What geopolitical strategy did the rulers of Sikkim employ during the late medieval period to counter simultaneous territorial pressures from Bhutan in the east and Nepal in the west?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Hemmed in by aggressive neighbors, the Chogyals of Sikkim historically relied on religious and political ties with Lhasa and the Qing dynasty of China for diplomatic arbitration and military support against Bhutanese and Gorkha incursions. Marathas operated in western and central India, while Portuguese power was confined to coastal enclaves. These Himalayan alliances shifted toward the British East India Company after the Gorkha War of 1814-1816.