History of Sikkim
Part 1 :
Kirati
Acording to history the Kirati People (Rai Community) are oldest tribes of Sikkim. Dr. A. C. Singh (1983) stated that “Sikkim is known as the home of the Kirati tribesmen from the pre-historic times”.When the Kirat’s King Yalambar captured outer Nepal. in 1,500 B.C his kingdom extended from the Trisuli river to the east to river Teesta. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva was appeared in the form of hunter Kirateshwar or Lord of the Kiratas in front of Arjuna. In that place, the Kirateswar Mahadev Temple is build in Legship, West Sikkim.
Some of the historic reference we found that Lepchas, Limbus and Mangars Communities are the oldest indigenous of Sikkim.
Lepchas
It is claimed that the Lepchas, who call themselves “Rong”. The peoples who are migrated from Assam’s hills. in 6th century, who are occupied the Lapchan area of Nepal (Present Ilam Region) along with most of the eastern part of Greater Sikkim with up to the Chumbi Valley (Present Tibet, China) are the earliest settlers of Sikkim. In that time Lepchas told Sikkim “Mayel Lyang” and after that “Renjong”. The “Lepcha” comes from “Lapcho”. In nepali language Lapcho means “a mound of rough stones build as a memorial”. It is claimed that Lepchas were organized by their “Panu (King or Chief)”. After a few generations reign of Kings ended. It is said that “Thekong Tek”, (Lepcha Chief) was instrumental in installing the Bhutia rule (Chogyal Kings) in Sikkim by associating himself with the Tibetan migrants. In Bhutia rule, first Bhutia King Phuntsog Namgyal (1642 – 1670) give a Dzongpens status to all the Lepcha Chief, “Dzongpens” mean regional ruler or governors of particular area. He Split his kingdom into 12 Dzongs or administrative units and from Bhutia community appoint 12 Kalons or Ministers. Every Dzong had contained a fort. All Dzong were headed by a individual Dzongpen. These “Dzongpens” along with another “Bhutia Kalons” together came to known as the Kazis. In course of time, this two kazis inter married among themselves and as result of which many of the lepchas become Buddhist.
Limbus
The Limbu or Yakthung are a Tibeto-Burman group, who was inhabitant to the Himalayan region of eastern Nepal, Sikkim, and western Bhutan. In that time, Limbus defined Sikkim as” Yioksom”. The original name of the Limbu is Yakthung or Yakthum. Limbu males are called Yakthungba or Yakthumba and Limbu females are called “Yakthumma” or “Yakthungma“. In the Limbu language it means “heroes of the hills” (Yak–hills and thung or thum – heroes). Subba is a title given by the Shah King of Nepal only to Limbu village chiefs. Subba was not any indigenous terminology. But now the peoples often debate about the use of term “Subba” as their surname in Limbu tribe. It is important to note that, only the village chiefs were allowed to use the term Subba in their name. They used this title for distinguish the village chiefs from other villagers in Limbu tribe. Family lineage of the village chiefs are often found with their surname as Subba. In the Chinese text Po-ou-Yeo-Jing, we can find that the Limbus were also one of the earliest inhabitants of Sikkim. The name of the Sikkim is a combination of two Limbu words “Su”, which means “new”, and khim, which means “palace” or “house”.
Magars
The Magar or Mangar is one of the indigenous community of Sikkim. Magars belong to the Tibeto-Burman family like Limbus. The Magar were hunters and gradually cleaned up the forest areas to settle down permanently. There are many historical Magarjong ‘forts’ in Sikkim like Mangsari Magarjong in Soreng, Berthang-Berfok Magarjong in West Sikkim, and Kamrang Magarjong, Rateypani-Kateng Magarjong in South Sikkim. As time progressed the Magar multiplied and divided into Barah Magar (Twelve Groups). Twelve groups who had the leaders from twelve different places. In near 16th century, there was a war between Mangar Chief Sintupati Sen and Bhutia forces, in which Sintupati Sen was defeated and had to lose his life. The place where the Mangar Chief Was Killed, is known as “Rajatar” (Soreng, West Sikkim). After that Sen’s queen collected their all the wealth and chose a soldier to go and hide it in a location. The queen thought that if she killed that soldier and buried him, it would protect her wealth, She killed him and buried him. That location came to known as “Gaar Dhane Bheer”. Sen’s queen to take revenge, invited 1,000 of Bhutia people to a feast and kill them by poisoning their food. The place now called Tong Song Fong, meaning “where a thousand people were murdered”. After taking her revenge, the qeen sacrificed her life by jumping into the river. Presently the river is known as “Rani Khola”. A bridge built over this Rani Khola is situated 11 Km away from Gangtok known as “Ranipool“.
How Bhutias entered in Sikkim :
Somewhere in the 13th century a prince named ” Guru Tashi” of Minyang dynasty in Tibet had a divine vision that he should go south to seek his fortune in “Denzong- the valley of rice”. As directed by the divine vision he along with his family, which included five sons, headed in the south direction. The family reached a state called the “Sakya” Kingdom. Where a monastery was being built at that time. But the workers could not erect even one pillar of the monastery despite their efforts. The elder son of Guru Tashi raised the pillars single handedly and thereby came to be known as “Kheye Bumsa” meaning the superior of ten thousand heroes. The Sakya King proposed in marriage to Khye Bumsa with his daughter. Guru Tashi subsequently died and Khye Bumsa settled in Chumbi Valley. Where he met with the Lepcha Chief “Thekong Tek” of Gangtok for the first time. Thekong Tek was also a religious leader. In that time Khye Bumsa had no successor. In the 13th century, Khey Bumsa went Sikkim to seek the blessing of Thekong Tek. After some time Bhumsa’s wife gave birth to three sons. Out of gratitude he met with the Thekong Tek in several times in Sikkim and a friendly relationship developed between them. Since Thekong Tek had no children. so, to give a new form to this friendship, Thekong Tek decided that after his death Bhumsa would take over the reins of power in his kingdom. Then a treaty of blood brotherhood was signed at Kabi Lungchok between Thekong Tek and Khye Bumsa to reinforce the bonding between the two communities of Lepchas and Bhutias of Sikkim. The solemn oath taken on the occasion was that Bhumsa “would not discriminate his newly acquired Lepcha subjects”. Since then this location has been commemorated as symbol of friendship and brotherhood between the Lepchas and Bhutias of Sikkim and stone pillars have been erected to mark the place symbolically. “Mipon Rab” the third son of Khye Bumsa assumed the Chiefship after the death of Khye Bumsa. He had four sons and the four principal clans of Sikkim are said to have sprung from these four sons. The fourth son name was also “Guru Tashi” who succeeded Mipon Rab and shifted to Gangtok. On the other hand after the death of Thekong Tek the Lepchas broke into minor clans. As per treaty of Kabi Lungchok and promised by Thekong Tek, Guru Tashi become the first Bhutia ruler in Sikkim. In that time Bhutias called Sikkim “Denzong mean the valley of rice”. Lepchas also gradually turned to Guru Tashi for protection and leadership. Guru Tashi appointed a Lepcha, Sambre as his chief adviser and lieutenant. Guru Tashi’s rule marked the absorption of the foreign ruling into the native soil and also paved a way for a regular monarchy. This way Guru Tashi became the first Bhutia ruler of Sikkim. He was followed by Jowo Nagpo, Jowo Apha and Guru Tenzing who pursued the policy creating progressively amicable relation with Lepchas. Many of Lepchas blame to Thekong Tek that because of him the Bhutia kingdom was established in Sikkim.
How Chogyals became the king of Sikkim :
1. Phuntsok Namgyal (1642-1670)
Phuntsok Namgyal was the next ruler and first “Chogyal King” of Sikkim. He was Guru Tenzing’s son (Great grandson of “Guru Tashi” Second) and was born in 1604. Phuntsok Namgyal’s crowning was charged with all the miraculous phenomenon. In 1642 A.D, arrived three Noble Saints from Tibet who were known as (i) Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo, (ii) Ngadag Sempa Rigzin Phuntshog and (iii) Kathog Kuntu Zangpo. They entered this sacred land from north, south and western gates because they were looking for a holy place to introduce Buddhism. The three Lamas first assembled at a place called “NORBU GANG” in western Sikkim which was later called “Yuksom” (meaning three wise men) by Lepchas. The three Lamas began a debate on the desirability of having a temporal and religious head to rule over Sikkim. Two of the lamas furthered their own claims but the third lama reminded them of the prophecy of Guru Padamsambhava (Also known as Guru Rinpoche) that a man coming from east and Phuntsok by name would rule Sikkim. It was also told that none of them came from east hence the real man must be looked for. Messengers were sent to seek Phuntsok. Near Gangtok the desired young man was found and ” as mentioned in the prophecy text. They first conveyed to Phuntshog the message sent by the Noble Saints. Shortly afterwards, Phuntshog left for Yuksam with his family and attendants. The Three Lamas welcomed him and lamas lost no time in crowning him as the king. They seated him on a nearby rock slab and sprinkled water on him from the sacred urn. He was given by lama “Lhatsun Chenpo” (the lama told about prophecy) names, Namgyal, and the title of Chogyal or religious king. Four of them were known in the history as “Rnal-Hbyor-Mched-Bzhi” or Four Yogi Brothers”. The stone thrones of the four Yogi Brothers are still stand at Norbugang at Yuksam as a milestone in the history of Sikkim. In the same year, the three lamas built a stupa at Norbugang incorporating rocks and soils collected from all parts of Sikkim to mark this important event and called it “TASHI-HODBAR CHHOEDTEN”. This Chodten may be a first Buddhist Stupa ever built in Sikkim. With the blessing of those three pioneer lamas Six premiers monasteries were founded. Pemayangtse (West),Tashiding(West), Phensang (North), Ralong (South), Rumtek (East) and Phodang (North). In course of time, many other sub monasteries and religious monuments were built by the lamas and Devotees. It happened in the year 1642. The Namgyal dynasty ruled over Sikkim as hereditary kings for about 333 years. Phunstok Namgyal and the three saints immediately got to the task of successfully bringing the Lepcha tribes under the Buddhist fold. Politically, Sikkim expanded its borders, which include Chumbi valley, the present Darjeeling district and a part of present-day Nepal and Bhutan. The capital of Sikkim was established in Yuksam itself.
2. Tensung Namgyal (1670 - 1700)
Tensung Namgyal succeded his father Phuntsok Namgyal in 1670 and moved his capital to Rabdentse. He had three wives – a Tibetan, a Bhutanese and Limbu girl. The latter was the daughter of the Limbu chief Yo Yo-Hang. The chief’s daughter brought with her seven girls who were later on married into important families of Sikkim. Many of them rose to the rank of councilors to the King. These councilors later on came to be known as Kazis who enjoyed immense power and privileges.
3. Chador Namgyal (1700 - 1717)
Chador Namgyal a minor son from Tensung’s second wife succeeded on the death of his father. Pedi the daughter from the first wife who came from Bhutan challenged the succession and invited Bhutanese intervention. Having come to know about this secret move Yungthing Yeshe a loyal minister took the minor king to Lhasa. During his asylum in Lhasa, Chador Namgyal distinguished himself in Buddhist learning and Tibetan literature. By dint of his acumen and scholarship he rose to the position of state astrologer to the Sixth Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama was so much pleased with the erudition of this young scholar that he bestowed high honors and titles on the young king. The young king also received an estate in central Tibet with sovereign rights. On the other hand Bhutanese forces had captured the Rabdentse palace and imprisoned the son of Yugthing Yeshe. But on the intervention of Tibet, King Deb of Bhutan withdrew. Chador Namgyal came back and drove out the rest of Bhutanese forces. The south-eastern tract was, however, lost to sikkim as it had been heavily colonized by then. The Bhutanese after a short while made a second attempt to capture Sikkim territory. Chador Namgyal gave a tough resistance but areas now called as Kalimpong and Rhenock were lost forever. Chador was himself religious and took steps for the propagation of Buddhist religion in his territory. He commanded that the second of every three sons of Bhutia family must be ordained a monk of the Pemiongchi Monastery, which was also open to the Tsongs. He not only built the Guru Lhakhang Tashiding (1715) and patronised the sacred places but also adapted the religious dances (mystery plays) to keep alive the martial and native traditions and invented an alphabet for the Lepchas. However, Pedi the half-sister of the ruler did not reconcile. She conspired with a Tibetan man of medicine and caused Chador Namgyal’s death by way of bloodletting from a main artery while the king was holidaying at Ralang hot water spring in 1716. A force was sent to Namchi, the doctor was executed and Pedi was strangled to death by a silk scarf.
4. Gyulmed Namgyal (1717 - 1733)
Gyurmed Namgyal succeeded his father Chador. Consequently upon a Mongol (Dzungar) invasion on Tibet to persecute Nyingma sect, the Mindoling Abbot’s sister. In his times the people were forced to work on the fortification of Rabdentse in the fear of Gurkhas and Bhutanese raids. Many Tsongs who were not prepared to yield to forced labour fled to Limbuana, which became a rebel district and broke away from Sikkim even earlier to Gurkha expansion. A boundary dispute with Bhutan also arose. The Magar Chieftain Tashi Bidur also revolted, though he was subdued. Limbuana was, however, lost to Nepal. Gyurmed had no issue but while on his death bed at the age of 26 (1733) gave out that a nun in Sanga Choling was carrying his child. But some people do not believe it. It is said; he was impotent and generally shunned his wife. Therefore, the story goes that in order to keep the Namgyal Dynasty going, the lama priest of Sikkim concocted a story that a nun was carrying the child of the King. Fortunately the nun delivered a male child and he was accepted as heir to Gyurmed. He was named as Phuntsok after the first temporal and the spiritual head of Sikkim.
5. Phuntsok Namgyal II (1733 - 1780)
Phuntsok Namgyal II was opposed by many people including some Bhutias on the plea of illegitimacy. Tamdang a close confident and treasurer of Gyurmed not only opposed the succession but assured the powers of the ruler and continued to rule Sikkim for three years inspite of the opposition by pro-king faction. The Lepchas backed the baby king and fought the pretender under the leadership of Chandzod Karwang. Tamdang was defeated and fled to Tibet to seek guidance and help. But to keep Sikkim under their Tutelage the Tibetan authorities favoured the minority of the king. A convention representing all shades of Sikkimese population was held which defined the functions, powers and responsibilities of the Government. The system of annual taxation was also introduced to augment the state treasury. The Magar tribe, lost its chieftain during this time and asked the regent to appoint the deceased’s son as chieftain. But the regent expressed his inability to comply with their demand. This act enraged the Magars who sought the help and protection from Bhutan. This way Sikkim lost Magars allegiance forever. In the year 1752 the Tsongs rose in arms, but were subdued and won over by tactfully by Chandzod Karwang. The rise of Gurkhas also posed a threat for Sikkim. The later years of Phuntsok II witnessed Gurkhas inroads in Sikkim under the leadership of Raja Prithvi Narayan Shah of Nepal who formented the rebellious elements in Sikkim. Bhutan also invaded Sikkim and captured all area east of Tista, but withdrew to present frontiers after negotiation at Rhenock. The Gurkha inroads were beaten back seventeen times. A peace treaty with Nepal was signed in 1775, and Gurkhas promised to abstain from further attacks and collaboration with Bhutanese. But the Gurkhas at a later stage violated the treaty and occupied the land in western Sikkim. Phuntsok II had three queens but had a son Tenzing Namgyal from his second queen in 1769.
6. Tenzing Namgyal (1780 - 1793)
Tenzing Namgyal succeeded Phuntsok Namgyal in 1780. During the reign of Tenzing Namgyal, Nepali forces occupied large chunks of Sikkim territory. They attacked Rabdantse and the Chogyal had to flee to Tibet. The Nepalis excursions emboldened them to penetrate even into Tibet. This led to the Chinese intervention and Nepal was defeated. In the Sino-Nepal treaty, Sikkim lost some of its land to Nepal, but monarchy was allowed to be restored in the country. Tenzing Namgyal died in Lhasa and his son Tsudphud Namgyal was sent to Sikkim in 1793 to succeed him as the monarch.
7. Tsudphud Namgyal (1793 - 1863)
In 1793 Tsudphud Namgyal succeeds him as the monarch. Rabdantse was now, considered too insecure because of its proximity to the Nepal border and Tshudphund Namgyal shifted the capital to a place called Tumlong. The defeat of Nepal by the Chinese did little to weaken the expansionist designs of the Nepalese. They continued to make attacks into the neighbouring British-Indian territories and Sikkim.
How Britishers entered in Sikkim :
British India and sikkim both had a common enemy like nepal. So, they thought that if they become friend to expanding powers of the Gorkhas would be curtailed. British also looked forward to establishing trade link with Tibet and it was felt that the route through Sikkim was the most feasible one. War between Nepal and British India broke out in 1814 and came to an end in 1816 with the defeat of the Nepalis and the subsequent signing of the ” Treaty of Sugauli”. As a direct spin-off, British India signed another treaty with Sikkim in 1817 known as the ” Treaty of Titalia” in which former territories, which the Nepalis captured, were restored to Sikkim. By the Treaty of Titalia British India has assumed the position of Lord’s paramount of Sikkim and a title to exercise a predominant influence in that State has remained undisputed.
How Darjeeling and Kalimpong annex with India
The British became interested in Darjeeling both as a hill resort and an outpost from where Tibet and Sikkim would be easily accessible. Following a lot of pressure from the British, Sikkim finally gifted Darjeeling to British India on the understanding that a certain amount would be paid as annual subsidy to Sikkim. The gift deed was signed by the Chogyal Tsudphud Namgyal in 1835. The British appointed a superintendent in the ceded territory. The British however did not pay the compensation as had been stipulated and this led to a quick deterioration of relation between the two countries. There were also difference between the British Government and Sikkim over the status of people of Sikkim. Because of the increased importance of Darjeeling, many citizens of Sikkim mostly of the labor class started to settle there as British subjects. The migration disturbed the feudal lords in Sikkim who resorted to forcibly getting the migrants back to Sikkim. This annoyed the British Government, which considered these as acts of kidnapping of British citizens. The relations deteriorated to such an extent that when Dr. Campbell, the Superintendent of Darjeeling and Dr. Hooker visited Sikkim in connection with the latter’s botanical research, they were captured and imprisoned in 1849. The British issued an ultimatum and the two captives were released after a month of detention. In February 1850, an expedition was sent to Sikkim, which resulted in the stoppage of the annual grant of Rs 6000/- to the Maharaja of Sikkim, and also the annexation of Darjeeling and a great portion of Sikkim to British India.Sikkim resorted to making attacks into British territories and it was in November 1860 that the British sent an expeditionary force to Sikkim. This force was driven back from Rinchenpong in Sikkim. A stronger force was sent in 1861 that resulted in the capture of the capital Tumlong and the signing of a Treaty between the British and Sikkimese known as ” Treaty of Tumlong” in march 1861.
8. Sidekong Namgyal (1863 - 1874)
Sidekeong Namgyal succeeded Tsugphud Namgyal in 1863. The British Government started again the payment of annual subsidy of Rs 6000/- for Darjeeling. In an attempt to keep good relation with Sikkim, the British enhanced the subsidy amount to Rs 12000/- per annum.
9. Thutob Namgyal (1874 - 11 Feb 1914)
Sidekong Namgyal defieded by his half-brother Thutob Namgyal in 1874 and was succeeded.The Britishers appointed Claude White as the first political officer in Sikkim in 1889 and Chogyal Thutob Namgyal was virtually under his supervision. In that time the Britishers started building of roads in Sikkim. Thutob Namgyal shifted the capital from Tumlong to Gangtok in 1894. The Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial (STNM) Hospital built in 1917 is named in the memory of Thutob Namgyal who died in 1914.
10. Sidekong Tuluk Namgyal (11 Feb - 5 Dec 1914)
Thutob Namgyal was succeeded by his son Sidekong Tulku Namgyal in 1914. Unfortunately he did not live long and died in the same yearby heart failure, in most suspicious circumstances. He was the shortest reigning Chogyal of Sikkim.
11. Tashi Namgyal (5 Dec 1914- 2 Dec 1963)
After death of Sidekong Tuluk Namgyal, his half brother Tashi Namgyal become the next monarch of Sikkim. who promulgated many reforms in the state. In his period in 1947 India became Independent.
How Sikkim became a protectorate country of India :
In 1947 when India became independent and Jawaharlal Naheru became the first Prime Minister of India. Tashi Namgyal was successful in getting a special status of protectorate for Sikkim. Because Neheru would not wanted to conflict with sikkim and in 1950, between Indian political officer Harishwar Dayal and chogyal of sikkim Tahi Namgyal, signed a treaty known as Indo-Sikkimese Treaty. After that treaty sikkim became an india protectorate country along with autonomy, Where chogyal get power of internal affairs and India take responsibility for the external relation, defense, and strategic communications of Sikkim. But Sardar Patel and B.N Rau was against that treaty with the local parties like Sikkim State Congress, they was not happy with this step, who wanted a democratic setup and accession of Sikkim to the Union teritory of India.
12. Palden Thondup Namgyal (2 Dec 1963 - 10 April 1975)
Tashi Namgyal died in 1963 and was succeeded by his son Palden Thondup Namgyal, Who was the last chogyal of Sikkim. Other hand in 1964 Jawaharlal Naheru was died. By the beginning of 1970 there were rumbling in the political ranks and file of the State, which demanded the removal of Monarchy and the establishment of a democratic setup. Palden Namgyal had two queens, where second one from USA. Her name was “Hope Cook”. For 1962 (Indo-China war) and 1971 (Indo – Pak war), India deployed their army in several areas of sikkim. Which was not liked by present Monarchy. Other hand India believed that Queen Hope Cook work as a CIA agent in sikkim. Hope Cook write a regular magazine about sikkim. On every article she had showing Sikkim as an independent country, which India did not like.
How Sikkim became 22nd State of India :
In 1966 Indira Gandhi became the 3rd Prime Minister of India. In that time Indira Gandhi Wanted to marge Sikkim with India by any how. When Hope Cook writing an article in which she talks about the merger of Darjeeling with Sikkim and the demand also starts increasing. Another demand also starts rising that treaty of 1950 should be rejected and the protectorate state status of Sikkim should also be rejected and transformed Sikkim into an Independent country. On these matters, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi becomes unhappy with the Chogyal King and Queen of Sikkim. She (Indira Gandhi) said that her father (Jawaharlal Naheru) had made a big mistake by not merging Sikkim with India. Where the people of Sikkim also wanted to merge with India. Then after that Indira Gandhi called Raw chief R.N Kao and asked him ” Can you do something for Sikkim”. Then within 4 days R.N Kao made a plan and told it to Indira Gandhi. According to plan, two more diplomats, P.N Banerjee and G.B.S Sidhu, were also included in the plan. The plan was to gradually weaken the Chogyal monarchy of Sikkim and seek help for this from local opposition political parties. The ultimate aim of this plan was to merge Sikkim with India. Also India wanted this demand for merger to be raised from the local opposition party itself. Therefore, G.B.S. Sidhu held a meeting with the leader of the then opposition party named “Kazi Lhendup Darjee” and assured him that India is with him and his party, not with Chogyals. All the anti-Chogyal parties were merged with the Sikkim National Congress of Kazi Lhendup Darjee. The plan also to create so much pressure on the Chogyal that in the end he would have no other option to ask for help from India. That time two officers of R.N Kao, P.N Benerjee and Ajit Singh Syali start an operation in Gangtok, Which was code named ” Public Opinion and operasion Twilight”. Which was the code name give to the two opposition leaders (K.C Pradhan and Kazi Lhendup Darjee) of that time. At this time P.N Banerjee comes to know about a political officer of USA, whose name was “Peter Barley”. According to P.N Banerjee, Peter Barley was also a CIA Agent. Who at that time was the guest of Chogyal of Sikkim and Barley also met with Darjee, after which a high level meeting of RAW was called in Delhi and it was decided that before the issue of Sikkim becomes international, it should be resolved. This was also decided this should reach the people of Sikkim that because the population of Nepali community was more than the population of Bhutias, Limbus and Lepchas in Sikkim. So therefore the Chogyal has no right to rule over Sikkim. According to the plan, a contingent of the Indian Army was sent to Sikkim for flag march. So that the peoples of Sikkim believe that India is with them in this movement. And on April 4, 1973, the day of the Chogyal’s birthday, thousands of protesters surrounded the Gangtok Palace. This protest increased with time and continued for several days. When the elder son of the Chogyal named “Tenzing” was going towards the Royal Palace. At that time some protesters stopped them and the Royal guards opened fire on some Protesters , killing two Protesters. Kazi Lhendup Darjee made this issue a big issue and demonstrations started everywhere in Sikkim. After two days the Principle Secretary of Indira Gandhi “P.N Dhar” and Foreign Secretary “Kewal Singh” met Indira Gandhi to inform her about the condition of Sikkim. She Said “I know every thing, but I am just waiting for the Chogyal’s help request”. Because till then Sikkim was a protectorate state of India, so apart from asking for help from Indian Government to control that situation, Chogyal had no choice. On 8th May 1973, a Tripartite Agreement was signed between the Chogyal of Sikkim and the Indian Government, which was represented by R.N Kao, Kewal Sing and three local parties of Sikkim like Sikkim National Congress, Sikkim Janta Congress and Sikkim National Party. Whose main objective was to bring a major political reform in Sikkim, because most of the people of Sikkim wanted elections to be conducted in Sikkim. In 1974, elections were held in Sikkim and Kazi Lhendup Darjee’s party Sikkim National Congress won. Then a new constitution is adopted in Sikkim and the Monarchy of Sikkim remains only in name. But even then Sikkim was a protectorate state of India and Indira Gandhi was not happy with this. She wanted Sikkim to be completely merged with India. In that time R.N Kao was given a task to P.N Banerjee, to spread the word among the people of Sikkim that there is a lot of difference in development between Sikkim and Darjeeling and if Sikkim wants to develop, then it is better to merge with India. In the same year, the Indian Government upgrade Sikkim from a protectorate state to a Associate state. The Chogyal and his supporters strongly oppose it. But still could not do anything. Due to which Sikkim is allotted one seat each in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. In March 1975, the Chogyal “Palden Thondup Namgyal” and his Queen Hope Cook went to Kathmandu to attend the coronation of “King Virendra” of Nepal. Where he meets the leader of China and Pakistan. He held a press conference in Nepal, where he dramatically challenged the legitimacy of the 1974 constitutional amendment that made Sikkim an associate state of India. After this the relations between the Chogyal and the Indian Government worsen further. Then when the Chogyal returns from Kathmandu, 3 days after his arrival, On 9th April 1975, the Indian Army surrounds the Royal Palace and the Chogyal is put under house arrest. On 26 April 1975, the Government of India passed 36 Amendment in Parliament, in which it was decided to transform Sikkim from a Associate state to a permanent state of India. Then a referendum is issued in which the people of Sikkim are given the right to decide whether they want to merge with India or not. Because majority of the public was against the Chogyal, then the decision goes in favor of India. Then elections were held in Sikkim out of which 59637 votes agreed to merge with India and only 1496 votes are not agreed. A parliament is established in Sikkim which was led by Kazi Lhendup Darjee, who also becomes the first Chief Minister of Sikkim. On 16 May 1975, a bill was passed in the Sikkim Parliament under which Sikkim was declared as a 22nd state of India.