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BHOTIAS.
SIKHIM.
(44, 45)
THE Sikhim Bhotias are those subjects of Sikhim who live in the valleys approaching the snowy range, as distinguished from the inhabitants of the Terai, or sub-Himalayan part of the country, who are mostly of Meech origin. Bhotias extend along the whole line of the passes leading to the plains from the Himalayan range; and, with the name, have generally "retained unchanged" (says Hodgson) "the lingual and physical characteristics, and even the manners, customs, and dress of their transnivean brethren," the Tibetans (who will be found described under Nos. 53 to 55). The Bhotias of Sikhim are believed to form a population of 2,000 out of the 7,000 comprised in that petty state of 1,600 square miles.
