Why in NEWS?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sikkim on the 50th anniversary of its merger with the Indian Union, officially marking its recognition as the 22nd state of India on 16th May 1975. The occasion commemorates the transition of Sikkim from a monarchy to a democratic state within the Indian Republic.

Key Terms and Concepts

Term	Definition
Chogyal Dynasty	The hereditary monarchy that ruled Sikkim from 1642 until its integration with India in 1975.
Protectorate State	A state that retains internal autonomy but surrenders control over defense, external affairs, and communication to another country.
Treaty of Tumlong (1861)	Agreement making Sikkim a British protectorate after British intervention against the Nepalese.
Treaty of Titaliya (1817)	Treaty between East India Company and Sikkim giving the British trade access through Sikkim.
Calcutta Convention (1890)	Agreement between British India and China demarcating the boundary between Sikkim and Tibet.
Indo-Sikkim Treaty (1950)	Treaty making Sikkim an Indian protectorate with India handling defence, foreign affairs, and communication.
35th Amendment Act (1974)	Gave Sikkim the status of an Associate State, terminating its protectorate status.
36th Amendment Act (1975)	Officially made Sikkim the 22nd state of India.
Organic State	A state that uses only organic farming practices, avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Teesta River	A major river draining Sikkim, and a tributary of the Brahmaputra; subject of a water-sharing conflict between India and Bangladesh.

News Details

• Historical Background:
  • Sikkim was a hereditary monarchy ruled by the Chogyal dynasty since 1642.
  • It maintained autonomy under British rule via treaties like the Treaty of Titaliya (1817) and Tumlong (1861).
  • Post-independence, the Indo-Sikkim Treaty of 1950 made it an Indian protectorate, retaining internal autonomy.
• Path to Statehood:
  • Rising discontent against monarchical rule led to political reform demands.
  • In April 1975, a referendum saw 97% voters in favor of abolishing monarchy.
  • The 35th Constitutional Amendment granted Associate State status.
  • Followed by the 36th Amendment, which made Sikkim the 22nd full-fledged state of India.
• Recent Developments:
  • Soreng district to be developed as India’s first organic fishery cluster.
  • Pelling Ropeway inaugurated to boost tourism.
  • World’s first fully organic state (2016), enhancing eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture.

Sikkim’s Integration Timeline

Timeline of Sikkim's Integration with India
    1817 : Treaty of Titaliya with British
    1861 : Treaty of Tumlong - British protectorate
    1950 : Indo-Sikkim Treaty - Indian protectorate
    1974 : 35th Amendment - Associate State status
    1975 : Referendum and 36th Amendment - Becomes 22nd Indian State

Geography & Biodiversity of Sikkim

Category	Details
Mountains	Mount Kanchenjunga – India’s highest peak, world’s third highest.
Rivers	Teesta, Rangit, Lhonak, Talung, Lachung – drain into the Brahmaputra.
Glaciers	Zemu, Lhonak, Changsang, Boktok.
Lakes	Tsomgo, Gurudongmar, Menmecho, Bidang Cho.
Passes	Nathu La, Jelep La, Dongkha La, Chiwabhanjang.
Flora	Oaks, Chestnuts, Rhododendrons, Japanese Cedar, Toona, Castanopsis.
Fauna	Red Panda, Blue Sheep, Bar-headed Geese, Himalayan Squirrel, Tibetan Antelope.
Protected Areas	Kanchenjunga National Park (UNESCO WHS 2016, Biosphere 2018), Fambong Lho Sanctuary, Maenam Sanctuary, Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Pangolakha Sanctuary.

In a Nutshell (Mnemonic)

Mnemonic – “S-T-A-T-E-D** to join India”**

• S – Sikkim under Chogyal rule
• T – Treaties (Titaliya, Tumlong, Indo-Sikkim)
• A – Associate State via 35th Amendment
• T – Teesta River flows through
• E – Ecosystem Rich (Hotspot, Red Panda)
• D – Democracy through 1975 Referendum

UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

UPSC Mains Practice Questions

1. Discuss the historical and constitutional developments that led to the integration of Sikkim into the Indian Union. (GS Paper 1 – Modern Indian History)
2. “Sikkim is a model of ecological balance and cultural integration.” Evaluate this statement in the light of its organic farming model and diverse biodiversity. (GS Paper 3 – Environment & Ecology)

Prelims Answers with Explanations

Q.No	Correct Answer	Explanation
1	b) 35th Amendment	The 35th Amendment granted Sikkim the status of an Associate State.
2	b) Teesta	Teesta is the main river in Sikkim and a tributary of Brahmaputra.
3	c) Treaty of Titaliya – Signed in 1861	Incorrect. The Treaty of Titaliya was signed in 1817, not 1861. The 1861 treaty is the Treaty of Tumlong.