Capital of Sikkim - A Brief Outline

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. Gangtok is the largest city in Sikkim. Gangtok is also the headquarters of the Gangtok district. This article will explain the various facts about the capital of Sikkim.

Gangtok – Largest City in Sikkim

  • People in Gangtok are from diverse ethnicities like Lepchas, Bhutia, and Gorkhas.
  • The tourism industry of Sikkim is heavily reliant on Gangtok.
  • Ecotourism is very attractive in this region. It includes river rafting, mountaineering, trekking, etc.
  • Most of the local people are employed in the tourism industry.
  • Gangtok was a major trade route between Calcutta and Tibet when India was colonised by the British.
  • Sikkim is an important site of Buddhist pilgrimage.
  • Gangtok has a handicrafts industry, country-made alcohol industry, and cottage industry.

Sikkim

  • The Namgyal dynasty founded the Kingdom of Sikkim in the 17th century. This Kingdom was ruled by the Chogyal. They were the Buddhist priest-kings.
  • Soon after the independence of India in 1947, Sikkim remained an independent monarchy.
  • Sikkim was united with India in 1975. When Sikkim merged with India, it was the 22nd state.
  • Sikkim shares borders with the Indian state of West Bengal.
  • Sikkim shares international borders with Nepal, Bhutan, and the Tibet region of China.
  • The first airport in the state of Sikkim named Pakyong airport was inaugurated in 2018. This is the only airport in Sikkim and the first greenfield airport in Northeast India.
  • Khangchendzonga National Park covers around 35% of the geographical area of Sikkim.
  • It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • The official languages of Sikkim are English, Lepcha, Sikkimese, and Nepali.
  • It is a multilingual state. The other official languages are Tamang, Sherpa, Rai, Newari, Mukhia, Magar, Limbu, and Gurung.
  • Vajrayana Buddhism and Hinduism are the main religions followed in Sikkim.
  • The economy of Sikkim is mainly dependent on the tourism and agriculture industries.
  • After Guatemala, Sikkim is the world’s second-largest producer of spice.
  • Sikkim is one of the largest producers of Cardamom in India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1

What is the capital and language of Sikkim?

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. Sikkim is a multilingual state. The official languages of Sikkim are English, Lepcha, Sikkimese, Nepali, etc.
Q2

Which is the second capital of Sikkim?

Sikkim has just one capital. It is Gangtok. The Indian state of Himachal Pradesh has 2 capitals. The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir also has 2 capitals.
Q3

Is Sikkim a state or capital?

Sikkim is a state located in northeast India. Sikkim is the second smallest state in India and it is the least populous state in India. Sikkim has borders with the Indian state of West Bengal.
Q4

Who was the last king of Sikkim?

Palden Thondup Namgyal was the last king of Sikkim.
Q5

What is Sikkim famous for?

Sikkim is a famous tourist destination. The world’s third highest peak Kanchenjunga lies in the border region between the Indian state of Sikkim and Nepal. Sikkim has beautiful meadows, waterfalls, Buddhist Gompas, etc.

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