The history of the Darjeeling is intimately linked with that of Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan and the British Empire (before India's independence). It should be noted that the areas of various kingdoms were very fluid in olden times. It is said that Sikkim extended right up to the Arun Kosi river at some period in history and Limbuwan extended right into Sikkim. However, we deal here with the history of Darjeeling from the mid-18th century to the 19th century because this period saw very drastic political changes in the area.
Before 1780s - Darjeeling area (between Rivers Mechi and Teesta) part of Sikkim; Kalimpong area part of Bhutan.
1780s - The Gorkhali army attacks Sikkim in a series of 17 invasions. They take land up to the River Teesta. The then capital of Sikkim at Rabdentse is plundered by the Gorkhali army.
Treaty of Sugauli/Segowlee (1816) - After the Anglo-Gorkha War (1814-1816), Nepal cedes large tracts of land to the British East India Company. The area between Rivers Mechi and Teesta (both plains and hills) goes into British hands.
Treaty of Titalia (1817) - The British hands over the area between Rivers Mechi and Teesta, taken from the Gorkhas, to the Chogyal (Raja) of Sikkim.
"Discovery" of Darjeeling (1829) - George Alymer Lloyd and J. W. Grant visit Darjeeling on a mission to resolve a border dispute between Sikkim and Nepal. They are “much impressed with the possibility of the hill station as a sanatorium” and ask the East India Company to possess this area for a sanatorium.
Deed of Grant of Darjeeling (1835) - The Chogyal of Sikkim is pressurised to hand over the tract of land between Rivers Mechi and Teesta to the British.
Treaty of Sinchula (1865) - After the Anglo-Bhutan war (1864-1865), Kalimpong area ("hill territory on the left bank of the Teesta") and the Dooars is handed over by the Bhutanese to the British.
Darjeeling District (1866) - Darjeeling and Kalimpong joined by the British and Darjeeling district is said to have assumed its present shape and size with an area of 1234 square miles.
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| Map of Darjeeling |
1780s - The Gorkhali army attacks Sikkim in a series of 17 invasions. They take land up to the River Teesta. The then capital of Sikkim at Rabdentse is plundered by the Gorkhali army.
Treaty of Sugauli/Segowlee (1816) - After the Anglo-Gorkha War (1814-1816), Nepal cedes large tracts of land to the British East India Company. The area between Rivers Mechi and Teesta (both plains and hills) goes into British hands.
Treaty of Titalia (1817) - The British hands over the area between Rivers Mechi and Teesta, taken from the Gorkhas, to the Chogyal (Raja) of Sikkim.
"Discovery" of Darjeeling (1829) - George Alymer Lloyd and J. W. Grant visit Darjeeling on a mission to resolve a border dispute between Sikkim and Nepal. They are “much impressed with the possibility of the hill station as a sanatorium” and ask the East India Company to possess this area for a sanatorium.
Deed of Grant of Darjeeling (1835) - The Chogyal of Sikkim is pressurised to hand over the tract of land between Rivers Mechi and Teesta to the British.
Treaty of Sinchula (1865) - After the Anglo-Bhutan war (1864-1865), Kalimpong area ("hill territory on the left bank of the Teesta") and the Dooars is handed over by the Bhutanese to the British.
Darjeeling District (1866) - Darjeeling and Kalimpong joined by the British and Darjeeling district is said to have assumed its present shape and size with an area of 1234 square miles.
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