Browsing by Subject "Sikkim"

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Open Access
Colonial Advent and Changing Political Scenario in the Darjeeling Terai: Mid 18th Century to Mid 19th Century
(University of North Bengal, 2015-03) Khasnobish, Sudip
Darjeeling Terai or modern Siliguri sub-division never came into prominence during ancient, medieval and even in early part of modern period It is due to this reason when it came under the sovereignty or control of the various powers i.e. Cooch Behar, Sikkim and Nepal, it did not get al1)' importance rather it was neglected When the British captured the region in 1850 it shot into prominence and contact with other parts of India began. Thus, the authentic history of the northern bank of the river Mahananda of Darjeeling Terai commences in the limelight of modern Indian history from early part of the 18th century. But its strategic political importance began from middle of the 18th centuries, when the Gurkhas of Nepal eager to captured Drajeeling Terai, the same period when the Sanyasis and Fakirs were dominated in that region .In that particular political turmoil the East India Company was involved in Terai which turned its mighty historical transformation.
Open Access
Diversity Study of Rhizobium of North Bengal and Sikim through Bio-Chemical and Molecular Characterization and Exploration of their role as Biofertilizer
(University of North Bengal, 2016) Rai, Ritu,; Sen, Arnab,
Open Access
Environmental governance and women in Sikkim : a study of actors and network since 1994
(University of North Bengal, 2023) Bhutia, Tseten Uden; De, Soumitra
Over a decade and a half. the environmental movement in Sikkim has witnessed several changes, particularly since 1994. when Sikkim Democratic Front came to power. The objective of environmental protection remains, but the activism has committed itself to addressing many more issues. Analyzing the success or failure of the traditional method of governance, which could have been replaced by a new form of governance known as New Environmental Governance ( NEG). The new form of governance has introduced an idea of activism that has risen beyond the distinctions of class, gender, and region. The idea or participation. collaboration, and collectiveness based on selfless service and representation has emerged. Sikkim has been on a march towards sustainable development or 'Green· development, respecting the values and importance of natural resources and the lives dependent on them. For the same, various green policies have been formulated and implemented through State and Centre-led initiatives Such initiatives in a sense ha,e been accused of not being inclusive oft he aspirations and sentiments of the local population. Such an opinion is not just confined to a place like Sikkim. but activism against development projects which is seen to endanger the social. economic, and environmental spheres of the lives or the people has developed in different parts of India and the world. The rise of the people and communities affected ts not new to India. With Sikkim treading on the path of development later compared to other states of India, was said to have 'delayed development'. But the sooner the development started so did the activism against it. Over five chapters. the work revolves around the study of the nature of activism in Sikkim, which saw the rise of community. as well as groups within the community i.e., the rise of women in environmentaI governance. Different actors and their dependence on each other and their functioning through a network are studied. These actors have through their effort emphasized the intrinsic value of nature/environment. and its significance for the people of Sikkim especially the indigenous community i.e., Lepchas of Dzongu. Materializing on the idea of collective action toward a common goal, the movememt to this day continues. Along with the activism to stop the imposition or development projects; the actors through their organizations have instated various initiatives at the local level for the welfare of the community. They strive to relieve dependence on development efforts from external forces and establish self-determination and self-reliance through dependence on their own resources through indigenous efforts as well. They have initiated policies to prove to the authorities of traditional administration that the intellectual resources of the state and indigenous resources are adequate to bring about development in a region like Dzongu, which can later be taken as an example for the entire state. Such methods would have no negative repercussions on the environment and the people. They are keen on providing alternatives to development to the authorities. This work would provide a theoretical and field-based perspective on the concept of environmental governance in Sikkim. [t also presents an evaluation of the move from the administration of the enviromnent by the government: to environmental governance. and finally to NEG- New Environmental Governance. The work would gradually elaborate on the concepts and principles of environmental governance in general; the characteristics and principles of NEG: and move towards identifying the actors in governance and NEG and its interdependence which leads to network governance. A specific emphasis would be laid on the actors and networks in environmental governance in Sikkim. The success and failures of the above-mentioned methods of governance have been analyzed through the work. Governance includes the idea of independence and interdependence of actors working towards a particular goal. There needs to be a collaboration between the community organizations and the state agencies and also a com1ecrion between women as individuals and women as a part of the community. Local knowledge would have a grave impact on the preservation and conservation of the environment. Administration by the government should acknowledge and be inclusive of the contribution of the community and groups within the community for achieving effective and efficient governance. Actors participate for reasons which may vary- material or emotional reasons may cause one to participate, it would be befitting to consider that state-mediated environmental governance contains ' Arrogance, as prescribed by Ramachandra Guha, and thus makes it imperative to consider tJ1e presence and contribution of other actors in environmental governance. lt could complement the state-led initiatives and give a local and closer perspective to the governance of the environment. The nature of actors especially NGOs- Non- Governmental Organizations also differ. There are various NGOs that work under the aegis of the state government and a few NGOs which have no affiliation to the government. They function independently and apolitically with the support received from the local community, and national and international organizations with similar purposes. This work is based on the state's policy initiatives and the interaction with the organization, Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT).
Open Access
Ethnobotanical studies in India with notes on Terai-Duars and Hills of Darjiling and Sikkim
(University of North Bengal, 2007-03) Das, A. P.; Ghosh, Chandra; Sarkar, Ajita; Biswas, Rajib
The very survivability of man is greatly associated with plants since his origin. Plants are responsible for the supply of Man's oxygen, food, medicine, fibre, shelter and what not! Also the relationship between man and environment in general has never been static and is changing continuously. But this is not the case with tribal/ aboriginal communities the world over. The life, culture and traditions of these communities have remained almost undisturbed and static for hundreds of years. They are the living archaeological museums of ancient traditions and cultural heritage of a nation.
Open Access
Floriculture and floriculturists in Sikkim : a sociological study
(University of North Bengal, 2023) Bhandari, Yashmin; Bhui, Ujjwal
Post globalization, floriculture has become an important commercial activity m Horticulture sector. Presently, India along with China has majority of its area under flower cultivation. Though the contribution of India in global scenario is much Jess, nonetheless, floriculture in India and in different states of India has emerged as an alternate source of income. In India, floriculture is viewed as one of the upcoming industries and is accorded with hundred percent export-oriented status. Floriculture in other states of India like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal etc., is commercially done and has been able to secure leading positions in India. Likewise, Sikkim located in the western most part of Eastern Himalayas, with its geographical and environmental conditions coupled with a skilled workforce give Sikkim a definite edge in the business of floriculture. Sikkim also with its advantage in terms of climate has paved its way for floriculture. The young minds have been showing keen interest in floriculture as they look at it as an alternate source of income, a scheme for selfemployment. The flowers grown earlier were mostly amateur type, in terms of the purpose for which it was grown; i.e., for beautification, or an aesthetic feel. However, things slowly and gradually changed over a period of time. People of Sikkim have always lived close with nature / have always shared a close connection with nature. The art of growing and producing from the available resources of nature has been a part and parcel of people residing in Sikkim. In the State, large number of farmers who were mostly dependent on agriculture at a point of time was involved in growing crops and vegetable as a means to sustain their lives. Over a period of time when the art of commercialization came to the fore, the crops and vegetable started to be sold in order to earn money. Likewise, Sikkim witnessed a gradual shift from agriculture to that of floriculture. The commercialization of flowers were done because it was realized by the flower farmers that farming of flowers and selling it in the market will give a high economic return, also the feel of independence to many youth and women who wanted to earn for themselves now had a chance to liberate from the guilt of not having a job. Floriculture means cultivating flowers and ornamental plant materials. It also means that these cultivated flowers and ornamental plants materials can be used for scientific purpose or for commercialization. It also includes production of their by - products such as oil, scents, medicines etc. Floriculturists are the people who farm flowers. Therefore, the present study has focused on the flower farmers/floriculturists in Sikkim. Commercializing of flowers in Sikkim has changed lives of many people affecting the parameters like socio-economy, age, gender etc. Though flower share in the national/ international market may be disheartening but the demand for flowers is continuously increasing. Therefore, this increase in demand hint on the fact that flower decoration has become a ritual for the people of Sikkim. The involvement in floriculture has also acted as a therapy to some of the floriculturists who informed the researcher during the field survey. In order to fulfil this Government of Sikkim has also taken up several steps. The support from the government's side has also helped the flower farmers to try this new avenue. It has indirectly encouraged them to accept floriculture in the state. The flower farmers are mostly middle and small scale flower growers. There are however people doing floriculture in large scale as well. The present study tries to overview and highlight the progress of floriculture industry in Sikkim so far and its impact on socio-economic conditions of the growers. In this study, both primary and secondary data from different sources has been used in order to know the present status of floriculture industries in Sikkim. In total 300 respondents were interviewed by the researcher. Apart from interview, discussion with the respondent was also included. Researcher has also included Case Studies as a part of data collection. At present Sikkim is producing cut flowers that include roses, anthurium, gladiolus etc., on a commercial scale. Sikkim is the only state in India that produces high - value cymbidium orchids. Analysis of data reveals that status in relation to income of floriculturist farmers has been changed and it shows a better picture regarding upliftment of people and a chance to earn their livelihood also providing a platform for budding entrepreneurs. The study area of the present studies include, the area in which flower cluster exist. Different places from the district of east, west, south has been taken for the study. The north district has been kept aside for the present study because there are no flower clusters in north district. Flower farmers from other district are much ahead from that of north district. I 00 samples who are flower farmers from each district ( east, west, south) were interviewed. Apart from them, government officials who are directly or indirectly in relation with floriculture was also interviewed. They were part of discussions related the present study as well. Many important information regarding governmental schemes and initiatives were given by the officials from the department of Horticulture and Cash Crops. This also helped the researcher to cross check the facts and information on the initiatives taken by the government towards floriculture. The strategies that have been adopted by the department for improving commercialisation of flowers were also discussed. Furthermore, the collection of data has been fulfilled; the analysis of the collected data has been done. Once the data from primary and secondary source was collected the analysis was made looking at both the primary and secondary data and has been highlighted and explained in qualitative and quantitative methods. This has been done through the help of tables, figures, narratives and case studies. The thesis is divided into six chapters with introduction and conclusion. The chapters have been done in a way that it fulfils the research objectives of the present study. The findings are an attempt to bridge the existing gap in floriculture and to expand the knowledge with regards to floriculture through a sociological perspective.
Open Access
A Glance on the Movement for Democracy in Sikkim (1947-1975)
(University of North Bengal, 2017-03) Lepcha, Anira Phipon
The Indian struggle for independence from the British Raj had an indelible mark on the democratic movement in Sikkim. The institution of kazi and thekadar survived under the patronage of the Chogyals since 1642 became more and more corrupt. They exploited/subjugated masses through various means. Although people were fuming because of the exploitation of the kazis and the thikadars, they didn't voice it loud until stimulated by the Indian Independence in 1947. A document named 'A few facts about Sikkim State, ' which was published in 1947 can be regarded as an spark for the movement that followed later, which led to the merger of Sikkim with India, which many claim, was against the will of the majority of people who for all intents and purposes desired for democracy. This paper is an attempt to look into the episodes of the movement of democracy in Sikkim post 1947. Attempt has also been made to highlight the role of the Lepcha leaders, Ruth Lepcha in particular.
Open Access
People, PRIs and Rural Development: A study in the context of the hills of Darjeeling in West Bengal and Sikkim
(University of North Bengal, 2017) Dural, Ramesh
Rural Development in India has been a major concern and has drawn attention since independence. It is a multi-dimensional concept encompassing every aspect of rural life, which primarily involves alleviation of poverty and unemployment through the creation of basic social and economic infrastructure, thereby, bringing a quality rural life. The necessity for rural development arises with the intent to develop the rural area as a whole in terms of culture, society, economy, technology, health, etc. and developing the living standard of rural mass. It involves the development of human resources, infrastructural development; provide minimum basic amenities; develop rural institutions like that of Panchayats, Cooperatives, Post, Banking; develop rural industries, develop agriculture, animal husbandry; promote employment opportunities, eradicate poverty; promote peoples’ participation, empowerment. Since development in general and rural development in particular, involves peoples’ programme; peoples’ participation, through the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) is imperative to rural development. The present paper, therefore, is an attempt to interrogate peoples’ involvement and participation in rural development, in the context of the hills of Darjeeling in West Bengal, and Sikkim, which exhibit similar geographical and other characteristic features.
Open Access
Plant wealth of Darjiling and Sikkim Himalayas vis-à-vis conservation
(University of North Bengal, 2022-03) Das, AP; Ghosh, Chandra
The richness of the flora of Darjiling Hills along with Sikkim and Nepal parts of the Eastern Himalaya is well known and that has attracted plant lovers, explorers and hunters almost equally for the last three centuries or so. The processes of evolution worked in this part of the Himalayas almost in an undisturbed condition for millions of years assisted by much varied but extremely favourable climatic conditions and has produced innumerable new species, a good proportion of which are still endemic to the region. The vegetation structure and the flora in different parts of this region have developed as per the local climatic make-up. So, when almost tropical vegetation is found on outer low altitude areas, it is sub-alpine to alpine to arctic in high altitude areas especially above 3000 m. Terai and Duars are located at the feet of the hills are maintaining a contiguous rich vegetation. The vegetation scenario in this region is changing very fast during last three or four decades mostly due to anthropogenic activities. Extension of civilisation along with the population explosion lead to the increase in forest extraction, rate of modification of floristic composition, pollution content, soil erosion, plant introduction, clearing of natural vegetation etc. There is evidence that the force of evolution is still active here but the lack of proper corridor (along with other factors mentioned above) for plant migration will certainly cause the weakening of numerous local species and the rate of extinction of species will increase in a logarithmic scale. Like any other part of this planet here also it appears to be one nearly impossible task to save the local biodiversity. Just the declaration of some Protected Areas is not enough. Activities through ecotourism are also affecting the conservation practices. Unless we succeed to conserve the natural vegetation on this planet the entire biosphere will be dead within next 100 years.
Open Access
Politics and development of ethno-consciousness and identity : A study of the Lepchas of Darjeeling and Sikkim
(University of North Bengal, 2023) Lepcha, Pemu Tshering; Chakrabarti, Dyutis
Lepchas consider themselves to be the original inhabitants of Sikkim and Darjeeling Hills. They are known as Mutanchi Rongkup or Rongs which means ‘sons of snowy peaks’ They claim their origin from their homeland Mayel lyang i.e. ‘land of hidden paradise’. They reside mostly in the state of Sikkim and in the Hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Due to the rearrangement and shuffling of the older Himalayan kingdoms, shifting and overlapping of political boundaries, they are also found in the east part of Nepal, Illam and the western part of Bhutan. Thus, today Lepchas are scattered into three territorial nation states. This work is a study on the development of ethno- consciousness and the movement for cultural identity among the Lepchas in Darjeeling and Sikkim. It seeks to establish the point that ethnicity and ethnic consciousness are connected with the notion of identity. Today, all modern societies are undergoing a distinct type of structural change due to the emergence of ethnicity. By challenging the forces of modernisation, homogenisation, globalisation, nationalism and cosmopolitan values all ethnic groups are trying to create a distinct cultural space of their own. Even modern nation states based on the principles of equality, democracy, pluralism and republicanism has sought to homogenise all ethnic pluralities. State and its administrative apparatus also shape ethnicity and group identity, as state tends to be controlled or its policies are framed in favour of the interests of the dominant group. When a particular group take control over the institutions of government policy making, it seeks to further its own interest. This leads to disproportionate distribution of state resources and causes resentment among those who have been denied benefits. Thus, the state fails to act as an instrument pursuing distributive justice. This denial of state resources and differential treatment resulting in the marginalization of the community strengthens community consciousness. It is with this background that the study of ethno- consciousness and identity of the Lepchas of Sikkim and Darjeeling becomes pertinent. Tribal identities have their roots in colonial policies that classified communities and ethnic groups, privileged some and discriminated against others. But the very identity that was previously enforced by the colonisers have increasingly internalised by the people themselves and has become a rallying point for identity assertion. Lepchas became colonised with the coming of Tibetans during the early 17th century, under the Gorkhas in the 18th century and the British during 19th century. The real problem of the Lepchas began with the arrival of British colonialism. Their religion, culture and tradition got eclipsed owing to their conversion into Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism, with a very insignificant of them practicing animism. This has led many scholars to make the point that Lepchas are a dying race and a vanishing tribe. The work attempts to understand the political and social processes of the rise or revival of ethno- consciousness and identity among the Lepchas in Sikkim and the District of Darjeeling. The Rongs or the Lepchas as they are better known have been increasingly declaring themselves as the original inhabitants and indigenous community of Sikkim and Darjeeling Hills. The claim along with other similar claims has turned the whole geographical space and its history into a contested terrain. The study makes a historical construction of Lepcha identity through colonial narratives. It also tries to look into the historical making of a geographical space and also tries to see the relation between history and identity by making an account on the experiences of the Lepchas with different phases of colonialism. With the coming of British the condition of the Lepchas became worse. The modern governing practices initiated by the British through the establishment of a universal standardised legal system, enumeration and fixing of innumerable communities converted tribes and communities into a measurable category through census reports. In the case of Lepchas, colonial policies of encouraging immigration of Nepalese and other outsiders forced Lepchas to move to the remote and peripheral areas leading to their marginalization and vulnerable position. The post- independent state’s policy towards the Lepchas is also a continuation of the colonial state’s policies and administrative practices. State formation after independence from the British rule is characterised by some form of assimilationism and benevolent paternalism. Constitutional and legal provisions enacted for the protection and welfare of the marginalised communities led to their categorization as Scheduled Tribes by the Scheduled Tribes Order of 1950 in accordance to Article 342 of the Constitution. Provisions like reservations of seats in legislature, employment and education, right to use one’s own language for educational and other purposes including the right to conserve one’s language and culture were enumerated as part of the state’s integrationist and developmental agenda. But what is stated in the constitutional and legal provisions on the one hand and what actually has followed on the other hand has become quite different. The rupture between the constitutional provisions and the existing ground reality is on account of the divergence in the constitutional, institutional and administrative structure of the state. State and its institutions also trigger ethnic consciousness. State may be controlled by a particular ethnic group whose interest the state chooses to favour, state policies are also shaped by the advice of the leaders of such groups. Thus, the state far from remaining neutral and egalitarian ends up promoting majority ethnicism and consistently makes distinctions by classifying people and groups and sharing resources disproportionately; benefiting some groups and causing harm and denial to some others. This denial of resources and privileges heightens community and group consciousness. In the development of ethnic consciousness, a closer look into the administrative structure and position of the Lepchas within that structure should also be taken into account. Darjeeling being a district within the state of West Bengal and Sikkim being a federal state. In Sikkim, Lepchas were accorded a special BL status with the right to political representations. Being closer to the state structure and the decision-making process, Lepchas in Sikkim have been able to accrue many benefits in their favour. Various Lepcha Associations have been successfully fighting against all kinds of injustices perpetrated against the Lepcha community and have been actively involved in protecting their socio- economic and cultural rights. Beginning with the grant of official status to Lepcha language in 1977, to its introduction into the school curriculum till the post- graduate level, they have achieved significant benefits. In Darjeeling, their situation is somewhat different. Being already marginalised due the operations of colonial capitalism under British rule, the state even after independence have somehow remained indifferent to the issues pertaining the Lepcha community. They have not yet claimed the agency of reading and writing in their mother tongue even at the primary level of education. Nepali language, which is the dominant regional language have always gained the upper hand in the region. Promotion of Nepali by sidelining Lepcha language became evident when Government of West Bengal recognised Nepali as an additional official language of the district of Darjeeling in 1961. Further in 1975 Nepali language was accepted as a modern Indian language by the Sahitya Akademi and ultimately included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The differential treatment meted to the Lepchas of Darjeeling have further disillusioned them, which is evident from the kinds of identity assertion movements that the region has witnessed in the recent years. Development initiatives of the state with the construction of hydel power projects on rivers that are considered to be holy for the Lepchas; and upon their holy land ‘Dzongu’, their Mayel Lyang have led Lepchas from both the regions to collectively wage sustained crusades against such projects on the grounds of protecting their culture, tradition and identity. Following Barth and Smith, the work argues that through the actions of ethnic groups and their interests, boundaries are erected, dividing some people and unifying others. Thus, the emerging consciousness of an ethnic group gets accelerated when ethnic boundaries are created and maintained, when an ethnic group starts constructing their culture by reviving their forgotten pasts, myths, symbols, language, religion, memory and their ethnic history. Through a series of literary and scholastic activities, celebrations of the birth anniversaries of their heroes, celebration of traditional Lepcha festivals, customs and traditions, production of ethno- documentary films projecting the Lepcha belief in natural deities, traditions of munism and bongtheism, attempts are being made by Lepchas in reviving and restoring their historical cultural practices and thus actively involved in the politics of cultural production and cultural revivalism. Past thus becomes a resource for all ethnic groups giving them a collective identity which paves the way for ethnic political mobilization of the community. It becomes ‘political’ since ethnic boundaries are shaped not only by the members themselves but by external forces like the state and its institutions. Members from the community have been vocal in waging movements and conducting associational politics for the protection and promotion of cultural identity of the Lepchas. Thus, members of an ethnic group not only identify themselves as belonging to a particular group but are also identified by others. Ethnic identity as a constructed category also implies conscious mobilization of the people in defence of their community’s interest. The work is divided into six chapters. In the first chapter, along with the statement of the problem, an introduction to the area of study is given. With a brief theoretical insight, this chapter makes a review of all existing literature. It also gives a theoretical framework to understand the emergence of ethno- consciousness among the Lepchas of Sikkim and the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong. In the second chapter titled ‘Lepchas: Their Social and Cultural Profile’ attempt is made to give an account of the origin of the Lepcha tribe, their social and cultural profile; and an insider’s account about the history of the Lepchas. Language and literature, which is considered as a repository of a community’s history and culture is the next theme of this chapter. It also focusses on the literary activism and the movement for linguistic assertion among the Lepchas in response to the dominant and homogenising impulse of Nepali linguistic nationalism with the standardisation of Nepali language and literature. The third chapter is titled ‘Lepchas in Sikkim: Experience Under Namgyal Rule till The British and After’. Any work on the Lepcha tribe becomes incomplete without taking reference of the history of Sikkim, since the establishment of Namgyal kingdom in the early seventeenth century because with this began the first phase of colonisation of the Lepchas. Coming of Bhutias laid the foundation of a kingdom with a state system based on feudal order. State formation took place in entirely Tibetan- Buddhist ethos. The Sikkimese political system based on Lamaist theocracy, had many features of Tibetan feudalism; the ruler was not only the head of the state but also an incarnate lama with the responsibility to rule the subjects in accordance with the tenets of the ‘Chhos’ or the Dharma. This helped to accomplish the task of converting Lepchas into the Buddhist faith conveniently. Establishment of the Bhutia kingdom and the spread of Buddhism colonized not only the Lepchas but the entire geographical and political landscape. The chapter also gives an account of the Lepchas in the period immediately after independence in 1947. Freedom from British rule did not give them access to democratic participation and decision making. They were sandwiched between the more assertive Nepalis and the dominant Bhutia community. Since one’s ability to influence the political process also became dependent upon numbers games. The fourth chapter is titled ‘Colonial Encounter and Experiences of the Lepchas of Darjeeling since 1835’ gives an account of the Lepchas of Darjeeling from 1835. Prior to this date, Darjeeling was an intrinsic part of the kingdom of Sikkim. Thus, the colonial history of Darjeeling begins with the Deed of 1835. With the arrival of British in Darjeeling, Lepchas were subjected to the worst forms of colonialism. Taking advantage of the backwardness of the Lepchas, European missionaries converted a large number of them into the Christian faith. The chapter also discusses how Lepchas were affected due to the emergence of Nepali linguistic nationalism. Lepchas were forced to study and communicate in a new language. Their language was considered to be backward for not being able to cope with the advancements made by Nepali literature in the 1920s and 1930s. In response to such developments, attempts were made by the Lepchas in the 1920s to work for the introduction of Lepcha language at the primary stage of education since 1925s with the formation of the first Lepcha Association. The fifth chapter titled ‘Ethnic Political Mobilization of the Lepchas: Towards a Movement for Cultural Identity’ seeks to explain how ethno- consciousness and consciousness about one’s ethnic identity is followed by a set of activities aimed at political mobilisation of the community. The chapter gives an account of the organisational activities conducted by different Lepcha ethnic associations in both Sikkim and Darjeeling including Kalimpong. The chapter discusses the different ways by which Lepchas have been able to carve their differences by the creation of boundaries and boundary maintenance process. The role of external factors i.e., the political process and the political institutions that shape and determine ethnic identity is also highlighted by locating the Lepchas within the particular political structure. The last and the concluding chapter makes an attempt to provide answers to the research questions posed at the beginning of the research work. In providing answers to the questions, a comparison is made between the state administrative structures in both Darjeeling and Sikkim, by locating the experiences of the Lepchas within this administrative structure. In doing so the chapter tries to study whether state patronage or the absence of it have a bearing on the socio- economic and political. Darjeeling
Open Access
Socio-economic and political status of the bhutias in Sikkim since 1975: change and continuity
(University of North Bengal, 2022-05) Bhutia, Karma Samten; Datta, Karubaki
Open Access
Species richness and productivity pattern along altitudinal gradients in East District of Sikkim, India
(University of North Bengal, 2016) Sharma., Narpati; Das, A.P.,
Open Access
“STATE, NGO’s and Ecotourism: A Study of Select Ecotourism Projects of Sikkim
(University of North Bengal, 2022) Tamang lama, Nisha; Chakraborty, Ranjita
The present study seeks to address the understanding of community-based ecotourism projects in Sikkim associated with how community-based ecotourism has been able to promote sustainable tourism and at the same time understand what has been the nature of interlinkages between the state, NGOs, and the local community in the promotion of sustainable ecotourism in the region under focus. The study also seeks to look into the degree of freedom given to the communities in planning and managing ecotourism in the context of hegemonic state-market relations in the area under focus. The present study focused on the Ecotourism Policy and the nature of the linkage between the government of Sikkim, the local NGOs, and the local community of the Ecotourism destination. We would probe the successes as well as the weaknesses of the projects and in the process address the question of how to promote and sustain community-based ecotourism. A major success has been the emergence of a community-based Non-Government Organization. NGOs have a potentially valuable role in supporting and building the capacity of local communities to participate in ecotourism programs, especially in defining the zoning and designing interpretation materials and facilities. Many NGOs have been participating in the tourism industry based on their different aims, but their major involvement has occurred within the area where tourism is linked with the local Community and environment; "community-based ecotourism''. Field trips were undertaken to study the ET projects in Sikkim. No study has focused on the conditions of the operation as well as the outcome of these projects. The present study seeks to examine Sikkim's Ecotourism Policy establishing the state as an ultimate and unique ecotourism destination offering memorable and high-quality learning experiences to visitors while contributing towards poverty alleviation and promotion of nature conservation. In Sikkim, though ecotourism projects are in operation, studies have focused on community participation and promoting conservation and sustainable development
Open Access
Structure and socio-economic conditions of migrant population in East and South districts of Sikkim since 1975: a geographical study
(University of North Bengal, 2021) Choudhury, Subhashis; Sahu, Rangadhar
Open Access
Study of the legal framework for the protection of medico-spiritual practices in Sikkim as indigenous knowledge under intellectual property law
(University of North Bengal, 2018) Denzongpa, Karma Dorjee; Biswas, Dr. Sujit Kumar
Open Access
Study on nutritional status using anthropometry among the limboo population of Sikkim
(University of North Bengal, 2018) Dorjee, Binu; Sen, Jaydip
Open Access
Urbanization of the Siliguri town: Understanding the transformation from Union Board to Municipal Corporation (1915-1994)
(University of North Bengal, 2018-03) Khasnobish, Sudip
Siliguri situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and about eight hundred and forty two feet above the sea level is now a part of the district of Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal .During the colonial period there were three police stations under Siliguri subdivision i.e Siliguri, Phansidewa and Khoribari. Siliguri is termed as the uncrowned capital of Northern part of Bengal popularly known as North Bengal. Some notable scholars and academicians have contributed in the studies of urbanization of Darjeeling hill town and very few academic works have been done. The focus was largely on the growing commercial activities of Siliguri after post- partition era. Certain areas of study have not been touched. The proposed article intends to understand the various issues or factors which transformed Siliguri from a sleepy hamlet to a Municipal Corporation within a very short period during 20th century and to find out the importance of its strategic geographical location in the context of ongoing Indo-Chinese conflict after Doklam.
Open Access
Women in politics: An analysis of Women Representation in State Legislative Assembly of Sikkim
(University of North Bengal, 2015) Bhutia, Karma Sonam
Gender equality in politics is still a distant reality across the globe, with only one-third of the countries exceeding the global target of 30 per cent women’s representation in legislative bodies. The under-representation of women in national parliaments, therefore, poses a problem in terms of both the practice and the theory of politics. In practical terms, the under-representation of women in political leadership is even more remarkable when one realises that women have succeeded in gaining access to other sectors of society in many countries. Moreover, equality between men and women is now a leading political principle across the globe. Taking part in decision-making however, in politics as well as in the private sector, typically remains a male privilege. As far as women is concerned, very few of them hold leadership roles in decision-making processes. This unfortunate reality holds true especially at the national and state levels and Sikkim is no exception to this. It is in this backdrop, this paper seeks to study the representation of women in politics in Sikkim and to shed light on the reason of low representation. Besides, the author also seeks to provide strategic and practical recommendations for advancing women’s representation at all levels in the decision-making process.