Sikkim

Sikkim, a protected state in the north-east of India, bordering on Tibet, Nepal, and Bhotan. Area, 2700 sq. m.; pop. 30,500, mostly Buddhist Rongs or Lepchas, akin to the Tibetans. The state lies on the southern slopes of the Himalayas, has mountains reaching to 24,000 feet and mountain-passes at 16,000 feet. Swift torrents flow at the bottom of precipitous ravines; and valleys and lower slopes are clothed with forest. The raja, who resides at the village of Tumlong, ceded Darjeeling to the British in 1835, having already acknowledged their 'protection' in 1816. The trade with British India was, in 1890–91—exports to India, £10,000, and imports thence, £8215; in 1897–98, exports, £3292, and imports, £2453. The treaty of 1890 gave Britain exclusive control over its internal and foreign affairs. The district of Darjeeling (q.v.), which borders on Sikkim state, is often called British Sikkim.