Short Story of Bhutia Language and Literature
Bhutias, who are also called ‘Lhopos’ and are the descendants of the Tibetan immigrants who came to Sikkim in different waves from the 13th century onwards from the Kham region of Tibet and established the Kingdom in the 17th century. They call themselves lhopo (Lho-pa people from south) but are generally referred to as Bhutia, Sikkimese or even Denzongpa. During the first arrival which was lead by Khye-Bumsa (Father of Bhutia community) Khamkey or the language of Kham was spoken, (Since Khamkey or the language of Kham and Bhutia’s phonetic are quite similar). After the arrival of this great legend here in Bayul Demazong or Sikkim starting from the 13th century, Khamkay gradually transformed to Bhutia language or Denzongkey. In that sense we cannot deny the fact that Bhutia language is derived from Tibetan language as Bhutia Language or Denzongkey is very close to the old Tibetan language (Chodkey) and Zongkhak (Bhutanese official language). However from the 13th to the middle of 20th century Bhutias never had grammar and vocabulary or literature of their own besides just in spoken form as they spoke Bhutia but when it came to writing they used Tibetan form of writing as either official or unofficial. Our erstwhile Chogyals and their respective government used the same format of Tibetan language in writing which is today preserved nicely in Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT). Further, the Learning of Tibetan language in the schools in Sikkim was compulsory then, which is why our Bhutia language teacher is even today called by the name of Tibetan Sir. It was in 1977 (after the merger of erstwhile kingdom to the union of India in 1975) Sikkim Legislative Assembly passed a legislation declaring thus Bhutia, Lepcha and Limbu language as state official language even though Bhutias were learning Tibetan literature in the school. It was obviously very difficult and often confusing as Bhutias were using their own Dezongkay or Bhutia language in speech but learning Tibetan literature at schools. It was very difficult to teach and develop their own literature even though Central Board of Secondary Education had introduced over decade ago. However, with the help of Scholar like Mr. Lobzang Rinzing Phenchungpa, Mr. Norden Tshering Bhutia and Mr. Pema Rinzing Bhutia and later on by many others, they succeed in developing their own literature, keeping the similar Tibetan Thomey Sambota Script (Thomey Sambota was a great scholar of Tibet who invented Tibetan Script, and which is today used in Tibet, Bhutan, Sikkim, Ladakh, Tawang, etc) they first developed the grammar and translated all the material (both teaching and non-teaching) accordingly to the newly developed grammar of Bhutia Language. It was since 1984 onwards the syllabus of Schools and Colleges in Sikkim included with the study of Bhutia literature. Bhutias thus shared Tibetan script, which is basically due to the similarity of phonetics between Bhutias and Tibetans. Today, in the last forty years and over, Bhutias have their own grammar, dictionary, translated version of religious texts, poems, history, folk tales, songs, newspaper and magazines. Moreover, there are more than 300 to 500 books available from the thirty and more writer at presents on various topics under the supervision of Bhutia Kayrab Yargay Tshogpo (Bhutia Literary Development Association or BKYT).
This article was prepared with the help of my esteemed colleague Mr. Nyedup Denzongpo. He has book and lyrics for the various Sikkimese modern Songs and recently launched a much liked album Nying-Tam to his credit.
