The village of Lachen, about 50 kilometers from the Chinese border in Sikkim's North District, still maintains a traditional political system known as Dzumsa ('dzoms sa). The article surveys the organization and functions of this village political institution as well as noting changes that the Dzumsa has undergone in recent decades. This system of village administration dates back to the first half of the 19th century and was officially recognized as a functioning political body in 1985 by the government. The Dzumsa has continued its traditional roles, including judicial and economic responsibilities, while taking on ever more functions in recent decades as part of the larger state political apparatus. (Ben Deitle 2006-02-10)