Chogyal

Chogyal, also romanized as Chögyal, is a hereditary title from Tibetan usage meaning “Dharma King” or “Religious King.” In Himalayan polities it denoted a ruler who combined spiritual authority with secular leadership. In Sikkim, Chogyal referred specifically to the monarchs of the Namgyal dynasty who ruled the Kingdom of Sikkim from the 17th century until the late 20th century.

The office was established in 1642 when Phuntsog Namgyal was enthroned as the first Chogyal, with recognition from the Tibetan Buddhist establishment. The Chogyal served as head of state, military leader, and patron of Buddhism, overseeing the administration and religious institutions of the kingdom. The monarchy defined the political and religious landscape of Sikkim for centuries, and its rulers maintained a close relationship with Buddhist monasteries and schools.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Sikkim maintained evolving ties with external powers, including Britain and later India, while the Chogyal retained significant local authority. In 1975, following political reform and a referendum, Sikkim was incorporated into India as a state, and the monarchy was abolished; Palden Thondup Namgyal, the last Chogyal, went into exile.

Today, the title Chogyal is used mainly in historical, scholarly, and cultural contexts. It remains a symbol in Sikkimese memory of the kingdom’s past, appearing in literature and discourse about the region’s history and the Namgyal dynasty.