The Longchoks of Sikkim and North Bengal: The Need for Heritage Preservation and Awareness

Sikkim lies at the crossroad of four nations—China (formerly Tibet) in the North, Bhutan in the East, India in the South and Nepal in the West. Being a host to majorly four communities—Lepcha, Bhutia, Limboo and Nepali, we come across diverse mementoes of cultural gleanings which are significant in the socio-cultural formation of Sikkim as a state. Similar demography and cultural affinity is perceived in the hill districts of North Bengal, namely, Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Due to multifarious reasons, these heritage specimens are gradually disappearing. Before the loss becomes irrevocable, government policies, public awareness and community participation in preserving and communicating heritage values and its importance to the future generation becomes an imperative engagement. Therefore, this study deals with Longchoks or Megaliths which is an important cultural marker of the Lepcha community. The practice of erecting Longchoks has largely fallen into disuse and the remnants from the past are found in places few and far between. The intangible knowledge associated with it has waned too. Therefore, this study looks into the various reasons for the dwindling of the existing heritage and the suggestive recommendations to make the stakeholders aware about the importance of heritage, its preservation and safeguarding.