Sons of Sikkim

Sons of Sikkim
Author: Jigme N. Kazi
Publisher: Notion Press
Total Pages: 419
Release: 2020-10-20
Genre: History
ISBN: 1648059813

This book, Sons of Sikkim: The Rise and Fall of the Namgyal Dynasty of Sikkim, is not a comprehensive history of Sikkim; it is only a brief history of Sikkim’s Namgyal Dynasty, which ruled the former Kingdom of Sikkim for more than 300 years (1642-1975). The main purpose of writing this book is to give the ordinary people – in Sikkim and elsewhere – a glimpse of Sikkim’s history: its origin in the 13th century, advent of the Namgyal Dynasty in mid-17th century, invasion of neighbouring countries in the 18th and 19th centuries, and finally, the emergence of the kingdom as a democracy in the 20th century, leading ultimately to its present status – the 22nd State of India. There are very few books dealing on the above subjects in great detail in one book. Most books on Sikkim’s history and politics are either one-sided or fail to present a holistic view of Sikkim. A book such as this is perhaps written for the first time by a Sikkimese and from the Sikkimese perspective. History is not always written by the victors; at times, as in this case, it is written by its victims. Empires fall, civilizations crumble but the human spirit, which fights against all kinds of oppression and exploitation, cannot be extinguished so easily. More than anything else, the story of the Sons of Sikkim is a story worth telling; a story of a small Himalayan kingdom and its people’s struggle to survive in the face of great odds.

Sikkim

Sikkim
Author: Andrew Duff
Publisher: Birlinn
Total Pages: 386
Release: 2015-05-14
Genre: History
ISBN: 0857902458

This is the true story of Sikkim, a tiny Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas that survived the end of the British Empire only to be annexed by India in 1975.It tells the remarkable tale of Thondup Namgyal, the last King of Sikkim, and his American wife, Hope Cooke, thrust unwittingly into the spotlight as they sought support for Sikkim's independence after their 'fairytale' wedding in 1963. As tensions between India and China spilled over into war in the Himalayas, Sikkim became a pawn in the Cold War in Asia during the 1960s and 1970s. Rumours circulated that Hope was a CIA spy. Meanwhile, a shadowy Scottish adventuress, the Kazini of Chakung, married to Sikkim's leading political figure, coordinated opposition to the Palace. As the world's major powers jostled for regional supremacy during the early 1970s Sikkim and its ruling family never stood a chance. On the eve of declaring an Emergency across India, Indira Gandhi outwitted everyone to bring down the curtain on the 300 year-old Namgyal dynasty. Based on interviews and archive research, as well as a retracing of a journey the author's grandfather made in 1922, this is a thrilling, romantic and informative glimpse of a real-life Shangri-La.

History, Culture and Customs of Sikkim

History, Culture and Customs of Sikkim
Author: J. R. Subba
Publisher: Gyan Publishing House
Total Pages: 574
Release: 2008
Genre: History
ISBN: 9788121209649

SIKKIM, the tiny Himalayan Kingdom came in existence in 1642 A.D. with a much larger area than it was in 1975 A.D. before it s integration in the Kingdom was the whole of Limbuwan, now the eastern most part of Nepal, southern parts of Tibet Autonomous region of China from Nathu La and Jelep La to the Tang La beyond Phari Jong, western Bhutan up to the watershed range between the Ammo Chu Valley and Har Chu Valley, and the northern plains of West Bengal as far south as Titalaiya and Purnea of Bihar. The Kingdom disintegrated in eight phases in different period of time when it s considerable areas were annexed by Bhutan, Nepal, China and British India of those days, and was finally integrated as one of the States of Indian Union in 1975 A.D. thereby loosing it s identity as a Himalayan Kingdom. The book provides insight into the history of its existence as the Himalayan Kingdom and it s disintegration in various phases, ethnicity, culture and customs of the people of Sikkim. About The Author: - Mr. Jash Subba, a post graduate in agricultural science from IARI. New Delhi, is a prolific writer and critic. Born in 1949 at Hee, one of the villages of Sikkim joined Agriculture service and has retired from Government Service in 2007 after 32 years as Principal Director Agriculture. During his long period of service he held a number of posts in the State Government and has contributed a lot for the development of agriculture and horticulture. He has also worked as consultant to FAO, SARD-M project, and is an expert on sustainable mountain farming systems. Besides, he has eighteen books in his credit on diverse subjects ranging from agriculture, horticulture, biodiversity, culture, anthropology, religion and philosophy. He has also contributed a number of articles and participated in seminars in the country and abroad. Contents: - Foreword Acknowledgement Acronyms Chronology History and Culture Land, People and Livelihood Landscape, Agricultural Ecosystems and Sac

Sikkim

Sikkim
Author: Preet Mohan Singh Malik
Publisher: Harper Collins
Total Pages: 261
Release: 2021-05-16
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9354226914

Sikkim is an enigma for most, its history and its 1975 merger with India shrouded in mystery. This book fills the lacunae on both fronts, combining insights into the erstwhile royal kingdom's unique history with the intriguing story of how it became India's twenty-second state. It examines the often-fraught relationship between its original inhabitants, the Lepchas, and the Bhutias (people of Tibetan origin) who established institutions of religion and governance - Lamaist Buddhism and the Namgyal dynasty respectively. Aspects of the Indian relationship with Tibet form part of this narrative, in particular due to the British involvement in the Himalayan region as a consequence of the 'Great Game' and great power rivalry with the Russian empire. For India today, Sikkim remains significant from a strategic point of view, given its proximity to the border with Tibet, now China, and the presence of the vital Siliguri Corridor that connects India's northeast with the rest of the country.

Ethnicity and democracy in the Eastern Himalayan Borderland

Ethnicity and democracy in the Eastern Himalayan Borderland
Author: Mona Chettri
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press
Total Pages: 183
Release: 2017-01-04
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9048527503

Focusing on the Nepali ethnic group living on the borderlands of Sikkim, Darjeeling, and east Nepal, the book 'Ethnicity and Democracy in the Eastern Himalayan Borderland' analyses the growth, success, and proliferation of ethnic politics on the peripheries of modern South Asia. Based on extensive historical and ethnographic research, it critically examines the relationship between culture and politics in a geographical space which is replete with a diverse range of ethnic identities. The book explores the emergence of new modes of political representation, cultural activism, and everyday politics in regional South Asia. Being Nepali offers new perspectives on political dynamics and state formation across the eastern Himalaya which is fuelled by the resurgence of ethnic culture. NB CATALGUSTEKST CHICAGO: This book presents a close look at the growth, success, and proliferation of ethnic politics on the peripheries of modern South Asia, built around a case study of the Nepal ethnic group that lives in the borderlands of Sikkim, Darjeeling, and east Nepal. Grounded in historical and ethnographic research, it critically examines the relationship between culture and politics in a geographical space that is home to a diverse range of ethnic identities, showing how new modes of political representation, cultural activism, and everyday politics have emerged from the region.

Hail Mount Hermon! A TRIBUTE

Hail Mount Hermon! A TRIBUTE
Author: Jigme N. Kazi
Publisher: Prowess Publishing
Total Pages: 1023
Release: 2020-10-06
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1545753199

Published in the year of the school’s 125th anniversary, Hail Mount Hermon! A Tribute is a tribute not only to the school’s founders, principals and teachers but also to all Hermonites (alumni) of all eras and ages who have great love and affection for their alma mater and hopes that Mount Hermon School looks back to its great legacy and lives on to reach greater heights. The book chronicles the school’s tragic beginning soon after its opening in 1895, founding of Queen’s Hill School in the beginning of the 20th century, the establishment of Mount Hermon School at the present campus in Darjeeling in 1929–30, and how the school has grown and progressed thereafter right up to the present era. Throughout its 125 years of existence (1895–2020), Mount Hermon School, founded by Christian missionaries of America in the latter part of the 19th century, had its share of ups and downs. However, the school was able to pull through hard times mainly because of the faith, dedication and determination of its leadership. Major events and renowned personalities of the school are well-documented in this book for posterity to note the spirit in which the school was initially founded and why it survived for so long despite trying circumstances to become one of the leading educational institutions in India. The efforts of the Hermonites and their concern for their alma mater to regain its past glory is recorded in the latter part of this book. Their love and concern for their alma mater is a profound reflection of the spirit that not only gave birth to this great institution but kept it going in the past 125 years through troubled times.

Journal

Journal
Author: Buddhist Text & Research Society
Publisher:
Total Pages: 744
Release: 1895
Genre:
ISBN:

The Territories and States of India

The Territories and States of India
Author: Tara Boland-Crewe
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 320
Release: 2003-09-02
Genre: History
ISBN: 1135356254

A reference survey providing a comprehensive understanding of the regional dimension of the country.

Legends of the Lepchas

Legends of the Lepchas
Author: Yishey Doma
Publisher: Penguin Random House India Private Limited
Total Pages: 168
Release: 2023-05-22
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 9357080694

'In the beginning there was nothing but vast emptiness on earth and in the sky. Itbu-moo, the Mother Creator, shaped the mountains, rivers and lakes. But something was missing. Why did her creation feel empty? So, taking a fresh ball of snow, she created the first man . . . and then the first woman. These became the chief deities of the Lepchas.' Thus begins one of the stories in this delightful book, a compilation of folk tales of the Lepchas, passed down through the ages. Custodians of a language and script of the same name, the Lepchas inhabit regions that currently fall under the state of Sikkim, in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, Ilam district of eastern Nepal and the south-western parts of Bhutan. Ancient lore suggests that they have inhabited in the region from time immemorial. The tales included in this collection-describing gods, goddesses, people, animals and nature in a cohesive world where one cannot do without the other-skilfully bring to life the beliefs and rich culture of this unique community. Accompanying each short story are stunning illustrations, etching the lyrical sweep and mood of the tale.