Annexation of Sikkim to India

Date: May 16, 1975 • Location: New Delhi, India

Based on the results of a referendum held about one month earlier, the Kingdom of Sikkim (flag pictured) abolished its monarchy and was annexed to become the 22nd state of India.

The Kingdom of Sikkim, officially Dremoshong was a hereditary monarchy in the Eastern Himalayas which existed from 1642 to 16 May 1975, when it was annexed by India and became the state of Sikkim. It was ruled by Chogyals, or monarchs, of the Namgyal dynasty.