Ongdichi Palace at Lhabrang (Tumlong) was built in the year 1814 by the seventh Chogyal, Tsugphud Namgyal. This is the capital of the Namgyal Dynasty after Tashitenka and Rabdentse. This fort was constructed betwen1700 to1717 during the reign of Chogyal Chagdor Namgyal. As a minor Chagdor Namgyal was staying in Lhasa, Pendi Wongmu, daughter of the first queen of Chogyal Tensung Namgyal, who hailed from Bhutan, challenged the succession of Chogyal Chagdor Namgyal and with the aid of the Bhutanese forces started to occupy Sikkim. They occupied the South eastern territory along with the Rabdentse Palace in West Sikkim. Chagdor Namgyal sought help from the Tibetan Government and with their assistance drove out the Bhutanese forces from Sikkim. The Bhutanese forces very soon made another attempt to capture Sikkim. However, this time Chagdor Namgyal put-up a tough resistance to foil their attempt for the second time. In this war, Kalimpong and its surrounding areas were lost by Sikkim, forever.
|