Detail Factual Overview

History

• Ancient Times: Inhabited by Lepchas; later influenced by Tibetan and Bhutanese cultures
• 1642: Phuntsog Namgyal became the first Chogyal (king) of Sikkim
• 18th–19th Century: Frequent invasions from Nepal and Bhutan
• British Period: Became a British protectorate in 1890
• 1947: After Indian independence, Sikkim remained a monarchy under India’s suzerainty
• 1975: Became the 22nd state of India through a referendum that abolished the monarchy