How Sikkim Became a Part of India? | Full Story Explained! | By Ankit SIngh | StudyIQ IAS English

Added: 2026-05-08

[00:00:00]Hello everyone. I'm Ankit and you're watching StudyIQIAS English.

[00:00:04]In our today's video, we'll try to understand how the princely state of Sikkim became a part of India in 1975.

[00:00:12]And the reason why we have picked up this particular topic for our today's discussion is because recently Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, visited Sikkim. And the reason for this visit was to attend the closing ceremony of the state's 50-year celebration. The state of Sikkim was celebrating 50 years of accession into India back in 1975, which is celebrated every year in May 16th. And Prime Minister went to attend this closing ceremony, which began last year in May.

[00:00:42]So, the purpose of our today's discussion is to let you know what were the turns of history that ultimately resulted into the fact that Sikkim became a part of India. So, what was the history behind India-Sikkim relation before it became? And how the situation changed post-India's independence in 1947 that ultimately culminated into 1975 when Sikkim became a part of India through a constitutional amendment act.

[00:01:08]So, everything we are going to find out in our today's discussion. And the notes which I will be using today, these are very important from your exam's perspective. And therefore, you can go to our Telegram channel called as ATS Live and download them. While you're downloading the notes, please do not forget to subscribe to the channel also.

[00:01:24]Okay? So, let us start by understanding how the kingdom of Sikkim was formed.

[00:01:30]The kingdom of Sikkim, it was formed back in 1642 when three Tibetan lamas, they consecrated Phuntsog Namgyal as the ruler or Chogyal of Sikkim. Right? So, he was the first ruler of Sikkim and hence the Namgyal dynasty was set up.

[00:01:47]And this Namgyal dynasty continued to rule over the state of Sikkim, which was also the kingdom of Sikkim, for 333 years up till 1975.

[00:01:58]So, a Chogyal dynasty was introduced, the Namgyal dynasty, which ruled over Sikkim for more than 333 years. Right?

[00:02:06]Now, at this time, India was also witnessing many twists and turns in the history since India became subjected to the British colonial rule. And you need to understand what is the geography of Sikkim. Sikkim is a was a country which was located between two big countries across the Himalayas. That was on the north, it was bordering China. And towards the south, it was bordering India. But on the other hand, the kingdom of Sikkim also fought for its own territory with other neighboring Himalayan kingdoms, that is Nepal and Bhutan. And India's semi-formal relationship with Sikkim actually began when India at that time was under British colonial rule. Now, British Empire, it influenced Sikkim in multidimensional ways. It influenced Sikkim in its diplomacy, it influenced Sikkim in its modernization. And for a brief period of time, there was also conflict between British India as well as Sikkim. Now, for the first time, the recognition of the Sikkim's geopolitical importance was given by Warren Hastings, who was also the first Governor-General of India. And he recognized this importance back in 1774.

[00:03:14]And as a result, going forward, the British India's or British colonial regime's policy towards Sikkim acted or they treated Sikkim as a buffer state between the British India. On one hand, it would be between British India and Nepal. And on another hand, it would be between the British India as well as China. So, British treated Sikkim as a buffer state during its colonial rule.

[00:03:38]Now, this ultimately realized into various parts on how the British Empire used to interfere in Sikkim's internal matters. Now, for the first time, it was Samuel Turner who was sent to negotiate the trade relations between British India and the kingdom of Sikkim. And this Turner's mission turned to be a very turning point in the history. Now, this became an evolving part of how Anglo-Sikkim relations actually evolved up till 1800. Because up till 1800, Britishers only had a figment of trade relationship between British India as well as Sikkim. But something happened in 1817, which changed how the relations between British India and Sikkim was discharged. It was the Treaty of Titalia, which was signed between East India Company and Sikkim. Now, what did Sikkim gain out of this particular treaty? Sikkim, it regained territory, which was earlier annexed by the Nepal kingdom. And in return, Sikkim has to pledge the allegiance to the British Empire in exchange for its protection.

[00:04:37]Now, what did the British Empire get out of this treaty? British got access to Sikkim for their trade as well as access to the Tibetan frontier, which they wanted to control because they were afraid of China. Now, this agreement, you need to understand it essentially underscored the terms of role as Sikkim playing as a client state to British Empire. So, this relationship between the kingdom of Sikkim and British India was not that of an equal. The higher capability was given to the British Empire, and Sikkim played a role of a client state, which was discharging whatever East India Company and by that matter, the British government was dictating the Sikkim kingdom to do. Now, this relationship of unequals actually led to a conflict in relationship in the mid-19th century, which led to the first Anglo-Sikkimese War in 1861.

[00:05:29]When this war ended, it led to signing of Treaty of Tumlong, and it further aggravated the difference that existed between the relationship between British India and the kingdom of Sikkim. Now, it further subordinated the kingdom of Sikkim, and it mandated that the Sikkim should recognize British suzerainty. Not just this, there was a permanent establishment of a British political officer in the capital of Sikkim, that was Gangtok, effectively making the relationship between British India and Sikkim as that of a protectorate state.

[00:06:00]And therefore, for the first time, Sikkim emerged as a protectorate state or sorry, British India became a protectorate state of the kingdom of Sikkim. Now, this relationship also continued even after India got independence. So, let us now understand how Britishers actually con- tried to control Sikkim. Now, what is the most famous policy that you can identify of British colonial rule? It was the policy of divide and rule. And this was the same policy that Britishers even followed in Sikkim. Britishers tried to aggravate the existing ethnic tensions that existed between multiple ethnic communities in Sikkim. Sikkim for a long period of time has presence of communities like Bhutias, Lepchas, as well as Nepalese. So, the British government tried to aggravate these tensions by playing one community against the another. Not just that, they tried to interfere in the internal relations, they tried to change the economy of the country by introducing a land revenue system, which was as destructive as it was in India also.

[00:07:02]Similarly, they provided some educational initiatives by introducing Western-style education. But this was in a very limited manner. The intention of the British here was to create an influential class of English-educated elites, which would discharge or which would adhere to not of Sikkim's local interest, but to British rule's interest. Right? But gradually, by 20th century, the control of Britishers over Sikkim went because of changing geopolitical circumstances across the globe. Because as you can understand, when World War I and World War II was fought, the focus of British Empire was not on in and around India, but outside, how to achieve victory in in Europe.

[00:07:42]Right? So, because of that, ultimately, the control of Britishers over Sikkim it reduced. Now, let us try to understand how the relationship between India and Sikkim was discharged after India got independence in 1947. You need to understand the Indian state, it actually inherited what the Britishers left at that time. And I told you, the relationship between British India and Sikkim was not that of an equal. It was of an unequal relationship where British India acted as the protectorate of the Sikkim dynasty. Right? And this even continued after India got independence.

[00:08:17]If you can recall, when India got independence, the territories in India was of two different types, British Indian territory and princely states.

[00:08:25]And princely states, after India got independent, they were given only two options, either accede to India or accede to Pakistan. Most of the princely states decided to agree to accession to India except three states like Hyderabad, Junagadh, and Kashmir. And the state of Sikkim here was also very much similar to them. They were not able to decide whether to become a part of India, whether to become a part of um uh Pakistan or stay as an independent country. Now, the responsibility of integrating all these princely states into India was given to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who started to interact with many of these princely states even before India got independent. Now, let us discuss what happened with Sikkim. Now, Patel, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Mr. B.N. Rau, who was constitutional adviser to the Constituent Assembly, they ultimately wanted to integrate Sikkim within the broader state of India. Right? But then, Chogyal Tashi Namgyal, he was afraid to sign what was called as an instrument of accession. And similarly, even the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Nehru, was cognizant of this fact that Sikkim wanted to remain as an independent kingdom, not become a part of Indian state. Now, India on its hand, people like Patel, people like B.N. Rau, they were of the opinion that India should take control of defense, external affairs, as well as communication responsibility of Sikkim. And until this deal is finalized, that is, the signing of instrument of accession, why don't Sikkim government sign a stand- still agreement so that the status quo will remain? Sikkim would not end up becoming a part of another country. Right? Now, let us try to understand what India wanted we have become clear. India wanted to get a broader control of Sikkim. But what about people of Sikkim?

[00:10:10]Did they wanted to become a part of India? The answer is yes. As I've told you there are three major ethnic communities in the country of Sikkim.

[00:10:17]Bhutias, Lepchas, and Nepalese and they were represented by their own political parties like Sikkim State Congress which represented the interest of Bhutias, Praja Mandal represented the interest of Lepchas, and Praja Sudharak Samaj in represented the interest of Nepalese.

[00:10:34]And you need to understand among these three communities in terms of the number, Nepal is the largest group, right? Now, all these three groups, irrespective of the differences, they were of the opinion that they want a more closer ties with India. And this is where the situation becomes interesting. Let us now understand why the situation becomes interesting. Now, these three political parties representing the interest of their respective ethnic communities, they passed a resolution in December 1947. First of all, demanding establishment of a popular government, abolition of landlordism, and more importantly, they wanted to accede to India. And as a result, Sikkim State Congress and Praja Mandal leaders even met India's first Prime Minister Mr. Nehru. But sadly, at that time Mr. Nehru was indifferent of this cause. He made a statement that Sikkim should grow but according to its own genius. But 2 years later in 1949, there was a widespread protest led by Sikkim State Congress which after which under the pressure of these protests, the Chogyal of Sikkim decided to appoint an Indian officer as a Dewan or Chief Minister and also decided to form an advisory committee which included the Sikkim State Congress representatives. So now, what did we understand? The people of Sikkim, the political parties of Sikkim wanted a closer relationship with India and therefore, they were having conflict with their own Chogyal, their own ruler.

[00:12:01]Right? Now, why does things become interesting? Because in 1950, India and Sikkim signed Indo-Sikkim Treaty which made officially Sikkim as a protectorate state of India. So Sikkim ultimately did not exist as a sovereign nation because India became responsible for its defense, external affairs, and strategic communications. Similarly, Indian state also secured an exclusive right to bring infrastructure and Sikkimese people, whenever they have to travel abroad, they would get to travel but only on Indian passports. Right? Now, Sikkim would have internal autonomy but in cases of security threats, India would gain an overriding powers. So that is why I told you the inheritance of the protectorate status continued even after India got independence and it was formalized due to Indo-Sikkim Treaty which was signed in 1950. Right?

[00:12:54]Now, what you have to understand is in 1960s [clears throat] and 70s, things became very different which ultimately culminated into 1975 event. So what happened? Let us understand in clarity.

[00:13:07]First of all, a split happened in Sikkim State Congress and it led to emergence of a new political party called as Sikkim National Congress which ultimately played a very important role in Sikkim's accession into India. And also, a political development happened in both of these countries. There was a change of leadership. Unfortunately, in the first few years of 1960s, in the gap of 2 years only, India lost two important Prime Ministers.

[00:13:34]Jawaharlal Nehru died in 1962 and 2 years later in 1964, unfortunately, Lal Bahadur Shastri Sorry, in 1964, Jawaharlal Nehru died and 2 years later in 1966, unfortunately, even Lal Bahadur Shastri passed away. And ultimately, the Prime Minister of India became Mrs. Indira Gandhi. Now, in in her initial years, Indira Gandhi politically was seen as a weak Prime Minister. But that did not remain out of the fact that she was not cognizant of India's security related matters. But more on that later.

[00:14:04]Similarly, on the Sikkim side, in 1963, their Chogyal Tashi Namgyal also passed away and the rule went to Kumar Thondup which was the new Chogyal. And this new Chogyal wanted to seek an independent status of Sikkim. So this was what a new ruler of Sikkim wanted. Now, coming back to Mrs. Indira Gandhi. As I told you, in her initial years from 1966 up till 1969, she was politically very weak. But at the same time, she was very cognizant of the fact that India faced security threats primarily from China. Because if you can recall in 1962, China and India fought a war which unfortunately India lost. So India's state's focus at that time was to prevent any future conflict which might happen between India and China even on Sikkim's borders. So what Indian state wanted? They wanted a greater control over Sikkim. And as I told you, Sikkim's new ruler wanted to seek an independent status and this demand of the Sikkim ruler was not at all acceptable to the Indian state. And as a result, Indian state wanted to promote more and more pro-democracy forces. So in the early decades of 1970s, that is in 1973, an Indian delegation led by mostly RAW officers went to Sikkim to officially liaise with Sikkim Congress and they also wanted to make an effort to unify the pro-democracy and pro-merger political forces in Sikkim which fortunately for India were a big majority in the country of Sikkim. Right? Now, what happened because of that? On the same year in 1973, a massive anti-monarchy protest happens where protesters surrounded the royal palace and the Chogyal became afraid. So he had no other option but to call Indian state and Indian army into Sikkim in order to protect themselves.

[00:15:52]Right? So when New Delhi provided assistance in form of sending troops to Sikkim, this gave India an opportunity.

[00:15:59]Therefore, under the pressure of Indian state as well as protesters, a tripartite agreement was signed between the ruler of Sikkim, that was Chogyal, Government of India, and these three major political parties. And the ultimate culmination of this tripartite agreement was that political reforms will be introduced in Sikkim. And as a result, the elections happened in next year in 1974 where Sikkim Congress which was led by Kazi Dorji, they won this election.

[00:16:27]Similarly, uh that year also a new constitution was adopted and the monarchy was just limited now to a titular role. Right? And a referendum was happening next year in 1975 where more than 2/3 of people who were eligible to vote voted. And you'll be surprised to know an overwhelming 97 97% of the votes were given in the fact that they wanted to accede to India. So this is what the people of Sikkim wanted.

[00:16:58]They were fed up with the ruler of Chogyal. They wanted democracy to be introduced and more importantly, they wanted to become a part of Indian state officially. And as a result, the new parliament of Sikkim which was led by Kazi Dorji, they passed a resolution where Sikkim officially wanted to become an Indian state. And as a result, within a week's period, Government of India introduced a new constitution amendment bill in the constitution uh in the parliament of India which was passed. That became 36th constitutional amendment act and it recognized officially Sikkim as a state in Union of India. Now, this uh constitutional amendment act was assented by then President Mr. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed and this came into effect from May the 16th, 19 1975. And as a result, this day is celebrated as the Sikkim Day every year. Understood?

[00:17:48]So this was India's history of how Sikkim became a part of Indian state.

[00:17:53]Now, what about China? Do you think China liked this? Obviously not at all.

[00:17:57]Now, China only gave de facto recognition to Sikkim as a part of India in 2003. And their state media also released a map of it. But what happened?

[00:18:06]During 2017 Doklam conflict which India and Chinese army came close to war, they threatened that they would stop or change the status of the recognition that they have gave to Sikkim. Right? So this was India's history of how Sikkim became a part of India. What were the main reasons why people actually demanded for Sikkim to get accession into India. So this was the Indian history. What do you feel about it? Do let me know in the comment section. Now, you need to understand whatever we covered, it's a very important part of India's political as well as post-independence history which fortunately is also UPSC syllabus. If you want to know more about each and every important aspects of history, you need to understand we can't cover any everything on YouTube. Where you'd get everything? You'd get these everything in our foundation courses. These foundation courses are offered separately for students who are trying to give their exams in 2027 or in 2028.

[00:19:00]But before taking admissions, if you apply this code ATS live, you're going to get maximum discounts on all the courses, right? Please remember these two batches are separate. And before we end our today's discussion, there's an important question which I want you to solve. Which one of the following constitutional amendments is widely believed to have been enacted to recognize Sikkim as a state in Union of India. Now, this is a question very similar to the question that appeared in 2015. So I've changed that question to suit our today's discussion. Do let me know the correct answer of this question in the comment section. And if you're waiting to download the notes, you'll get it in the Telegram channel called as ATS live. So this is all from my side for today. We'll see each other again tomorrow. Please have a very good night.