Amol Nakve.

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

The last book of 2025 and the second book on Sikkim as part of understanding Sikkim better Smash andGrab - Annexation of Sikkim by SunandaKDatta-Ray. The nostalgia of being in the air of Gangtok still lingers around me. I am deeply infatuated with Sikkim, and this madly-in-love phenomenon forces me to be in tune with Sikkim and its heritage. This book tries to frame the events mostly from the Chogyals Namgyal Thondup's perspective only. The author's private friendship with Namgyal is evident throughout all the pages. It's harsh to say, but critique is also important. For me, it's a one-sided narrative on behalf of friendship. It was a misconception that the book was banned in India, but anyone could buy it from appropriate places like online platforms and major libraries. The book speaks more on behalf of Namgyal and his monarchy. The elements of democracy were discussed in negative shades. But it's a good book, and it's better to understand the third dimension of the conflict between monarchy and democracy. I would indeed recommend readers to read the book.

Keep reading, keep rediscovering!

Wish you a very happy new year 2026.

Faith,

Amol Nakve