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 he was among the earliest settlers in Leek, though this claim raises questions about the area’s earlier history. Suhi belonged to the “Afi” clan (pucho) and was a boongthing of moderate renown.


Tafleng Lepcha: A Controversial Name

Tafleng, Suhi’s wife, was from Lingko, near Tingvong. Her name, meaning “a piece of excrement,” is an enigma. Was it an example of Lepcha humor, a lack of imagination, or something else entirely? Tafleng married Suhi late in life, resulting in only one known biological daughter, who married into the Karrhyong family in lower Lingthem.


Adoption and Lineage
Since Suhi and Tafleng had no sons, they adopted Tangdeng Lepcha from Saffo. Tangdeng Lepcha thereafter adopts “Afi” clan as his pucho and uses it for rituals and identity. Tangdeng was already married to Payelmoo Nikung, arranged by his mother, Lichingmoo Nikung. (This marriage followed Lepcha customs allowing unions between in-laws after a family death, easing financial and ritual burdens).


Household Conflicts and Division
Over time, tensions grew between Tafleng and Payelmoo, leading to a split in the household. Tangdeng and Payelmoo moved to Chukbong, only returning to Singkom when Suhi and Tafleng’s health declined, necessitating their care.


Lichingmoo Nikung: A Mun of Great Influence
Lichingmoo Nikung, Tangdeng’s mother, was a celebrated mun from Liching (near present-day Singhik). Her extensive travels for rituals and rites made her a prominent figure. She adopted Mika’s mother, an orphaned infant, during a ''sung-lyen'' ritual in Ruhubong, raising her before giving her to Tangdeng and Payelmoo to rear. This act ensured the survival of Mika’s mother despite significant hardships. She had significant influence across Dzongu.


Mika Lepcha: A Tumultuous Childhood
Mika’s early life was marked by neglect from his father, Gora Lepcha, who disowned him, suspecting infidelity involving Suhi or Tangdeng. Gora’s mistreatment, including favoritism towards Mika’s sibling Nimtsho, drove Mika to be raised in Singkom under Tangdeng’s care. Despite this, physical traits and behavior strongly linked Mika to Gora, leading the family to later adopt Gora’s “Subursuknee” clan from ''Afi" clan as their official lineage.


Gora Lepcha: A Complex Figure
Gora, Mika Lepcha’s father, a powerful but flawed individual, nicknamed "Gora" due to his fair complexion and physical build. He was known for his power and influence, was a controversial figure. He married multiple times and had a complicated relationship with Suhi’s family. His suspected jealousy and insecurities strained relationships, influencing Mika’s upbringing and the family’s dynamics.

Later Generations

Mika, Tangdeng’s adopted son, raised in Singkom after being disowned by his father, Gora Lepcha. Mika married Pema Lhamu Lepcha in a ceremony overseen by Gora himself, despite lingering disputes over clan affiliations. Gora used ''Afi'' clan to represent Mika during the ritual. 

Nimtsho Lepcha

Chiyim Akoo

Kolokchung Lepcha and the Dalaw Area
Thyung Kolokchung Lepcha, Tangdeng’s sibling, settled in the Dalaw area, establishing a family after initial struggles with infertility. They were living in the Dhong area (above Leek) for some years before moving to Singkom and then eventually to Dalaw. This area became home to their descendants, including the Dalaw Akoo family, who maintain ties to Tangdeng’s lineage.

Yongden Lepcha

''Cheng Cheng''

Akoo Thyung

One leg short (Chiyim Thyung)

Kalakup Lepcha
Adopted father of Yongden Lepcha (Cheng Cheng)

Tumblukung Lepcha

Pongdok mu Thyung

Puchung Lepcha 

The giant

Bahadur Tshering Lepcha

Rinchenpong mu Thyung

This account highlights the intricate relationships, conflicts, and cultural customs within and around the Singkom household. Each character’s story intertwines to create a tapestry of history, resilience, and identity.