Institution of Dzumsa in North Sikkim: A Sociological Understanding

Abstract

Despite the introduction of Panchayat Raj Institution in rest of Sikkim, Lachen and Lachung, two villages in North Sikkim have still retained the traditional system of self-governance called Dzumsa. The article brings out how despite the penetration of forces of modernisation, the institution still persists as an effective mode of self-governance system fairly accommodating the developmental roles in the new democratic set up in the state. The article concludes by saying how the mechanical solidarity and collective consciousness in the Durkheimian an sense and Parsonian pattern variable of collective-orientation and particularism still remains intact although faint changes are being noticed in the institution.