Migration and Socio-Economic Adaptation: A Study of Tibetans in Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, Sikkim

The post-1959 migration of Tibetans due to Chinese incursion in Tibet impelled them to seek refuge in many countries. Due to socio-cultural, historical and religious ties between Sikkim and Tibetan for centuries and also due to geographical proximity, Sikkim was one of the most desired destinations. Based on the study of Tibetan settlement of Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, the largest monastery of Karma Kagyu Lineage in Sikkim, the article is an attempt to make an exploratory study to enquire the process of migration and socio-economic adaptation faced by the migrant Tibetan communities of Rumtek. By revisiting historical references and comparative evaluation of the field carried out in two phases, the article is a sociological exploration to examine the changes and challenges faced by the community.