People of Sikkim

Sikkim is a multi-ethnic state. Broadly, the population can be divided into Tribal and Non- Tribal groups. The people from the plain mostly involved in Trade and services represent a marginal group. As per the 2001 census of India, the total population of the state is 5, 40,493, whereas in 1991 it was 4, 06,457 only. Decadal population growth has gone up for 1991-01 to 32.98% .as in 1981-91 it was only 28.47%.

The overall density of population in the state is 76 per sq. km. East district is the most populated as North’s density with only 7, is least populated. Sex ratio (Females per thousand Male) is 875. The State (at National Level) has the literacy rate 69.68% (16th), Fertility rate 2.75 (12th), Infant Mortality rate 52 (13th), Index of Social and economic infrastructure 108.99 (9th), Plan expenditure in social sector 45.38% (4th), Access to safe drinking water in % of households 73.19 (6th), Per capita consumption of electricity 182 Kw H (25th), and Per capita income is Rs.11,356 ( 14th).There are 166 Panchayats and 453 Revenue Blocks , which comprise of 32 Assembly Constituencies.

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 Lepcha language - the most 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 cannot be reached easily”. They lived in 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 to distinguish 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 are converted to Christianity.