NAME OF THE MOUNTAINS

1        Kabong Chyoo

2        Kaboor Chyoo

3        Kabur Chyoo

4        Kamfraon Chyoo

5        Kablee Kabchhyen Chyoo

6        Kingchumjongboo Chyoo

7        Konglo Chyoo

8        Kurnit Chyoo

9        Kursong Chyoo

10      Kyofoo Chyoo

11      Chyadoong Rajoomoonue Chyoo

12      Chungreeyam Chyoo

13      Kucherwee Chyoo

14      Taloom Chyoo

15      Tasheychaom Chyoo

16      Taktee Chyoo

17      Takchyoom Chyoo

18      Takcham Chyoo

19      Tarbong Chyoo

20      Taklonanit Chyoo

21      Tunggraong Chyoo

22      Tangsheng Narim Chyoo

23      Tukkri Chyoo

24      Tukbo Chyoo

25      Dangdu Chyoo

26      Namtam Chyoo

27      Nareem Chyoo

28      Nareng Tungseng Chyoo

29      Nambu Chyoo

30      Pawoohungri Chyoo

31      Panzing Chyoo

32      Punsoong Chyoo

33      Puleeyang Chyoo

34      Punjoor Chyoo

35      Patet Chyoo

36      Paki Chyoo

37      Pandeem Chyoo

38      Puntaong Chyoo

39      Pundaong Chyoo

40      Madyang Chyoo

41      Manaon Chyoo

42      Mayel Taong Chyoo

43      Marolee Chyoo

44      Mambram Chyoo

45      Mendaong Chyoo

46      Puchaor Putang Chyoo

47      Janoo Chyoo

48      Jamano Chyoo

49      Joomaon Purtam Chyoo

50      Jene Chyoo

51      Rangdyang Chyoo

52      Ranggang Chyoo

53      Raksot Longdoong Chyoo

54      Rambong Tum Chyoo

55      Ribweek Chyoo

56      Rungnaob Chyoo

57      Lawee Chyoo

58      Longmeek Longbaong Chyoo

59      Lukni Longbaong Chyoo

60      Lunggom Chyoo

61      Lungdyang Chyoo

62      Lung Shaok Longdaong Chyoo

63      Sagaor Chyoo

64      Sahyaor Chyoo

65      Sakyet Patok Chyoo

66      Sahem Choom Chyoo

67      Sakpo Chyoo

68      Sanoolungkyol Chyoo

69      Sungchyer Chyoo

70      Lungsaong Chyoo

71      Suklu Chyoo

72      Sangjyaom Sangpee Chyoo

73      Sungleng Sungthang Chyoo

74      Sumaok Sukbok Chyoo

75      Sung Kyoon Dungjot Chyoo

76      Saklu chyooram Chyoo

77      Niniol Chyoo

78      Siniyaol Chyoo

79      Aden Chyoo

80      Hlonok Chyoo

81      Longgaom Chyoo

82      Sungvo Chyoo

83      Phengmu Longmoo Chyoo

84      Sama Sadaong Chyoo

85      Hikti Pundi Chyoo

86      Pandem Posong Chyoo

87      Kurneet Kursoong Chyoo

88      Pangyoung Chyoo

89      Sungnim Chyoo

NAME OF THE DA (lake)

1        Naho Nathaor Da

2        Lingmu Longmu Da

3        Tanu Tungsing Da

4        Kechhuperi Da

5        Namrit Namjeet Da

6        Ongmoo Jitmoo Da

7        Kaong Malaongmoo Da

8        Turmo Tashe Da

9        Tungjeor Mungjear Da

10      Longmoo Chyongmoo Da

NAME OF THE HILLS

1        Kaoha Kung

2        Kaharok Kung

3        Chyaok Kung

4        Takna Kaharok Kung

5        Chyaok Kung

6        Numboong Kung

7        Pafan Kung

8        Posaok Kung

9        Makung Kung

10      Mungbal Kung

11      Bret Kung

12      Sunchal Kung

13      Shumplung Kung

NAME OF THE HILLOCK (PUNG)

1        Kalenpung Hillock

2        Tungdarpung Hillock

3        Posoompung Hillock

4        Ringkingpung Hillock

5        Rumsapung Hillock

6        Sunleepung Hillock

7        Soongdookpung Hillock

8        Lyangrumpung Hillock

9        Rumchyaopung Hillock

10      Rumtekpung Hillock

11.     Sompung Hillock

NAME OF THE HLO

1        Tungraong Hlo

2        Sungdaok Hlo

3        Shemshel Hlo

4        Natho Hlo

5        Joleb Hlo

6        Ruche Hlo

7        Manaon Hlo

8        Thiaklut Hlo

9        Sungchyom Hlo

10      Tungloo Hlo

11      Nok Hlo

12      Do Hlo

13      Sadoom Hlo

14      Sunglee Hlo

15      Sunghruk Hlo

16      Lungam Hlo

17      Sher Hlo

COLOUR TERMS

ENGLISH                                                                              LEPCHA

1        White                                                                                       Aadoom

2        Black                                                                                       Aanaok

3        Green                                                                                       Aafaong

4        Red                                                                                          Aahyur

5        Blue                                                                                         Fingfaong

6        Brown                                                                                     Purmook

7        Yellow                                                                                     Payaor

8        Grey                                                                                        Nunaom

9        Mudy                                                                                        Pobookla

10      Rainbow                                                                                  Tungkoong

11      Pink                                                                                         Parfing

12      Light Green                                                                                       Fung Faong

DIRECTION TERMS

ENGLISH                                                                              LEPCHA

East                                                                                         Tsuklaat

                                                                                                Sonaor

West                                                                                        Tsukkyer

                                                                                                Sodyang

North                                                                                       Tsuk Vim

                                                                                                Kongjaot

South                                                                                       Tsukgyaom

                                                                                                Konglep

North East                                                            Tsukvim Tsuklaat

South East                                                           TuskgyaomTsuklaat

North West                                                          Tsukvim Tsukkyer

South West                                                                    Tsukgyaom Tsukkyer

Centre                                                                  Lyangbar

South Most                                                          Lyang Tang Tang

South Pole                                                           Lyang Tik

North Pole                                                           Lyang Vim Tik

Horizone                                                              Lyang Tel

HILL TERMS

Hill                                                                                 Kung

Hillock                                                                           Pung

High Atitute                                                                   Hlo

Starting Point of Plane                                                   Tung Saong

Cliff                                                                               Sagaor

Hill smaller than hillock                                                          Blu

Not so cliff                                                                     Sagaor Sungnoo

Mountain                                                                       Chyoo

The Himalayas snowy peak                                           Chyoo Chyoo bee

Mountain Range                                                            Chyoo bee Daongyaong

Peak of the mountains                                                   Chyoo Nyaak

Sharping Peak                                                               Chyoo Hyaok

Lang of Snows                                                               Chyoo Ling

God of the Himalaya                                                     Chyoo Rum

Prominent Peak (Kingchumjongboo)                                       Chyoo Mo

GLACIER TERMS                                          SETS OF SNOW

1. Sonaong Kaam                                                 Sonaong

2. Sonaong Kryaong                                            Mong Hlo

3. Sonaong Jyook                                                Sonaong Chyee, Pamook, Sotaap

                   EARTH TERMS

Names in Lepcha

1. Lyang

2. Lyang Faat

3. Faat

4. Lyang Sakdum

5. Tukchyim Runggaol

6. Numkut Monyoo

                             DIVISION OF TIME

ENGLISH                                                     LEPCHA

Very Early Dawn                                             Miksheang

3 am Morning                                                 Saong fum

Day Break                                                       So saong

Early in Morning                                              Lukhraong

                                                                      Naapa Luk

                                                                      Lukjo

First Sun Light                                                Sotsuk  Chaar

Sun Rise can not be watch with nacked eyes       Sotsuk Cheelee

Morning (10am-11am)                                     Sotsuk Zanlee

Midday                                                          Sotsuk Naang

Sun Setting towards the West                         Sotsuk Gaylee

Last sun set can be watch with naked eyes      Sotsuk Yaolee

                                                                   Sotsuk Kyeer

Sun Set                                                       Sotsuk Thyet

Evening                                                      Naabmoon           Hik Lovaan Tshachat

Time between late evening and night            Fo Neytshong

                                                                   Solaa                    Tukpit Zodyang

                                                                                                Breen Shyaol       

Almost Night                                              Solaa Timboo      

Mid-Night                                                   Sonaab Pheet

Moon                                                                   Lavo

Full Moon                                                   Lavo Blen

Moon rise                                                   Lovo Laong

Setting of the Moon                                    Lavo Thyet

Full black night                                           Naamgaong

RELATION TERMS

ENGLISH                                                           LEPCHA

Ancestor Male                                                    Poom Thing

Ancestor Famele                                                Nyoothing

Great grand Father                                             Theekoong

Great grand Mother                                            Nyeekoong

Grand Father                                                      Bojyo

Grand Mother                                                     Moonjyoo

Father                                                                 Aabo

Mother                                                                Aamoo

Father’s Elder Brother                                          Botim

Father’s Elder Borther’s Wife                               Motim

Father’s Younger Brother                                    Aakoo

Father’s Younger Brother’s Wife                         Aanyoo

Younger Brother                                                  Ing

Elder Brother                                                      Aanum

Younger Sister                                                    Ing

Elder Sister                                                         Aanaom

Younger Sister’s Husband                                   Myaok

Yonger Sister’s Children                                      Naamkup

Elder Sister’s Husband                                        Aazaong

Elder Sisters’ Children                                        Naamkup

Son                                                                    Tagreekup

Daughter                                                            Taayukup

Son’s Wife                                                            Nyaom

Daughter’s Husband                                                    Myaok

Son’s/Daughter’s Children                                         Kupzaong
On children (Ingeneral)                                               Kupzaon

Sister (In general)                                                        Musungmoo

Brother (In general)                                                     Phaaming

Grand Son                                                                    Nyutha

Great Grand Son                                                          Nyefrak

Mother’s Father                                                           Boojyo

Mother’s Mother                                                         Moojyo

Mother’s Brother                                                         Aajyong

Mother’s Brothers Wife                                              Aanyoo

Mother’s Elder Sister                                                  Motim

Mother’s Younger                                                       Aanyoo

Mother’s Elder Sister’s Husband                               Botim

Mother’s Younger Sister’s Husband                         Aakoo

Mother’s Brother’s Son                                              Aanum/Ing

Mother’s Brother’s Daughter                                     Aanaom/Ing

Wife Father                                                                  Aafet

Wife Mother                                                                Aafetmoo

Wife’s Brother                                                             Aazaong

Wife’s Sister                                                                 Aazaong

Elder Siste’s Husband                                                 Aazaong

Brother’s Wife                                                             Aazaong

A Hunters tale " in lepcha script"

SerabUsa Vsu

       Üa Üa VlUÃeN AaiA^adnu sXudMuVlu Vim_tMa VÎa pbRala bMamMabU nMuiS)JUZsnu VÎa sXudMusa pNu!z Vonka iJbMabU iJmiJ+sa TMaib( TMaVc_ ANu tXuVÎa nMuVob ZY l) Vd_GMabU afyU afkBu ANu VAU Vonka bMamMabU TMaib( TMaVc_ GU, GUkBu tlXu tXuÅXUZp adM ÍXa qMa ]saTbNa huyUsa m+Zp azwMabU m. nMuiS)nMubMuJU huyUZsnu pNu!z Vonka bMawMabU TMaVc_ TMaib( afyU afkBuZp adM qMa ]s az Ta ZS t+ka kMuy_ kMuiSsa AaÂeN Aaas mDaVlu mdXU mdXUsa lXaojZp zXUHBaVlu aT m.

A_ ka VJupXa, bNa, Voq, sil, slU, sÅRe imsa %A ]sZS ANu pNu!z TMaVc_Zp adM sXanu ]sZS ka mual VmuÏXala zXUbu pNu!zka buVonVlu TBa !q aTaS aAalad afyU afkBuZs adMla qMa sXa]sZS VkU Ï_ Zp [ÂbNa !Ü VmuÏBaZp zXUnu A_ka TBa aS. aAalad nMuiS)JUZsnu tad ilka jU[TbU kjUZp adMla pNu!z TMaVc_ afyU afkBuZp adM êXa âeX Vodnu qMa ]sZSka HBaVoj la ib m aA. aAalad VAU sVogka bMamMabU TMaVc_ TMaib( GUkBu, tlXu tXuÅMU qMa ]sZS, Vsuil, &v, if^, tXu&S, apàMa ic^nu VAUVaÀ kabuVon #rzXU TBabNa GU ]stMa m aA. aAalMad asVÌaka nMukMu pRuiv) lav JDe Vonka VaÀsa sÌUZsnu !bzu im]xbuVlu asnBaka VAUVaÀ VAU#èZpka VonVlu tlXu ]s aEidnu az m aA aAalad assaka VAUVaÀZp ALe nu GUZp qMa ]s azwMabU m aA.

aAalMad VorkBu SerabUZs asnBaka !bzu im]x buVlu VAUVaÀ VAU#èZpka tlXu]x Vonba ANu VAUVaÀZpalM GUqMaZS Vsuil ÄeRba VAUVaÀsa VmU mu[zVmUZpnu Vsuil ÄeRbU tlXu ]xbUZs adM naim^ad c_Vlu ikdXu ibwMa ya SerabUZs VAUVaÀ Zpka $ndeDba VmUZsnu GU]sbNa Aa]d AaVfu ÊeDreM Zl!WZYka aTib wMaya ANu tlXu ]xbUZs adMla aAalad tlXu ]snu AaVfu ÊeDre Zl!WZY tXu#Ãka deaTbu Zpla qMuaS ANu VmUZp VAUVaÀka TLUbNa Von aTZg ne VmU huadsa VTU#Ère CLUbNa$k !ÎVvUaTbU GNUaS ANu CLU$k VonaTZg ne huad VTU#È TLUvNa $k VvU[TbU qMuaS. aAre Zzsa !t AajeNbU VmUsa VTU#È qMuZg SerabUZs t(ad ilka olVvU aS SUmDanu Zg ne aAVoq huyuZsnu GU tlXu SUla m[n ne.

kaiT+ba VaÀsa ÍeN SerabU kDare m+ ÍXanu asnBaka GUqMa Vsuil bunu VAUVaÀka Á_Vlu Vsuil ÃXUbu $n deD SeN ZlZYka mu[z VmUnu GU AazMUsa AaVfu ÊeD ÊeD zXUnu aTbu Von[TbUZp qMu  nula SerabU ÍeNnu !t aAre Zz iSnula iy^ miC+ VAUka Vsuil ÃXU bu Von agVrUla aAVoq hu nu GU kDala m[nnu il olVvU ya, lXUkLa Voq Vor SerabU ÍeN hu aladla Vsuil ANu GU qMa TBaSeDsa VtuzBuZp Òa iT(bu ilnu asla tDeka Y_Vlu VAUVaÀ ka Á_nu Vsuil ÃXUbu $ndeD SNe asla %ànBa $naT ya aAalM Vsuil ÃXU $ndeD SNe ÍeN SerabUre VAU tXu]s xUyDubu Zl s&g Aait)kDasa sàMa ka iT lDaya AaVol hu aAibalM TLUbNa $è VonZS ZlZY AaVaT éXa$J SeN AaVaT HDe nu ÃLuVlu rLuVlu VonVlu acba VAU d_ Vonka ÄDenu mXa$n ya, ÍeN SerabU hunu mu[z VmUZpnu GU Vfu]dsa ot AajNe mZy y_nula deNir mmDa m$Tsa VÎa ka mu[z VmUsa mair Vsuoksa Aa[r mXuJMa !znu mXaVbUka QDunu huadsa sXUceD ib+bU mZy JUViT_Zsnu dNuVlu yDubU m aA.

Üa nMaka Vor SerabUsa VsukDa AaalMla iJda m aA. Üa VorVaÀkBu kDa Vonka Vor tià tÜu nMu[v JeD bMamMa aTya. aAre Aaav re SerabU aÜXka AaKDu AaÌMa VorkBu kDa yMuba hure sXuiJ asnBa m,il+ VorVij_ad pNu!zZpka VonVlu pNu!z TMaVc_Zp adM Voq sil, VJupXasa %A ]s aAalad mual VmuÏXa TBa sXa ]s ANu afyU afkBuZpadM VkU Ï_ [Ânu !ÜVmuòXa ka !q qMa ]snu ilka bu aEiTnu huiJ nu[v aAre m+Zpad azka zXUnu azbMa aTya, kaiT+ Voq SerabU ÍeN m+ àXaka pNu!z Á_Vlu miJ+ hunu sk_ Aaqu Aait) kDaadM Vid_iJbU [nVlu t(ad Voq sa %Anu ]s fDaya SeNla ÍeN huad ktBa GNUsa VÎaka aAtDe Aail) AaVoz sk_, sa AaVfu huad ktBanu bNucaml+Vnu sk_ VfuadM pNu!z Vonka SXamXU AXanu dBa maaTyDe bNa ÍeN huadre VaÀka #ÃZsadM Î_ka idZS nhNa hunu ]s aTbU sk_sa AaVaT kDa ANu AaJRUkDa Ã^ bNa Vtuig- Vonka TBabuVlu il leM ]lid m, aAre sk_ TMaVc_sa AaVaT AaJRU SUmDanu Ã^ag SeN pNu!zsa TMaVc_ ]sbNa aAalMad ]Î [c yDe aTZg pNu!zsa !d rMulDanu mXadabU TMaVc_sa AaVfuadM AazMU olzXUVlu VlU$n mMa Zysa VorkBu Zsnu ÅeNir mDabMabU m.

AaVol Vor SerabU hu %àad iÝ^!d wudu peL VyUbU AakNa AakNa mDa Vd_bu ilka ]liTVlu miJ+ AayureadM ilya ag AaÂBa ad iÝ^ !dbMa oh ksMu à) à) mDaVlu Aa[z AaèNU kMa ab Zy il SeN Aayurenu la sVor Aaavre %àad iÝ^ !d$naT ay bNa t(ad Aa[z !hbNa %TZYka quGNabU m+SDUsa ib !hib ya SeNrabUnu Aa[z azZS nhNa AakNaka aAre tXuiq)sa ib AaèNU reM qNu h- VoT$J Se m+ SDusa iv AaèNUnu SerabU Aaavresa sàXead Àubu dXefDa aTya aAtDeadka SerabU Aaavre ca !j mKNunu AayuadM huadsa Vtuig- Ï+ JeN aTbU adM $í JDe ib SeN Aayurenula Vtuig- Vonka Aak_ TBa G( SeN sk_sa AaVaT AaJRU iSnu sVor Aaavre nu sk_ Aait) kDa ]s yMuba Vic_nu ilka AaavreM [cyDebNa VaÀmUZs VÎa VonVlu huad Aaavrenu sVor sk_kDa ]snu pNu!zka ma aT yDebu adM ilka aEidZs #ÃZp kXubu VonVlu sk_sa m+Vfu qNubunu ilka aEiT SeN Aaav re ib AaèNU h- VoTba sàXe dBUnu ca sTanu mXa$n aT ya. SerabU ÍeN hu AaalM mDa sàXe deXnu mXa gDaVtu re hunu AaÂBa ad pNu!z TMaib( TMaVc_ afyU afkBuZp adM $Àid^ mmDa huyU AaÂBamUadM ]s sXUcDe [TbUsa lay lVosnu mDaba huadM VÎa!d VAU!d rMuZssa Aair( TBUVlu mXagDa m Zy Üa kayUsa abaj mNujUZssa tq^ka GNU[TbU AaVT_sa Vsu kDa gMu.

Üa nMaka Vor VaÀ kDa ka VorkBu SerebUkDa bMamMa aTya. VorkBu SerabU hure pNu!z TMaVc_ Zpad Mm+ ÍXa ]sZS aÜXka ijmNe SerabU leN %à AaÌMa AaKDubu kDa yMuba. hure VorVij_ ad sXuiJ mäMamDa m+ êXaka pNu!zZpka VonVlu pNu!z TMaVc_Zp Voq ANu sÅeRim sa %A ]s aEyunu az wMa ya, kDaiT+ba ÍeN SerabUrenu huad VaÀka bMabU ÍeN kDaadM kXunu huad deBka m+ ÍXa VonZS ANu huadM #à mDaZS ÝDU ca mDa ya, ÝDUVsu VnaViS_ka SerabU ANu Vor ÍeN huiJ pNu!zka TMaVc_ êXa ]s aEid ZS ilalM ca Y_ Von ya. SerabU renu [lka $ndeDba #à ÍeN adM AaalM !S ilya AaVol kaiJ pNu!zka ca Á_la$n ohre pNu!z Vonka vNaVonVlu aAib pNu!z sVogka manu bMaiJbU TMaVc_Zp adM aAibalM Õ_ êXabu TLUvNa buoè aAZy !S VoW bNa SerabU huadre Aak_ ka sÅ_eim qMa qNubuVlu atba Vku Eu kDa ka Á_Vlu TMaVc_Zp sib$k[l Y_ Vd_ VoèpU Zy ÂMu G(buVid_iJ SeN acba pNu!z VonalM huadsa #à re Y_Vlu TLUvNa $è deDbUadM SerabU ÍeN nu #à sÌU adM huadsa Aaim(ka sk_ ad Y_ $èdeD Zz iSnu sÅReim qNU %A$J ya SeN aAre sÅReimsa ÅU  nu #à adM !znu hure aAibad xMala mXa$n aTya aAalM pNu!z TMaVc_ AaÂBa ad qMa ]s buidba VÎa aAibsa Vluij VluVon VÎa!d pNu!z TMaVc_ !d mDabU rMudRaZs èXUVlu sXuÎXaVlu SerabUsa Aai,m( ad VvU!Î ibba #ÃadM TMaVc_Zz ad iS $Jnu hudM sÅReimsa %A]s fDa m Zy AaVT_sa Vsu kDa gMu SUmDanu Zgne aAVoqsa sXuiJkMa mÍNU  Vnu yMuba A_numDa ba AareZzsa !t!zbU m aA.

OAalMad Üa nMa %à nhNa dRajUVÎade Vonsa VÎa kDa Vîaka kRuVos [è sàMasa oc ]J ViS_ka tÎ_ d_ ip+sa im(dMUmU imig^Zs AaÂBa ad VÎa aAib lDabMa tq^ka im(dMUmU aAre huyUZsre AaoglMaka VorVij_ad sÅeRim qNubuVlu pNu!zka m+ ÍXaka VonVlu $mqu m+, sk_, sViv_, sic,  mdXU mdXUsa pNu!z TMaVc_Zp sre TBU aAreZpadM ]sbulDanu az VoT bMa ya. VÎa VaÀ kBu aAibre VorkBu SerabU Zs la bMawMa aT huyUre m+ ÍXa ZS aÜXka AaÌMa yMuba aAre Zz sDUre im(dMUZsnu aÄ y_ ÄXaVlu kaiT+ sXuiJ kDa aAre VorkBu SerabUZs adM im(dMUZsnu huyUsa zMUVog Vyanu kUiè ka kXu il(nu huyMUla aAre im(dMU Zs deB CLUVit_ pRutMa$ksa VÎa pNu!z ka VonVlu sVoT, scXa, sna aAreZz Aait) TMaVc_Zp ]s aEVoè ZS ÝDU GNU ya. AaVol VorkBu SerabUZs ÝDUVsu VnaViS_ka im(dMUmU Zs deB CLU Vit_pRutMa$k Von ya. AaVol huyU gNu ocba asfXU VÎa pNu!z soÍ Vonka Á_Vlu gNuleN nhNa im(dMUmUZs nu huyU deB VluVonbu VorkBu SerabUZs adM VkUVob Aait) AaoT ZY ka q^ GNa ZS ilkBu Vyanu zXU iT( $kbNa huyU gNuad atba $èVlu aAre  ilkBu sVogka vNaVlu GNa m ANu meba VkUVobkDa kare maihsa AakBukDa buVonVlu iT( aT ya. aAre im(dMU ANu Vor SerabU Zs re atba VkU ZYka zXUaTbU ilkBu sVogalM sVoT, scXaZp maihkBu iT( JeN [TbU adM qMa ÄRe qXU]s azZS pNu!zalM Y_ idVwusa atbaalM sÅReimsa sVoT scXa adM %A ]sZS ÂMunu G( GNapaka nBamNU Q_q^ fil tDeka sVoT AagU kDa deB deB ka huadsa AakBu kDala ca Y_ lDa ya SeN sVoT gUre maih kBuadM mG(nu atba VkUZYsa ilkBu zXU[TbU sVogka GNabUZs adM sVoT gUrenu atba ÃXU l) ÄReZS atbaad G(Vlu VkUVob vRa vRa [lbMa ya atba VkUZYsa ilkBu Vonka bMabU morZsre ar c_Vlu atba alM sVoT adM sÅReimsa %A mKNubMa tDeka meba VkUVobka dMaiT( GeN aTbU maihkBu ad sVoTkBurenu tXu!tka ÄRe qXU]sbNa pNu!zVonka òa #vbuVlu $nya. sVoT gUla aAibalM pNu!z Vonka olVvU$nya AaVol im(dMU ANu SerabUZs VkUnu olyDe yuVlu huyU sVor sVoT ]s mKNubNa Aak_ AagNUbuVlu il olVvU Voè ya. olda lXUkLa Voq im(dMU ANu Vor SerabUZs gNu aCnu VonVlu acba asfXU pNu!zka Á_nu tas VonbU VÎareM ]Înu Vruas@ VÎa$k VonVlu tasZz ad im(dMUZsnu Vor SerabUZs adM VkUVob AaaT AaaT JeDZYka ilkBu JeD zXU$kya ANu zXUleLVlusa im(dMU JeDbUre sdeRim SU buVlu ALa zXUaTbU ilkBu Vyanu ka $è VonVlu vNa GNa ya ANu Vor SerabUZsla kDa$l $k zXUaTbU ilkBuka $èVonnu GNaya meba Aaim+$kre tasZzad maih kBukDa adM VkUVob kDaka iT( GeN aTya kMa pcXa nBamNU asla Q_q^ faG bXuteDka scXa Vt_ Aait)kDa caY_lDanu atba im(dMU JeD vNa GNabU VkUZYsa ilkBu adM acbaalM scXa Vt_nu AajMa mDa G( yeDbNa scXarenu huadsa tXuiS)re VkUVokla mDa kRakRa zXU lubunu VkUVobka dMa iT(GeN aTbU maihkBuadM ÄeR qXU]sZS VkUVob vRa vRa[l teDka atbaalM im(dMU JeDbUnu scXaadM sdeRimsa %A $J SeN scXa Vt_re ÅUnu !zVlu miJ+ sibalM sÅeRim %A VoW aAif$kad l) ÃXubu atba VkUZY im(dMU JDe GNabU ilkBuadM qMa Â+ ]fbuVlu meba fDaka xeDibfDa ya aAre im(dMU huiJ JeDbUla atbaalM ilkBu ]f[rbu xUyunu fDaka !énu im(dMU JeDlaad mXa$nya ANu aAre scXa Vt_rela sÅeR imsa ÅU !zbUnu mDaba aAibad mXadaiJ ya.  AaVol aAre Vor SerabUZs VkUnu olyeDnu huyUZsnu pNu!z TMaVc_sa AaVfu ktBa magNsa nMuiS)JU JeDsa AaVfula bunu il olVvUgDa mZysa Vsu Üa kayUsa abaj mNujUZssa tq^sa AaVT_ VsukDa mayeL VÎaka &q da m aA. 

Üa VlUÃeN tq^adnu Vor SerabUZs pN!z TMaVc_Vod m+ ÍXabu VonZS nhNa tadsa rMudRa mDurMu VÎa!d VAU!d Vluij VluVon lUsBa!d rMudRaZpka m_ SuVlu ic fDaVlu kta pNu!zka m+ ÍaVonGMabU mZy VorkBusa Vsu lUasla  kDa iJ m aA.  aAalMad Vor mNu VbUViT_Zsnula m+ êXaka VonZSsa tq^ ANu aAVoq sXuiJ) ÍU mÍNU gNu qu ÀN+ G(Vlu pNu!z sib$k m+àXa VonCXU ANu sib$kre Von mCXU ANu aAalM VonZg huyMU !t!zaSZy dNuab wMa m.  AaVol ÃU tq^sa AaVvU AareVonka sXudMu VÎa VAU pbRala nMuiS)JUZs AaÂBaad geX b^ EeNbu idVwusa nMuiS)JUZsnu pNu!z soÍ s&g Vsunu VAUVaÀ VAUlBaZpla m]Î m$T vNaVonVlu bMabuidVwusa sXudMuVÎa pNu!z Vonka !Ä bMamMabU sXUbMu iJ)bU TMaVc_ TMaib( afyU afkBu ANu tlXu tXuÅMUZp gNu bMaVÎa !ÄVÎa ]z [zVÎa mTBU miJ+Vnu gNuad nMuiS)JUZsnu ik^ buVonVGusa TMaVc_ TMaib(Zpnu AakBu Aa$z olgeX b^ buVon mKNu$n m.  sXudMu Aare VonalM TMaVc_ huyUsa Aaig^ AaVoTad ya fDabu$n m.  A ktBa magMsa nMuiS)JUZsnu pNu!z TMaVc_ afyU afkBuZsadM êXa ]sbu [zleLfDa m aAalad nMuiS)JUZs huyusa kMuy_ kMuiSalM AaÂeN Aaassa  y+t+ HBaVlu mdXU mdXUsa VJu$mÃMaZp zXU Õ_Vlu TMaib( TMabuZpadM ]sZS VÎaZpka buVon pDU ]ÊbuVonba VJu$msa AaSU AairZp sXumDunu bul)Vlu VÎa sXudMu pubRala sXumDunu &Êbu VoSbuVonVGusa VJu$msa Aairnu mDaba gNu sXudMuVonka iJwMabU afyU afkBuZs AajeN JDe!zVlu mXanu sXudMuka huyUsa Aaig^ AaVoT gNuya pLabu$n m.  sXudMuka sXUbMuiJ)bU nMuiS)JUZsre jeN sMUbMuiJ)bU pNu!z TMaib(, TMaVc_, afyU afkBu ANu GU tlXu tXuÅMuZpsa pNujMu Aait) kDa ad ag m. 

SU!jsa il+okka ikdXusa AaVir_ iJ aAre SUagSeN ÃU tq^ Aarenu if* sXudMuVÎa Aareka kayUsa geXbu lDabU $ziJ+kBu huyUZsnu pNu!zVonka AazMU [lVd_wMabU pNu!z TMaVc_Zp ANu tXuVÎa nMuVobZYka VpakU heBVlu l)mMabU mdXU mdXUsa afyU afkBu ANu GU tlXu tXuÅMUZpad huyUZssa Aaim(nu iS) mTBUaS !Îpa.  AareZz TMaVc_Zp G(ZSZgne VjUTXUZsnNu qMa hBaVlu buVon jU[TbUZpadM jDUil Vyanu [zoo]Zpka VonVlu G(Zg kta ÍeL JeDadM iS) TBUKDu aS.  mNaZg kayUsa nalN geXlDabU ViA_Ga ViA_VobZsnu TMaib( TMaVc_Zp adM AazMU miS+nu aCVonsa &pZpka ktBa iS)TBU aS pa.  VorkBu SerabUZssa Vsu AateD adka pLa m aA. 

‘Naamko Bree’, the Lepcha Marriage

‘Naamko Bree’ in Lepcha means marriage, the act of marrying someone or the ceremony at which this is done.  Here ‘Naamko’ means union and and ‘Bree’ means to twist two strands of threads into one; therefore, ‘Naamko Bree’ in Lepcha really means ‘uniting a man and woman  in matrimony’.  To the Lepchas, marriage is not only a union of a man and woman but it is also an enduring relationship, union between two families, clans and villages.  Divorce is very rare in the Lepcha community.

The term folklore, traditional stories of a community or nation, has come to mean myths, legends, folktales, proverbs, ballads, songs, rhymes, riddles etc whose medium is the spoken words.  Folklore is verbal art and knowledge.  Here ‘folk’ means people and ‘lore’ means knowledge.  The original indigenous Lepcha community have a very rich tradition of folklore.  There is a very popular myth about the ‘Origin of Lepcha Marriage’.  It is called ‘Naamko Bree Aait Sung’.  ‘Aait’ means origin and ‘Sung’ means a tale, narration of events of a person or persons or such events as a subject for narration.  ‘Aait Sung’ also means mythology.  The go-between called ‘Peeboo or Bekboo’ in Lepcha from both bride and bridegroom sides conduct the entire wedding and they must be well versed in the origin of the Lepcha marriage.  In-depth and intense discussion and debate between the two ‘Peeboos or Bekboos’ on the merits of the  traditional Lepcha marriage customary laws, system, procedures and origin of Lepcha marriage is always very interesting and worthwhile to listen to  during the Lepcha marriage ceremony.

The myth on Origin of Lepcha Marriage is a justification on the Lepcha social custom, especially the Lepcha marriage.

Origin of the Lepcha Marriage

Thousands of years ago, a young, robust and powerful Lepcha named Târbongthing after journeying and exploring Mâyel Lyâng for many months arrived at a placed called ‘Pâri Pâgyen’. Very  tired, fatigued, and hungry, Tarbongthing looked for a shelter for the night but no village or human settlement was in sight. He saw a fruit tree nearby with hundreds of birds on it. His one thought was to satisfy his hunger and, therefore, he set Radoo Ramyâng, a bamboo  trap, to catch birds on the fruit tree. He caught a few birds and satisfied his hunger.

The next day, Târbongthing set Radoo Ramyâng once again on the same fruit tree and went away to look for a village. When he returned to his shelter in the afternoon, Târbongthing found, to his annoyance, there were only dry twigs and leaves hanging on his trap instead of birds. Târbongthing was puzzled, angry as well as curious to find out the person who was perpetrating a mischievous deed on him. The next day once again, he very carefully set Radoo Ramyâng on the same fruit tree and hid himself under the bushes and watched.
In the late afternoon, Târbongthing saw a young beautiful girl coming out from the wood towards the trap and freeing the birds one after another from the trap and putting dry  twigs and leaves on it instead.
On seeing this, Târbongthing sneaked behind her and caught her very firmly. The young and beautiful girl, although surprised, fought back to free herself from Târbongthing but Târbongthing, somehow, over powered and subdued her at the end.
Târbongthing asked her, ‘Why did you free the birds from the trap?’ The young girl replied that she was the guardian, preserver and champion of the birds and asked him, ‘What harm did these innocent birds do to you?’ She further said that she freed the birds from the trap because they have an equal right to live in this beautiful Mayel Lyang.
Both of them were young, beautiful and handsome. They were attracted to each other; in fact, it was love at first sight.
When she wanted to go home because it was getting very late, Târbongthing barring her way asked her name and her place of residence. The girl answered that her name was, ‘Nârip Naom’ and she came from ‘Sakyong’. Târbongthing again asked her if she would run away with him to start a new family life of their own. Hearing his appeal, Nârip Naom replied, ‘If you really want my hand in marriage, you must ask my mother’s and uncles’ permissions. My mother’s name is Taee-Tanye Moo- Nyoo. Having said thus, she hurriedly left and disappeared into the woods.
Târbongthing returned to his mother, Numkoot Âmoo Nyoo and narrated his stories including his meeting with a young and beautiful girl, Narip Naom. He expressed his desire to marry Narip Naom to his mother because he was in love with Nârip Naom. Numkoot Âmoo Nyoo, Târbongthing’s mother, summoned her brothers and sent them to ‘Sâkyong’ to ask for Nârip Naom’s hands in marriage to Târbongthing.
Nârip Naom’s mother and uncles were also very happy indeed and welcomed the proposal of a marriage between Nârip Naom and Târbongthing, however, Nârip Naom’s mother and uncles said that Târbongthing and his uncles must adhere  to and fulfill the marriage conditions.
A meeting of the Lepchas was convened at ‘Rongjyeng Purtâm’ to finalise the Lepcha Marriage Customary Law and the neccesary items to be provided and presented as a bride’s price during the wedding to the bride’s party. Târbongthing and his uncles agreed to all the conditions of the Lepcha Marriage Customary Law and the bride price. At the end of the meeting, a bamboo was planted to commomerate the occasion. The sacred bamboo grove of the Lepchas called ‘Chimoo Aeyong moo pobong’ still stands at Sakyong, Faokraam Takraam (Dzongu), North Sikkim.

Târbongthing and his uncles were able to collect the bride price and placed them in front of the bride’s mother, uncles, aunts and relatives during the wedding. And thus the first Lepcha  marriage ceremony was solmanized between Nârip Naom and Târbongthing  at Tarbong Narip Purtaam, Sakyong, Faokraam Takraam (Dzongu), North Sikkim and the first Lepcha Marriage Customary Law thus originated in Mayel Lyang. The die hard Lepchas continue to practise their ancient Lepcha Marriage  Customary Law even today. The Lepcha women continue to receive the respect, dignity and honour  they so deserve from their Lepcha men even today.

The Lepcha Marriage Customary Laws*

The first Lepcha Marriage Customary Laws made and drawn thousand of years ago at Rong Jyeng Purtaam, Sakyong, Faokraam-Takraam, now known as Dzongu, North Sikkim are still prevelent among the lovers and custodians of the Lepcha tradition and culture in Mayel Lyang.  They are:

1.  No Lepcha marriage shall take place within the same ‘Aagit’, clan, in accordance with the ancient Lepcha Customary Law.  No Lepcha shall marry within his or her closely related family members either.  If, in case, it happens, it shall be termed as ‘Naamtaok’ or ‘Thaam Nyaot’ in Lepcha meaning ill-omened, ill-starred, taboo and evil.  If such marriage, unfortunately, shall take place, then the man and woman involved in such illegal, forbidden, illicit, prohibited liaison shall be banished, exiled, never to return from the village and community because the Lepchas believe that same DNA and bone structures shall be found in the members of the same clan resulting in genetic defects.  A Lepcha with genetic defects shall never be fully developed and healthy, physically and mentally.  Their illicit springs shall not be accepted and entitled to the ancestral land and property.

2.  The following very important points, aspects, features and particulars shall also    be looked into, enquired, examined before the matrimony:
a.  Family or clan affected with ‘Daom’, leprosy and other dangerous hereditary diseases and illness.
 
b.  ‘Sthong Daot’- Member of the family or clan attacked, injured, or killed by a tiger.

c. A family or clan which has a history, tendency and inclination towards suicide  and murder.

d. A family or clan involved in fighting and killing over land and water disputes.            
No marriage shall take place with such family or clan if the above factors, cases from (a) to (d) are found to be true.

3.  Only after 4(four) generation on the mother side and clan, after the death of the great-grand-mother, a Lepcha man shall be allowed to marry from his mother’s clan, ‘Aagit’, again.

4.  Bride Price:-  Marriage price paid to the bride’s parents and relatives today at their residence shall be as follows:

a.  Nyaom Aasek Gyu –  Engagement Price

 i. Chyee, fermented beverage – one bundle/basket
ii. Garland (Phogo Rip Lyaak) – one
iii. Jyer Kaat -3 (three) Rupee silver coins

b.Myaok Panaol –  Bridegroom’s customary, official presents to the bride’s parents and relatives at the marriage ceremony :
i.   Aamoo ‘Dum-dyem’, bride’s mother’s dress – one set
ii.  Aamoo Kaomjung (sungdrong)    – Rs.101.00(One hundred & one) only
appreciation and honour to the bride’s mother   – Bronze plate-one
– Bronze vessel-one
iii.  Bikgoo Nin-chyer (Pomo- Pakyong)
(the bride’s mother’s milk) – Rs.35.00(thirty five) only.

iv.  Father’s Guardian Spirit of longivity and Life – 1(one) Lepcha hat,
3 (three) Rupee silver coins only,
1(one) garland (Phogo Rip Lyaak).
.
 v.  Bride’s paternal uncle and aunt (2) – 1(one) garland(Phogo Rip Lyaak) and
          Rs. 3(three) silver coins each only.
 vi. Bride’s maternal uncle and aunt(2) – 1(one) garland(Phogo Rip Lyaak) and
          Rs. 3(three) silver coins each only.
 vii Bride’s faaming (brother) (one) – 1(one) garland (Phogo Rip Lyaak) and Rs.3(three) silver coins only.   viii. Peeboo/Bekboo, Go-between
         from Bride side – 1(one) garland(Phogo Rip Lyaak) and
  Rs 3(three) silver coins only,
             1(one) basket of ‘Chi’ with 1(one) garland
  (Phogo Rip Lyaak) and Rs.3(three) silver  coins on top of it only.
ix.  Laom-sut.  It is also called – 1(one) front left leg of a bull
      ‘Myaok Mungkoong’  1(one) hind right leg of a bull.
c. Nyaom Lee Hraon – Bride’s entrance to her new house. The following items shall be arranged, provided, and taken to the Bridegroom’s  parents:

i.  1(one) basket of Chi, fermented beverage
ii.  Two bottles of liquor
iii.  Front left leg of a bull

d.  Nyaom Mungkong Zo-gool –  a complete dressed cock.  The above item, Nyaom Mungkong Zo-gool, shall be given to the Bride’s party on completion of the marriage ceremony at the Bridegroom’s house. It is to be taken the to the Bride’s parents as a token of respect and clearly denoting that their daughter has been very gladly acceepted by the Bridegroom’s   parents, clan, village.

e.  Bride’s dress and jewelry-   Although it is not mandatory and compulsory, the following dress and jewelry may be provided by the Bridegroom’s parents for the bride:
i.  Dum-dyem (dress) – 1 set
ii.  Jyoordaong Tago (black gawn) – one
iii.  Takvil Lyaak(neckless) made of cane splits – one
iv.  Kakel(bangle) made of cane splits – one pair
v.  Aanyaor Kong (ear rings) made of cane splits – one pair
vi.  Ka-Chhyaop or Chhyaap Chhyaap
   made of silver with Saret-Aajet design – one
vii.  Panthop (badge) made of silver – one
viii.  Sambraang Baor made of silver – one

5.  Aangaop:-  Marriage is sacred and holy according to the Lepcha Customary Law.   To keep up the good, happy and strong bond, relationship and unity between the two families, clans and villages, the Lepcha ‘Aangaop’ system came into existence.  ‘Aangaop’ shall take place under the following circumstances only:
a.  On the untimely death of a husband, a young widow, if she wishes, after one year, she shall be betrothed and married to one of the following relations, if he is willing and happy,  in consultation with the family members, elders and Village Lepcha Associations from both sides:
i.  Deceased husband’s single younger brother.
ii.  Deceased husband’s single nephew.              

b.  On the untimely demise of a wife, a young widower, if he wishes, after a year, he shall be betrothed and married to one of the following relations, if she is willing and happy,  in consultation with the family members, elders and Village Lepcha Associations from both sides:
i.  Deceased wife’s single younger sister.
ii.  Deceased wife’s single niece.                              

6.  Under this unique marriage system of ‘Aangaop’,  the child/children, if any from the previous marriage shall continue to receive the same love, affection, and care from the new step-father or mother.  A child/ children shall remain happy and above all in safe hands.

7.  In case of no issue, single younger sister of the wife, if she is willing and happy, shall also be given in ‘Aangaop’.

8.  This way, the same harmony, balance, understanding, relationship, and unity shall prevail in the house and between the two families, clans and villages.

On completion of the wedding rituals, the newly wedded couple are blessed by the elders in songs.  A singer composes the song then and there and sings; it is called ‘Apryaa Vam’ in Lepcha.  An example of a marriage ‘Apryaa Vam’ is given below:

Bree Munlaom  Apryâ Vom
Hâ aey . . . . . !
Marum mathaok rey nyaom myok hani sa,
Choo bi Kong Chhen ngân zaong,
Bâm kaon, boor kaon, paot kaon, târ kaon,
Sukdum kâ aom ngân kaon.
Rângnyoo Rângeet zaong lenchhyo hani sâ,
Chung song tet hoon kaon,
Nyaom Myok hanyi sâ,
Lenchhyo tukpo rey, chung song hoon kaon.
Hâ aey . . . . . !
Âmoo abosâ kurvong kalit kâ,
  Noor arey tho phu mo
Bokoo moo baong sâ, ren rit song dun kâ
Nyaom arey laom phu mo
Noor arey huna, lee rey lee kung na
Aom kaon mee chur hoon na
Nyaom arey huna, sarong sutnyi na
Aom kaon mee chur hoon na.
Hâ aey . . . . . !
Ho nâmko munlaom len nung sâ,
Bree sâ tim rey kâ,
Phaleng, numleng zoom ba na,
Laok kâ lem kâ voong loong na.
Bree sâ timrey kâ, laok kâ, lem kâ,
Voong loong na
Bree sâ timrey kâ,
Laok kâ ley, lem kâ ley,
Bree sâ timrey kâ.

Blessings to a Bride

Hâ aey . . . . !

Let the bride and groom live long
Like the Himalayas standing strong.
Let them flower and fruit
With bright sunshine on them,
In this world.

Like the love of Teesta and Rangeet
Let them flow together forever, and
Let their love endure for all time.

Hâ aey . . . . . . !

Into the laps of groom’s parents,
The jewel bride is entrusted,
Amid uncles, aunts and relatives as witnesses.
Let the jewel bride shine,
Let her bring the light to this house
From this day onwards.

Hâ aey . . . . . . !

On completion of the marriage vows and blessings,
On the union of  these two,
Let the young boys and girls
Dance, sing and play together,
To celebrate the wedding with joy and delight !

 

                               

 

Aprya vom (Traditional song) of Marriage

iä mNu[l Aaìa v)

haAe. . . . . . . . !

mrMu m!Tre [J !Ì huiJs

cUib VokCNe GNaZz

bMa$k, bRU$k ]p$k tRa$k

sXudMuka [AGNa$k

VorJU VoriÜ^Zz lNeoC huiJs

Vqu VostDe GNU$k, [J!Ì huiJs

lNeoC tXuapre, Vqu Vos GNU$k

haAe. . . . . . . . . .. . . !

AamU Aaabsa kRuVov kil^ka

nRU Aare aT Pu am

bXUkU mUVobsa, ÍNeir^Zs dNuka

[J Aare [l Pu am

nRU Aare hunu, ilre ilVkunu

[A$k imqRu GNUnu

[J Aare hunu, sVor sDuiJnu

[A$k imqRu GNUnu

haAe. . . . . .. . . . . !

oh nMaok mNu[l lNeVnus

iäsa it)reka

PVle nMuVle zMUbunu, !lka lMeka VvUVlunu

iäsa it)reka, !lka, lMeka

VvUVlunu

iäsa it)reka

!lkale, lMekale, iäsa it)reka

Today’s Kalimpong Sub-Division was then known as “Daamsaang”

‘Ree Syee Saom’

Mr Ashley Eden, a British India Government Agent at the Bhutanese Court, on 7 May 1864 wrote to the British India Government from Darjeeling expressing his strong views concerning the adoption of measures to secure the frontier from the Bhutanese aggression.  One of his choices was – ‘ The temporary occupation of the country, to be followed by the withdrawal of the occupying force after destroying the forts and letting the people see and feel our power to reach them at any future time.’

Today’s Kalimpong Sub-Division was then known as “Daamsaang”, a Lepcha word and name meaning ‘fortified’.  A series of Lepcha forts in ruin can still be found around the Kalimpong Sub-Division.  “Daamsaang Fort” was constructed by the Lepcha King, Pano Gaeboo Achyok.  He was assasinated by the Bhutanese at Daalim Fort and his kingdom, “Daamsaang Lyaang” was taken away by the Bhutanese.

The name, “Kalimpong” is derived from three Lepcha syllables; ‘Kaa’ in Lepcha means ours, ‘len’ means to assemble and finally ‘pung’ means a hillock or knoll.  It means a hillock where the Lepchas assemble.  This particular hillock or knoll can be seen today at Durpin Golf Course just below the Circuit House;  a flat site with three pine trees standing.  The oldest Lepcha monastery built in 1691 existed in this very hillock where the Lepchas of Bom, Daanggrao, Sungleepung, Chhyobo, Purbaong, Tasyey Ngaaso, Tasyeyding, Tanek etc.  used to assemble.  In the name of development, the Lepchas living in an around the monastery and today’s Kalimpong town were evicted and their monastery shifted to ‘Kafyer’ meaning arrow roots in Lepcha, now errorneously called ‘Kafer’, situated on the opposite side of Kalimpong town in 1903.  Kafyer was infested with leeches and Himalayan black bears;  owing to the lack of Lepcha followers of the monastery and thin population at Kafyer, it was once again shifted to the present day site of the monastery at Bom,Kalimpong next to the Lepcha Museum in 1921 by the then Lepcha leader, Aathing Sando Tshering Tamsang. This Lepcha monastery, one of the oldest, is aptly known as ‘Kaalenpung Rong Gomboo’ meaning the Kalimpong Lepcha Monastery in Lepcha.

Captain Perkins bombarded this Daamsaang Fort from ‘Ree Syee Saom’, a commanding position on the opposite and southern side of Daamsaang Fort, and destroyed it.  ‘Ree’ in Lepcha means terrace, ‘Syee’ means to see or view and ‘Saom’ means to take a rest for a little while.  It literally means a terrace like place from where one can see, view, the Daamsaang Fort, Himalayas, Ree Naok Valley in Sikkim, borders of Sikkim and Bhutan and the Tibetan Passes, Nathula and Jelepla, gateways to Tibet and take rest for a little while.  In short, a view point.  The Lepchas have given such appropriate and beautiful names of places but today this name in particular is corruptly pronounced as ‘Rishisum’.

During the British Raj, Dak Bunglows were built and well kept at the intervals of 11 to 15 miles distances fo their visiting officials and guests to rest and recuperate.  One of the most impressive Dak Bunglows in the Darjeeling Hills was built right here at Ree Syee Saom; unfortunately it was destroyed by fire during the ‘Agitation’ in 1988.  The remaining ruined stone walls collapsed on 18 September 2011 owing to the huge earthquake.

On 10 December 1864, the Daamsaang Fort was surrendred by the Bhutanese to Colonel Haughton.  It was then occupied by a detachment of fifty men of the 17th Native Infantry under the command of  Lieutenant Dawes.

Thus the ‘Daamsaang Fort’, as opined by Mr Ashley Eden in his strong recomendations to the British India Government, was the first fort to be destroyed and Daamsaang Lyaang , today’s Kalimpong Sub-Division effectively came under the rule of British India Government in December 1864.

The temporary occupation of Bhutan as envisaged by Mr. Ashley Eden in his strong recommendation to the Government of British India on 7 May 1864 did not manterialized.

 Lyangsong Tamsang