How royals, British, Tibetans and political parties shaped Sikkim's faith

The summer of 1975 saw a key shift in India's map. On May 16, Sikkim officially became the 22nd state of the Indian Union through the 36th Amendment of the Constitution, following a public vote that supported joining India.This development was not sudden. It came after more than 20 years of political talks, unrest, and treaties. The monarchy of the Chogyal rulers came to an end, and Sikkim moved from a protectorate (a state that is controlled and protected by another) to full statehood.advertisementSikkim's links to the Indian region go back centuries. Some early legends connect its rulers to India's ancient past.
After independence in 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took on the task of bringing over 550 princely states into the Union. Sikkim stayed out of this process but remained in close contact with Delhi.In 1950, under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, India and Sikkim signed a treaty. This agreement allowed India to handle defence, communication, and foreign affairs -- areas that had been managed similarly during British rule.Over time, protests grew in Sikkim. Demands for democratic reform gained support. In 1975, a referendum was held. Most people voted to end the monarchy and join India.India's leaders -- Sardar Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru, and later, Indira Gandhi -- each played a part in this shift. Patel laid the groundwork, Nehru handled early diplomacy, and Gandhi oversaw the final step.
The last Chogyal ruler with then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
advertisementTHE LAST MONARCHS OF SIKKIMThe Chogyal dynasty of Sikkim began its rule in the 17th century, following centuries of Tibetan influence that dated back to around the 7th century.At the time, the region was largely inhabited and governed by the Lepchas, Limbus, and Magars. In the early 1600s, a major Tibetan migration into the area led to the consecration of Phuntsog Namgyal as the first Chogyal.The dynasty maintained its rule for generations until British interest in the region grew. During the Anglo-Gorkha War of 1814-16, Sikkim aligned with the British against the Gorkhas of Nepal. The alliance resulted in territorial gains for the Chogyals at Nepal's expense.The Great Game of the 19th century between Soviet Russia and Britain opened new possibilities for the region. Both British India and Qing China viewed Sikkim as a strategic buffer.However, as Chinese control over Tibet declined in the early 19th century, the British extended their reach northwards. This culminated in British military expeditions into Tibet.By the late 19th century, Sikkim's isolation had ended. The kingdom was increasingly drawn into the geopolitical calculations of the British Empire, setting the stage for deeper integration in the decades to come.Though not formally annexed into Her Majesty's dominions, the sovereignty of Sikkim had been considerably tempered by a series of solemn treaties and diplomatic understandings with the East India Company and its successors.advertisement"While 'British Sikkim' existed, 'Independent Sikkim' remained as a rump state based in Gangtok, controlling about 2,500 square miles (6,500 km) of land," writes Sir Richard Carnac Temple in his journals.The most notable of these instruments is the Treaty of Tumlong, concluded in the year 1861, whereby a formal protectorate was established.
King of Sikkim with a group of Tibetan lamas (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
By this accord, the British assumed control over the affairs of Sikkim without laying full claim to its lands, permitting the native Chogyals to retain their throne, albeit under the watchful eye of imperial agents and the British agent has been deployed in the capital Gangtok.The Convention of Lhasa, held in 1904 following the British expedition into Tibet, further affirmed the articles of the earlier Calcutta Convention, thus strengthening the British position in the region and placing Sikkim ever more firmly within the imperial fold.advertisementINDEPENDENT INDIA AND SIKKIMAfter the British left India in 1947, the princely states of India had to make a decision whether to be part of India or the newly made Pakistan. Most of the states chose to be either with India or Pakistan; several, however, took a stance that turned into an uphill task for the leaders of India.Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir, the Nizam of Hyderabad, and the ruler of Junagadh remained undecided at that time.With no such direct control of the British over Sikkim, the challenge was on the table for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.In a most deliberate and statesmanlike endeavour, it has been recorded in the work The Origin of India's States by Venkataraghavan Subha Srinivasan, that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, in concert with the esteemed constitutional counsellor to the Assembly of the Realm, BN Rau, did set forth upon a noble enterprise -- to draw the Kingdom of Sikkim into the fold of the Indian dominion.A popular vote for Sikkim to join the Indian Union failed, and the Indian government was forced to agree upon special protectorate status for Sikkim.advertisementSikkimese people by then were allowed to travel on Indian passports abroad, and in times of security threats, India could override domestic powers as mentioned in the treaty.The growing Communist Chinese influence in the region made India worrisome, and the invasion of Tibet by China shook the chairs in Delhi.
Indian soldiers at the Chinese Border during the Indo-Sino War (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
"In 1959, the Dalai Lama's escape from Tibet highlighted Sikkim's strategic importance to both India and China. Prime Minister Nehru remarked that the Chumbi Valley, held by China, was a dagger pointed at the heart of India. During the 1962 Sino-Indian War, Indian forces moved to prevent a Chinese advance, leading to brief skirmishes," writes Andrew Duff in A Himalayan Chess Game.During the Sino-Indian War, the forces of India blocked the Sikkim passes to counter any possible threats from the region. The strategy remained successful, and Sikkim was never invaded by the Chinese.AND SIKKIM BECAME INDIA 'S 22ND STATEThe political turmoil in the state weakened the monarchy in a decade, and with a strong democratic presence in India, there were a higher chance of installing a pro-democratic government in Sikkim.advertisementIn the work Sikkim: Dawn of Democracy, a former RAW agent Sidhu recounts how, in 1973, he led a discreet mission to Gangtok.His official charge was to inform the Chogyal of Chinese movements, yet his true task was to advise the Sikkim Congress and support the kingdom's entry into India.That year, protests against the monarchy grew, surrounding the royal palace with thousands.The Chogyal, pressed by unrest, requested help from New Delhi, which sent troops. A tripartite agreement was signed between the Chogyal, the Indian government, and political parties to bring political reform.In 1974, elections were held, won by the Sikkim Congress under Kazi Dorji. A new constitution reduced the monarch to a figurehead. The following year, a referendum showed strong support to abolish the monarchy and join India.Soon after, India's Ministry of External Affairs introduced the Thirty-Sixth Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha to admit Sikkim as a state. Sikkim's new parliament then proposed a bill for statehood, which India accepted.Sikkim's journey to becoming India's 22nd state was marked by strategic challenges, diplomatic resolve, and shifting power dynamics -- from the fading rule of the Chogyals to decisive leadership under Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.Once even a base for CIA operations amid Cold War anxieties, Sikkim now stands firmly on the path of progress as an integral part of India's democratic fabric.Must Watch

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time of India

42 minutes ago

• Time of India

Varanasi gears up for CZC meeting, final touches underway

1 2 Varanasi: With the Central Zonal Council (CZC) meeting scheduled for June 25, preparations have intensified in Varanasi. Beautification works are nearing completion, particularly along routes that will witness VIP movements beginning Monday evening. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and the CMs of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are expected to attend the meeting. According to officials, this will be the first time a non-state capital city is hosting a zonal council meeting, mrking a significant moment for Varanasi following its successful hosting of G20 events in 2023. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Divisional Commissioner S. Rajalingam and Commissioner of Police Mohit Agrawal confirmed that all logistical and security arrangements are in the final stages. The visiting CMs— Pushkar Singh Dhami (Uttarakhand), Mohan Yadav (Madhya Pradesh), and Vishnu Deo Sai (Chhattisgarh) — will arrive in the city on Monday. That evening, they will offer prayers at the Kaal Bhairav and Kashi Vishwanath temples before proceeding to the meeting venue at Hotel Taj in Nadesar on Tuesday morning. To ensure smooth movement and aesthetic appeal, authorities are focusing on key areas including the stretch from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Hotel Taj and the roads leading to both temples. Thematic display boards are being installed along the Varuna bridge, while road dividers are being freshly painted. Work on enhancing street lighting and greenery is also nearing completion, with multiple agencies working in coordination. On the security front, Commissioner Agrawal said a multi-layered deployment plan has been finalised. Security personnel will be stationed at the venue and across the VIP routes. Measures include rooftop surveillance, deployment of officers in plain clothes, drone monitoring, and route diversions. Traffic diversions will remain in effect from Monday evening until the dignitaries' departure on Tuesday. CM Yogi during his visit to the venue on June 16, had reviewed the arrangements and instructed officials to ensure the timely completion of all pending work. With issues from multiple departments expected to be discussed, senior officials from Union ministries and departments of the four participating states have already started arriving in the city.

Indian Express

an hour ago

• Indian Express

Neighbourhood policy at work: India to fly home Nepal, Sri Lanka citizens from Iran

In a major diplomatic outreach to its neighbours, India said Saturday it will evacuate nationals of Nepal and Sri Lanka who are stranded in Iran and want to leave the country. Officials in Delhi framed it as an example of India's 'neighbourhood first policy' — of helping its neighbours in times of crisis, be it conflict, natural calamity or pandemic. This announcement came on the day two more flights, operated by the Iranian Mahan Air, landed in Delhi. The Indian embassy in Tehran, in a post on X, said, 'On request of the Governments of Nepal and Sri Lanka, the Indian Embassy's evacuation efforts in Iran will also cover citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka.' 'The citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka may urgently reach out to the Embassy, either on the Telegram channel or over the emergency contact numbers: +989010144557;+989128109115; +989128109109,' it stated. Nepal's Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba expressed Kathmandu's gratitude. In a post on X, she thanked External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar 'for India's swift assistance in helping to evacuate Nepali nationals from Iran'. 'India's support in Nepal's evacuation efforts is a reflection of the strength of Nepal-India ties,' she said. Sources said about 16 Nepal nationals are in touch with the Nepalese embassy in Delhi. Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a post, said, 'Sri Lanka extends its sincere gratitude to the Government of India for the timely assistance to evacuate Sri Lankan nationals from Iran alongside Indian citizens. This act of solidarity exemplifies the strong and enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and India, and is deeply appreciated by the people of Sri Lanka.' So far, a total of 827 Indians have been evacuated from Iran. 'Another evacuation flight from Mashhad landed in New Delhi at 1630 hrs on 21 June with 310 Indian nationals from Iran. With this, a total of 827 Indians have been evacuated,' Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said. A group of about 290 Indian nationals, including students, reached Delhi late Friday night and early Saturday after being evacuated from Iran as its war with Israel intensified. On Wednesday, India announced the launch of Operation Sindhu to evacuate its nationals from Iran. 'Operation Sindhu flight brings citizens home. India evacuated 290 Indian nationals from Iran, including students and religious pilgrims by a charter flight. The flight arrived in New Delhi at 2330 hrs on 20 June and was received by Secretary (CPV& OIA) Arun Chatterjee,' Jaiswal wrote on X. 'Government of India is grateful to the Government of Iran for the facilitation of the evacuation process,' he said. The first batch of 110 Indian nationals, evacuated under Operation Sindhu, arrived in India Thursday, with many evacuees sharing firsthand accounts of the frightening situation they witnessed before being moved to safer locations. This is not the first time that Delhi has stepped in to evacuate citizens of its neighbours. In the early days of the Ukraine war, India evacuated nationals of neighbouring countries along with its own. Delhi managed to persuade Tehran to open Iranian airspace for the evacuation of around 1,000 Indians via the north-eastern town of Mashhad. Sources said Delhi, after days of negotiations, moved its nationals to Mashhad and secured overflight permissions from Iran and Turkmenistan to fly Indians out of harm's way. Mashhad is close to Iran's border with Turkmenistan, and India found an air corridor for a safe flight out. Indians were moved from Tehran to Qom and then to Mashhad, with the help of the Indian embassy and Iranian authorities. India's ties with Iran and Israel puts it in a delicate spot, where it has to do some diplomatic balancing act. Delhi has strategic stakes with Iran – from Chabahar port to shared concerns on Pakistan and Afghanistan. So, it has been very careful in its statements. It has a very strategic security and defence partnership with Israel as well. Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Editor at The Indian Express, has been a journalist for more than 25 years now. Roy joined The Indian Express in October 2003 and has been reporting on foreign affairs for more than 17 years now. Based in Delhi, he has also led the National government and political bureau at The Indian Express in Delhi — a team of reporters who cover the national government and politics for the newspaper. He has got the Ramnath Goenka Journalism award for Excellence in Journalism '2016. He got this award for his coverage of the Holey Bakery attack in Dhaka and its aftermath. He also got the IIMCAA Award for the Journalist of the Year, 2022, (Jury's special mention) for his coverage of the fall of Kabul in August 2021 — he was one of the few Indian journalists in Kabul and the only mainstream newspaper to have covered the Taliban's capture of power in mid-August, 2021. ... Read More

India Gazette

an hour ago

• India Gazette

Another flight brings back 290 Indians from Iran under Op Sindhu, total evacuated reaches 1,117

New Delhi [India], June 22 (ANI): Another special flight carrying 290 Indians stranded in conflict-hit Iran landed safely in New Delhi on Saturday night, bringing the total number of people evacuated under Operation Sindhu to 1,117. This marks the fifth batch of Indians evacuated from Iran as part of the ongoing operation. In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, 'Operation Sindhu gains momentum. 290 Indian nationals have returned home safely from Iran on a special flight from Mashhad that landed in New Delhi at 2330 hrs on 21 June 2025.' 'With this, 1,117 Indian nationals have been evacuated from Iran,' the MEA added. The evacuees, including students, shared their experiences of the tense situation in Iran and expressed deep gratitude to the Indian government and embassy officials. An Indian national from Bihar's Siwan, studying medicine at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, said, 'I am from Siwan, Bihar. I have been in Iran for the last 2 years. I study medicine at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The situation in Tehran is critical. Other places are normal. I am thankful to the government (for the evacuation).' Another evacuee, Naveed, a second-year MBBS student, added, 'I am from Kashmir. I am a 2nd-year MBBS student. I feel very good now. I am thankful to India. They evacuated us.' Describing the fear they faced, one evacuee said, 'I feel very good. There were missiles firing. We were feeling very afraid there. We were stuck there for 1 week.' Momin Ushtaq from Kashmir praised the government's efforts, saying, 'I am from Kashmir. The situation is not good there. We are very thankful to the government of India, Kashmir, and the Embassy. They deserve a special thanks, as they evacuated us and brought us back home.' Gratitude was also directed Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Parveen, another evacuee, said, 'I am very happy. I am thankful to PM Modi from the bottom of my heart. Our government helped us to get back here.' Indira Kumari added, 'We have returned. I am thankful to the Indian government and the Prime Minister of India.' Earlier on Saturday, a special flight from Mashhad carrying 310 Indian nationals landed in New Delhi at 4:30 PM. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes targeted a significant nuclear facility in Iran's Isfahan province, as reported by Al Jazeera. As per Al Jazeera, citing an Israeli military spokesperson, the air force struck the main complex as well as buildings involved in centrifuge production. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that a centrifuge manufacturing workshop was hit but clarified that no nuclear material was present at the site, so there were no radiological impacts. (ANI)