The correct answer is: d) All of the above
Sikkim was a princely state in India until 1975, when it became a state of the Indian Union. The history of princely states and zamindaris in Sikkim is a complex one, and it is important to understand the different factors that have shaped the region’s development.
One of the most important factors in Sikkim’s history is the influence of colonialism. The British East India Company first came into contact with Sikkim in the 18th century, and the region was eventually brought under British rule. The British had a significant impact on Sikkim’s political, economic, and social development.
Another important factor in Sikkim’s history is the system of land ownership. Under the British, Sikkim was divided into a number of princely states, each of which was ruled by a hereditary ruler. The British also introduced the system of zamindari, in which land was owned by a small number of landlords, who collected rent from the peasants who worked the land.
The system of land ownership had a significant impact on Sikkim’s social structure. The landlords were often from the upper castes, while the peasants were from the lower castes. This system of social stratification led to a great deal of inequality in Sikkim.
The history of princely states and zamindaris in Sikkim is a complex one, and it is important to understand the different factors that have shaped the region’s development. These factors include the influence of colonialism, the system of land ownership, and the social stratification that resulted from this system. By understanding these factors, we can better understand the current situation in Sikkim and the challenges that the region faces.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- a) Colonial influences: The British East India Company first came into contact with Sikkim in the 18th century, and the region was eventually brought under British rule. The British had a significant impact on Sikkim’s political, economic, and social development.
- b) Land ownership patterns: Under the British, Sikkim was divided into a number of princely states, each of which was ruled by a hereditary ruler. The British also introduced the system of zamindari, in which land was owned by a small number of landlords, who collected rent from the peasants who worked the land.
- c) Social stratification: The system of land ownership had a significant impact on Sikkim’s social structure. The landlords were often from the upper castes, while the peasants were from the lower castes. This system of social stratification led to a great deal of inequality in Sikkim.