Introduction

Tibetan Settlement Darjeeling was established in early 1960 when large number of Tibetan guerilla warriors who struggled against Chinese invasion in Lhasa (Tibet) came into exile in early sixties. Although there were handful of Tibetans and few great renowned Buddhist Lamas (masters) already settled in Darjeeling. Many of them feel Darjeeling as their second home, as it were much easier for them to reconnect with their spiritual masters despite the hospitable climate like that of Tibet in high altitude. Within short span of time some more Tibetans fleeing Tibet and arrived here. Initially Tibetans were scattered in three major places such as main town of Darjeeling, Lamahatta and Pokhriabong. However, in 1961 with some 240 guerilla warrior families were resettled in Lamahatta within the area of 7.11 acres of land. With the first three scattered settlement including Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre (TRSHC) the initial population was 602 as per official records. The Separate settlement at Sonada was also established later with the initiative from nearby Tibetan residents. They collected contributions by themselves and purchase land for resettlement. Sonada had a separate Settlement Office since its inception. However, on 1st August, 2024, the settlement administration office was merged under CRO-Northeast cum TSO Darjeeling and renamed as Coordinator office only.

602

Initial Population

1681

Present Population

Number of Scattered Places (Settlements) under TSO Office- Darjeeling:

Under the direct jurisdiction of CRO cum TSO Office Darjeeling; there are more than 21 major and minor scattered places which includes places in Darjeeling town (Main Market area, TV Tower, Gandhi Road, Toongsoong-Alubari, Bhutia Busti, Bhawn Busti, Railway station, Kakhjora, Dali,etc.) Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, 6th Mile, Takdah, Mungpo, Lamahatta also known as 9th Mile, Sukhia, Pokharibong, Pashupati, Simana, Manebanjyang, Rimbick, Chitrey, Kalapokhari, Mirik, Ghoom, Jorebunglow, Batasia, Rongbul, Sonada, Dilaram, Kurseong, Salbari, Matighara, few parts of Siliguri etc. Each area have their own community Leaders through which settlement office keeps in touch on timely basis to look after the welfare of Tibetans spread within these places.

Livelihood:

Most of Tibetans living in Darjeeling were involved in small shops while few are into hotels and restaurant business. Some are driving own taxi or operating taxi service for tourist, weaving traditional carpets as in TRSHC, some are engaged in semi nomadic life style near Indo Nepal Border, Many are serving in Special Frontier Force- Establishment no.22 as in other cluster Tibetan Settlements across India. Some are working in tourism sector within West Bengal while few are working in private sector such as teaching profession.

Facilities in the settlement :

Tibetan Refugee Self-help Centre :

The Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre is one of the cluster settlement located in Darjeeling near Lebong. It was started on October 2, 1959. Following the dramatic escape of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from Tibet followed by period of mayhem, when thousands of Tibetans had to leave their hearth and home, and fled into neighboring countries so they could live as free human beings. The overwhelming majority of these refugees had brought nothing with them apart from the clothes they wore and what little provisions they could carry with them as they began the long and difficult trek over the Himalayas. Driven out of their homeland into a different environment and without any knowledge of the language, customs and social institutions of the countries where they had sought refuge, the long-term rehabilitation of the refugees posed innumerable difficulties. But right from the initial stages, TRSHC recognized that the need of the hour was the determination to stand on our own feet and rely first and foremost on our own effort- in short, the spirit of Self-Help. Therefore, the Centre was established with merely just four workers initially in nearly 65 years ago. Today the Centre is home to 650 refugees. Over the years, the Centre has undertaken multifarious activities ranging from the production of Tibetan traditional handmade carpet and other handicrafts for livelihood and preserving Tibetan traditional crafts. The centre has also given various training of artisans and craftsmen to its people. The Centre take care of the sick, the old, the orphaned and the needy with their own income. In 1961, the Centre was officially registered as a charitable organization under Indian law. It has also received an exemption from income tax on all gifts and donations made to them.

School & Educational Centre:

Since education plays indeed a crucial role in empowering individual which in turn empower society and the nation at large. Hence, Central Tibetan Administration allocates around 22% of its annual budget on education related purposes through Department of education- TCEWF- CTA. Such as schools in exile have been given top priority even though strength of the students in school across India have been declining over the years. Initially there were four Tibetan schools in Darjeeling while two have been closed over the years (Kurseong & Pokhraibong) due to shortage of students. Currently there are only two schools running under Sambhota Tibetan School Society Administration such as STS Darjeeling having Pre-Primary facility to senior secondary level and STS Sonada upto primary level only.

Sambhota Tibetan School, Darjeeling : After coming into exile in 1959, the main concern of His Holiness the great 14th Dalai Lama and government in exile was to give quality modern education with traditional education to all Tibetan children. In the year 1959 there were about 5,000 children below the age of 16 arrived in exile. Therefore, the education of the children received top priority in His Holiness talk with the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru in 1960. Under the stewardship of Late. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, a special education scheme was set up for Tibetan children. In the year 1961 Darjeeling School was established just after a year of first Tibetan School at Mussoorie. Mr. Lhawang Thundup Pulger was appointed as the first administrator and principal of Darjeeling School started with just 30 students and 5 teachers. Within short span of nine months- the strength of the student rose to 500 on 1^st September, 1961 as large number of school going age children who were involved in road constructions with parents joined school.

During the time of its initial stage under CTSA, the Chairmanship of the governing body was given to Joint Secretary in Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt. of India. In its early years in school, classes were started in N.B. M. R Building Block and other rented buildings namely Digapati, Rai Villa and Kailash. The first batch of students appeared for All India Higher Secondary Examination with 11 students and all passed with flying colors. The school has consistently maintained high academic standards with various co-curricular activities with the sole aim of holistic development of the students with primarily focused on SEE (Social Ethical and Emotional) learning since last few years. It is noteworthy to mention that the special emphasis of the School has been preservation of Tibetan language, culture and tradition since its inception. The CTSA, New Delhi has transferred the Tibetan School Administration to Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society under CTA Dharamasla. H.P on 24^th December 2021. Today, it has 226 students- with 126 boys and 100 girls out which 104 are Tibetan, 54 local Indian and 68 of Himalayan heritage from Nepal and other Himalayan region.

The school is situated below the mall road with 5 minutes walk able distant from the famous Public – Square Chowrasta in Darjeeling.

Website: https://stsdarjeeling.com/
Email:- [email protected]

Sambhota Tibetan School, Sonada : Sambhota Tibetan School,Sonada was initially started with Middle School. However in the past years the students strength declines drastically. Therefore, the school was downgraded upto primary level only. (Please refer Sonada settlement profile for detail about the school.)

Manjushree Centre of Tibetan Culture (MCTC) : Founded on 14^th August 1988, the Manjushree Centre of Tibetan Culture (MCTC) was born out of the shared vision of a few committed individuals who overcame early challenges with determination and sacrifice. Since then, the Centre has grown into a vibrant institution, offering programs that have empowered thousands of students—both local and international—with Tibetan language skills, cultural knowledge, and a renewed sense of identity.

A) Language and Cultural Education :

1) Part-Time Tibetan Language Classes for Locals

Since 1988, MCTC has offered evening Tibetan language classes for locals from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Over 2,500 students have graduated from these classes, including office workers, school and college students, homemakers, and elders.

2) Full-Time Courses for Foreigners

In 1995, following encouragement from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, MCTC began full-time Tibetan language courses for international students. Around 1,000 students have graduated to date, many of whom are now working as translators, university lecturers, and Dharma interpreters.

3 ) Adult Literacy Classes

Launched in 2009 for elderly Tibetan residents, these six-month courses have helped many learn to read prayer texts and reconnect with their cultural roots. The success of the first batch led to the program becoming a regular offering.

4) Winter Classes for Children and Adults

Since 2008, MCTC has conducted special winter classes during school holidays, where children learn Tibetan language, traditional music, and performing arts- Teachers from Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, Dharamsala has been kind enough in taking the winter cultural class for years. The program has become a beloved annual fixture. In recent years, adults have also shown interest and are now participating in these classes, making it an inclusive and enriching opportunity for all ages.

B) Cultural Promotion & Youth Engagement :

MCTC continues to engage and inspire the youth or students of different schools through a wide range of inter-school competitions, including:

Tibetan language quiz contests
Calligraphy competitions (Uchen & Umed scripts)
Elocution, essay writing, debate, drawing, and art contests
Tibetan song and dance competitions.

These programs aim to instill pride in cultural identity and ensure the next generation remains deeply connected to their heritage.

C) Community Outreach & Public Programs :

Over the years, MCTC has organized and hosted numerous community-focused initiatives:

Seminars and lectures by Tibetan scholars
Film screenings on His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibetan history.
Active participation in the Tea & Tourism Festivals in earlier years
Free health camps, eye check-ups, and medicine distribution
Adult education and self-reliance programs under the “Tibet Home” initiative. In addition, multiple community events are lined up as part of our ongoing outreach program.

D) Himalayan Tibet Museum :

MCTC is proud to have contributed to the broader community—and the Himalayan region—through the successful establishment of the Himalayan Tibet Museum. Supported by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the museum serves as a cultural hub, showcasing the rich heritage of the Tibetan and Himalayan people, and fostering greater understanding among visitors, researchers, and tourists from around the world.

Health & Hospital

1. Drophen Mentseekhang(TMAI) – Darjeeling : The Darjeeling Men Tsee Khang Branch was officially inaugurated on 15^th March 1975, at the Darjeeling Super market. Later it was shifted to the first floor of Hotel Seven Seventeen, 26 HD Lama Road, Darjeeling Main Market. Men-Tsee-Khang – one of the oldest branches and has treated many people from different walks since then.

Men-Tsee-Khang was established in 1916 by the 13th Dalai Lama at Chagpori hill in Lhasa, Tibet. In 1959 the People’s Republic of China invaded Tibet and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India followed by 80,000 Tibetans. His Holiness was given residence in Mussoorie by the Indian Government and then a year later in 1960 was granted permanent residence in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. Besides rehabilitation of the Tibetan refugees, His Holiness also started to set up religious, cultural and educational Institutes in order to preserve the rich ancient cultures and traditions of Tibet.

Thus, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama re-established Men-Tsee-Khang, Tibetan Medical and Astro. Institute in Dharamsala on 23^rd March, 1961.

2. Chagpori Tibetan Medical Institute, Darjeeling : Chagpori Tibetan Medical Institute, Darjeeling was founded by late Dr. Trogawa Rinpoche, one of very few surviving doctors who had been trained in traditional Tibetan Art of healing and its system in Tibet, worked for much of his life to see the lineage continued through re-establishing Chagpori in exile based in Darjeeling. In 1992 with the blessings of His Holiness the 14th Great Dalai Lama, Chagpori Tibetan Medical Institute also known as (CTMI) was inaugurated at Darjeeling, India, in commemoration of Chagpori, Lhasa, Tibet.

The monastery known as Chagpori was one of the premier medical college in Tibet. It was established in accordance with the explicit wish of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama in 1696 and flourished till it was destroyed by the Chinese occupying forces in 1959. Chagpori Tibetan Medical Institute, Darjeeling was founded by late Dr. Trogawa Rinpoche, one of very few surviving doctors who had been trained in traditional Tibetan medicine. He worked for much of his life to see the lineage continued by re-establishing Chagpori in exile. In 1992 with the blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Chagpori Tibetan Medical Institute was inaugurated at Darjeeling, W.B., in commemoration of Chagpori in Lhasa, Tibet. It is a non-profit charitable organization registered under the West Bengal Societies Act XXVI of 1961 as Chagpori Tibetan Medical College Society (Registration no. S/76336 of 1993-1994).

Chagpori is administered by a governing board. The Board Members take all major decisions and the day to day administration is done by the office. Mission The main

aim of Chagpori Tibetan Medical Institute is to teach, preserve and promote the science of Tibetan medicine (Sowa Rigpa); to provide medical health care according to Tibetan medicine regardless of caste, creed, race or religion and to provide free or concessional, i.e. subsidised health care to the underprivileged patients. Chagpori has three departments: the College, Pharmacy and Clinics. College Chagpori Tibetan Medical College is presently located at Takdah Cantonment, Darjeeling, India.

The college offers Menpa Kachupa course, a four and half years extensive study followed by one year internship. This course is similar to the one offered at other Colleges, as per the guidelines of the National Commission for Indian System of Indian Medicine, under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. At the moment, there are only seven institutions in India who are conducting a full course of Tibetan medicine (Sowa Rigpa). Most of the students are provided free education, boarding and lodging for the duration of study. Till date 80 (eighty) doctors have graduated from Chagpori and at present thirteen students are under-going the course. During the internship period the students are given the opportunity to learn the different aspects of clinical practice and medicine-making. Throughout the entire period emphasis is also on the study and practice of Medicine Buddha rituals and dharma teachings related to healing. These are the important aspects which characterises the Chagpori system of medicine.

Pharmacy Department The pharmacy department of Chagpori produces different herbal medicines and it is located at Salugara, near Siliguri. It manufactures all the medicines dispensed at the Chagpori clinics and functions as a Teaching Pharmacy. We give the highest priority to the quality of our medicines and herbal products which are manufactured at our pharmacy. Clinics At the moment Chagpori has four clinics at Darjeeling, Takdah, Kurseong and Salugara. It also provides free medical camps regularly and conduct mobile camps in the regions. Chagpori has been able to provide alternative health care according to Tibetan medicine to patients, at an affordable price. Besides clinics under Chagpori’s management, doctors who have graduated from Chagpori are successfully running monastic, institutional and private clinics at several places around the world.

for further info, kindly visit chagpori.org

Monasteries

The settlement has all the four major Buddhist Traditions monasteries with various number of its branches within Darjeeling and nearby areas such as;

Ghoom Sakya Guru Monastery : The original monastery was built in 1915, but was officially inaugurated by H.E the Sakya Gongma Trichen Dorjee Chang Rinpoche in 1960 during his visit at Darjeeling. Sakya Guru Monastery was the very first monastery he founded in exile. One year later in 1961 H.E graciously appointed Ven. Khenchen Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche as abbot, and thus he fulfilled his responsibility with exemplary diligence and success until his parinirvana in 1990.

Sakya Guru Monastery is a prominent center for the Sakyapa school of Tibetan Buddhism, one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It is located near the Ghoom railway station in Darjeeling with a region known for its rich Buddhist heritage. The monastery serves as a place of worship, meditation, and learning for monks and visitors alike. It houses a collection of Buddhist texts and artifacts, and its architecture reflects traditional Tibetan design. The monastery is an important spiritual site, attracting pilgrims and tourists interested in Buddhism and Himalayan culture. It is the first Sakya Monastery established in India. The center of the monastery is the old temple, which houses three great statues of Buddha Shakyamuni and Avalokiteśvara, who are sitting to both sides of the central Guru Padmasambhava, the name-bestower of the monastery. In the left corner of this serene shrine room one can see a tall and very rare statue of the yidam Naro Kachoma. And on the right side, a golden stupa keeps the remains of our venerable late abbot, Khenchen Sangye Tenzin. The walls of the prayer hall are decorated with artful murals and brocades. Monks assemble here daily to recite prayers to honor Lord Buddha, to praise the founders of the Sakya School, and to pray for the benefit of all sentient beings in general.

Sakya Kunga Shedupling Monastery – Kurseong : Kunga Shedupling Sakya Monastery was founded in 1979 by Ven. Khenchen Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche during his tenure as abbot in Ghoom Sakya Monastery. It is located in Kurseong Bazar, Darjeeling. The monastery belongs to the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is known for its serene atmosphere and is a place of worship and practice for the Sakya lineage. It is a integeral branch of Ghoom Sakya Guru Monastery.

Sakya Choephelling Centre for Higher Buddhist Studies – Rimbick : The site on which the main Monastery and institute built was offered to H.E Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Dorjee Chang Rinpoche by the devotee named Ama Kyipa from Rimbick in the year 1979 around the time branches of sakya were flourishing in Darjeeling, Gangtok and Kalimpong. Later in 1998, separate centre for studies was established accordingly during the enthronement of Khenchen Yangsi. Most of the religious teachers of the institute are learned scholars from Dzongsar Sheda in Himachal Pradesh. Rimbick is a remote village near the India–Nepal border. It is 56 km away from Darjeeling town takes around one and half hours to reach the site by taxi. It is known for its scenery where many trekkers take the jeep to Darjeeling town from here as it’s readily available. There are places like Guffa, Jarayo Pokhari, Namla falls and Hospital Dara View Point for tourist to visit. One can reach Sandakphu, the highest point in whole of West Bengal via Rimbick and Sri Khola route.

Yiga Choeling Monastery – Ghoom : It is popularly known by the name of Old Ghoom Monastery. The monastery is situated in back hill of Main Road. This is a Gelukpa sect or the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is known for its 15 feet (4.6 m)-high statue of the Maitreya Buddha. The external structure of the building was established in 1850 by the Mongolian astrologer and monk known to be Ven. Sokpo Sherab Gyatso, who was head of the monastery until 1905. It is built in Mongolian design as apparent in its architectural design within the chapel with distinct roof and ceiling. In 1909, H.E. Kyabje Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang, popularly called Lama Domo Geshe Rinpoche, succeeded Sherab Gyatso as the head. It was he who commissioned the statue of the famous Maitreya Buddha, and he remained head until 1952. During the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959 many high ranking Lamas and abbots fled to India and took refuge in this monastery. In 1961, Ven. Dhardo Rinpoche became head of the Yiga Choeling monastery.

Kirti Gaden Tashi Choeling Monastery – Sukhia : As per the record of Sukhia Kirti Monastery, it is situated at the northeast of Boudhaya where the Lord Buddha got enlightened and it is believed to be located in one part of the place from where one of the great master of Gelugpa sect Jowo Palden Marmeyzed- also known as Jowo Je Palden Atisha( Dipamkara Gyana) was believed to be born in today’s’ state of West Bengal. Sukhia is approximately 45 minute in distant if travel by taxi.

It was founded on 2^nd May 1950 by then Ven. Ladakh Lama Ngawang Samten Rinpoche. Later as a tribute for teachings and to preservation of the Buddha Dharma for future sentient being; was offered to H.E Rongchen Choegyal Rinpoche the 11th Kirti Rinpoche Je Lobsang Tenzin Jigmey Yeshi Gyatso Pal Sangpo. As such the monastery was formally handed over to current H.E Kyabje Kirti Rinpoche on 10^th June, 1968 with great devotion. Since then, it became the first and main monastic institute of Kirti Monastery in Exile. Monks of this monastery pursue learning at Main Kirti Monastery based in Dharamsala, H.P.

Druk Thupten Sangag Choeling Monastery – Dali : H.E. Ven. Drukchen Rinpoche from Sangnag Choeling of Lhokha, Tibet had been the head of the monastery for years. As such, it belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu Order (Kagyued Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism. It is based at Hill Cart Road, Dal. The monastery is popularly known as Dali Monastery for local and tourists. It is perched atop a hillock between Darjeeling Railway Station and Ghoom Railway Station of Darjeeling town. It was formally built by first Ven. Kyabje Thuksey Rinpoche in 1971 and had also done extension of monastery in passage of time. The Monastery has Naropa Retreat Centre as its branch at Chetrey, Darjeeling based near Indo- Nepal Border. This Monastery is the largest in the area – in terms of headcount of residential monks in Darjeeling though the numbers of monks has been declined over the last 4- 5 years.

This Monastery also houses a vast collection of books on Buddhism and Philosophy in its Library and Museum. The most popular part of this Monastery which draws huge crowds is the Hall of big, cylindrical 6 ft high golden Tibetan Prayer Wheels which the Monks keep turning while offering their Prayers.

Bokar Ngedon Choekhorling Monastery – Mirik : The Monastery is situated just above the hills of Mirik famous lake. It was founded by H.E. Ven. Kyabje Tulku Karma Ngedon Choekyi Lodoe Rinpoche (now famously known as H.E. Ven. Bokar Rinpoche) belonging to both the Shangpa and Karma Kagyue lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Initially it was to establish a small retreat centre but later with the request from devoted disciples and his lay followers alike the big monastery was built. The Monastery has been formally built in 1984. It’s a thriving monastery with about more than 500 monks as per their official record. After the passing away of former H.E. Kyabje Bokar Rinpoche, it is now looked after by Ven. Khenchen Dhonyo Rinpoche. Monastery also runs a school- named Bokar Rinpoche Memorial School in helping the under privileged students in and around Mirik.

for more information, please visit: bokarmonastery.org

Zigar Thupten Shedrupling Institute/Monastery- Darjeeling Town : Zigar Thupten Shedrupling Institute, a Kagyued sect monastery located in Darjeeling town ridge. It is one of the oldest monasteries of Kagyued sect in Darjeeling town. Earlier the site on which the monastery/institute lies today belongs to Her Majesty Gyalyum Phuntsok Choedon of Bhutan as she was one of the great devotees of the Seventh Je Zigar Ven. Ngawang Tenzin Palsang who visited Bhutan for religious teachings. Later, during the time of 9th Je Zigar Ven. Jigmey Mipham Nyishon’s time; due to her unshakeable reverence Her majesty had offered the land to establish the monastery-main temple, meditation centre ( Drubkhang) and Stupas in the year 1975.

Later H.E. Kyabje Zigar Rinpoche further built quarters for the resident monks. Over the period of time – under the supervision of Ven. Khenpo Sonam Tashi built its institute for further studies – Zigar Shedra in 2012. Since then more than last one decades, monks have joined the institute from Ladakh, East Sikkin, Bhutan, Northern Nepal and Tibet for Kadgyuepa lineage Buddhism studies.

Phuntsok Ngayab Choekhorling – Jorebunglow : It was formally founded by Ven. Dromo Lama Ajo Rinpoche as per current monastery administrator. Later it was offered to H.E. Ven. Jadrel Sangye Dorjee Rinpoche (popularly known as Jadrel Rinpoche) of Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhist Tradition. H.E. Ven. Jadrel Sangye Dorjee Rinpoche is originally from Kham Kathog in Tibet before his visit to Darjeeling. Since then the monastery had gone through various renovation and extension.

The Monastery is situated within 500 metre from the tri -junction point of Darjeeling- Kalimpong- Siliguri at Jorebunglow secluded in the hills opposite the way to famous Tiger Hill View Point. Recently the Monastery has undergone extension of new quarters for the monks.

Ogyen Kunsang Choekhorling (Kagyur Monastery)- Darjeeling Town: Ogyen Kunsang Choekhorling Monastery(OKC) famously known as Kangyur Monastery is located just below the Lal Kothi on the way to Darjeeling- Jorebunglow via Jaalpahar Road- Cantt area in Darjeeling. It is affiliated with the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and founded by Kyabje Kagyur Rinpoche who hailed from Kham Rewoche of Tibet.

Phuntsok Pema Chekhorling(Tsechu Monastery) – Darjeeling Town : The monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa lineage of Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Initially there were group of Buddhist religious practitioners of Himalayan region such as Sherpa, Tamang, Yolmo and Gurung etc. who were devoted to Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) – who sought the site before the monastery came into being. These practitioners had to travel in and around Darjeeling to conduct rites and ritual without any proper seat which had gone through unforeseen challenges for years. In such times of great predicaments, many of the followers of H.E. Ven. Dudjom Jigdrel Yeshi Dorjee Rinpoche famously known as Dudjom Rinpoche offered the site to Rinpoche for establishment of permanent prayer hall. As such, soon after procuring a site in the year 1965 H.E. Dudjom Rinpoche built a small centre and run for several years. Later it was managed by H.E. Ven. Penor Rinpoche and was named as Phuntsok Pema Choekhorling Monastery. Hence, it is looked after by H.E. Ven. Penor Rinpoche Charity Foundation established in the year 1982 with its primary administration based in Namdroling Monastery at Bylakuppe, South India in the State of Karnataka.