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Bhutias
 The
Bhutias,
who are all Buddhists, are quite distinct from the Lepchas. The Tibetan Bhutias entered Sikkim by way of Bhutan and settled in
higher altitudes after driving the original inhabitants, the Lepchas into
forests and lower valleys. They converted the indigenous Lepcha people to their
religious faith, established matrimonial relations with them and thereby
paved the way for cultural and social assimilation of the two races. This gave
rise to a new race.
The matrimonial relation between the Tibetan nobles and Lepcha
chiefs or Jongpons gave rise to a new affluent class of Kazis. The Sherpas are
considered to have descended from the Bhutia-Lepcha cross stock. The Bhutias are
mostly traders and Herdsman. But many of
them are accustomed to cultivation now-a-days. The Bhutias are more
assertive and industrious than the Lepchas. They are not fond of isolation as
the Lecphas.
The Bhutia
social structure is patriarchal.
The practice of polyandry
was very common among them. But with the passage of time and spread of education
this practice finds no favour with the young modern Bhutias now-a-days.
Normally, the Bhutias live in a joint family. Polyandry served to prevent the
family from being spilt up and the property from being divided. There is no
caste distinction among the Bhutias. Bhutia women generally enjoy a great
deal of independence and they are treated as equal; to men. Marriage is
normally arranged and settled by the parents. In the affairs of marriage,
maternal uncle and astrologer play an important role. Both man and woman
can seek a divorce. If the matrimonial relation has to be served, the man or the
wife would refer the case to the village elders. At present the aggrieved
parties go to the court of law also. Traditionally, the parties who apply for separation
has to pay a penalty and the actual expense incurred during
marriage.
The Nepali
The Nepali immigration in Sikkim started long after the Bhutia
settlement. The Nepali community is composed of different sub-cultural stocks
with considerable differences in physical characteristic and
customs. Each tribe is sub-divided into many classes. The most important of
these tribes are : Limta, Gurung, Magar, Rai, Tamang, Mewar etc. Of the caste
Hindus, there are the Brahmins, Thakurs, Chettris etc. Among the low caste tradesman
there are the Sarki, Kami,Damai etc. The Nepalese are spread throughout the east,
south and west of Sikkim. They are mostly Hindus but some of them are Buddhists.
They have terraced fields and also work on building roads. They are also good at
trade and own many shops in the main Bazaar at Gangtok. They also work as
Silversmiths.
The immigration of the Nepalese and their rapid expansion
has created a serious problem for the original inhabitants - the Lepchas and the
Bhutias. The Nepalese are not only multiplying more rapidly in numbers but are
also ahead in education which enables them to get jobs in government. While the
Lepchas and Bhutias still prefer the traditional education in the monasteries,
the Nepalese send their children to schools. The Lepchas and Bhutias are
averse to cultivate waste lands. Nepalese plant maize which grows in abundance
and is their staple food. The Nepalese children work from the age of five and
when they are ten years of age are able to earn more than they consume. Their
style of living is comparatively much economical. Their dress and diet are
simple. They do not spend much money on marriage and festival. On the other hand,
the Lepchas and Bhutias take rice with meat, if possible. Their dress is expensive.
Above all, they have to support the monks, according to the religious
custom, make occasional offerings, either in kind or cash to the 'gompa' and then
pay a high fee to the priests for the various services rendered by them.
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