History
Bhutia tribes usally are from
Tibetan origin. They migrated to Sikkim in the 16th century. They inhabited the
northern part of Sikkim where they are known as the Lachenpas and Lachungpas. Majority
of the tribes are concentrated in the dry valley of the north Sikkim. In Sikkim they
are called as Denzongpa which is Tibetian name of Sikkim. They are also found in West
Bengal mostly in the hilly districts including Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Bhutias forms
14% of the total population of Sikkim. |  |
The Bhutia aristocrats were called Kazis after which similar land lord titles were
given in the neighboring region, especially in modern day Bangladesh. This feudal
system was an integral part of Chogyal monarchy prior to 1975, when Sikkim was an
independent monarchy. The ruling dynasty in Sikkim before the mid 1970s annexation by
India was a Bhutia and was from the Namgyal dynasty. Bhotey is often used as a
refering term, used by people of Nepali heritage to describe people of Tibetan
heritage, titlehough most Bhutias are better off economically and educationally among
the various Himalayan communities including the Nepalese.
Place /Location (then and now)
|
Sikkim , West Bengal |
Population |
14% of Sikkim Population |
Languages spoken |
Sikkimese, Bhutia, Hindi, Lechpa , English |
Food |
Rice, meat, Beef |
Culture
 |
Bhutias are warm hearted and simple people. They prefer living
in joint families. A Bhutia house is called Khin which is built in the rectangular
shape. Bhutias follow tantric Buddhism and legal system among the Bhutias is named as
the Dzumsa, which means the rendezvous point of the common masses. Pipon is the village
headsmen under whom Dzumsa works. It ensures law and order and is responsible for
conservation of practises such as grazing, cultivation programs and the seasonal
development of the community.
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Agriculture is the main source of occupation among the Bhutias. Bhutias
usually practice intermarriage within their clans and follow hierarchical system of
bride and groom selection. Clan discrimination is widespread and marriage outside the
community is looked down upon. During Bhutia Tribes marriage, a representative from
the male's house arrives at the female's home with gifts and raises the offer of
marriage.They follow Tibetan Buddhism of which the Nyingma School is the oldest
followed by Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug.
Occupation
The occupation of Bhutia Tribe is usually farming, producing vegetables
and fruits. They have even developed expertise in weaving. Woolen clothes, shawls are
popular in the markets of Sikkim and West Bengal. Another major occupation of this
tribe is breeding yaks and sheep.
People
Males
of this tribe wear Bakhu which is a loose traditional dress with full sleeves. While
the women's dress consists of Silken Honju, which is the full sleeves blouse and a
loose gown type garment. Female also prefer wearing jewellery of pure Gold.
They
also wear a woollen cloth called Pandgen in the front part. The garment is designed
with colourful geometric lines which is usually worn by wedded women. A cotton or silk
belt is tied on the waist. Famous personalitis of the Bhutia tribe are Bollywood star
Danny Denzongpa and Indian football (soccer) captain Baichung Bhutia.
|  |
Food
Food of
Bhutia Tribe is preferably rice with animal fat. They are common beef eaters. Their
traditional and favorite dishes are Momos, Gya Thuk, Ningro with Churpi, Sidra Ko
Achar, Saelroti, Shimi Ko Achar, Pakku, Kodo Ko Roti, Phapar Ko Roti, Silam Ko Achar,
Phulaurah Gundruk, Phagshapa, Sael Roti. Bhutias are fond of Chaang (the millet bear),
it is served in the special bamboo container called Tongba with the hollow pipe made of
Bamboo. Tea with milk and sugar, and butter tea is also served in religious or social
occasions.
Language
The Bhutia Tribes speak in Sikkimese Language. The language is similar
to some of the foreign languages. Even Nepali is spoken by wide population of Bhutia
Tribe. Apart from these the Bhutias Speak Hindi, Bhutia, Lepcha and English.
Festivals
The main festival celebrated by Bhutia Tribes are Losar and
Losoong. The first week of the February is Losar as it marks the beginning of the
Tibetan New Year. During this festival the in the evening the act of Fire Metho takes
place. Losoong is celebrated at the end of the harvest season and also the end of the
Tibetan year. It is usually at the end of the tenth Tibetan lunar month (in December).
It is the most important festival among the Bhutia tribes in India. During this
festival Chaan dancings and merrymaking at the monasteries at Palace (Tsuklakhang),
Phondong and Rumtek are enjoyed by the tribe. The main attraction of the festival is
Archery Competition. They give offerings to the God and the tribes exchange feasts
among each other. Stage fights and passing through the crowds with the fire torches add
more adventure and excitement to the festival. |  |
Tribes in India | Bagri tribes,Banjara tribes, Ahir tribes, Asur tribes, Bodo tribes, Hmar tribes, Bhutia tribes, Andamanese
tribes | | Khasi tribes, Bhil tribes, Gaddi tribes, Dhodia tribes, Angami tribes, Chakmas tribe, Oran tribe, Chenchu tribe, Santhal tribe, Chenchu tribe, Jarawa
tribe | | Gujjar tribes,Khond tribes,Munda tribes,Naga tribes, Gonda tribes, Lalung tribes, Chamar tribes, Toda tribes |
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