The correct answer is: All of the above.
Sikkim is a mountainous state in the eastern Himalayas. It is a land of great natural beauty, with snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and rushing rivers. However, this rugged terrain has also made it difficult to access and explore. This has been a major obstacle to archaeological research in Sikkim.
In addition to the difficult terrain, Sikkim is also covered in dense vegetation. This makes it difficult to find and excavate archaeological sites. The vegetation also helps to preserve the sites, but it can also make them difficult to access.
Finally, archaeologists have traditionally focused on later historical periods in Sikkim. This is because there is less evidence of earlier periods. The earlier periods are also more difficult to study, as they are buried deeper in the ground.
All of these factors have contributed to the limited archaeological excavations in Sikkim. However, recent research has begun to shed light on the state’s rich history.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Difficult terrain: Sikkim is a mountainous state with a rugged terrain. This has made it difficult to access and explore the state, which has been a major obstacle to archaeological research.
- Dense vegetation cover: Sikkim is also covered in dense vegetation. This makes it difficult to find and excavate archaeological sites. The vegetation also helps to preserve the sites, but it can also make them difficult to access.
- Focus on later historical periods: Archaeologists have traditionally focused on later historical periods in Sikkim. This is because there is less evidence of earlier periods. The earlier periods are also more difficult to study, as they are buried deeper in the ground.