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Question 50 of 54 · Indian States & Union Territories
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Which north-eastern state is called 'Nye-mae-el' ('paradise') by its original Lepcha inhabitants?

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Answer: Option A — Sikkim

Detailed Solution

The Lepchas, who are believed to be the original inhabitants of Sikkim, call their land "Nye-mae-el" (also spelt "Nye-mae-el renjyong" or "Mayel Lyang"), meaning "paradise" or "hidden paradise".

Names of Sikkim:

  • "Nye-mae-el" or "Mayel Lyang": the Lepcha names, meaning "paradise" or "the land blessed by God".
  • "Denzong" (or "Denjong"): the name used by the Bhutias, meaning "valley of rice".

"Sikkim": believed to come from the Limbu words "Su" (new) and "Khyim" (house or palace), meaning "new house" or "new palace". It is said to refer to a palace built by the first Chogyal (king) of Sikkim.

The Tibetan name "Beyul Demojong" means "hidden valley of rice".

About the Lepcha people:

  • They call themselves "Rong" or "Rongkup" ("children of the Rong" or "ravine folk").
  • They have their own language (Lepcha) and script (Rong script).
  • They traditionally followed a nature-based religion with shamans called "bongthing" and "mun", and many later adopted Buddhism or Christianity.
  • They regard Mount Kanchenjunga as their guardian deity.

Many Lepchas live in the Dzongu area of North Sikkim, a reserve for Lepchas created to protect their culture. Outsiders need special permission to enter it.

Other communities of Sikkim:

  • Bhutias: of Tibetan origin; they came to Sikkim from about the 13th century onwards.
  • Nepalis: the largest group of the population today.
  • Limbus and Tamangs.

About Sikkim:

  • It became the 22nd state of India on 16 May 1975, after the end of the Chogyal monarchy.
  • Its capital is Gangtok.
  • Its official languages include English, Nepali, Sikkimese (Bhutia), Lepcha and several others.
  • Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) is the highest peak in India and the third-highest in the world.
  • Khangchendzonga National Park became India's first "mixed" (natural and cultural) UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.
  • Sikkim was declared India's first fully organic state in 2016.

Why not the other options?

  • ✗Arunachal Pradesh is called the "Land of the Rising Sun".
  • ✗Meghalaya means "abode of clouds".
  • ✗Nagaland is called the "Land of Festivals".

Quick tip

Remember: Sikkim names: "Nye-mae-el" (Lepcha, "paradise"), "Denzong" (Bhutia, "valley of rice"), "Sikkim" (Limbu, "new house"); Lepchas = original inhabitants; Dzongu = Lepcha reserve.

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Indian States & Union Territories — Preparation

This question tests your understanding of Indian States & Union Territories, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.

This topic covers state-wise GK for India: capitals, formation dates, high courts, state animals, birds and flowers, famous places, and the culture, dances and festivals that identify each state and union territory. Questions commonly ask about the newest state or union territory, the state formed on a particular date, the capitals of states, and which high court serves more than one state. Keep a single table per state with its capital, formation year and key facts. Reorganisations such as that of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 change the answers, so make sure your notes are up to date. Practise the Indian states and union territories questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.

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