ABSTRACT
When the Indian Government carried through one of its punitive expeditions against Sikkim, it forced the Maharaja’s Government to undertake to construct, and to keep under repair, a number of high-roads throughout the country in place of the casual tracks which were hitherto to be found, and also to erect a number of these official rest-houses. All the people of Sikkim benefit from the roads, but for the most part gain nothing from the rest-houses, for although the Maharaja himself and one or two of the higher members of his Court are permitted to use them, they have been erected chiefly for the benefit of the British Political Officer and his staff, and also for other European travellers who are given permits from the Government. This rest-house (or dak-bungalows) system forms part of the general policy of the Indian Government, which has forced a number of rulers of other native states to erect similar institutions.
