British India Relations with Sikkim

Phase 1 – Sikkim and the British: From Allies to Protectorate

Gorkha Expansion and the British Intervention

• By the late 18th century, the Gorkhas of Nepal had taken control over Sikkim.
• After the Anglo–Nepal War (1814–16), the Treaty of Sugauli (1816) was signed between the British and Nepal.
  • Nepal ceded territories of Sikkim that it had captured.
• Next came the Treaty of Titalia (1817) between the British and the Chogyal (monarch) of Sikkim.
  • The British restored these territories to Sikkim.
  • The treaty guaranteed Sikkim’s security under British protection.

British motives for befriending Sikkim:

1. Trade route to Tibet through Sikkim as an alternative to the Nepal route.
2. Countering Russian influence in Tibet.

Growing Strains in Relations

• 1835 – Sikkim ceded Darjeeling to the British in exchange for an annual subsidy of ₹3,000.
• 1849 – A quarrel between British officials and the Sikkimese led Lord Dalhousie to send troops.
  • Result: Annexation of Darjeeling and large parts of Sikkimese Morang (Terai).
• 1860 – Another clash took place.

Sikkim Becomes a British Protectorate

• 1861 – Treaty of Tumlong:
  • Reduced Sikkim to virtual protectorate status—internal autonomy but British control over external matters.
• 1886–88 – Tibetan Intrusion: Tibet tried to bring Sikkim under its influence.
  • British India launched military operations against Tibetans in Sikkim.

1890 – Anglo–Chinese Convention of Calcutta

• Signed between Britain (Viceroy Lord Lansdowne) and China (Amban Sheng Tai).
• Key points:
  • Britain’s exclusive control over Sikkim’s internal administration and foreign relations recognised.
  • Sikkim–Tibet border demarcated.
• Tibet refused to accept the treaty, as China negotiated without consulting it.

Note on British Protectorates:

• Local rulers retained control over internal affairs.
• Britain controlled defence and foreign policy.

Phase 2 – Sikkim and Independent India

1950 – Treaty of Protection

• Signed between Chogyal Tashi Namgyal and the Indian Government.
• Sikkim became a protectorate of India:
  • India managed defence and foreign affairs.
  • Chogyal controlled internal administration.
• Sikkim was not a part of India, but also not fully sovereign.

1970s – Decline of the Monarchy

• Growing inequality and feudal control sparked discontent.
• 1973 – Anti-monarchy protests: Thousands surrounded the royal palace.
• A tripartite agreement was signed between the Chogyal, the Indian Government, and Sikkim’s major political parties to introduce political reforms.

Integration into India

• 1974 – First elections: The Sikkim State Congress (pro-India) won.
• Initially sought associate state status.
• April 1975 – Assembly resolution: Requested full integration with India.
• A referendum confirmed popular support for integration.
• The Indian Parliament approved, and Sikkim became the 22nd State of India in 1975.