In
pre-historic times, Sikkim was inhabited by 3 tribes viz., Naong, Chang and
the Mon. The Lepchas entered Sikkim later and absorbed them completely. They
resorted to the practice of electing a leader whose advice & counsil was
sought on crucial matters & followed.
The Tibetan migration in early 17th century led the Lepchas to shift their habitats
so as to avoid conflict. Meanwhile they struggle among the followers of the
"Yellow Hats" & the "Red Hats" in Tibet forced the latter
to seek refuge in Sikkim, where they attained the status of aristocracy &
gradually dominated the State. In order to avoid any possible opposition from
the Lepchas these immigrants chose one venerable person Phuntsog Namgyal as
the temporal & spiritual head of Sikkim. He relocated his capital to Yuksam
& estlablished a centralised government.
Tensung Namgyal who succeeded his father in 1670 moved his capital to Rabdentse.
During the reign of Tashi Namgyal who was throned in 1914, Sikkim underwent
a number of reforms. Forced labour was abolished. Gambling was made illegal.
Landlords' courts were abolished. Developmental plans were drawn up for which
aid from India was secured. Executive & Judicial powers were decentralised.
Tashi Namgyal died on 2nd December 1962, & was succeeded by his son Palden
Thondup. He was married to a Tibetan lady Sangey Deki. She died in june 1957
& Palden Thondup got married to Hope Cooke, who gave birth to a daughter
Hope Leezum & a son, but neither their marriage nor Kingdom survived a
decade.
Growing agitation in 1973 against the monarchy led to the administration's
collapsed & Indian troops stepped in which was followed by political arm
wrestling for power. In 1975 Sikkim was merged to become India's 22nd State.
