Passport to Tibet.....

This Old Passport belongs to Mr. A.D. Moddie of Nainital which is still preserved by him as a sovenir at his Bhim Tal residence Savera. The mandatory options in the passport has been written in three languages viz English, Hindi and Tibetan. This Passport was issued to Mr. Moddie by the Indian Government on 15th September 1957 and it was valid upto 15th of March 1958. On the left side of the passport the detail about the visitor's stay in Tibet is mentioned in all the three above stated languages. From the rubber stamp visible on the passport it can be noticed that before entering Tibet the Passport had to be varified at PANDRA MILE Checkpost.

Old picture of Lama Anden(North Sikkim)

This picture of Lama Anden (North Sikkim) was taken by Mr. A.D. Moddie in 1946 when he scaled the peak for the first time. He was attracted by Sikkim due to his deep interest in the Himalayas. Besides a mountainer Mr. Moddie is a Historian, a Civil Servant, a Coloumnist and a Humanist from the heart. During his conversation with me at his residence, Savera located in Nainital, he described about the road conditions of Sikkim in those days. He also stressed upon the transportation as well as communication problems of those days of his remembrance. He told me that in the later phases of development, the places, the waysides and the households   near the roads got developed and township came into existence.

Old and New Nathu-La…..How different it is now….

This photograph of old Nathu-La was taken by Mr. A.D. Moddie in 1957 when he went to Gyantze in Tibet as an Indian trader. The telegraph post for Tibet installed by the British Indian Government can be seen clearly in the picture. A white stripe behind the telegraph post is the Ghorey Sadak (Horse Road) to Tibet. The snow clad land seen in the picture is Sikkim and the land on which the Ghorey Sadak is visible is Tibet.

The New Picture of Nathu-La is also shared to me by Moddie Shaab(as Mr. A.D. Moddie is popularly known in Nainital).

The first Indian to scale Lama Anden (A mountain peak in North Sikkim)

The first Indian to scale Lama Anden a mountain lays left of Lachung is Mr. A.D. Moddie who is also the first batch IAS of independent India. He scaled this peak in North Sikkim in 1946. Recruited in 1948, Mr. Moddie served as an IAS officer in Bihar’s Madhubani district and later resigned and joined Hindustan Liver. I met Mr. Moddie at his Bhim Tal Cottage at Nainital which once belonged to Col. John who was assigned with the charge of administration of the Kumaun and Garwahl region by the British Government. Mr. Moddie bought the house from Mr. Elgin, the last British Officer of the region in the 60’s of the last century. When I reached at his cottage an old man of 90’s opened the door. He still has the very same charm on his face which he used to have 60 years back. I greeted him and our course of interaction about Sikkim started. Mr. Moddie has shared with me some of his great experiences at Gangtok while going to Lhasa as an Indian trader. He told me that Gangtok was then a small town with few houses at present days M.G. Marg. About the least bothered attitude of the then Indians towards the trans-Himalaya in his book Witnesses to our Times he has written the following lines:-

“No one then bothered about the Trans-Himalayan Central Asia. In due course, after a discussion with Harishwar Dayal (then Indian Political Officer to Sikkim) I found myself posted as a trade agent to Gyantze in Tibet……… I think I got my posting on the strength of two earlier treks and a climb on Lama Anden in Sikkim- all I could show of my meager expertise of Central Asia. But my imagination was full of the old Shangri La, the Silk Route, the early Everest story and the earlier Pundits of the survey of India”.

Regarding the perplex situation that he had to face at Gangtok he writes:-

“As there were only two ways, a trader’s or a pilgrim’s permit, I opted for the former. I wrote to our agent in Gangtok, Sikkim, to arrange a mule and a muleteer for me; I would walk. When I arrived in Gangtok and enquired about the mule arrangement, the Agent prevaricated. He shyly disclosed he had arranged twenty mules. He was taking advantage of a sahib-type, who also knew the Political Officer, Gangtok, to send his mules train in, for greater security, under my leadership. When I met Apa Pant, the P.O. for my permit in English, Hindi and Tibetan, I thought I would amuse him with the story of one mule becoming twenty. Apa Pant saw no humor in it. In serious official style, he advised me to take all twenty mules saying, “One mule no status, twenty mules status”.

Apart from the information which he has written in his book Mr. Moddie shared few valuable information about his meeting with the then Maharaja of Sikkim late Sir Tashi Namgyal. He told me that the late Maharaja was a pious person who had nothing to do with politics and who always kept himself busy in religious paintings. Mr. Moddie still has a great love towards the Himalayas and Sikkim has a special place at his heart. When I asked to take few pictures of him he preferred to take them under the pictures of Sikkim which he had taken during his visit.

Mercedese Benz of the last Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal

The car which was once used by the Sikkimese  Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal  was a Mercedez Benz   ( class C). This car was gifted to the present owner i.e owner of  Hotel Royal Demasong Gangtok by him in 1970. This very car has been preserved and displayed as an antique piece by him in his hotel.

An antique Kothi of Namchi

To the right side of the road towards Bhanjyang from Namchi, an old Kothi (Bunglow) is situated bearing the grace, pride and glory of the Monarchical Sikkim. The old Kothi belongs to the then Mukhtiyar of Namchi Late San Man Tamang. Constructed in 1911, the Kothi is one of the best examples of British architecture at the town. The wooden house was a centre of attraction among the people of in and around Namchi in its earlier days and was known as Naya Ghar (New House)or Mukhtiyar Kothi. The roof is made of thick tin and has not even a single hole over it even after 99 years of its construction. It is said that the materials for the construction of the Kothi were imported to Sikkim from nearby British province of Bengal. They were brought here on the horse back in the absence of motor vehicles as well as due to the poor means of communication. The rooms inside the Kothi have been divided by the wooden planks, which probably are the planks of Sakhua (A strong and durable species of wood plant); and it is due to this, the house still looks like a new one. The windows of the Kothi were initially made of wood, but, later on they were replaced by the modern glasses. The important feature of the house in terms of association and affinity is that the Mukhtiyar family of Namchi has been living under the same roof for five generations. Mukhtiyar Kothi still enjoys an adorable reputation and has been an object of envy for every onlooker. The Kothi was like a court when the Mukhtiyari system was prevalent and lots of decisions and verdicts were conferred upon from the very courtyard of this antique mansion. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of Namchi, there stands the famous Mukhtiyar Kothi with its haughty head holding towards the sky. Certainly, in this scenario, when every one is hankering after the so called sophistication of modernity, the Kothi is calm and sublime recalling the past days in a serene mood. Obviously, the Mukhtiyar and his successors deserve a heart felt praise for the preservation of the rare and incredible wealth of its kind.

(Person sitting in the middle with a turban is the then Mukhtiyar San Man Tamang of Namchi)

My collection (Indian Coins)

History is all about facts, authenticity and it is truely scientific in nature. Being a student of history, I was always interested in the traditional way of studying it which is mostly confined in the tussles and treaties. I never had a scientific approach to study it till my graduation. It was in 2003, when I was pursuing my Masters Degree from Pune University, I came to understand the importance of numismatics in history. Since then, the study of coins has become not only a matter of interest for me but a hobby as well. This was utterly amazing for me to believe that the mere coins which are, in reality made for meeting the need of individuals in their day to day lives are also such prolific in their substantiality. Though, the coins which I have collected so far are very few in numbers but the same can emerge very useful in making a historical survey of about 400 years. They are mostly minted in copper and a very few of them are made up of silver and aluminum. They belong to the period of Great Mughals, British East India Company and British Indian Empire. The oldest coin in my collection was issued in 1616 A.D.by the Mughal Badshah Jehangir.

A poet who wanted to become a pilot.

There is a popular saying which goes like ‘Man proposes, God disposes’. The life of the celebrated and renowned poet of Sikkim, Late Agam Singh Tamang “APATAN” bears an ample testimony to the saying as we find that the poet would have become a pilot had fortune not played its role over his fate. Very few of us can believe that even a poet can think of becoming a pilot. It is the irony of the life of the famous poet. In his earlier days of life, he dreamt of becoming an air pilot. His days at the St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling added more vigour to his dream when he came across many young English and Indian pilots. He was all set to go for finding his destination but his grandfather; a Mukhtiyar of Namchi did not want him to go to the utterly risky enterprise. Agam was brought back to Sikkim forcibly and was home locked. Thus, the desire and expectation of a young enthusiastic fellow were made the subjects of sacrifice by the so called care and conservative nature of a sophisticated family. Nevertheless, he joined Namchi Primary School as a teacher and subsequently became a poet of grandeur in Sikkimese context.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Late Agam Singh Tamang "APATAN" with his wife.


The facts presented above about Late Agam Singh Tamang "APATAN" have been substantiated after an interview with his younger sister, Mrs. Rup Maya Tamang who stays presently in Namchi.

Sergeant Man Bahadur Tamang.

Late Man Bahadur Tamang was born in July 1925, at Ranka, East Sikkim. After completing his Xth standard from Tashi Namgyal Sr. Sec. School (the first English medium school of Sikkim which was started in 1906 and was known as Gangtok School in its earlier days) in 1944, he was recruited in the Imperial British Army at the age of 19. After completing his training in various parts of India, he served in the Army Office in India. He could not take part in the Second World War, as it was in its last phase when he was recruited. With the withdrawal of the British from India, Lt. Tamang went to Singapore where he got Commissioned and worked there as a Sergeant in the British Army from 1948 to 1951. He was posted in Hong Kong in 1951, and remained there for one year. In 1952, he was again posted to Malaysia from where he got his retirement in 1957 and came back to Sikkim. A person with a great caliber and an enthusiast to acquire higher education, Lt. Tamang could not remain idle even after his retirement. He joined a new job as an accountant at B.T. College and studied in the Night Session at St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling. From there, he completed his Graduation in 1968 after which he again joined British Army as an Account Officer in Ilam (Nepal). After serving there for 14 years, Lt. Man Bahadur Tamang got his retirement in 1982 and made his way back to Sikkim. A close relative of Kavi Agam Singh Tamang “APATAN” and Lt. Tulshi Bahadur Chettri “APATAN”, Sergeant Tamang is probably the first Commissioned Officer of the Imperial British Army from Sikkim.

Due to his dedication and sincerity to serve the British Army, the Royal British Government honoured 21146964 Sergeant Man Bahadur Tamang of 7/7 Gorkha Regiment with King George VI Medal (Malaya) and King George VI Medal (Great Britain). Lt. Tamang died on 27th June 1990 at Namchi District Hospital due to throat cancer.
                                             
                                               Medals of Sergeant Man Bahadur Tamang.

The facts presented above about Lt. Man Bahadur Tamang have been substantiated after an interview with his wife, Mrs. Rup Maya Tamang who stays presently in Namchi.

Laxmi Prasad Devkota got enchanted by his visit to Sikkim

Laxmi Prasad Devkota (12th November1909 – September 14th 1959), was an eminent Nepali poet. He is arguably the best writer in the Nepali Language. Devkota was the third son of Pandit Tila Madhav and Amar Rajya Laxmi Devi. He was born at Thatunati (now Dhobidhara), Kathmandu on the day Laxmi Puja, the Festival of Lights, which is a celebration of Wisdom and Wealth. He showed poetic genius from a very tender age by Starting poetic career at the age of 10 with the writing of his first poem: -


“Ghanghor Dukhasagar Sansar Jaana Bhai, Nagarey Ghamanda Kahiley Marnu Cha Hamilai”.

Which reads like...

“Brother, this world's a great sea of tribulations.

We all have to die. Be not arrogant."

He is regarded as the propounding father of romanticism in the Nepali literature. Devkota was deeply influenced by the writings of William Wordsworth, P.B. Shelley, Byron and John Keats. He is the pioneer of modernity or modernism in Nepali literature, especially in essays and poetry, and he is also regarded as 'Anshu Kavi'(spontaneous poet). He could write poems in a spontaneous manner and even while signing  autographs for his fans, he used to write a poem before putting his signature. His poetry depicts the romantic characteristics like humanism, metaphysical relationships, aesthetic values, past glories, praise of nature etc. Apart from romantic writings, he wrote some potent revolutionary poems possibly under the impact of P.B.Shelley.

Devkota is also credited with the innovations of native Nepali vocabulary. He not only had a deep vision of literature, but  was also well versed in theology, philosophy, history and in all inter-disciplinary genres. Devkota is the first Nepali epic writer showing individuality in Nepali literature and the first ever epic of Nepali language is his Sakuntal. In connection with his 'Sakuntal,' his views were immensely critical. He said   –“To date  an epic in Nepali literature before the publication of Sakuntal is utterly resembling to the task of finding a snake in the ice land”.

The  masterpiece which renders him the loftiest position in Nepali Literature is his 'Muna-Madan'  in which he tried to portray the deplorable economic condition of Nepal in the most celebrated characters of two youths  Muna- a Nepali village girl and Madan- a Nepali peasant. The short epic can be compared to 'Romeo and Juliet' of William Shakespeare in the context of love and emotion . 'Muna-Madan' is written in Jhyaurey prosody, the typical Nepali folk lore. This work of Devkota has been translated into several languages like German, French, English, Russian, Hindi, Japanese, Chinese etc. and it has gained same popularity as it gained in the Nepali literary world.

He was indeed a genius who contributed towards the Nepali literature with many of unforgettable creations  like Pramithas, Maharana Pratap etc. Devkota has written in every genre of literature like poems, stories, and essays. A poet who could write a poem instantly, a charming orator, Devkota really was  a glorious wonder and the conferring upon him with the title 'Electric Poet' by the Nepali poet of Darjeeling Lt. Paras Mani Pradhan is, in real  terms, a great tribute to the diceased poet.

He had once served as an Education Minister in the Nepal’s Royal Cabinet headed by K Y Singh under His Majesty King Tribhuwan Bir Vikram Sahadev. Apart from this, Devkota contributed with his alluring writings in the various fields of Nepali literature like essays, novels, epics, dramas, and criticism etc. But, he could not publish all these  in his life time due to his poor economic condition. Recently, his new short epic has been published and is named as “Mayabini Sarshi”. This great poet of Nepali literature breathed his last on September 14th 1959 at 6:10 P.M (Nepal Time) due to cancer.

This glorious Nepali poet had once visited Sikkim. He was invited here by the APATAN Sahitya Parishad in November 1952. The Apatan Sahitya Parishad is the pioneer literary association of Sikkim founded by four eminent Sikkimese Nepali poets namely Agam Singh Tamang, Padam Singh Subba, Tulshi Bahadur Chettri and Nima Wangdi Lepcha. This Association has contributed a lot for the propagation of literary ideas among the Sikkimese society. He was felicitated at White Hall, Gangtok where Lt. Kashi Raj Pradhan made an introductory speech about Devkota and Padam Singh Subba read the Letter of Appreciation, which was presented to him. The then Sikkim Maharaja Tashi Namgyal roared  in laughter when Devkota recited an English poem in Vedic prosody.

An impressive programme was organized by the APATAN Parishad to felicitate the visiting literary personality. The then Chogyal of Sikkim, Sir Tashi Namgyal was the Chief Guest of the occasion. On this occasion, dramas like Satya Harish Chandra, Taramati and Mukunda Indira were staged.  His Majesty, the Maharaja of Sikkim Sir Tashi Namgyal was splendidly hailed by Mahakavi Lakshmi Prasad Devkota in a poem which reads like the following:

Hail! Glorious ruler of this mount in state,

Sikkim, the paradise of peaceful peaceful hills,

This lively sweet abode of angels, great,

Great in thy name. Thy well known bounty fills

With plenty of thy kingdom. Stainless soul,

Deeply devoted to the God that thrills

Thy inmost depth, thou findest him all whole

Thy own angelic subjects in their wills

Amassed forever in love to their great good

Selflessly hast thou lived, the Buddha life

In thy keen veins where human love must brood

And multiply, rich and intense to thrive

Thy teeming millions to whom a holy shire

Thou dost with sense of human sacrifice aye in spire.

Gangtok, 19th of November 1952

Sd/- Lakshmi Prasad Devkota

Mukhtiyars of Sikkim

                                    Sitting on the ground( Second from Left) Kavi Agam Singh Tamang.
My blog inspired one of my students, Miss Chungku Bhutia, who eventually facilitated me with a what we call to be an antique photograph of a Mukhtiyar family which refers to her maternal ancestors. It belongs to the family of a renowned poet of Sikkim, Kavi Agam Singh Tamang(APATAN) who was a sibling of a Mukhtiyar family of Namchi, South Sikkim. The person at the centre in the photograph is Lt. San Man Lama, the Mukhtiyar of Namchi who is also the grand father of Kavi Agam Singh Tamang. The main role of the Mukhtiyar was to confer justice to the needy in different cases. Looking at the present scenario, the post of a Mukhtiyar is akin to the post of a District Magistrate.Looking at the attires and ornaments the figures in the photograph are clad in, the family looks like a royal one possessing enormous wealth.

A brief study of some old Indian Coins

The study of coins, specifically the older ones is known to be Numismatics and this bears a pivotal role in finding out of the socio-economic scenario of any country of a given time period. On top of that, Numismatics has always played an important role for the study of history. This not only gives information about the various dynasties and their reigns, but also provides good knowledge about the economic aspects of a country. Therefore, the importance of numismatics cannot be overruled to achieve a solid idea about the past. To be very precise, this is equally important for the students and the scholars of History to take interest in Numismatics in order to grab the fullest possible idea about the past. In simple terms, it also draws the same attention as by other sources of history, viz. literary, ephigraphical and other important sources in determining the historical milestones of a nation. But, this is very disheartening to note that some of the Historians whom we come across while studying history do not put proper emphasis on this inevitable factor and thus nullify the genuineness of the study of Numismatics.

It was in 2003, when I was pursuing my Masters Degree from Pune University, I came to understand the importance of numismatics in history. I was greatly inspired by the old coins which were shown to us by our Professor Dr. Mrs. Shila Patwardhan. Since then, the study of coins has become not only a matter of interest for me but a hobby as well. This was utterly amazing for me to believe that the mere coins which are, in reality made for meeting the need of individuals in their day to day lives are also such prolific in their substantiality. Though, the coins which I have collected so far are very few in numbers but the same can emerge very useful in making a historical survey of about 400 years. I have illustrated and enumerated the importance of the coins in the subsequent paragraphs and this effort on my part will have an adorable reception, I do expect.

Mughal Coin. 01

Metal used for the coin : Copper.

Weight of the coin : 18 Grams (approx)

Year of Issue : 1616 A.D.

Place of mint : Unknown

Money Value : Unknown

Shape : Round.

Obverse : Sacred words of the Holy Quran along with 786, the holy number believed by the Muslims.

Reverse : Sacred words of the Holy Quran.

Issuing Authority : Nur-Ud-Din Muhammad Jahangir (1569- 1627 A.D)

Description : The coin was issued in 1616 A.D., the period when the influence of Nur-Jahan over the Emperor Jahangir was at its height. Made up of copper the coin weights approx. 18 grams. The coin looks more Islamic in its appearance than Indian.

East India Company Coin- 01

  Metal used for the coin:- Copper

Weight:- 6 Grams (approx)

Year of Issue:- 1616 A.D.

Place of mint:- Unknown, probably Surat, the Head Quarter of the English East India Company.

Money Value:- Half Anna.

Shape:- Round.
Obverse:- Transcribed in English “East India Company U.K.” with the mention of the year of issue as 1616.

Reverse:- Two balloon like objects have been featured.

Issuing Authority:- East India Company U.K.

Description:- The East India Company was founded in 1600 A.D. as they secured their permission to establish their Company in Surat. From this coin, it becomes evident that the East India Company not only secured permission to set-up a Company but, they also secured their right to mint coin in their own name.

East India Company Coin-02

Metal used for the coin:- Copper

Weight:- 8 Grams (approx)
Year of Issue:- 1717 A.D.
Place of mint:- Unknown.
Money Value:- Half Anna.
Shape:- Round.

Obverse:- Written in English “East India Company U.K.” mentioned the year of issue as 1717.

Reverse:- Portrait of Mecca, the holy place of the Muslims along with a half moon and a star. The reverse side of the coin also shows 786, the holy number of the Muslims.

Issuing Authority:- East India Company U.K.

Description:- The earlier coins issued by the east India Company had some secular features as we have seen, that they had featured a balloon like object on the reverse of the coins issued by them a century ago. But, this coin has the mark of Islamic religion. They engraved it on their coin to maintain a cordial relation with the Mughal authority. Their stay in India for more than a century had made them enabled to understand the Indian society in a broader manner. In order to secure more trade privileges from the Mughal Empire, they needed to show a kind of respect towards the religion of the rulers. These reasons might have compelled the East India Company to depict the image of Mecca on their coins.

East India Company Coin-03

Metal used for the coin:- Copper

Weight:- 18 Grams (approx)
Year of Issue:- 1818 A.D.
Place of mint:- Ratlam.

Money Value:- Unknown.

Shape:- Round.

Obverse:- Written in English the name of the concerned authority as “East Indya Company U.K”. The name of the place where the coin was minted has been written in Devanagari as Ratlam and is placed at the centre of the coin. At the bottom, the year of its issue is written in English. At the centre, OM the religious symbol of the Hindus is featured with few flowery designs.

Reverse:- Written in Devanagari ‘Saach Bolo Sach Taulo’ in a semi-circle manner that covers both the sides of the coin. In the middle of this writing, a figure of Lord Hanuman is depicted. At the bottom the name of issuing authority is mentioned. This coin is locally known in Sikkim as Hanumaney Paisa.

Issuing Authority:- East India Company U.K.

Description:- In this coin the word India is written as INDYA which suggests that the coins were probably minted by the Indian minters. The depiction of the major Indian Gods on the East India Company’s coins shows that they had a bigger aim of flourishing their trade. Politically they were well aware from the fact that the Great Mughal Empire was at the verge of disintegration. Hence, to expand their trade they wanted to have a cordial relation with some great Hindu kingdoms like Marathas and the Sikhs. This may be the important reason why they have featured the Hindu Gods on their coins.

East India Company Coin-04
Metal used for the coin:- Copper

Weight:- 8 Grams (approx)
Year of Issue:- 1818 A.D.
Place of mint:- Unknown.
Money Value:- Half Anna.
Shape:- Round.


Obverse:- Name of the issuing authority is written in a semi- circle style along with the year of its issue on the bottom of the coin with few flowery designs.

Reverse:-. In the middle, a figure of Lord Hanuman lifting Sumeru Mountain is depicted. This coin is also locally known in Sikkim as Hanumaney Paisa.

Issuing Authority:- East India Company U.K.

Description:- Same as Coin No.3.

 TO BE CONTINUED.....................

Tax Reciepts of Independent Sikkim

The tax reciept which I have procured from the family of Lt. Shri Kul Bahadur Rai of Namchi was issued to him by the Mandal of his Village. The reciept was issued to him in 1958 which shows that he had paid Rupees 12 as land revenue or Khazana to the Royal Government of Sikkim. However, the receipt indicates the address to be the West Sub- Division, which eventually is Namchi of the South district in today's scenario.

The attached receipt refers to the 1930's as it shows the payment of Rs. 6/- done by Lt. Shri Keshar Singh Rai of Namchi Sikkim as Dhuri Khazana (House Tax) to the Mandal of Namchi, Lt. Chandra Man Rai on 15/09/1930.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reviewed and posted on 30/4/2010

Member Party- The First Political Party of Sikkim

In the history of every country, the voice of revolt is heard when the level of suppression goes to its height. In Sikkim also, the level of suppression had reached its highest point due to the repressive policies of the Kazis, Thekadars, Mandals etc. People became restless when their existence was unduly fortified because of the undemocratic treatment of the commoners by the state mechanism. So, the voice of downtrodden mass began to be heard. The masses rose against the suppression of the Kazis without caring about their lives and property. The youths of Namthang, South Sikkim propelled  an underground movement against feudalism. They founded the first ever political party of Sikkim known as the Member Party in 1940. The party was founded under the leadership of Dahal brothers of Namthang namely Khadananda Dahal and Dharanidhar Dahal. The other important members of the party were Maha Singh Limbu, the Sapkota brothers namely Jai Narayan Sapkota and Trilochan Sapkota, Jerman Lepcha (Father of ex Deputy Speaker of Sikkim Assembly Mr. Ram Lepcha). They had a good relation with the leaders of Gorkha League of Kalimpong like Damber Singh Gurung, Randhir Subba and others. The main objective of the Member Party was to unleash Sikkim from the exploitation of Kazi contractors and the evil socio-economic practices of the then feudal political system. The leaders of the party were determined to end the feudal practices in Sikkim by any means and they even made a mindset to adopt  violent measures also if needed. It was on a Thursday in Chaitra month according to the Nepali calander ,  i.e. April 1945 (date unknown), the three leaders of the Member Party delivered their speech at Namthang Haat . This was probably the first political speech given by the first Sikkimese political leaders. They made a clarion call to the mass to rise and march ahead in the search of justice and freedom. The summary of the speech is as under:-

“Now the time has changed. We are no more to tolerate the atrocities of the Kazi-Zamindars. We all must arise and should join our hands to throw out the Kazis. This time none of the ryots will carry the loads of paddy of Baburam Kasaju (the Zamindar) with out any wage. This is a warning to all the peasants of Namthang. If anyone dares to do that; their houses will be burnt down. Apart from this, we are no more carrying the Kalo Bhari, Jharlangi…………. If they want our lives, we are ready to sacrifice these for the sake of you all. But, we will never abide by  their orders……..
                                    "Down with Kazi Zamindars, Long Live People’s Power!!”

The three leaders who had addressed the Namthang Haat were Khadananda Dahal, his brother Dharnidhar Dahal and Jerman Lepcha. When they were speaking on the megaphone, the listeners got shivered with overwhelming sentiments . The Zamindar Baburam Kasaju sent his police to arrest the leaders. Somehow, they managed to escape and  got underground. The incident geared up the motifs of the leaders and became more active . The members of the Member Party looted the paddy and other crops of the Zamindar and distributed the same to the poor farmers. Thus, the villagers arose from their slumber and began blowing the shell of a change, a massive change . Nightly meetings were held to find out the ways and means to do away with the suppression heralding a new era in the political history of the Kingdom.

The course of speeches at Namthang Bazaar continued and gained momentum. As a Councilor, Baburam Kasaju had to go to Gangtok and during his absence, the young leaders of the Member Party organized meetings every Thursday at the Haat. Earlier, the peasants were scared to attend the speeches but, later they started to attend them fearlessly. The speeches of the leaders were not only against the Zamindar Baburam but, they were firm in their motives to dismantle the whole system from the soil of Sikkim. When the activities of the Member Party reached to its highest , one of its active members Maha Singh Limbu was arrested and was tortured in the most inhuman manner and was banished from Sikkim.

The members of the Member Party actively participated in the movement for the abolition of Kazi- Zamindari system on 1st May 1949. The movement remained successful in eliminating the cruel and notorious Zamindari system from Sikkim. Due to their political differences, the Member Party greatly opposed ‘Popular Ministry’ founded by the State Congress. They had a clash with the State Congress on 13th May, 1949.  Dharnidhar Dahal and many other supporters of the Member Party were injured. As every development were going against their principles, the founder leader of the Member Party, Khadananda Dahal sold all his landed property and got settled in Jhapa district of Nepal in 1957.

Thus, the political consciousness of the people of Sikkim developed in the remote pockets of the kingdom which was mostly focussed on the unjust, unhealthy and undemocratic policies of the Zamindars. It is to be noted here that, the early revolutionaries of the Member Party did not criticize the Maharaja, nor they criticized his policies. They clamoured against feudalism and were firm in their principles in securing democracy. With the foundation of Member Party in the early 40’s of the 20th century, we can say that, in spite of theocratic and feudal political structure, certain aspects of secular and liberal democracy were in the rising stage in the horizon of Sikkimese politics.

pictures from Sikkim

Solar Eclipse in Sikkim on 15th of January 2010
















Mt. Kanchendzonga from Kabi North Sikkim







Kabi Lungtshok where the treaty of blood brotherhood was signed.






Shree Panch Maharajadhiraj Palden Thondup Namgyal and Maharani Hope Namgyal.