This postage stamp from the country of Bhutan issued in late 70s is probably the only postage stamps in the world of philately that showed Sikkim as an Independent Country. You can closely see an Independent Sikkim, below it India while East Pakistan now Bangladesh just beneath it. Bhutan is right to Sikkim in white while Tibet on its top.
BY SHITAL PRADHAN A small hamlet in an eastern side Silent raush on its way, The old silk route, More older it look Upon which I stay, Hey that’s Rongli, Rongli my birthplace Years went by, years dried up, Yet the small village is as it was, Silent, peaceful and introvert Today’s picture of Rongli, Houses as station bogie, Looks a cradle, from Chujachen, Upon which the blue sky, As if I can touch thee, Roaring River, As the legend we hear, Still watch with glee, The terror of 1890 somewhat forgotten, Yet another terrorizing moment, 68 was the year… 1968, When sky too wasn’t pleased. That was Rongli, Rongli of the past. Playing along the Baar-Pepal tree, Hiding in the Shivalaya, Watching videos and aloft Is a decent memory, now? Sweet time in treasure, Yet when I am in Rongli, I am happy, in whither sweet. Rongli my birthplace !

You may be interested in my article in Stamp Magazine April 2008 (volume 74 no.4 page) which is mainly about a philatelic visit to Bhutan but also has a small piece about a short visit to Pelling and Gangtok in Sikkim and which features relevant photographs including Mount Khatchamdzunga as photographed from Pelling and the featured 15ch value of the first Bhutanese stamp which as far as I know is indeed the only stamp to depict a map showing an independent Sikkim. But why, I wonder, did Sikkim never issue postage stamps unlike other Indian princely states? Graham Knight.
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