50 Years of Sikkim
- Shubham Mishra
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
Sikkim Integration Timeline
1642: The Namgyal dynasty was founded by Phuntsog Namgyal, first Chogyal.
1817: The Treaty of Titalya makes Sikkim a British protectorate.
1835: Sikkim cedes Darjeeling to British
1861: The Treaty of Tumlong gives Britain control over Sikkim’s external affairs.
1947: The Standstill Agreement with India maintains status quo.
1950: The Indo-Sikkim Treaty makes Sikkim an Indian protectorate, with India assuming responsibility for the external relations, defense, and strategic communications of Sikkim.
1973: The Tripartite Agreement introduces a democratic assembly.
1974: The Sikkim Congress wins the elections; the 35th Amendment makes Sikkim an associate state.
1975:
April 14: Referendum votes to abolish the monarchy and join India.
May 16: The 36th Amendment makes Sikkim India’s 22nd state.
Category | Name/Details |
National Parks | 1. Khangchendzonga National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - Largest protected area in Sikkim - Covers ~1,784 sq. km - Home to snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan tahr, etc. |
Major Rivers Originating in Sikkim | 1. Teesta River - Origin: Tso Lhamo Lake (North Sikkim) - Lifeline of Sikkim and North Bengal 2. Rangeet River - Origin: Rathong Glacier (West Sikkim) - Tributary of Teesta |
Tribes of Sikkim | 1. Lepchas (Indigenous tribe) - Language: Lepcha - Mostly live in Dzongu (North Sikkim) 2. Bhutias - Tibetan origin - Speak Sikkimese or Bhutia 3. Nepalis (including various sub-tribes) - Largest ethnic group - Includes subgroups like Gurung, Rai, Limbu, Magar, Tamang, Newar |