History

History of Kalimpong

History of Kalimpong was recorded for the first time after the Anglo-Bhutan War in 1864.It was only after the Treaty of Sinchula on 11 November 1865 that Kalimpong came to be a place of some importance and prominence.

Kalimpong was part of the Sikkimese or ‘Donzong’ kingdom which basically was inhabited by three major communities – the Lepchas (who called themselves the ‘Rong’ or the Ravine folk), the Bhutias and the Limbus (Tshongs) ruled by the first Chogyal (Divine Ruler) of Sikkim. Kalimpong was the name of a very small village which had as its citizens two or three families with 8-9 cows.

As per available records,first official reference about Kalimpong was made by Ashley Eden of the Bengal Civil Service. The next reference was made by Surgeon Rennie, in his book Bhotan and the story of the Dooar War.

After the Anglo-Bhutan War of 1864 and the Treaty of Sinchula which was signed the following year, the entire area east of the Teesta River as well as the Doars was ceded to British India and this area was attached to the Western Doars District. In the following year, this area was transferred to the District of Darjeeling. It was only after this Kalimpong was set on the development track.

Kalimpong became an important centre for trade with Tibet due to the closeness of the town to the Jelepla Pass which allowed access to Central Tibet. The British government decided to open up Kalimpong as an alternative Hill Station to Darjeeling. The British Government opened up Kalimpong for settlers from other places who came in large numbers and with their hard work and skill made Kalimpong what it is today.

The Scottish Missionaries played a big part in the development of Kalimpong by starting various primary schools and welfare centers in Kalimpong. The Scottish University Mission Institution was started in 1886 and in a few years’ time, the Kalimpong Girls High School was established. In the year 1900, Rev. J. A. Graham, founded the present Dr. Graham’s Homes, which was aimed to be a school cum orphanage for destitute Anglo-Indian children. All these attracted people to Kalimpong in large numbers and by 1907, it was no longer the same old Kalimpong. By 1911 it had an official population of 7880 people. Kalimpong was made a sub-division in the year 1916.

After Chinese aggression in 1962 trade through Jelepla was closed and economic development of Kalimpong sffered.Presently,Kalimpong relies mostly on the business generated by the educational institutes, tourism and agriculture but it still retains its peaceful and relaxed way of life. The 2011 census puts the population of Kalimpong sub-division (now a full-fledges district) at 2,51,642 while the population of the town is 49,403.

On 7th February 2017 Kalimpong got the status of a district.

Meaning of Kalimpong

The melodious name suggests a place synonymous with fun and laughter, relaxation and peace, gaiety and harmony. As per Lepchas, “Kalimpong” is “The stockade of King Ministers” from the two Tibetan words “Kalon” meaning Kings and Ministers and “Pong” meaning Stockade.

History of Kalimpong Court

Situated at an altitude of 1250 meters Kalimpong enjoys temperate climate throughout the year .After Independence the house named “ Nirmalaya “ situated at 9th Mile, Kalimpong owned by one Smt. Kabita Roy ,W/O B.B. Roy of Barasat,24 Paraganas, was taken by Judicial Department, Government of West Bengal on rental basis for holding Civil Court of Munsif, Kalimpong w.e.f the the 1st Day of December “1948” under the Judgeship of Jalpaiguri District Court.

Permanent Munsif Court at Kalimpong started functioning scince the year 1970.

The Court of Kalimpong was under the Judgeship of Jalpaiguri District Court till the year 1979.

The Court of S.D.J.M, Kalimpong was located in the building of S.D.O, Kalimpong.

The Court’s of Kalimpong Sub-Division was shifted at Kalimpong Municipality on 22.03.1985 on rental basis,it was inagurated by Shri. S. K. Basu, the then Ld. District Judge ,Darjeeling.

The new Court Building of Kalimpong situated at Court Compound below S.D.O’s Office was inaugurated on 07.07.1997 comprising of Court of Ld. A.C.J.M, Kalimpong and Court of Ld. Civil Judge,( Jr. Divn.)cum Judicial Magistrate 1st Class,Kalimpong.

The Kalimpong District Judiciary and creation of separate Sessions Division was inaugurated by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Jyotirmay Bhattacharya, The Hon’ble The Acting Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court in the August Presence of The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Subrata Talukdar, Judge-In-Charge of the District and The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rajsekhar Mantha,Additional Judge-in-Charge of the District,Shri Moloy Ghatak, The Hon’ble Minister-In-Charge,Law and Judicial Department, Goverment of West Bengal on the 17th Day of March ‘2018’.