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.
Geopolitically and strategically, Sikkim is an important state for India as it forms the north
eastern borders of India. The strategic location of Sikkim makes it draw sufficient attention
from
the Indian Government. 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.
The study uses qualitative approach to examine the pre and post merger issues in Sikkim and
to
understand the view points of the people of Sikkim on the merger issues.
Merger brought with it so many changes and developments in Sikkim’s political, economical
and
social fronts. The changes that merger brought with it are both positive and negative changes.
India’s developmental policy in Sikkim is successful in providing material or physical change
in
the region. By following various developmental paths India has gained victory in
nationalizing
the space. As merger meant unification, it established the unification of the space. The
finding
shows that Sikkimese people have come under the threat of losing their identities. The merger
made smooth transition in the process of democratic participation in 1975, yet it has failed to
establish smooth transition in terms of Sikkim’s people’s identity. In the process of counting
developments, the loss of identity that accompanied the merger was undermined. The merger
of
Sikkim with the Indian union can be reckoned as a political success with a social failur