People
Darjeeling Hills were Lepchas or Rongpa (the ravine
folks) as they prefer themselves to be known as. Though their origin is
obscure, they are decidedly Mongolian in feature. The Khampas, another branch
of the Lepchas, are warrior-like and more dashing than their docile cousins.
The Khampas are recent immigrants from Tibet. The greater bulk of the people in
the Hills are Gorkhas . They are industrious and enterprising as a race and
speak various dialects. The short Mongolian type Nepalese, the Gorkhas,
renowned for their military prowess the world over, and the first to be
decorated with the coveted Victoria Cross, finds jobs and security both in the
British and Indian armies. They carry the traditional weapon, the Khukri-a
curved ornamental knife. Among the population are also the Newars or best
known, the world over as the Sherpas. They are well known for their courage,
stamina and surefootedness and for their immeasurable contributions to
Mountaineering. Also much in evidence in the Hills are the Bhutias and they are
divided into Tibetan, Bhutan, Dharma and Sikkimese Bhutias and a greater bulk
of Bengalee from Siliguri subdivision.
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