The correct answer is: d) All of the above.
The Great Game was a period of geopolitical tension between the British Empire and the Russian Empire from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. The two empires were vying for control of Central Asia, which was seen as a strategically important region.
Sikkim was a small kingdom located in the Himalayas between British India and Tibet. It was seen by the British as a buffer state that could help to protect British India from Russian expansion. The British also feared that Tibetan independence movements could lead to Russian influence in Tibet, which would be a threat to British interests in India.
In 1890, the British signed a treaty with Tibet that recognized Sikkim as a British protectorate. This treaty was seen as a way to strengthen the British position in Sikkim and to prevent Russian expansion into the region.
The British continued to view Sikkim as a buffer state until the end of the Great Game in the early 20th century. After the Great Game, Sikkim became a part of India.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Option a: Russian influence. The British were concerned about Russian expansion into Central Asia. They saw Sikkim as a buffer state that could help to protect British India from Russian expansion.
- Option b: Chinese expansion. The British were also concerned about Chinese expansion into Central Asia. They saw Sikkim as a buffer state that could help to protect British India from Chinese expansion.
- Option c: Tibetan independence movements. The British feared that Tibetan independence movements could lead to Russian influence in Tibet, which would be a threat to British interests in India.