a state in India located in the eastern Himalayas and bordering on Nepal, Bhutan, and China. Area, 7,300 sq km; population, 208,600 (1971 census). Gangtok is the capital.
Two-thirds of the population is of Nepalese origin— including Nepali in the strict sense, Tamang, Kirat, Sherpa, and Newar. About 35,000 Lepcha (1971) live in the Western District; the Lepcha constitute the most ancient group of the population. About 25,000 Bhotia (1971) are found in the northern and central regions. People of Indian origin, such as Bengali, live in the cities. The official languages are Nepali, English, and the Sikkim dialect of Tibetan. The religion of the Lepcha and the Bhotia is Lamaist Buddhism, and the other inhabitants are primarily Hindus.
History. In the late 16th century Tibetans began entering Sikkim, which was inhabited by Lepcha and other tribes. Sikkim remained dependent on Tibet until the end of the 18th century. British colonial expansion led to the subordination of the principality of Sikkim to Great Britain under the terms of a treaty signed in 1861. The borders of the principality of Sikkim were defined in 1890. After India won its independence in 1947, the autocratic rule of the chogyal (prince) of Sikkim provoked vigorous popular disturbances between 1947 and 1949, and the chogyal turned to India for assistance. In 1949 an Indian protectorate over Sikkim was established. Under a treaty signed in 1950, the government of India assumed responsibility for Sik-kim’s defense and territorial integrity. In April 1974 the first general elections to the Legislative Assembly were held in Sikkim. The constitution adopted on July 3, 1974, placed limitations on the power of the chogyal. Sikkim was granted the status of an associate state of India in September 1974. In a referendum held in April 1975, a majority of Sikkim’s population voted in favor of Sikkim’s becoming an Indian state. Since May 1975, Sikkim has been a state of India.
Economy. Sikkim is an agricultural region. Small plots of land are cultivated in the intermontane valleys and river bottomlands. Grain crops include rice and Indian corn; sweet potatoes, soybeans, and spice plants are also cultivated. Sikkim is the principal supplier of cardamom to the world market. Cattle and sheep are raised, and logging is carried on. Handicraft production is highly developed. Household articles, wood carvings, silverworks, and carpets are produced. Complex ores are processed at a mill in Rangpo, and there is an enterprise that cuts and polishes precious stones. Transport is primarily by pack animal. There are 1,500 km of paved roads. The nearest railroad station is at Siliguri, and the nearest airport is at Bagh-dogra. A ropeway links Gangtok with Natu La Pass. Sikkim has a tourist industry.
Education. Until recent times 90 percent of the population was illiterate. Both state and private schools exist. Most of the primary schools are state-run, and some private educational institutions receive financial aid from the government. The first two years of primary education are free of charge. The primary schools are divided into lower and higher. After completing secondary school, selected students are awarded scholarships and are sent to India to continue their education. The scholarships are granted by the governments of India and Sikkim. In 1972 the country had 164 lower primary schools, 21 higher primary schools, six secondary schools, and one handicrafts school, which includes a center that provides students with an elementary education. The total number of students enrolled in 1972 was 19,000.