The History of Sikkim: A Journey to Statehood

Sikkim's origins predate the 17th century, with its name deriving from the Limbu language, where "Su Him" translates to "new home." The earliest inhabitants were the Lepchas, who assimilated other tribes like the Naong, Chang, Mon, and others. In the 14th century, the Bhutia people began migrating from Tibet into Sikkim. The establishment of the state of Sikkim in 1642 marked a significant milestone when Phuntsog Namgyal, from the Bhutia community, became the first Chogyal (a temporal and spiritual king) to lead the region.

In the mid-18th century, Sikkim became embroiled in territorial disputes with Bhutan and Nepal. Nepal occupied parts of western Sikkim and the subarctic Terai region in the south, leading to significant Nepalese migration into Sikkim. In 1816, following the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–16), the British returned these territories to Sikkim as part of their agreement. By 1817, Sikkim effectively became a British protectorate.

The British East India Company acquired Darjeeling from Sikkim in 1835, sparking tensions that led to the annexation of sub-montane areas in 1849. Subsequently, Sikkim faced military defeat, resulting in the Anglo-Sikkimese Treaty of 1861. This treaty acknowledged Sikkim as a princely state under British paramountcy, granting the British rights to free trade and the construction of a road to Tibet. In 1890, a British-Tibetan agreement delineated the Sikkim-Tibet boundary, with Tibet recognizing Britain's special relationship with Sikkim. A British political officer was then appointed to assist the Chogyal in governance, effectively assuming the role of de facto ruler.

After India's independence in 1947, political parties emerged in Sikkim with aims to abolish feudalism, establish elected governance, and integrate with India. These goals clashed with the Chogyal and his supporters, whose authority diminished with the abolition of non-agricultural rent-collecting landowners in 1949.  It also introduced greater public participation in governance, leading to five general elections from 1952 to 1974 based on adult suffrage. In the final election, rival parties united to form the Sikkim Congress, which championed political freedoms and rights, precipitating a confrontation with the Chogyal's government. As tensions rose, the Chogyal sought Indian intervention, resulting in India drafting a constitution for Sikkim, ratified by its National Assembly in 1974. In a special referendum in 1975, over 97 percent of voters endorsed Sikkim's merger with India. Consequently, on May 16, 1975, Sikkim officially became India's 22nd state.