India and Tibet have been not only geographically neighbouring countries. There are deep-rooted religio-cultural, ethnic and commercial ties between the two countries. Buddhism, originated in India, flourished in Tibet. Kailash and Mansarover, having great religious sanctity for Hindus are situated in Tibet. Before Chinese aggression in Tibet, the mutual commercial activities between the two countries have significant role in the economy-particularly those of the inhabitants of bordering areas. This volume contains many important documents, speeches and other deliberations pertaining to policy on Tibet.

Tibet is situated on a high plateau surrounded by mountain passes. Covering an area in excess of 2.5 million square kilometres, it borders of India, Nepal Bhutan and Burma to the south, Eastern Turkistan to the north and China to the east Owing to its unique physical features, Tibet occupies not only the highest but also the most strategic position in Central Asia. Viewing Tibet and the Tibetan people in a global perspective, the present volume Tibet and the World has been systematically and carefully conceived. It is hoped that it will meet a long-felt need of research scholars.

This Encyclopaedia focuses on two Himalayan Kingdoms Sikkim (now a Indian State) and Bhutan and delves deeply into the multi-facet aspects like political treaties, covenant or agreements signed between the two countries and British India, their history, geography and travels and social and cultural heritage. The volume has traversed into the unsurpassable domains and terrains through the accounts of early Travellers to these Himalayan Kingdoms. Both the Kingdoms had been viewed for political and their highly strategic value from the very beginning and India has always assured them full security. In the words of Jawaharlal Nehru that any incursion into Bhutan or Sikkim will be considered incursion into India. The volumes carry the faithful accounts by the early travelers who have very minutely narrated the minutest details about the region, people, culture, customs, fauna and flora, trade and trade routes, economy, and social and cultural heritage. The encyclopaedic treatment of the subject in convincing, interesting, simple and comprehensive language enhances the value of this encyclopaedia and enables the readers to be fully engrossed and lost in these pages. It also acquaints all scholars to be fully aware of all the political treaties made so far for the defence of Sikkim and Bhutan and it also enriches their cultural and social knowledge with gradual study of these authentic and authoritative papers presented here.

Documents on Sikkim and Bhutan, as is obvious from the title, contains important documents viz. text of different treaties, snads, deeds, agreement and other confidential papers pertaining to Sikkim and Bhutan. This book will prove a dependable reference book for the students and scholars of history and politics, International law and International Relations.