the naturalist's dream; the steep variations in elevation and rainfall give rise to a glorious multitude of species within a comparatively limited area. The scenic grandeur of mighty snow-capped peaks, the highest of which is the 28,162 feet Kanchanjunga on the Nepal-Sikkim border, has been a symbol of romantic awe and wonder for the people. It is the world's third highest peak. Kanchanjunga has five satellite peaks: Jano, Kabru, Pandim, Narsim, Simiolchu.

Two principle mountain ranges are the Singilela and Chola which start in the north and continue, following a more or less southerly direction. Between these ranges are the principle rivers, the Rangit and the Teesta, forming the main channels of drainage. These rivers are fed by the monsoon rains as well as by melting glaciers.

Sikkim's climate varies from the tropical heat in the valleys to Alpine cold in the higher altitudes. The Tropical climate prevails in the deep valleys with elevation up to 5000 ft . The temperate climate zone comprises areas having elevations between 5000 ft and 13000 ft. Above 13000 ft are the Alpine climate Zones reaching upto 16000 ft which marks the beginning of the perpetually snow-bound zone.

Sikkim is a region of heavy rainfall. On an average, Sikkim receives 125 cm rain. But the rainfall varies widely between various regions like sheltered valleys, foot hills and high mountains .
 

History
Sikkim lies in the Eastern Himalayas. Being a region which had its geophysical uniqueness owing to its location and climate conditions, human inhabitation was sparse. It was only in 1641 that it was given a political entity. The population inhabiting this area were of Indo-Mongoloid, Tibetan or Nepalese origin. The population of the region is rural and tribal. The influence of the Buddhism has created a unique culture, different from other parts of the country. The tribals had little contact with the other parts of the country. Agriculture through jhum cultivation besides animal rearing formed their important occupation. The Lepchas and the Bhutias who came from the regions of Tibet settled in Sikkim.

People
The present population of Sikkim is primarily composed of different races or ethnic groups. They are the Lepchas, the Bhutia, the Nepali and the plainsmen. These different ethnic groups have their distinct languages and cultural pattern. This cultural diversity of the ethnic groups who have no common racial backgrounds has become the central point of socio-economic and political problems in Sikkim. Over centuries, the narrow fertile valleys of the inner Himalayas and the rugged hill tracts of the greater Himalayas have been settled by the Tibeto-Burmese, Tibeto-Mongoloid and Indo-Aryan races who have adjusted themselves to the rigorous climate of this state. Thus Sikkim has become a state of multi-racial inhabitants. The oldest inhabitants are the Rongs or Lepchas who migrated via Assam to this mountain state. Next came the Khampas from the Tibetan province of Kham, they are now commonly known as Bhutias. The Limbus who are considered by some as belonging to Lhasa gotra are believed to have migrated from Shigatse, Penam, Norpu, Giangtse etc of the Tsong province of Tibet. These Limbus and other Magar, Rai, Gurung, Murmi etc are allied races and in fact belong to the Kirati sub-cultural stock of the Nepali race who migrated to Sikkim from Nepal in the west.

English is the official language of Sikkim. The Lingua-franca is however Nepalese. It closely resembles Hindi. The Lepcha language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family. The languages of the Bhutias, Limbu, Murmi, Magar, Khamba and Mewar also belongs to it.

High priority has been given to education. Education is free upto the primary school level. While in the higher classes the fee is nominal, for girls education is free up to class XI.

How To Reach?
Air : Nearest Airport is Bagdogra (124 kms). Fare:- Calcutta-Bagdogra Rs.1025.
Rail: The nearest railway stations are Siliguri 114 kms, New Jalpaiguri (NJP) 125 kms.
Road: Good motorable roads connect Gangtok with Siliguri 114 kms, Calcutta 725 kms, Darjeeling 139 kms and Guwahati 589 kms.
Bus Service: Regular bus services connect Gangtok with Bagdogra, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and Calcutta.

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