In this session, we will go through all Important Points related to State Sikkim that can be asked in your exams. Sikkim is a state in northeastern India and is surrounded by Tibet in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west, and West Bengal in the south. Sikkim is also close to India's Siliguri Corridor near Bangladesh. State has four districts and is further divided into 16 subdivisions.

Sikkim: Short Notes on States of India

Also Read: Andhra Pradesh: Short Notes on States of India - For UPSC/SSC/PSC Aspirants

• The Kingdom of Sikkim was founded by the Namgyal Dynasty in the 17th Century.
• It became a princely state of British India in 1890.
• In historical Indian literature, Sikkim is known as Indrakil, the garden of the war god Indra.
• The majority of the State residents are of Nepali ethnic origin.
• As per 2011 Census, State has around 610,577 Inhabitants with only 86 persons per square kilometer.
• Sikkim is the second smallest state of India by area and also the least populous state.
• Sex ratio is 889 females per 1000 males.
• Hinduism is the state major religion which constitutes of about 57.8% of total population followed by Buddhism and then Christianity.
• The Himalayan mountains surround the northern, eastern and western border of Sikkim.
• About 35% of the state is covered by Kangchendzonga National Park.
• State Animal is Red Panda and State Bird is Blood Pheasant.
• A part of the Eastern Himalaya, state is notable for its biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates.
• State is located close to India's Siliguri Corridor near Bangladesh.
• The state's economy is largely agrarian based on the terraced farming of rice and the cultivation of crops such as maize, millet, wheat, barley, oranges, tea, and cardamom.
• State accounts for the largest share of Cardamom production in India and is the world's second largest producer of the Spice after Guatemala.
• Sikkim is the first Organic state of India.
• About one-third of the state is heavily forested.
• State has more than 28 Mountain Peaks.
• Sikkim is one of the few states in India which receives regular Snowfall.
• The Noble Dendrobium is the Official Flower of Sikkim.
• The rhododendron is the State tree of Sikkim.
• Major Festivals of the State includes Losoong Festival, Losar Festival, Pang Lhabsol, Bumchu, Saga Dawa, Drupka Teshi and Tendong Lho Rum Faat.
• Major dances include Lu Khangthamo, Rechungma, Maruni, Tamang Selo, Limboo or Subha Folk Dance, Yak Chaam & Singhi Chaam, Mask Dance.
• Khangchendzonga National Park is the only national park in the state. It the also the UNSECO World Heritage site.
• Major Wildlife Sanctuaries of the state includes Shingba Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary, Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary.
• GI Tags of the state include Sikkim Large Cardamom.
• Dubdi Monastery and Coronation throne of Norbugang near Yuksam are the monuments of National Importance in Sikkim.
• Official languages of the state are English, Nepali, Sikkimese and Lepcha.
• The state has five seasons: winter, summer, spring, autumn, and monsoon season. State climate ranges from sub-tropical in the south to tundra in the north. Most of the inhabited regions of the state experience a temperate climate, with temperatures seldom exceeding 28 °C (82 °F) in summer. The average annual temperature is around 18 °C (64 °F).
• State is home to around 5,000 species of flowering plants, 515 rare orchids, 60 primula species, 36 rhododendron species, 11 oak varieties, 23 bamboo varieties, 16 conifer species, 362 types of ferns and ferns allies, 8 tree ferns, and over 900 medicinal plants.
• It is among India's most environmentally conscious states, having banned plastic water bottles "in any government functions and meetings" and polystyrene products (throughout the state). More information can be checked on Wikipedia Page.
• State lacks any of the Major Industrial Corridors. Distilling, Brewing, Tanning and watchmaking are the main industries of the State.