Hills and valleys of the Himalaya are an anthropologist's wish come true. Of the various tribes that inhabit the mystical heights and downs of the Himalayas, Lepchas stand apart as an interesting subject of study. The lepchas of Sikkim is the product of on-the-sport study done by the author. Though belonging to Mongoloid ethnic group. The Lepchas are so sharply different from their eastern counter parts like the Bhutanese, Deflas and Akas or from the western neighbours such as the Gorkhas who as group are known for fiery countenance and aggressive character Lepchas surprisingly are en exception. They are marked by traits like absence of aggressiveness, obsession with sex and optimistic character. And this is what that marks the Lepchas look unusual, looked in the light of popular beliefs about the tribal way of life swashbuckling people having squirmishes at slightest provocation. The author, being amongst the Lepchas for considerable time observing and studying different phases of their life, has taken studious pains to gather all available information, assimilated and put it congently into an immensely readable text. Good number of plates and illustrations used have only enhanced its usefulness. Really a boom for all interested in knowing more about the Himalayan tribals, particularly for those engaged in their serious study.

'In the beginning there was nothing but vast emptiness on earth and in the sky. Itbu-moo, the Mother Creator, shaped the mountains, rivers and lakes. But something was missing. Why did her creation feel empty? So, taking a fresh ball of snow, she created the first man . . . and then the first woman. These became the chief deities of the Lepchas.' Thus begins one of the stories in this delightful book, a compilation of folk tales of the Lepchas, passed down through the ages. Custodians of a language and script of the same name, the Lepchas inhabit regions that currently fall under the state of Sikkim, in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, Ilam district of eastern Nepal and the south-western parts of Bhutan. Ancient lore suggests that they have inhabited in the region from time immemorial. The tales included in this collection-describing gods, goddesses, people, animals and nature in a cohesive world where one cannot do without the other-skilfully bring to life the beliefs and rich culture of this unique community. Accompanying each short story are stunning illustrations, etching the lyrical sweep and mood of the tale.

This is a popular account of a six-months stay among the Lepcha, a relatively unacculturated group living in northeastern India on the Tibetan border. The book is loosely organized, being divided into separate parts: Introductory and Historical, The People, Magic and Spells, Family Life, Sex, Festivals, and a Conclusion with a chapter on economics.

Sikkim has been a region of anthropological interest since the 1930s when Geoffrey Gorer and John Morris did their fieldwork among the Lepchas of Dzongu, north Sikkim. While it was mentioned in various writings of travellers and administrators during the British period, there is a dearth of literature even today on the rich heritage of Sikkim. This collection of twenty-five essays presented first at the international conference on Cultural Heritage of Sikkim, organized by the Depart­ment of Anthropology, Sikkim University, Gangtok goes a long way in breaching this gap. The book will be of immense interest to scholars and students of Anthropology, Sociology and Cultural Studies and will lead to new research on the people and the places of Sikkim and India’s North-East. Please note: This title is co-published with Manohar Publishers, New Delhi. Taylor & Francis does not sell or distribute the Hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka