Sikkim Coronation
The Namgyal House originated from the Minyak Kingdom, founded in Kham in the ninth century of the Christian era. In the first half of the thirteenth century, a scion of the Minyak House went on a pilgrimage westward with his five sons. At Sakya, one son, Khye-Bumsa, married the daughter of the local hierarch. Khye-Bumsa settled in the Chumbi Valley, which later became the nucleus of the Kingdom of Sikkim. While in Chumbi, Khye-Bumsa came into contact with the Lepchas. A blood brotherhood was sworn between Khye-Bumsa and Thekongtek, the Lepcha Chief, at Khabi Longtsok. Mipon Rab, the third son of Khye-Bumsa, succeeded his father, and Guru Tashi, the fourth son, shifted to Gangtok.
After the death of Thekongtek, the Lepchas fragmented into minor clans, which eventually sought leadership and protection from Guru Tashi. This marked the integration of the Namgyal House into Sikkim and paved the way for the monarchy. Guru Tashi became the first ruler of Sikkim. Five generations later, Phuntsog Namgyal, born in 1604, was destined to be the first consecrated Chogyal of Sikkim. In 1642, a meeting of three learned Lamas—Lhatsun Chhempo, Sempah Chhempo, and Kathog Rigdsin Chhempo—was held at Yuksam Norbugang. Lhatsun Chhempo declared the need for a righteous king, quoting the oracular guidebook of Rinchen Lingpa, which foretold the coming of one named Phuntsog from the direction of Gangtok.
A hermit, Togdeo Kalzang Thondup, and a layman, Passang, were sent to Gangtok to invite Phuntsog. After several adventures, they found him milking his cows. When they told him of the invitation from the Lamas, Phuntsog agreed to come. The journey began from Rumtek, where the Lepchas cried out, “Our God is leaving,” as they watched the party depart. The group passed through Sang, where the people welcomed them with incense, crossed the Ragdong bridge, and arrived at Yuksam Norbugang.
At Yuksam, the three learned Lamas, aware of the prophecies regarding Sikkim’s rulers, performed the necessary rites and ceremonies, formally establishing the Namgyal dynasty. Lhatsun Chhempo gave his surname, Namgyal, to Phuntsog and conferred upon him the title of Chogyal, meaning “righteous ruler.” During the ceremony, the Lamas presented a coral rosary to the Chogyal, and a Chorten was built at Yuksam to commemorate the event.
Phuntsog Namgyal, recognized as a canonized saint, received a letter from the Dalai Lama, acknowledging him as the “Ruler of the Sacred Land of the Southern Slopes.” Successive Chogyals were consecrated according to the religious rites, each event marked by prayers, blessings, and offerings from the people, Lamas, and neighboring regions. The second Chogyal, Temsung Namgyal, was consecrated in 1670, and subsequent rulers followed in his footsteps, including Chagdor Namgyal in 1700, Gyurmed Namgyal in 1717, and Namgyal Phuntsog, who was consecrated twice to enhance the auspiciousness of his reign.
The coronation of the ninth Chogyal, Thutob Namgyal, took place in Chumbi in 1874, with representatives from Tibet and the Tibetan Government offering gifts. Similarly, the coronation of the twelfth Chogyal, Sidkeong Namgyal, occurred on April 29, 1914, attended by Sir Basil Gould, the Political Officer, and other dignitaries. Though formal ceremonies were postponed due to a mourning period, a full coronation was planned but was interrupted by Sidkeong’s premature death. His brother, Tashi Namgyal, succeeded him and was enthroned in a simple ceremony on February 19, 1915, with the formal coronation taking place on May 15, 1916.
In December 1964, after the official mourning period for the late Chogyal Tashi Namgyal ended, preparations began for the coronation of Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal. A central committee was formed to organize the Ser-Thri-Nga-Sol ceremony, with the Dowager Queen (Gyalyum) serving as its chairperson. The committee consulted royal astrologers to select an auspicious date, month, and hour for the ceremony. Sub-committees were formed to handle various aspects of the event, including reception, finance, catering, public feeding, and decoration. The Beautify Sikkim committee also worked on tidying Gangtok and constructing parks and gardens, including the Coronation Park.
On April 4, 1965, despite the rain and snow of the previous day, the coronation ceremony proceeded under clear skies. Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal, dressed in a golden brocade robe, led the royal procession to the Tsuk-La-Khang (Royal Chapel), where the consecration ceremony took place. The chapel, adorned with golden thrones and sacred decorations, was filled with dignitaries, including Mrs. Lakshmi Menon, who led the Indian delegation, and representatives from Bhutan, Tibet, and other countries.
At 9:30 a.m., the Chogyal and his Queen, Hope Namgyal, took their seats on the golden thrones as Lamas performed purification ceremonies, prayers, and the offering of royal robes and insignia, symbolizing power and righteousness. The ceremony concluded with offerings of auspicious objects, blessings, and speeches from representatives of the people and government officials. Afterward, the Chogyal and the Gyalmo were escorted back to the palace, where they received scarves from the public as a gesture of loyalty.
A grand feast followed, with thousands of Sikkimese gathering to celebrate their beloved ruler’s ascension to the throne. The festivities continued over the next two days, marking the historic occasion of the coronation of the Twelfth Chogyal of Sikkim.
Preparations and Festivities of the Coronation
Throughout its three-century history, Sikkim remained a relatively unknown Himalayan kingdom until the British plant explorer Dr. Joseph Hooker visited the region between 1847 and 1849. In more recent years, prominent figures such as the Viceroy of India, the late Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the Panchen Lama, and the Dalai Lama have visited Sikkim.
In 1961, the late Chogyal Sir Tashi Namgyal announced the engagement of Crown Prince Palden Thondup Namgyal to Miss Hope Cooke, an American socialite from Manhattan. Miss Cooke, a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and an orientalist with a deep fascination for the East, captured widespread attention. Their grand royal wedding on March 20, 1963, became a celebrated event across America, Europe, and Asia.
Following the passing of the beloved Sir Tashi Namgyal on December 2, 1961, the palace announced that Crown Prince Palden Thondup Namgyal would ascend the throne after a customary year-long Buddhist mourning period. Once the mourning period concluded, royal astrologers selected April 4, 1965, at 10 a.m., as the auspicious moment for the coronation ceremony, known as Ser Thrid Nga Sol.
Preparations for the coronation spanned several months, with every government official and worker in Sikkim contributing to its success. Lama artists painted the roof of the Tsuklakhang Chapel a vibrant golden yellow, while decorators enhanced the interior murals. On the palace grounds, the Sikkim Guards drilled tirelessly, and the police rehearsed vehicle traffic management and parking systems. The finishing touches to the grand banquet tent near the palace were completed in the early hours of April 4, ready to host over a thousand guests.
Gyalmo Hope Namgyal, assisted by Princess Pheunkhang and Princess Yuthok, meticulously oversaw every detail to ensure smooth coordination. Waitstaff, cooks, cleaners, drivers, guards, caretakers, and officials worked diligently to manage every aspect of the event. Hairdressers were brought in from Calcutta, while washermen worked round the clock. Accommodations were stocked with necessities like firewood, warm blankets, water, flowers, and electricity. The finest imported drinks, Sikkimese fruit juices, and fresh local produce were made available to the guests.
Royal guests were received at Bagdogra Airport by Sikkimese officials with traditional offerings of white scarves and then escorted to their vehicles, which included jeeps, cars, and state-provided transport. The five-hour journey from India’s plains to Sikkim’s mountainous terrain wound along the picturesque Teesta River, leaving guests awestruck by the stunning views.
By the time the guests arrived in Gangtok, they were greeted by a chilly drizzle and brisk winds from the Tibetan plateau. The guest list included twelve ambassadors, high commissioners, and numerous embassy officials from various Asian and European countries. National flags representing twelve nations were hoisted in front of the recently built Norkhill State Hotel, which served as a lodging for the visitors. Though the hotel lacked the rustic charm of the bamboo-knit Lepcha houses that had hosted ambassadors during the 1963 royal wedding, its interiors were adorned with centuries-old Tibetan thangka paintings, loaned by Princess Pheunkhang for the occasion.
The Ser Thrid Nga Sol coronation of Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal and his queen left a profound impression on visitors from around the world. For those fortunate enough to witness the historic event, April 4, 1965, remains a day of unparalleled splendor, celebrating the rich traditions and timeless beauty of the Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim.
The modern history of Sikkim
The modern history of Sikkim begins in 1642 AD, marked by the consecration of Phuntsog Namgyal as the first Chogyal (Temporal and Religious King). Prior to this, the Namgyal dynasty had ruled over the Chumbi and Tinta Valleys for at least three centuries. Originating from the Minyak House of Eastern Tibet, the Namgyals embarked on a pilgrimage to Central Tibet in the 13th century. During this period, Khye-Bumsa, a Namgyal prince, contributed to constructing the Sa-Kyu Monastery in 1268 AD. Khye-Bumsa later married the daughter of the Sa-Kya hierarch and settled in the Chumbi Valley, which became the nucleus of the future Sikkim kingdom.
A notable alliance between the Namgyals and the Lepchas was forged when Khye-Bumsa and Thekongtek, a Lepcha chief, swore a blood brotherhood at Khabi Longtsok. Following Khye-Bumsa’s death, his lineage continued through his third son, Mipon Rab, and later his fourth son, Guru Tashi, who moved to Gangtok. After the Lepcha chief’s demise, the Lepchas fragmented into clans and sought Guru Tashi’s leadership. Guru Tashi became the first ruler of Sikkim, establishing the foundation of a monarchy.
Phuntsog Namgyal, born in Gangtok in 1604, was consecrated as Chogyal by three lamas in 1642. He moved the capital to Yuksam, instituted centralized administration, divided the kingdom into twelve Dzongs (districts), and appointed Lepcha Dronypons (governors). He also established Buddhism as the state religion. Tensung Namgyal, his successor, moved the capital to Rabdentse in 1670. Chador Namgyal, Tensung’s son, founded monasteries, introduced Lepcha alphabets, and faced challenges from his half-sister Pedi Wangmo, who conspired against him. During Chador’s reign, Bhutanese forces occupied Rabdentse but later withdrew following mediation by the Tibetan government.
Gyurmed Namgyal, born in 1707, succeeded Chador in 1717. His reign saw the loss of Limbuans (Eastern Nepal) and further consolidation of the Kargyud sect of Buddhism. Gyurmed’s posthumous son, Namgyal Phuntsog, ascended the throne in 1733 amidst opposition from a rival, the Royal Treasurer Tamding. Namgyal Phuntsog’s reign was marked by conflicts with Bhutan and Gurkha invasions, leading to significant territorial losses. Despite temporary treaties, the Gurkhas broke agreements, leading to prolonged struggles. His successor, Tenzing Namgyal, faced continued incursions, which prompted his retreat to Lhasa. After Tenzing’s death in 1793, Tsugphud Namgyal became the Chogyal.
During Tsugphud Namgyal’s reign (1793–1864), British influence in the Himalayas grew. Sikkim aligned with the British during the Anglo-Nepalese War. The Treaty of Titalia in 1817 defined boundaries between Sikkim and Nepal but did not restore all lost territories. In 1835, Sikkim ceded Darjeeling to the British. Tensions escalated due to British interference in Sikkim’s affairs, leading to punitive expeditions and further territorial annexations.
Sidkeong Namgyal, Tsugphud’s successor in 1863, resolved disputes with Tibet and Bhutan. He sought British support for military reforms but was unsuccessful. Thutob Namgyal, the next Chogyal, faced British dominance and increasing settlement of Nepalese in Sikkim. British policies undermined his authority, leading to his detention and eventual restoration with limited powers. His reign saw modernization efforts, including establishing the first English school in 1906.
Sidkeong Tulku Namgyal succeeded in 1914, introducing significant reforms such as abolishing imprisonment for debt and banning plainsmen settlements. However, his assertiveness strained relations with the British. His untimely death in 1914 led to the ascension of Tashi Namgyal, who ruled until 1963. Tashi Namgyal’s reign brought judicial and administrative reforms, land reforms, and economic development. The judicial functions of landlords were abolished, and a High Court was established in 1955. Land reforms included direct tax payment to the state and the abolition of exploitative labor practices.
Tashi Namgyal prioritized Sikkim’s development, drawing up a comprehensive development plan in 1945. However, financial constraints delayed its implementation. His reign marked a significant transformation of Sikkim’s social, economic, and judicial systems, laying the foundation for modern governance.
Miwang Chogyal Chempo
Miwang Chogyal Chempo Palden Thondup Namgyal, the Twelfth Consecrated Chogyal of Sikkim, recognized as the incarnate of Chogyal Sidkeong and the re-incarnation of the renowned Karmapa Lama of Kham, was born in Gangtok on May 22, 1923. He was the second son of the esteemed Chogyal Sir Tashi Namgyal, K.C.S.I., K.C.I.E., who is fondly remembered as a gracious, enlightened, and benevolent ruler of Sikkim.
Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal began his education at Saint Joseph’s Convent, Kalimpong, at the age of six, but his schooling was interrupted by severe malaria attacks. From 1931 to 1934, he studied monkhood under his uncle, Lhatsun Rimpoche, during which he was recognized as the spiritual leader of the Phodong and Rumtek Monasteries, succeeding Chogyal Sidkeong. In 1935, he resumed his education at Saint Joseph’s College, Darjeeling, and later completed his studies at Bishop Cotton School, Simla, in 1941. Plans for advanced studies in science at Cambridge University were made, but they were halted due to the untimely death of his elder brother, Prince Paljor Namgyal, who was then serving as an officer in the Royal Indian Air Force.
As the heir-apparent, Palden Thondup Namgyal underwent Indian Civil Service training at Dehradun in 1942. Upon returning to Sikkim, he began actively assisting in the administration of his country. With guidance from Athing Tashi Dahdul Densapa of Barmiok, he quickly became a principal advisor to his father in judicial and executive matters. In 1944, he was appointed as the President of Sikkim’s State Council, a position he held until 1949.
Palden Thondup Namgyal was deeply committed to the needs of Sikkim and its people. As the Crown Prince, he oversaw various government departments and played a pivotal role in implementing administrative reforms. He advised his father on external affairs and led the Sikkim delegation that negotiated the Treaty with India in 1950.
The Chogyal was actively involved in cultural and academic initiatives. Since 1953, he served as the President of the Mahabodhi Society of India. In 1954, he led the Sikkim delegation to the Sixth Buddhist Council in Burma. He also participated in the 2,500th Buddha Jayanti celebrations in India in 1956 and was the only non-government representative on the working committee. Representing Sikkim internationally, he attended the 2,500th Buddha Jayanti Conference in Japan and the Sixth World Fellowship of Buddhists Conference in Cambodia in 1961.
Under the patronage of his father, he established the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Gangtok in 1958, which became a globally renowned center for Mahayana and Tibetan studies. In 1959, he led the Sikkim delegation to the World Anti-Tuberculosis Conference, and in 1960, he was part of the Indian delegation to the International Congress of Orientalists in Moscow. He was also a founder-member and Sikkim representative at the Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling and served as Chairman of the Sikkim Mining Corporation.
Palden Thondup Namgyal held numerous other distinguished roles, including President of the Sikkim Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen’s Board, and Colonel-in-Chief of the Sikkim Guards. His travels around the world provided him with valuable insights into various administrative systems, aiding him in addressing the needs of his own country.
The Chogyal’s leadership symbolized unity among Sikkim’s three main communities: Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalese. This unity was evident when thousands of his subjects gathered to celebrate his consecration as the Twelfth Chogyal, where he personally received each individual.
In August 1950, he married Samgrup Deki, the daughter of Yapshi Samdup Phodrang of Tibet, who passed away in June 1957. He later married Hope Cooke, an American, in March 1963. The Chogyal and his wife, Gyalmo Hope Cooke, have three sons and two daughters: Prince Tenzing, Prince Wangchuk, Prince Palden, Princess Yangchen, and Princess Hope.
The Chogyal was widely read and deeply interested in human challenges. With his beloved Gyalmo by his side, he found strength to shoulder the responsibilities of the state. Among his numerous honors were the Order of the British Empire (1947), the Padma Vibhushan (India, 1954), and the Commander of the Order of the Black Star (France, 1956).
The Religions of Sikkim
The state religion of Sikkim is Buddhism, but the country allows complete freedom of worship. Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, Bonpos, and a small community of Muslims practice their respective faiths side by side.
Initially, the Lepchas, the original inhabitants of Sikkim, followed Bonpo Shamanism. In the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava introduced Buddhism to Sikkim. With the arrival of the ancestors of the current Royal Family from Tibet centuries later, Mahayana Buddhism in its Tibetan form took root in the region. As a result, many Lepchas eventually adopted Buddhism.
The Bhutias, another major Buddhist community, migrated to Sikkim alongside the rulers, bringing their religion with them. While some among the Nepali Sikkimese are Buddhists, the majority practice Hinduism. The small Muslim community, primarily engaged in business or trade, is mainly concentrated in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. These Muslims are of either Indian or Mongolian origin.
The prevailing form of Buddhism in Sikkim is Mahayana, specifically the Red Sect, which has three main sub-sects. In Sikkim, only the Nyingmapa and Karma-Kagyu sub-sects are practiced. Lhatsun Chhempo, considered the cornerstone of Buddhism in Sikkim, was one of the three high lamas who gathered at Yuksom to consecrate Chogyal Phuntsog Namgyal as the first Chogyal of Sikkim in 1641. He belonged to the Nyingmapa sect.
The Pemayangtse Monastery, Sikkim’s premier monastery, also belongs to the Nyingmapa sect. The lamas of Pemayangtse have the exclusive right to perform religious ceremonies on all royal and official occasions. They also participate in the renowned Warrior and Khagyed dances at the Tsuklakhang Royal Chapel in Gangtok. Other significant Nyingmapa monasteries in Sikkim include Tashiding and Phensang.
The Karma-Kagyu sect was introduced in Sikkim in the early 18th century, and the first monastery of this sect, Ralang Monastery, was built in 1730 by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal, the fourth consecrated Chogyal of Sikkim. The current king, Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal, is a Karma-Kagyu lama. Other prominent Kagyu monasteries in Sikkim include those at Rumtek and Phodong.
Religious harmony is a hallmark of Sikkim. There is no discrimination based on religion in public offices or institutions. Children from various communities study together in schools and other educational institutions, fostering unity and understanding. Government services at all levels are equally open to Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. In Sikkim, individuals are free to practice the religion of their choice, reflecting the region’s inclusive and tolerant ethos.
FAQs
When did the modern history of Sikkim begin?
The modern history of Sikkim began in 1642 CE when Phuntsog Namgyal was consecrated as the first Chogyal (religious and temporal king).
What is the origin of the Namgyal dynasty?
The Namgyal dynasty originated from the Minyak House in Eastern Tibet. In the 13th century, the Namgyal family moved to Central Tibet and eventually settled in the Chumbi Valley, which became the foundation of the Sikkimese kingdom.
Who was Khye-Bumsa, and what was his significance?
Khye-Bumsa was a prince from the Minyak House in Eastern Tibet who constructed the Sa-Kyu Monastery in 1268 CE and later settled in the Chumbi Valley. He is known for forging an alliance with the Lepcha leader Thekong Tek through a blood brotherhood oath at Kabi Longtsok.
What role did Guru Tashi play in Sikkim’s history?
Guru Tashi, the fourth son of Khye-Bumsa, settled in Gangtok and became the patriarch of the Namgyal dynasty, eventually leading to the establishment of Sikkim’s monarchy.
Who was the first Chogyal of Sikkim, and what were his contributions?
Phuntsog Namgyal was the first Chogyal of Sikkim, crowned in 1642. He established a central administration, divided the state into 12 districts, and declared Buddhism as the state religion.
How did Sikkim face external invasions in the 18th and 19th centuries?
Sikkim faced invasions from Bhutanese and Gorkha forces, leading to significant territorial losses. The kingdom sought Tibetan intervention during Bhutanese incursions and eventually allied with the British to counter Gorkha expansion.
What was the impact of the Treaty of Titalia on Sikkim?
The Treaty of Titalia (1817) defined the borders between Sikkim and Nepal and restored territories previously lost to Nepal. It marked the beginning of British influence in the region.
When did Sikkim hand over Darjeeling to the British?
Sikkim ceded Darjeeling to the British in 1835, further solidifying British presence in the Himalayan region.
Who was Palden Thondup Namgyal, and what were his contributions?
Palden Thondup Namgyal was the 12th Chogyal of Sikkim, crowned in 1965. He contributed to Sikkim’s cultural and religious heritage, including founding the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and participating in international Buddhist councils.
What is the significance of Buddhism in Sikkim?
Buddhism is the state religion of Sikkim, with major monasteries like Pemayangtse and Ralang. The predominant Buddhist traditions in Sikkim are Nyingma and Karma Kagyu. The state also practices religious tolerance, fostering harmony among diverse communities.
Who moved Sikkim’s capital from Yuksom to Rabdentse?
Tensung Namgyal, the son of Phuntsog Namgyal, moved the capital from Yuksom to Rabdentse in 1670 to centralize administration.
What does Kabi Longtsok represent in Sikkim’s history?
Kabi Longtsok is the site where Khye-Bumsa and Lepcha leader Thekong Tek swore a blood brotherhood, symbolizing the alliance and unity between the Namgyal dynasty and the Lepcha community.
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