Folk-Lore And Customs Of The Lap-Chas Of Sikhim

This book is an extract of the journal and proceedings of the Asiatic Society of Bengal (Vol XXI, No.4, 1925) from page 329 to 505. Very little authentic information can be gathered from the literature that is extant on Sikkim and its original inhabitants, especially with regard to the folklore, religion, customs, or indeed regarding any other race in the Himalayas. The present work is the result of research on these particular lines of Lapcha life. It was undertaken with the intention of getting more exact information, and the materials which are here published were collected in Sikkim itself during the greater part of 1925. The present paper presents a correct idea of Lapcha characteristics, while it is hoped it also gives an accurate account of their folklore. It concerns the study of the tribe to Lapchas of Sikkim. The book starts with a brief note on the history and geography of Sikkim. This follows a note on the Lapcha, also known as the Rong folk, concerning their ethical type and language. The next part deals with their mythology as reflected in their folktales; the tales analysed are their creation myths, zoological myths, and heroic tales. The book ends with a section on Lapcha customs; this section describes their family life, birth, marriage, death and burial and miscellaneous observances. This book is a reprint of the 1925 edition.