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| demographics_type1 = Languages<ref name="langoff1">{{cite web|title=1977 Sikkim government gazette|url=https://www.sikkim.gov.in/stateportal/UsefulLinks/Gazette1977.pdf|website=sikkim.gov.in|publisher=Governor of Sikkim|access-date=28 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722164022/https://www.sikkim.gov.in/stateportal/UsefulLinks/Gazette1977.pdf|archive-date=22 July 2018|page=188|language=en}}</ref><ref name="langoff">{{cite web|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf|page=109|title=50th Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India|date=16 July 2014|access-date=28 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102211909/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf|archive-date=2 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> | | demographics_type1 = Languages<ref name="langoff1">{{cite web|title=1977 Sikkim government gazette|url=https://www.sikkim.gov.in/stateportal/UsefulLinks/Gazette1977.pdf|website=sikkim.gov.in|publisher=Governor of Sikkim|access-date=28 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722164022/https://www.sikkim.gov.in/stateportal/UsefulLinks/Gazette1977.pdf|archive-date=22 July 2018|page=188|language=en}}</ref><ref name="langoff">{{cite web|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf|page=109|title=50th Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India|date=16 July 2014|access-date=28 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102211909/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf|archive-date=2 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
| demographics1_title1 = Official | | demographics1_title1 = Official | ||
| demographics1_info1 = {{hlist | | demographics1_info1 = {{hlist|[[English language|English]] |[[Nepali language|Nepali]]|[[Sikkimese language|Sikkimese]]||[[Lepcha language|Lepcha]]}} | ||
| demographics1_title2 = Additional official | | demographics1_title2 = Additional official | ||
| demographics1_info2 = {{hlist|[[Gurung language|Gurung]]|[[Limbu language|Limbu]]|[[Magar language|Magar]]|[[Sunwar language|Mukhia]]|[[Newari language|Newari]]|[[Rai languages|Rai]]|[[Sherpa language|Sherpa]]|[[Tamang language|Tamang]]}} | | demographics1_info2 = {{hlist|[[Gurung language|Gurung]]|[[Limbu language|Limbu]]|[[Magar language|Magar]]|[[Sunwar language|Mukhia]]|[[Newari language|Newari]]|[[Rai languages|Rai]]|[[Sherpa language|Sherpa]]|[[Tamang language|Tamang]]}} | ||
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}} | }} | ||
'''Gangtok''' is a city, municipality, the capital and the most populous city of the [[India]]n state of [[Sikkim]] | '''Gangtok''' is a city, municipality, the capital and the most populous city of the [[India]]n state of [[Sikkim]] and also the headquarters of [[East Sikkim district|Gangtok District]]. Gangtok is in the eastern [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] range, at an elevation of {{convert|1650|m|abbr=on}}. The city's population of 100,000 consists of the three [[Sikkimese]] ethnicities the [[Bhutias]], [[Lepcha people|Lepchas]], [[Nepalis]] and also plainsmen from other states of India have settled here. Within the higher peaks of the [[Himalayas]] and with a year-round mild [[temperate]] climate, Gangtok is at the centre of Sikkim's tourism industry. | ||
Gangtok rose to prominence as a popular [[Buddhist pilgrimage sites|Buddhist pilgrimage]] site after the construction of the [[Enchey Monastery]] in 1840. In 1894, the ruling Sikkimese [[Chogyal]], [[Thutob Namgyal]], transferred the capital to Gangtok. In the early 20th century, Gangtok became a major stopover on the [[trade route]] between [[Lhasa]] in [[Tibet]] and cities such as [[Kolkata]] (then Calcutta) in [[British India]]. After India won its independence from the [[British Empire]] in 1947, Sikkim chose to remain an independent monarchy, with Gangtok as its capital. After Sikkim's merger with India in 1975, Gangtok continued as the state capital. | Gangtok rose to prominence as a popular [[Buddhist pilgrimage sites|Buddhist pilgrimage]] site after the construction of the [[Enchey Monastery]] in 1840. In 1894, the ruling Sikkimese [[Chogyal]], [[Thutob Namgyal]], transferred the capital to Gangtok. In the early 20th century, Gangtok became a major stopover on the [[trade route]] between [[Lhasa]] in [[Tibet]] and cities such as [[Kolkata]] (then Calcutta) in [[British India]]. After India won its independence from the [[British Empire]] in 1947, Sikkim chose to remain an independent monarchy, with Gangtok as its capital. After Sikkim's merger with India in 1975, Gangtok continued as the state capital. | ||
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== History == | == History == | ||
{{See also|History of Sikkim}} | {{See also|History of Sikkim}} | ||
Like the rest of Sikkim, not much is known about the early history of Gangtok.<ref name="TT20031006"/> The earliest records date from the construction of the [[hermit]]ic Gangtok monastery in 1716.<ref name="bernier1"/> Gangtok remained a small hamlet until the construction of the [[Enchey Monastery]] in 1840 made it a pilgrimage centre. It became the capital of what was left of Sikkim after its | Like the rest of Sikkim, not much is known about the early history of Gangtok.<ref name="TT20031006"/> The earliest records date from the construction of the [[hermit]]ic Gangtok monastery in 1716.<ref name="bernier1"/> Gangtok remained a small hamlet until the construction of the [[Enchey Monastery]] in 1840 made it a pilgrimage centre. It became the capital of what was left of Sikkim after its English conquest in the mid-19th century in response to a hostage crisis. After the [[History of Tibet|defeat of the Tibetans]] by the British, Gangtok became a major stopover in the trade between Tibet and British India at the end of the 19th century.<ref name="nslepcha"/> Most of the roads and the [[telegraph]] in the area were built during this time. | ||
In 1894, [[Thutob Namgyal]], the Sikkimese monarch under British rule, shifted the capital from [[Tumlong]] to Gangtok, increasing the city's importance. A new grand palace along with other state buildings was built in the new capital. Following [[Indian independence movement|India's independence]] in 1947, Sikkim became a [[nation-state]] with Gangtok as its capital. Sikkim came under the [[suzerainty]] of India, with the condition that it would retain its independence, by the treaty signed between the [[Chogyal]] and the then [[Prime Minister of India|Indian Prime Minister]] [[Jawaharlal Nehru]].<ref name="HISTORY OF SIKKIM"/> This pact gave the Indians control of external affairs on behalf of Sikkimese. Trade between India and Tibet flourished through the [[Nathula]] and [[Jelep La|Jelepla passes]], benefiting Gangtok. Trade declined with the Chinese crackdown in Tibet in 1959 and the passes were sealed after the [[Sino-Indian War]] in 1962.<ref name="nathuladown"/><ref name=Harris>{{citation |last=Harris |first=Tina |title=Geographical Diversions: Tibetan Trade, Global Transactions |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JxCotCnoGrUC&pg=PA40 |year=2013 |publisher=University of Georgia Press |isbn=978-0-8203-4512-3 |pages=39–41}}</ref> The Nathula pass was finally opened to limited trade in 2006, fuelling hopes of economic boom.<ref name="bbc-1"/> | In 1894, [[Thutob Namgyal]], the Sikkimese monarch under British rule, shifted the capital from [[Tumlong]] to Gangtok, increasing the city's importance. A new grand palace along with other state buildings was built in the new capital. Following [[Indian independence movement|India's independence]] in 1947, Sikkim became a [[nation-state]] with Gangtok as its capital. Sikkim came under the [[suzerainty]] of India, with the condition that it would retain its independence, by the treaty signed between the [[Chogyal]] and the then [[Prime Minister of India|Indian Prime Minister]] [[Jawaharlal Nehru]].<ref name="HISTORY OF SIKKIM"/> This pact gave the Indians control of external affairs on behalf of Sikkimese. Trade between India and Tibet flourished through the [[Nathula]] and [[Jelep La|Jelepla passes]], benefiting Gangtok. Trade declined with the Chinese crackdown in Tibet in 1959 and the passes were sealed after the [[Sino-Indian War]] in 1962.<ref name="nathuladown"/><ref name=Harris>{{citation |last=Harris |first=Tina |title=Geographical Diversions: Tibetan Trade, Global Transactions |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JxCotCnoGrUC&pg=PA40 |year=2013 |publisher=University of Georgia Press |isbn=978-0-8203-4512-3 |pages=39–41}}</ref> The Nathula pass was finally opened to limited trade in 2006, fuelling hopes of economic boom.<ref name="bbc-1"/> | ||
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[[Ecotourism]] has emerged as an important economic activity in the region which includes trekking, mountaineering, river rafting and other nature oriented activities.<ref name="chap3"/> An estimated 351,000 tourists visited Sikkim in 2007, generating revenue of about {{INRConvert|500|m|year=2007|lk=r}}.<ref name="bstorist"/> | [[Ecotourism]] has emerged as an important economic activity in the region which includes trekking, mountaineering, river rafting and other nature oriented activities.<ref name="chap3"/> An estimated 351,000 tourists visited Sikkim in 2007, generating revenue of about {{INRConvert|500|m|year=2007|lk=r}}.<ref name="bstorist"/> | ||
The [[Nathula Pass]], located about {{convert|50|km|mi|abbr=on}} from Gangtok, used to be the primary route of the wool, fur and spice trade with Tibet and spurred economic growth for Gangtok till the mid-20th century. In 1962, after the border was closed during the [[Sino-Indian War]], Gangtok fell into recession.<ref name="nathuladown"/> The pass was reopened in 2006 and trade through the pass | The [[Nathula Pass]], located about {{convert|50|km|mi|abbr=on}} from Gangtok, used to be the primary route of the wool, fur and spice trade with Tibet and spurred economic growth for Gangtok till the mid-20th century. In 1962, after the border was closed during the [[Sino-Indian War]], Gangtok fell into recession.<ref name="nathuladown"/> The pass was reopened in 2006 and trade through the pass has helped to boost the economy of Gangtok.<ref name="chap3"/> The Sikkim government is keen to open a [[Lhasa]]–Gangtok bus service via Nathula pass.<ref name="Sinha2005"/> Sikkim's mountainous terrain results in the lack of train or air links, limiting the area's potential for rapid industrial development.<ref name="chap3"/> The government is the largest employer in the city,<ref name="chap4"/> both directly and as contractors. | ||
Gangtok's economy does not have a large manufacturing base, but has a thriving [[Cottage industry]] in watch-making, [[grain alcohol|country-made alcohol]] and handicrafts.<ref name="chap3"/> Among the handicrafts are the handmade paper industry made from various vegetable fibres or cotton rags. The main market in Gangtok provides many of the state's rural residents a place to offer their produce during the harvest seasons. The majority of the private business community is made up of [[Marwari people|Marwaris]] and [[Bihari people|Biharis]]. As part of Sikkim, Gangtok enjoys the status of being an income-tax free region as per the state's 1948 Income tax law.<ref name="Business Line"/> As Sikkim is a frontier state, the [[Indian army]] maintains a large presence in the vicinity of Gangtok. This leads to a population of semi-permanent residents who bring money into the local economy.<ref name="hindu29062003"/> The Sikkim government started India's first [[Online gambling|online lottery]] ''[[Playwin]]'' to boost government income, but this was later closed by a ruling from the Sikkim High Court.<ref name="Playwin lottery"/> | Gangtok's economy does not have a large manufacturing base, but has a thriving [[Cottage industry]] in watch-making, [[grain alcohol|country-made alcohol]] and handicrafts.<ref name="chap3"/> Among the handicrafts are the handmade paper industry made from various vegetable fibres or cotton rags. The main market in Gangtok provides many of the state's rural residents a place to offer their produce during the harvest seasons. The majority of the private business community is made up of [[Marwari people|Marwaris]] and [[Bihari people|Biharis]]. As part of Sikkim, Gangtok enjoys the status of being an income-tax free region as per the state's 1948 Income tax law.<ref name="Business Line"/> As Sikkim is a frontier state, the [[Indian army]] maintains a large presence in the vicinity of Gangtok. This leads to a population of semi-permanent residents who bring money into the local economy.<ref name="hindu29062003"/> The Sikkim government started India's first [[Online gambling|online lottery]] ''[[Playwin]]'' to boost government income, but this was later closed by a ruling from the Sikkim High Court.<ref name="Playwin lottery"/> | ||
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Sikkim Assembly Gangtok.jpg|[[Sikkim]] Legislative Assembly in Gangtok. Fog is common in Gangtok. | Sikkim Assembly Gangtok.jpg|[[Sikkim]] Legislative Assembly in Gangtok. Fog is common in Gangtok. | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
Gangtok is administered by the Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) along with the various departments of the [[Government of Sikkim]], particularly the [[Urban Development and Housing Department (Sikkim)|Urban Development and Housing Department]] (UDHD) and the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED).<ref name="chap4"/><ref name="UDHD"/> These departments provide municipal functions such as garbage disposal, water supply, tax collection, licence allotments, and civic infrastructure. An administrator appointed by the state government heads the UDHD.<ref name="chap8"/> | Gangtok is administered by the Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) along with the various departments of the [[Government of Sikkim]], particularly the [[Urban Development and Housing Department (Sikkim)|Urban Development and Housing Department]] (UDHD) and the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED).<ref name="chap4"/><ref name="UDHD"/> These departments provide municipal functions such as garbage disposal, water supply, tax collection, licence allotments, and civic infrastructure. An administrator appointed by the state government heads the UDHD.<ref name="chap8"/><!-- Elections to the wards of the first municipal corporation was held on 11 June 2008.<ref name="wardelec">{{cite web|url = http://beacononline.wordpress.com/2008/04/02/civic-polls-in-sikkim-on-june-11/|title = Civic polls in Sikkim on 11 June|access-date = 22 May 2008|publisher = The Himalayan Beacon}}</ref> --> | ||
As the headquarters of [[East Sikkim]] district, Gangtok houses the offices of the [[district collector]], an administrator appointed by the Union Government of India. Gangtok is also the seat of the [[Sikkim High Court]], which is India's smallest [[High Courts of India|High Court]] in terms of area and population of jurisdiction.<ref name="smallhc"/> Gangtok does not have its own police commissionerate like other major cities in India. Instead, it comes under the jurisdiction of the state police, which is headed by a [[Director General of Police]], although an [[Inspector General of Police]] oversees the town.<ref name="govtofficers-IPS"/> Sikkim is known for its very low crime rate.<ref name="Police"/> Rongyek jail in Gangtok is Sikkim's only central jail.<ref name="prison2005"/> | As the headquarters of [[East Sikkim]] district, Gangtok houses the offices of the [[district collector]], an administrator appointed by the Union Government of India. Gangtok is also the seat of the [[Sikkim High Court]], which is India's smallest [[High Courts of India|High Court]] in terms of area and population of jurisdiction.<ref name="smallhc"/> Gangtok does not have its own police commissionerate like other major cities in India. Instead, it comes under the jurisdiction of the state police, which is headed by a [[Director General of Police]], although an [[Inspector General of Police]] oversees the town.<ref name="govtofficers-IPS"/> Sikkim is known for its very low crime rate.<ref name="Police"/> Rongyek jail in Gangtok is Sikkim's only central jail.<ref name="prison2005"/> | ||
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=== Road === | === Road === | ||
[[Taxicab|Taxis]] are the most widely available public transport within Gangtok.<ref name="chap2"/> Most of the residents stay within a few kilometres of the town centre<ref name="GangtokCdp-Chapter4-p4–25"/> and many have their own vehicles such as [[motorcycle|two-wheelers]] and cars.<ref name="GangtokCdp-Chapter4-p4–27"/> The share of personal vehicles and taxis combined is 98% of Gangtok's total vehicles, a high percentage when compared to other Indian cities.<ref name="chap2"/> City buses | [[Taxicab|Taxis]] are the most widely available public transport within Gangtok.<ref name="chap2"/> Most of the residents stay within a few kilometres of the town centre<ref name="GangtokCdp-Chapter4-p4–25"/> and many have their own vehicles such as [[motorcycle|two-wheelers]] and cars.<ref name="GangtokCdp-Chapter4-p4–27"/> The share of personal vehicles and taxis combined is 98% of Gangtok's total vehicles, a high percentage when compared to other Indian cities.<ref name="chap2"/> City buses constitute less than one per cent of vehicles.<ref name="chap2"/> Those travelling longer distances generally make use of share-jeeps, a kind of public taxis. [[Four wheel drive]]s are used to easily navigate the steep slopes of the roads. The {{convert|1|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} long [[Aerial tramway|cable car]] with three stops connects lower Gangtok suburbs with Sikkim Legislative assembly in central Gangtok and the upper suburbs.<ref name="Gangtok ropeway"/> | ||
Gangtok is connected to the rest of India by an all-weather metalled highway, [[National Highway 10 (India)|National Highway 10]] (NH10),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Bengal-Sikkim-tussle-over-NH-10/articleshow/48430608.cms|title=Bengal-Sikkim tussle over NH-10|date=11 August 2015|first=Rohit|last=Khanna|website=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=13 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105071053/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Bengal-Sikkim-tussle-over-NH-10/articleshow/48430608.cms|archive-date=5 January 2017}}</ref> earlier known as [[National Highway 31A (India)|National Highway 31A]], which links Gangtok to [[Siliguri]], located {{convert|114|km|mi|abbr=on|0}} away in the neighbouring state of [[West Bengal]]. The highway also provides a link to the neighbouring hill station towns of [[Darjeeling]] and [[Kalimpong]], which are the nearest urban areas. Regular jeep, van and bus services link these towns to Gangtok. Gangtok is a [[Linear settlement|linear city]] that has developed along the arterial roads, especially National Highway 31A.<ref name="chap4"/> Most of the road length in Gangtok is of two lane undivided carriageway with [[sidewalk|footpath]] on one side of the road and drain on the other. The steep gradient of the different road stretches coupled with a spiral road configuration constrain the smooth flow of vehicular as well as pedestrian traffic.<ref name="chap4"/> | Gangtok is connected to the rest of India by an all-weather metalled highway, [[National Highway 10 (India)|National Highway 10]] (NH10),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Bengal-Sikkim-tussle-over-NH-10/articleshow/48430608.cms|title=Bengal-Sikkim tussle over NH-10|date=11 August 2015|first=Rohit|last=Khanna|website=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=13 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105071053/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Bengal-Sikkim-tussle-over-NH-10/articleshow/48430608.cms|archive-date=5 January 2017}}</ref> earlier known as [[National Highway 31A (India)|National Highway 31A]], which links Gangtok to [[Siliguri]], located {{convert|114|km|mi|abbr=on|0}} away in the neighbouring state of [[West Bengal]]. The highway also provides a link to the neighbouring hill station towns of [[Darjeeling]] and [[Kalimpong]], which are the nearest urban areas. Regular jeep, van and bus services link these towns to Gangtok. Gangtok is a [[Linear settlement|linear city]] that has developed along the arterial roads, especially National Highway 31A.<ref name="chap4"/> Most of the road length in Gangtok is of two lane undivided carriageway with [[sidewalk|footpath]] on one side of the road and drain on the other. The steep gradient of the different road stretches coupled with a spiral road configuration constrain the smooth flow of vehicular as well as pedestrian traffic.<ref name="chap4"/> | ||
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According to the Provisional Population Totals 2011 [[census of India]], the population of Gangtok Municipal Corporation has been estimated to be 98,658. Males constituted 53% of the population and females 47%. The Gangtok subdivision of the East Sikkim district had a population of 281,293, Gangtok has an average literacy rate of 82.17%, higher than the national average of 74%: male literacy is 85.33%, and female literacy is 78.68.<ref name="population-of-sikkim-2011-census-results"/> About 8% of Gangtok's population live in the nine notified slums and squatter settlements, all on Government land. More people live in areas that depict slum-like characteristics but have not been notified as slums yet because they have developed on private land.<ref name="chap5"/> Of the total urban population of Sikkim, Gangtok Municipal Corporation has a share of 55.5%. Including Gangtok, East District has a share of 88% of the total urban population. The quality of life, the pace of development and availability of basic infrastructure and employment prospects has been the major cause for rapid migration to the city. With this migration, the urban services are under pressure, intensified by the lack of availability of suitable land for infrastructure development.<ref name="chap4"/> | According to the Provisional Population Totals 2011 [[census of India]], the population of Gangtok Municipal Corporation has been estimated to be 98,658. Males constituted 53% of the population and females 47%. The Gangtok subdivision of the East Sikkim district had a population of 281,293, Gangtok has an average literacy rate of 82.17%, higher than the national average of 74%: male literacy is 85.33%, and female literacy is 78.68.<ref name="population-of-sikkim-2011-census-results"/> About 8% of Gangtok's population live in the nine notified slums and squatter settlements, all on Government land. More people live in areas that depict slum-like characteristics but have not been notified as slums yet because they have developed on private land.<ref name="chap5"/> Of the total urban population of Sikkim, Gangtok Municipal Corporation has a share of 55.5%. Including Gangtok, East District has a share of 88% of the total urban population. The quality of life, the pace of development and availability of basic infrastructure and employment prospects has been the major cause for rapid migration to the city. With this migration, the urban services are under pressure, intensified by the lack of availability of suitable land for infrastructure development.<ref name="chap4"/> | ||
Ethnic [[Nepali Indian|Nepalis]], who settled in the region during British rule,<ref name="peoplepr"/> | Ethnic [[Nepali Indian|Nepalis]], who settled in the region during British rule,<ref name="peoplepr"/> constitute the majority of Gangtok's residents. [[Lepcha people|Lepchas]], native to the land, and [[Bhutia]]s also constitute a sizeable portion of the populace.<ref name="peoplepr"/> Additionally, a large number of [[Tibetan people|Tibetans]] have immigrated to the town. Immigrant resident communities not native to the region include the [[Marwaris]],<ref name="chap4"/> [[Bihari people|Biharis]] and [[Bengali people|Bengalis]]. | ||
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== External links == | == External links == | ||
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{{Sikkim}} | {{Sikkim}} | ||
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{{State and Union Territory capitals of India}} | {{State and Union Territory capitals of India}} | ||
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[[Category:Gangtok| ]] | [[Category:Gangtok| ]] | ||