Bhutias

The Bhutias in Sikkim have established their permanent abodes primarily across two fractions of Sikkim, namely Lachen and Lachung realms. Thus, the designations of the varied sects of the Bhutias in Sikkim also carries a substantial influence of their dwelling regions. That is, the ones who reside in the Lachen region are distinguished as the Lachens whereas the ones who inhabit the region of Lachung are designated as Lachungpas.

The Bhutias have accepted an improvised form of the Tibetan language as their mother tongue. The Bhutias of Sikkim have evolved their own legal system and consider any offense, controversy or dispute under its light. This unique legal system is referred to as the 'Dzumsa' that means the rendezvous point of the common masses, if roughly translated from the regional dialect. This legal system regarded as 'Dzumsa' is skillfully controlled and all its proceedings are professionally executed by the headman who belongs to the village known as the 'Pipon'.

Previously, the Bhutias at Sikkim were under the jurisdiction of the Mondal System in which the head or the 'Mondal' was dowered with the authority to accumulate revenues from all the occupants of the state and convey it to the Government. The Mondal was also bestowed with the power to deal with and perhaps punish petty offenders.

But with the advent of the 21st century, the Mondal system took a back seat as the Bhutias across Sikkim witnessed the dawn of the Panchayati system. But, the Government have made it extremely clear that they do not possess any kind of intentions to abolish the 'Dzumsa' system. On the contrary, they have furnished the 'Dzumsa system with the deemed status of a fully functional Panchayet.

The aristocrats of Bhutiya origin are referred to as the 'Kazis'. Their traditional attires are called 'Bakhu' and their houses are known as 'Khim'. Well known Bhutia personalities are Danny Denzongpa, who is a renowned actor in the Indian film industry and Baichung Bhutia who is the skipper of the Indian football team.