Sikkim: State Overview
Sikkim is a small state surrounded by high mountains. The state forms a tiny territory in the north-eastern part of India. Sikkim is bounded to the north by China (Tibet), the kingdom of Bhutan to the east, Darjeeling district in West Bengal to the south, and Nepal to the west.
Sikkim was known originally as ‘Nye-mae-el’ or ‘heaven’. People from the neighbouring Tibet called it ‘Ren-Jong’ or ‘Den Zong’ or the ‘Valley of Rice’. In this remote land, the Lepchas of Denzong and the Limbus of Eastern Nepal intermixed freely with each other. Marriages between the two communities were common. When a Limbu girl married a Lepcha and arrived at her husband’s house, she would call it ‘Su-Him’, i.e., her new house. This word then became ‘Sukhim‘ and later ‘Sikkim’.
History of Sikkim
According to some anthropologists, Sikkim in pre- historical times was inhabited by three tribes — Naong, Chang and Mon. Later, the Lepchas entered the region and are believed to have completely absorbed these tribes into their fold. The origin of the Lepchas is shrouded in mystery. Some scholars believe that their origin can be traced to the Naga clan, who lived in the southern flank of the Brahmaputra valley.
An important event in the history of Sikkim was the rule of Phuntsog Namgyal, the descendants of Khya-Bumsa. Phuntsog Namgyal, born in Gangtok in 1604 C.E., was consecrated in 1642 C.E. and conferred with the title of Chogyal (religious head).
The 332-year period of Namgyal rule is significant because it saw many social and economic reforms.Phuntsog Namgyal took steps to bring order in the kingdom and declared Mahayana Buddhism as the state religion while making efforts to keep the Lepchas, Bhutias and Limbus together. The capital of Sikkim was then located in Yoksam.
| DESCRIPTION | SUMMARY |
|---|---|
| Founded on/Statehood | 16th May 1975 |
| Also Known As | Drenjong (Tibetan name) |
| Ruled By |
Chogyal or Dharma King. Palden Thondup was the last king of Independent Sikkim |
| Major Historical Events |
On 16th May 1975, Sikkim joined India. Sikkim became the 22nd State of India on 26th April 1975. Nthul La and Cho la Clash from 11 September 1967, lasted till 15 September 1967. |
Geographical Structure of Assam
| DESCRIPTION | SUMMARY |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 7,096 km2 (2,740 sq mi) |
| Population | 6,07,688 |
| The rank of the state |
Area wise: 27th Population wise: 28th |
| Population Density | 86/km2 (220/sq mi) |
| State Bounded By |
Tibet on the north Nepal on the west Bhutan on the east West Bengal lies to its south |
| State Animal | Red Panda |
| State Bird | Blood Pheasant |
| State Tree | Rhododendron |
| State Flower | Noble Orchid |
Administrative Structure
| DESCRIPTION | SUMMARY |
|---|---|
| Capital | Gangtok |
| No. of Districts | 4 (check recent update, if any) |
| High Court | Gangtok |
| Date of Attaining Statehood | May 16, 1975 |
| International Borders | Bhutan, Nepal, China |
| Seats of MLA | 32 (Reserved for SC-02, ST-12) |
| Seats of MP | 2 (Lok Sabha-1, Rajya Sabha-1) |
Rivers
| DESCRIPTION | SUMMARY |
|---|---|
| Teesta Cholamu lake | |
| Rangeet Rathong Glacier |
Lakes
| DESCRIPTION | SUMMARY |
|---|---|
| Tsongmo Lake | Gangtok (Nathu La highway) |
| Khecheopalri Lake | Geyzing, West Sikkim District |
| Gurudongmar Lake | North Sikkim District |
| Tso Lhamu Lake / Chola Mu Lake | Donkiala Pass |
| Menmecho Lake | Approx 20Km far from Tsomgo Lake |
| Green Lake | 22 km from Lachen Village |
| Kathok Lake | Yuksom |
List of Dams
List of dams in Sikkim are as follows:| NAME OF DAM | RIVER |
|---|---|
| Rangit III Dam | Rangit |
| Teesta -V (NHPC) Dam | Teesta |
| Rangpo Dam | Rongpo |
| Rongli Dam | Rongli |
National Parks
| Name of National Park | Total Area(km2) |
|---|---|
| Khangchendzonga National Park | 1,784.00 |
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