Author:

Nungyoungmit Lepcha
1Phd Research Scholar
Department of History
Sikkim University
Sikkim,India
Email: Nungyoungmit@gmail.com

Dr Anira Phipon Lepcha
Assistant Professor
Department of History
Sikkim University
Sikkim,India
Email: aplepcha@cus.ac.in

Abstract:: Widely held to be the land’s original settlers, the Lepchas today form a minority in Sikkim. This is seen in their declining population and dwindling traditional ancient Lepcha culture. This has been the result of a long process of interaction and assimilation with other cultural groups in the region. The distinct ancient traditional culture of the Lepchas faced a setback with the mass conversion of Lepchas into Buddhism that started with the advent of Tibetans during the seventeenth century. For the smooth functioning of their rule, the newly instated ruler first brought all the subjects under the same religious faith, making Sikkim a theocratic kingdom with Lamaism as the state religion. Over centuries since the arrival of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim, the ancient Lepcha traditions have been so intimately intertwined with Tibetan ideals and rituals that it is now extremely impossible to distinguish between the two groups. The formation of this perfect syncretic religion came with a cost for the Lepchas. The rich heritage of culture and traditions, in some way or another, was hampered when a new alien religion in their homeland prospered. The influence of Buddhism brought from Tibet is mainly responsible for what we know now about the Lepchas, as their original authentic practices vanished into history.

Key Words:: Bongthing,Culture, Lamaism, Lepchas, Syncretism,