Consider the following statements regarding the administrative structure established by the Namgyal dynasty in medieval Sikkim: 1. The kingdom was divided into twelve administrative districts or dzongs, each managed by a governor known as a Dzongpon. 2. The administration was entirely secular with no involvement of Buddhist monasteries in civil governance. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Namgyal rulers divided medieval Sikkim into twelve administrative zones overseen by officials called Dzongpons, making the first statement correct. Buddhist monasteries and lamas played a deeply integrated role in both spiritual and temporal administration, rendering the second statement incorrect. The ecclesiastical body exercised substantial influence in legal and social matters throughout the kingdom.