Darjeeling: Place Names: History & Meanings of Places, Rivers, Mountains & Hills’ stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and intellectual perseverance of eminent historian of Darjeeling-Sikkim Dr. Sonam B. Wangyal. This monumental work, initiated and completed over two decades of meticulous research, is a tour de force in the exploration of the names that adorn the landscapes of Darjeeling. Dr. Wangyal’s books include ‘Sikkim and Darjeeling: Division and Deception’, ‘Footprints in the Himalaya’, ‘People, Places and Practices’, ‘Never Ending Wait for Gorkhaland’, ‘Dooars vis-à-vis Gorkhaland’, ‘Lions Club International Directory’, ‘Darjeeling Stories: Sahibs, Natives and Oddballs’. In its pages, the reader is invited on an intellectual odyssey that challenges the age-old narratives surrounding the origins of place names within the district. Dr. Wangyal courageously contests long-held beliefs, delving into the controversies and claims that have enshrouded these names in mystery for generations.The depth of research that underpins this work is nothing short of astounding. Dr. Wangyal's quest for knowledge led him through the annals of history, consulting a vast array of sources that include around 40 dictionaries, over 100 books, interviews with revered resource persons, and the perusal of scores of articles spanning magazines, newspapers, journals, and even numerous internet sites. ‘Darjeeling: Place Names’ offers a window into the rich tapestry of Darjeeling's heritage, a heritage whose roots are revealed through the tireless dedication and meticulous scholarship of Dr. Wangyal.