A study on Customary Laws in Sikkim Post merger with special reference

to Sikkimese Community

Abstract

Sikkim became a full fledged 22nd constituent state of Indian union in 1975. Until 1975
Sikkim was under the rule of Namgyal Dynasty which lasted for 333 years. In 1950 Sikkim
became the protectorate of India. Indian Government in the name of protectorate performed
several task in Sikkim. The Sikkimese people however desired for change in feudal order and
implementation of democratic set up. India being the protectorate of Sikkim constantly
interfered and controlled Sikkim’s internal and external matter that made India’s control over
the region more firm.

The Namgyal Dynasty came to an end when Sikkim was finally merged with the Indian
union in 1975. This event led to the change in the political system of Sikkim from centralized
monarchial system to the liberal democratic system. The study examines factors and events
leading to merger of Sikkim with the Indian Union, identifies post merger developments in
Sikkim in accordance to the changes in political, social and economical aspects of Sikkim.
Further tries to understand Sikkim’s people’s perception on merger and the developmental
process in Sikkim.

Merger brought with it so many changes. When Sikkim merged with Indian Union in
1975, special provision was also inserted under Article 371F (k) in order to preserve the
identities and rights of the sikkimese people. Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepalese are the three main
ethnic communities of Sikkim. Nepalese communities mainly follow Hinduism, Lepcha and
Bhutia mainly belong to Buddhism but among them some are the followers of Christianity, as
well. The Hindu Marriage Act 1955 was extended in Sikkim, but the Sikkimese communities
are still governed by the customary laws, with respect to succession, inheritance, marriage,
etc. On the other hand, different communities have their own culture, religion and language
which define their ethnic boundaries. They can communicate through Nepali language as a
common language.
Name –Tanuja Chhetri

15GLB011

Xth Semester