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History
The original inhabitants of Sikkim are the Lepchas. In the 13th century, their chief, Thekong Tek, signed a treaty of blood brotherhood with the Tibetan prince Khye-Bumsa. Following this, the Bhutias came from Tibet in the 14th century and inhabited parts of the land while the Lepchas continued their peaceful lives centred on their villages. In 1642, Phuntsog Namgyal, a sixth generation descendant of Khye-Bumsa was consecrated as the ‘Chogyal’ (King) by three revered ‘lamas’ (priests) and a ‘hidden kingdom in the clouds’ was born.
In the 18th century Sikkim was much reduced in size, losing land to Nepal, Bhutan and the British. Armies from Bhutan and the newly consolidated Gurkha Empire of Nepal invaded and took considerable areas of Sikkim. In 1791-92, Sikkim won back its territories. When the British defeated Nepal in 1815, the southern part of the country was given back to Sikkim. Nepalis migrated into Sikkim from the beginning of the 19th century, eventually outnumbering the local inhabitants. This led to internal conflict which subsequently also involved the British and the Tibetans. The British won the ensuing battles and declared Sikkim a protectorate in 1890. A British Political Officer who effectively stripped the local heads of executive power controlled the state until 1947 when India became independent. Sikkim was ruled by the Chogyals of the Namgyal dynasty till 1975 when, by popular vote, the kingdom joined India as one of its states.
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Economy
Tourism and agriculture are the main revenue earners of Sikkim. The state is one of the world's main producers of cardamom and the region has also become an exporter of mandarin oranges, apples, and potatoes. Also rich in mineral wealth, its forests have great economic value as both timber and wood pulp. Sikkim’s cottage industry, comprising of cotton and wool products, carpets, rugs, blankets, and bamboo work contributes to the economy of the state.
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Holiday Packages
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Travel Tools
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