Description

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Context:

Sikkim Statehood Day is commemorated annually on May 16 to commemorate the 1975 accession of the Himalayan kingdom to the Indian Union. In 2025, Sikkim celebrates its golden jubilee 50 years of statehood and its extraordinary path of cultural preservation, environmental development, and national cohesion.

About Sikkim

The Kingdom of Sikkim was founded in 1642, when three Tibetan lamas crowned Phuntsong Namgyal as its first Chogyal (monarch).
The Namgyal dynasty ruled Sikkim for 333 years and maintained a Buddhist monarchy until 1975.
The Treaty of Tumlong (1861) established Sikkim as a British protectorate, with the Chogyals retaining internal power and the British handling exterior matters.
Other important treaties that influenced Sikkim's status included the Treaty of Titaliya (1817), the Calcutta Convention (1890), and the Lhasa Convention (1904), which delineated borders and confirmed British dominance.

How did Sikkim join India?

Foundation of Sikkim	1642	Three Tibetan lamas crowned Phuntsong Namgyal as the first Chogyal (monarch), establishing the Kingdom of Sikkim.
Namgyal Dynasty Rule	1642–1975	The Namgyal dynasty ruled Sikkim for 333 years, maintaining a Buddhist monarchy until Sikkim's merger with India in 1975.
Treaty of Titaliya	1817	Restored territories to Sikkim and established relations with the British, following Sikkim’s conflict with Nepal.
Treaty of Tumlong	1861	Made Sikkim a British protectorate; the Chogyals retained internal authority while Britain managed external affairs.
Calcutta Convention	1890	Treaty between British India and China, recognizing Sikkim as a British protectorate and defining the Sikkim-Tibet boundary.
Lhasa Convention	1904	Reaffirmed British influence in Tibet and Sikkim, and further clarified territorial agreements involving Sikkim.

Article 371F of the Indian Constitution

Constitutional Origin: Sikkim became India's 22nd state with the passage of the 36th Amendment Act in 1975.
Objective: Protect Sikkim's distinct history, culture, and legal system during integration.

Source: Indianexpress

Practice Question:

Q.Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the formation as full states of the Indian Union?

Options:

(a) Sikkim-Arunachal Pradesh-Nagaland-Haryana

(b) Nagaland-Haryana-Sikkim-Arunachal Pradesh

(d) Nagaland-Arunachal Pradesh-Sikkim-Haryana

Correct Answer: (b)