Sikkim GK: Sikkim GK questions with answers
Know about Your State Sikkim
Sikkim is a small state surrounded by high mountains. The state forms a tiny territory in the north-eastern part of India. Sikkim is bounded to the north by China (Tibet), the kingdom of Bhutan to the east, Darjeeling district in West Bengal to the south, and Nepal to the west.
Sikkim was known originally as ‘Nye-mae-el’ or ‘heaven’. People from the neighbouring Tibet called it ‘Ren-Jong’ or ‘Den Zong’ or the ‘Valley of Rice’. In this remote land, the Lepchas of Denzong and the Limbus of Eastern Nepal intermixed freely with each other. Marriages between the two communities were common. When a Limbu girl married a Lepcha and arrived at her husband’s house, she would call it ‘Su-Him’, i.e., her new house. This word then became ‘Sukhim‘ and later ‘Sikkim’.
History of Sikkim
According to some anthropologists, Sikkim in pre- historical times was inhabited by three tribes — Naong, Chang and Mon. Later, the Lepchas entered the region and are believed to have completely absorbed these tribes into their fold. The origin of the Lepchas is shrouded in mystery. Some scholars believe that their origin can be traced to the Naga clan, who lived in the southern flank of the Brahmaputra valley.
An important event in the history of Sikkim was the rule of Phuntsog Namgyal, the descendants of Khya-Bumsa. Phuntsog Namgyal, born in Gangtok in 1604 C.E., was consecrated in 1642 C.E. and conferred with the title of Chogyal (religious head).
The 332-year period of Namgyal rule is significant because it saw many social and economic reforms.Phuntsog Namgyal took steps to bring order in the kingdom and declared Mahayana Buddhism as the state religion while making efforts to keep the Lepchas, Bhutias and Limbus together. The capital of Sikkim was then located in Yoksam.
