HERITAGE OF SIKKIM 

Sikkim , the 22nd state of Indian Union, presently located within 27°04'46" and 28°07'48" North latitude and 88°00'58" and 88°55'25" East longitude is bounded by Tibet on the North, Tibet and Bhutia on the east, West Bengal on the South and Nepal on the west. "The crested Land' in the lap of the mighty Himalaya being surrounded by Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and West Bengal represents a unique ethnological amalgamation combined with distinctive bio-diversity, natural and cultural heritage

The cultural development and political history of Sikkim is from the very beginning related with the historical development in Tibet. To Tibet it was know as 'Den Zong' meaning the " Valley of Rice". According to some  source, the name of the state was ' Su' meaning new and 'Him' meaning house. According to some again the word Sikkim is derive form the Sanskrit word 'Sikhin' which means 'crested or mountainous country'. Whatever it might be, possibly the record history of Sikkim may be traced from the reign of Srong-tsang-Gampo in Tibet by 7th century AD. very recently archaeological explorations in the state has established Neolithic cultural horizon of the state. Neolithic tools have been found from the following places in Sikkim, viz, Barpak, Gnon, Gor-terang Gytong, Lingden, Linkyong, Lingdon, Manshitong, Sangdong, Sankalong, Terang in North Sikkim and Shamshing, Pakhyong in East Sikkim.

The Shaping of advanced cultural traits in Sikkim actually started with infiltration of Tantric Buddhism in this part of the country through Tibet. Schism in Buddhist sects in Tibet played a vital role in establishing a new house of kings  and kingdom in Sikkim in 17th century AD. The establishment of the new kindoms  headed by Phuntshong Namgyal as the first Chogyal in 1641 AD ushered Sikkim into a new era of vigorous political, religious, social and cultural activities under a settled government. It was this religious fervor and zeal of the Chogyals (Dharam Raja) and the Lamas of different Buddhist sects that a number of religious structures in the form of Tak-phu or rock cave, Gumpha or monastery, Chotens/mane (stupas), Mendongs came into being over whole of the state which was much bigger in size, beyond its present boundaries. Many other secular structures were also constructed keeping pace with theshifting capitals from one place to another. Some of the important Tak-phu or rock caves of Sikkim are Lha-ri-nying-phu, Kah-do song-phu, Pe-phu, De-chhen-phu, ect. Some of the ancient monasteries of Sikkim which still stand today as famous centres of Buddhism are Sangachheling, Dubdi, Pemayantse, Tashiding, Ralong, Rumtek, Enchi, Labrong, Fodong, Namchi, Singtam and many others. There are many old Chotens (stupas) throughout the state but special mention could be made of the Thangwa Rangdol of Tashiding Monastery, which is considered to be the holiest of all, and the other is that in front of the Coronation Throne of Norbugang at Yuksom. The Mendong at Geyzing is believed to be the oldest and longest mendong enchanting the glory of Sikkim. Apart from different types of religions structures, secular and old architectural remains in this state are none the less noteworthy ehich include the remains of the first capital at Yuksom known as Tashi-thenka, Rabdentse site of ancient capital of Sikkim, ruins of the capital at Tumlong ect. So far as archaeological remains are cincerned, West Sikkim district occupies a prominent position containing a good number of ancientmonasteries, chiotens, ruined capitals, ect, Of these remains, Archaeological Survey of India is protecting and preserving  the Coronation Throne of Norbugang at Yuksom, the Dubdi monastery and the ruins of the Old capital at Rabdentse near Pemayantse monastery since 1988 as the monuments of National importance. After taking them over by the Archaeological Survey of India, some initial conservation works were carried out but later on as per direction from the Prime minister's office to focus on the N.E. States and Sikkim, Special allocation was made and Archaeological Survey of India, Kolkata Circle took up special repair works in respect of monuments of Sikkim.