ABSTRACT
The traditional institutions in many parts of the world have managed to respond to various external political changes and pressures and maintained their position within society. What is more important is that traditional institution has been constantly adapted to accommodate new circumstances, as the social and economic organisation of societies has changed particularly over the last century due to rapid globalisation, urbanisation, as well as the standardisation of liberal politics. Against this backdrop, this essay examines the existence and survival of traditional institutions in the hill state of Sikkim, India through the prism of neo-traditionalism. In other words, this essay seeks to address the question of how traditional institutions, which are embedded in neo-traditional structures, have survived and repositioned in the new democratic system. Besides, the essay will try to show how neo-traditional actors like Pipon and village elders are involved in the development arena and managed to attain a semblance of balance between tradition and modernity without destroying the foundation of tribal society and culture.
