125th BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF CHOGYAL TASHI NAMGYAL (I893-1963)
Sikkim’s 11th ruler, Tashi Namgyal, was born on October 26, 1893 in Kurseong (Darjeeling) during the period of detention of his father, Thutob Namgyal. He began his education in the Bhutia School in Gangtok in 1906 and later continued his studies at St. Paul’s School, Darjeeling, and Mayo College in Ajmer. Tashi Namgyal was also under the tutelage of Charles Bell, Political Officer, for sometime. The new Political Officer for Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet remained in office from 1908 -1918 during Tashi Namgyal’s early rule. On an invitation from the thirteenth Dalai Lama Bell undertook a special mission to Lhasa in 1920-21.
On October 8, 1918, Tashi Namgyal married Kunzang Dechen, daughter of Raka-Shar House of Lhasa. Her father was a general in the Tibetan army and her grandfather was Lonchen Shokang, a former prime minister of Tibet. Their first son, Paljor Namgyal, was born on November 26, 1921. He was a promising young man and was serving in the Royal Indian Air Force as Pilot Officer when he was killed in an accident during a flight on December 20, 1941. A few among the 6000 Sikkimese, who joined the armed forces, distinguished themselves by Victoria Cross (VC) and Military Cross (MC) and bar besides many other decorations.
A second son, Palden Thondup Namgyal, was born on May 23, 1923 and became the 12th Chogyal in 1965. Their youngest son, Jigdal Tsewang Namgyal, was born on August 23, 1928. The Gyalmo gave birth to three daughters: Pema Tsedum (born September 6, 1924), Pema Choki (born December 25, 1925) and Sonam Padaun (born May 23, 1927). In 1917, the Chogyal’s sister, Chuni Wangmo, was married to Raja Sonam Tobgay Dorji of Bhutan.
On October 8, 1918, Tashi Namgyal married Kunzang Dechen, daughter of Raka-Shar House of Lhasa. Her father was a general in the Tibetan army and her grandfather was Lonchen Shokang, a former prime minister of Tibet. Their first son, Paljor Namgyal, was born on November 26, 1921. He was a promising young man and was serving in the Royal Indian Air Force as Pilot Officer when he was killed in an accident during a flight on December 20, 1941. A few among the 6000 Sikkimese, who joined the armed forces, distinguished themselves by Victoria Cross (VC) and Military Cross (MC) and bar besides many other decorations.
A second son, Palden Thondup Namgyal, was born on May 23, 1923 and became the 12th Chogyal in 1965. Their youngest son, Jigdal Tsewang Namgyal, was born on August 23, 1928. The Gyalmo gave birth to three daughters: Pema Tsedum (born September 6, 1924), Pema Choki (born December 25, 1925) and Sonam Padaun (born May 23, 1927). In 1917, the Chogyal’s sister, Chuni Wangmo, was married to Raja Sonam Tobgay Dorji of Bhutan.
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| (L to R) Crown Prince Palden Thondup Namgyal, Indira Gandhi, Chogyal Tashi Namgyal, Jawaharlal Nehru, Apan Pant and Nari Rustomji. |
Tashi Namgyal succeeded as the 12th consecrated Chogyal of Sikkim on December 5, 1914 after the death of his step-brother, Sidkeong Tulku. The formal coronation was held on May 15, 1916. The British restored full power to the Chogyal in 1918. During his 50-year reign, Sikkim witnessed significant social, economic and political reforms. Sikkim-India relations were further strengthened during Chogyal Tashi Namgyal’s rule.