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History
A kingdom in the buffer area between India and China (or Tibet).
There is a majority Nepali population ruled by a minority
Drukpa population, originating from Tibet. The majority are agitating
for change. There are also Tibetan refugees.
The Kingdom is more or less an absolute monarchy. But the
hereditary monarchy was founded only in 1907. Previously the
ruler had been elected by the governors of the provinces and
served with a religious leader, the Dharma Raja, who was rather
like the Dalai Lama . But in 1907 on the death of the last Dharma
Raja no reincarnation was found so the office ceased to exist.
India may take it over, as it did Sikkim. There are signs
that some of the Nepalis would prefer an Indian takeover. During
British days it was not a protectorate in law but in fact was
"under guidance" from 1865-1949, following which it
made a treaty with India under which the Indian government controls
external relations as did the British.
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