Kingdom

Aristocrats, enigmatic wives, and spymasters in the drama of Sikkim’s merger with India.

In the days leading up to 9 April 1975, the sedate capital of an autonomous Himalayan kingdom became a fortress. In and around Gangtok, troops belonging to neighbouring India were mobilised on a large scale. In the market squares, people gathered over chhang and chhurpi and wondered if there was going to be another clash with China.

Every week, 52 Detail presents an essay that dives deep into an aspect of India’s history, politics and culture. Through these stories, writers and artists will explain or establish something interesting about life on the subcontinent, and make a case for why it matters to readers.