Who is the author of the book "Smash and Grab: Annexation of Sikkim"?

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on a political and historical book related to the events surrounding the merger of Sikkim with India. "Smash and Grab: Annexation of Sikkim" is a controversial and detailed account that discusses the political processes behind this episode. Knowing the author helps you connect South Asian political history with investigative and analytical writing on the subject.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The book title given is "Smash and Grab: Annexation of Sikkim".
• Four possible authors are offered, each a well known Indian journalist or historian.
• Only one of them actually wrote this specific political study.
• The question is a static general knowledge item and does not involve numerical calculations.

Concept / Approach:
The concept tested is again books and authors, but in the field of political journalism and historical analysis. "Smash and Grab: Annexation of Sikkim" was written by Sunanda K. Datta Ray, who critically examined the events leading to Sikkim's integration with India. Other options, such as Kuldip Nayar, B. G. Verghese, and Romila Thapar, are also respected writers, but they are associated with different books. By recalling the pairing between this title and Sunanda K. Datta Ray, you can identify the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Read the book title carefully and recognise that it deals with the annexation of Sikkim. Step 2: Think of which of the listed authors has produced a well known work on this specific event. Step 3: Recall that Sunanda K. Datta Ray authored "Smash and Grab: Annexation of Sikkim" as a detailed political study. Step 4: Select Sunanda K. Datta Ray as the correct option and eliminate the others as distractors.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by checking book catalogues on Indian politics, competitive exam guides, or reference lists dealing with India's integration of princely states and regions. They consistently list Sunanda K. Datta Ray as the author of "Smash and Grab: Annexation of Sikkim". Reviews and academic discussions of the book also attribute it to him, confirming the correct authorship beyond doubt. Once verified, this fact will remain stable because authorship of a published book does not change over time.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kuldip Nayar was a noted journalist and author, but his famous works focus on emergency, diplomacy, and politics, not primarily on Sikkim in this title.
B. G. Verghese wrote on media, development, and national affairs, but he is not credited with "Smash and Grab: Annexation of Sikkim".
Romila Thapar is a renowned historian of ancient India, not the author of this modern political book on Sikkim.

Common Pitfalls:
Because all the options are well known writers on politics or history, students sometimes guess randomly without recalling the specific pairing. Another pitfall is mixing up book titles on different political events, such as the emergency, partition, or integration of other princely states. To avoid such confusion, keep a separate list of analytical books on Indian political history and revise the titles along with their authors.

Final Answer:
The book "Smash and Grab: Annexation of Sikkim" was written by Sunanda K. Datta-Ray, which is the correct answer.