Sikkim

Sikkim is a mountainous state located in the northeastern part of India. It is shaped like a thumb and is bordered by Nepal to the west, China's Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and east, Bhutan to the southeast, and West Bengal (Bengal) to the south.

The official languages are English, Gorkha Khaskura, Lepcha, Bhutia, Limbu, and Hindi. The main religions in Sikkim are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Gangtok is the capital and largest city.

Sikkim was a separate state ruled by the Gyal Raja dynasty, but due to administrative problems and integration with India through a referendum, it merged with India in 1975. After this referendum, the monarchy ended and democracy emerged under the framework of the Indian Constitution.

The population of Sikkim is the lowest among the states of India, and its area is also the second-lowest after Goa. Despite its small size, Sikkim is geographically diverse. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world, is located on the northwestern border with Nepal and can be seen from many parts of the state.

Sikkim is known for its natural beauty, cleanliness, political stability, and tourism. It is a major tourist destination in India.

Origin of the name
The word "Sikkim" comes from the Limbu language words "su" (meaning "new") and "khym" (meaning "palace" or "house"), which refers to the palace built by the first king, Phuntsok Namgyal. In Tibetan, Sikkim is called "Chhola Valley".

History
Buddhist monk Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) visited Sikkim in the 8th century. It is recorded that he preached Buddhism, blessed Sikkim, and predicted the arrival of a future state.

According to legend, in the 14th century, Khye Bumsa, a prince from Eastern Tibet's Kam kingdom, was ordered by divine vision to go south. His descendants established the monarchy in Sikkim.

In 1642, Phuntsong Namgyal, the fifth descendant of Khye, was declared the first Chogyal (king) of Sikkim by three Buddhist monks who came from north, east, and south. This marked the beginning of the monarchy in Sikkim.

Phuntsong's son, Tensung Namgyal, took over after him in 1670 and shifted the capital from Yuksom to Rabdentse. In 1700, a half-sister of the Bhutanese Chogyal, who had been deprived of the throne, attacked Sikkim. With Tibetan support, the Chogyal was reinstated.

Between 1717 and 1733, Sikkim faced numerous attacks from Nepal and Bhutan, which were repelled with Tibetan assistance.