2018-05-16 Wed

It was on 16th May 1975 that Sikkim officially became a part Indian state after the 35th Constitutional Amendment. Annexation of Sikkim is believed to be a turning point in the history of the tiny Himalayan state, as well as of India.

During the British rule in India, the kingdom of Sikkim enjoyed a sovereign status with British protectorate against the neighboring countries Nepal and China. This ‘subordinate alliance’ with the British was carried on by the newly formed Indian government after 1947.

The then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, signed an agreement with Sikkim's ruler, Chogyal Tashi Namgyal, after conducting a poll in the kingdom asking for public opinion about Sikkim’s relation with India. According to the agreement, Sikkim was to be treated as a “tributary of India,” in which India would manage its foreign affairs, communication and defense, while it remained an independent monarchy.

In 1975, the Indian military deposed the Sikkim’s Monarchy. A referendum in 1975 led to Sikkim joining India as its 22nd State.

Today Sikkim is located in northeast part of India, and notable for its biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates. As well as being a host to Kanchechunga, the highest peak in India. To commemorate this beautiful Indian state Postal Department issued postage stamps on various themes.

Image Source: Mintage World