The indigenous inhabitants of Sikkim who trace their ancestry to the ancient prehistoric and proto-historic tribal settlers of the region are known as:

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Lepchas are recognized as the earliest aboriginal inhabitants of Sikkim, having lived in the region since ancient times and possessing an intimate knowledge of the local flora, fauna, and oral traditions. Bhutias migrated much later from Tibet during the medieval period, while Gorkhas arrived from Nepal in subsequent centuries. The Lepcha language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family and reflects ancient linguistic layers unique to the eastern Himalayan ecosystem.