Conversations with Namgyal Lepcha by Dechen Pelgi Tenzing






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Tangdeng Lepcha (Singkom Thyung)

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       A Journey from Saffo to Singkom Tangdeng Lepcha (Tongdeng) was from Saffo. His’s story took a pivotal turn when he left his birthplace in Saffo to join the Singkom household in Leek. His migration was not a mere change of residence; it was an act of profound responsibility. Suhi and Tafleng Lepcha, who had no sons to carry their lineage forward, adopted Tangdeng. His arrival in Singkom marked the beginning of a life filled with trials and triumphs.   The Marriage of Tradition and Necessity Tangdeng’s marriage to Payelmoo Nikung was a testament to the customs and practicalities of Lepcha life. Arranged by his mother, Lichingmoo Nikung , the marriage followed the tradition of uniting family lines. Payelmoo Nikung had previously been married to Tangdeng’s maternal uncle, but after his uncle’s death, she became Tangdeng’s wife. Though Payelmoo was significantly older than Tangdeng, their union was marked by mutual respect and a shared sense of duty. The co...
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MUROW MUNG & JAW RUM

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Image: Rock on the road between Shara and Tizong in Sikkim, India, 1894.  (Photo by Johnston & Hoffman/Royal Geographical Society) MUROW MUNG: Shaped like a palm of a hand ( Haath Josto ). What does Murow mean? Why is this one Mung ? JAW RUM: Shaped like a Talo (Mat) It flies like Batarnay jostai - like a carpet it would flap and twist continuously. What does Jaw mean? Why is this one Rum ? Both Jaw and Muro Mung fly and are especially active in the winters. They usually fly close to the land surface. Their area of origin is said to be from a black pond located somewhere in Naga, North Sikkim. Some say they come from the base of Kongchen Chu. It usually comes down hovering over the river on a clear night to drink water from the Teesta. They both fly with a loud sound (helicopter?) Whenever one encounters this Haath jostai and Batarnay jostai , one should hide immediately. Since they travel at night, their victims mostly therefore are the fishermen who would be out at night...
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Leeky Personalities

Key Characters and Context: Suhi Lepcha: The Mediator and Entertainer Suhi Lepcha, a charismatic figure in Leek, was one of the few who could converse in Nepali during the early settlement of Nepalis in the region. Due to his oratory skills and personality, he was popularly referred to as " Karbari Thyung/Buro " by the Nepalis. He was a mediator and a shaman ( boongthing ). This skill made him a valuable mediator between the Lepchas and the Nepalis, who had begun settling in Leek for opportunities tied to cardamom cultivation. Known for his wit and verbal agility, Suhi was a master debater and entertainer. His humor, often explicit and teasing, made him a beloved figure, especially during verbal battles with the competitive women’s groups of Lingthem. Despite the mischief they played, including feeding him absurdly proportioned meals, Suhi always emerged victorious, earning admiration and laughter. Suhi’s origins trace back to Rim Ram in Lingdong or Barfok. It is said that h...
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