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Item Open Access Plant wealth of Darjiling and Sikkim Himalayas vis-à-vis conservation(University of North Bengal, 2022-03) Das, AP; Ghosh, ChandraThe 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.Item 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, RajibThe 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.Item 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, SudipSiliguri 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.Item Open Access A Glance on the Movement for Democracy in Sikkim (1947-1975)(University of North Bengal, 2017-03) Lepcha, Anira PhiponThe 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.Item 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, SudipDarjeeling 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.Item 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, RameshRural 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.Item Open Access Women in politics: An analysis of Women Representation in State Legislative Assembly of Sikkim(University of North Bengal, 2015) Bhutia, Karma SonamGender 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.