Kabi Lungchok
Kabi Lungchok | |
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Historical site | |
UTC+5:30 (IST) | |
| Vehicle registration | SK |
| Stone pillars mark the location where Lepchas and Bhutias signed Blood Brothers Treaty | |
Kabi Lungchok (also spelled Kabi Longstok) is a historic site of significance, which is located 17 kilometres (11 mi) north of
History
The history of Kabi Lungchok and that of Lepchas are closely linked, considered the original ethnic community who came to Sikkim from Tibet to escape from the rivalry between the "Yellow Hats" and the "Red Hats" sects of Vajrayana Buddhism of Tibet. Many people of the Red Hat sect of Tibetans migrated to Sikkim.[2][5]
Lepchas themselves were reported to be originally
Another important fact to be noted is that Sikkim was much larger during this period until the raids from Nepal and Bhutan followed. Sikkim consisted the whole of
Tsongs or Limbus inhabited largely the eastern regions which was wholly usurped by the Gorkha invasion. Also, Tsongs are said to have migrated from Tibet considering their name and language affinity with Tibetans.
It is also inferred that the cultural traits of dress and family values of the Lepchas is akin to the Khasis of Meghalaya and their language has close affinity to that of Tangkul Nagas of Northern Manipur. The exact period when this migration happened is, however, not established. The Lepchas, known for their peaceful, religious and reserved nature led a tranquil tribal life in the mountains of Sikkim practicing shifting cultivation (growing maize and rice) as their vocation, and worshipped "nature or spirits of nature."[2][5]
Some time in the 15th century, they organized themselves under the leadership of Tur ve pa no who was elected their king. Subsequent to his death in a skirmish, three kings, namely Tur Song Pa No, Tur Aeng Pa No and Tur Alu Pa No, took up the reigns of the kingdom, and their reign also ended with the death of Tur Alu Pa No. The Lepchas then adopted the democratic process of electing their leader and followed the leaders advice on all matters.[2][5]
It was during this period of the democratic rule by Lepchas that the Tibetans started to migrate to Sikkim. The reason for this migration is attributed mainly to the clash between the followers of the "Yellow Hats" and the "Red Hats" sects of Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet. This conflict resulted in the Tibetans belonging to the Red Hat sect migrating from Tibet in large numbers seeking refuge in Sikkim. The Tibetan migrants were then called as Bhutias in Sikkim. The Bhutias, who were Buddhists of the Red Hat sect, were also successful in converting many Lepchas to Buddhism. However, Lepchas remained aloof most of the time.[2][5]
In the 17th century, Bhutias, in order to maintain cordial relationship with the Lepchas then decided with the help of three revered lamas from Western Tibet to consecrate a local Sikkimese person from Gangtok as the Chogyal of Sikkim. Thus, the first formal dynasty of the Namgyals in Sikkim came to be established in 1642. However,
Geography
The historical site is located in a dense forest area on the North Sikkim Highway near Phodong. The area abounds in natural scenic beauty of rich forests with varied flora, shimmering streams, waterfalls and also many cultural monuments and historic sites. Sub Tropical mixed Broad-Leaved Hill Forest is the forest type in the area comprising: Alnus nepalensis (Uttis), Castanopsis (Kattus), Macaranga (Malata), Engelhardia spicata (Mahua), Michelia (Champ), Toona ciliata (Tooni), Machilus (Kawla), Symplocos (Kharane) and Cinnamomum (Sinkoli). There are a number of water falls in the area and one such water fall is known as the 'Seven Sister waterfalls'.[3][6]
Kabi Lungchok region is also home to several species of birds such as: the
Other information
Ritual prayers are held every year to commemorate the historic treaty signed here.[6] The Chief Minister of Sikkim has recently announced that this historic place will be developed into a destination for tourism.[7]
See also
References
- ISBN 81-207-2939-0. Retrieved 4 June 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f "History of Sikkim". National Informatics Centre. Archived from the original on 30 October 2006. Retrieved 4 June 2010.
- ^ a b "North Sikkim". The Green Trails. Retrieved 5 June 2010.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b "Sikkim Pocket Guide" (PDF). Digital Himalaya. pp. 8, 13. Retrieved 5 June 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f "History of Sikkim". Quest Himalaya. Retrieved 5 June 2010.
- ^ a b c "Echo Destination of India: Sikkim Chapter" (PDF). Kabi Lungchok. ENVIS Centre, Sikkim:National Informatics Centre. p. 88. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 April 2009. Retrieved 5 June 2010.
- ^ "Chamling urges MHA to allow Gyalwa Karmapa to visit Sikkim". Voice of Sikkim. 19 February 2010. Archived from the original on 1 December 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2010.