Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council | WBCS Preparation: All Subjects - WBCS (West Bengal) PDF Download

Pre-Independence:

King Edward VII assumed control of the British empire afterward.
The term 'Darjeeling' originated from the Tibetan words, 'dorje' meaning thunderbolt (originally the scepter of Indra) and 'ling' a place or land, hence 'the land of the thunderbolt.' A significant year in Darjeeling's history was 1835, but it is appropriate to delve into its history before that. Before its acquisition by the East India Co. in 1835, Darjeeling was part of Sikkim and, for a brief period, Nepal. However, the histories of Sikkim and Nepal do not provide any account of its early history.

Earlier, Darjeeling was part of the dominions of the Raja of Sikkim, who had engaged in unsuccessful warfare against the Gorkhas. From 1780, the Gorkhas consistently infiltrated Sikkim, and by the early 19th Century, they had conquered Sikkim as far eastward as the Teesta, annexing the Terai. E.C. Dozey, in 'Darjeeling Past and Present,' notes, 'Prior to the year 1816, the whole territory was known as British Sikkim.' Meanwhile, the British were working to prevent the Gorkhas from overrunning the entire northern frontier. The Anglo-Nepal war erupted in 1814, leading to the Treaty of Sugauli in 1815, wherein Nepal had to cede the territories annexed from the Raja of Sikkim to the East India Company.
In the Treaty of Titalia in 1817, the East India Co. reinstated the Raja of Sikkim and guaranteed his sovereignty over the tracts of land between the Mechi and the Teesta. With British intervention, Darjeeling became a buffer state between Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. A dispute arose again in 1828 between Sikkim and Nepal, leading to Captain Lloyd being deputed to settle the matter. Lloyd, attracted to Darjeeling's potential during his visit in 1829, emphasized its suitability as a sanatorium for British officials, a strategic outpost, and a base for defending the trade route to Tibet.

So he stressed the need to procure the place for

• The British would gain a strategic advantage, as the area would hold a crucial position in controlling access to Nepal and Bhutan.
• It would function as a key British outpost in the Himalayas.
• It would serve as a base for defending the trade route to Tibet through Sikkim.
• Due to its elevated position, it would allow for the observation and protection of the entire Sikkim region and its surroundings.
• It could serve as a summer retreat for British officials seeking relief from the heat in the plains.

In response to Lord Bentinck's directive, Captain Herbert and Grant were promptly dispatched to assess the land's strategic and communication benefits. Their reports affirmed the feasibility of establishing a sanatorium in Darjeeling. General Lloyd was then assigned to negotiate with the Raja of Sikkim for the transfer of Darjeeling. The negotiations concluded with the Raja executing a Deed of Grant on February 1, 1835.
According to the deed, the Raja presented Darjeeling to the East India Company, encompassing the land south of the Great Rangeet River, east of the Balason, Kahail, and Little Rangeet rivers, and west of the Rungno and Mahanadi Rivers. This marked an unconditional transfer of what was then an uninhabited and seemingly worthless mountainous region. The granted land, however, constituted a narrow enclave of 138 square miles, approximately 30 miles long and 6 miles wide, entirely surrounded by the Raja's dominions.
The Raja received a modest compensation, including a double-barreled gun, a rifle, 20 yards of red-broad cloth, and two pairs of shawls. Despite initial reluctance from Sikkim, geopolitical circumstances, including Lepcha troubles, Gorkha aggression, uncertain attitudes from Tibet, and concerns from Nepal and Bhutan about British presence, eventually necessitated the transfer.
Following the acquisition, General Lloyd and Dr. Chapman explored the region in 1836-1837, leading to the decision to establish Darjeeling as a sanatorium. By 1840, infrastructure development began, with a road from Pankhabari, staging bungalows, hotels in Kurseong and Darjeeling, and private houses. However, the administration faced challenges in attracting native settlers to the uninhabited forests.

• Lepcha trouble.
• Gorkha aggression.
• Attitude of Tibet uncertain.

In 1839, Dr. Campbell, the British Resident in Nepal, became the Superintendent of Darjeeling, focusing on development, attracting immigrants, and promoting trade. The population grew from around 100 in 1839 to about 10,000 in 1849, mainly due to immigrants from neighboring states.
Despite these advancements, relations with Sikkim soured, leading to the arrest of Campbell and Hooker in 1849. In response, a British expedition in 1850 resulted in the annexation of additional territory from Sikkim. This strained relationship benefited Darjeeling, as it increased in importance under British administration.

• No. less than 70 European houses had been built;
• A bazar and a jail had been built;
• Revenue of Rs.50,000/- had been raised;
• A System of justice had been introduced in line with the tribal system;
• Forced labour had been abolished;
• Road had been constructed;
• Experimental cultivation of tea, coffee and fruits had been introduced.

In 1861, a treaty with the new Raja of Sikkim brought peace to Darjeeling, ending annoyances and securing freedom for commerce. Subsequent events included conflicts with Bhutan, leading to the capture of Bhutan Duars and the signing of the Treaty of Sinchula in 1864, which finalized the shape and size of the Darjeeling district at 1234 sq. miles. The year 1866 marked a turning point, establishing peace and initiating progress and civilization in Darjeeling.

Impact

• The Raja of Sikkim was confined to the mountainous hinterland, isolated from access to the plains except through British territory. The local inhabitants, burdened by a small and fixed tax to the Darjeeling Treasury, welcomed this situation. Darjeeling, in turn, experienced significant benefits, including a population increase, suitability for tea cultivation, and improved connections with British districts. Despite ongoing raids from Sikkim, the British occupied Rinchingpong in 1860.

In 1861, Colonel Gowler and Ashley Eden marched from Darjeeling to the Sikkimese capital, Tumlong. The Diwan fled, and the old Raja abdicated in favor of his son. Ashley Eden signed a crucial treaty on March 28, 1861, with the new Raja, ending the troubles faced by Darjeeling's inhabitants and ensuring full freedom for commerce. A road from Darjeeling to Teesta was constructed, with Sikkim undertaking to complete the remaining part.
Amidst these developments, conflicts with Bhutan emerged, as the Bhutanese raided and plundered Darjeeling. In 1863, Ashley Eden was sent to negotiate, but the British envoy faced open insults. Consequently, in the winter of 1864, a military force was dispatched to Bhutan, capturing the entire Bhutan Duars. The Treaty of Sinchula in November 1864 ceded the Bhutan Duars, passes leading into the hills, and Kalimpong to the British. By 1866, the Darjeeling district had assumed its present shape and size, marking a crucial epoch in its history and paving the way for peace, progress, and civilization.

Post-Independence :

On August 15, 1947, India achieved sovereignty and became a Socialist, Secular, and Democratic Republic. The district administration, aligned with these values, has since focused on various projects, including infrastructure development, mass education, poverty eradication, rural health and sanitation, economic development, and tourism. Overcoming challenges, the district has achieved goals at par or even surpassing the rest of the country. Darjeeling District today stands as a testament to continuous efforts, using past achievements as a foundation for ongoing excellence.

Darjeeling-Today

• Darjeeling District Administration
  The role of the district administration in Darjeeling has undergone a significant transformation following the enactment of The Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council Act. It has evolved from a mere managerial position to a crucial player, serving as an intermediary between the council and the government. While managing various key departments, the district administration now plays a pivotal role in addressing critical issues such as elections, panchayat, law and order, revenue, and more.
• Formation of Council … DGHC
  In the period from 1982 to 1988, the residents of Darjeeling were engaged in agitation for the creation of a separate state. However, an agreement between the Government and the chief of The Gorkha National Liberation Front, Mr. Subsash Ghisingh, led to the suspension of the agitation and paved the way for the establishment of an autonomous council. This council was aimed at promoting the social, economic, educational, and cultural advancement of the hill people.
  The Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council Act, passed as the West Bengal Act 13 of 1988 by the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, facilitated the establishment of an Autonomous Council for the welfare of the Gorkhas and other residents in the hill areas of the Darjeeling district.
• Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA):
  The Gorkhaland Territorial Act XX of 2011, as per the Memorandum of Agreement signed between the Government of India, Government of West Bengal, and Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, came into force on March 14, 2012. The Act established the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration for the region comprising the three subdivisions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, and some Mouzas of Siliguri subdivision in the District of Darjeeling. The objective is to create an autonomous self-governing body for expediting socio-economic, infrastructural, educational, cultural, and linguistic development, thereby preserving the ethnic identity of the Gorkhas and achieving comprehensive development in the region.
  The GTA Sabha, with forty-five elected members and five members nominated by the Governor, was constituted on August 2, 2012. The Hill Affairs Branch of the Home and Hill Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal, serves as the nodal branch overseeing GTA matters.

Functions of the Branch:

• Release of Grants in Aid to GTA for State Development Schemes and Administrative Expenditure.
• Release of RIDF loans for rural infrastructure development in GTA areas.
• Release of Additional Central Assistance as committed by the Central Government per the MOA signed.
• Providing relief to those affected by landslides and other natural calamities.
• Audit of Accounts of erstwhile DGHC and present GTA.
• Framing of GTA Act, 2011.
• Framing of GTA (Election) Rules, 2012.
• Amendment of the GTA Act.
• Constitutional Amendments required for GTA matters.
• Rules of Business of GTA.
• Establishment of various Boards/ Committees for GTA areas.
• Handling service matters of GTA Employees.
• Addressing issues related to tea gardens, tourist spots, Clean and Green Darjeeling.
• Determination of Territorial limits of Constituencies of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Sabha.
• Delimitation of GTA Sabha Constituencies.
• Conducting Elections to the GTA Sabha.
• Handling matters related to the Board of Administration, GTA.
• Addressing issues related to the transferred subjects to the GTA.

The geographical limits of the existing Darjeeling District have been altered, resulting in the creation of two separate districts, namely Darjeeling and Kalimpong, as per Notification No 36-PAR (AR)/0/2R-2/16 dated 07/02/2017 of the Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms and e-Governance.