Historical Facts of Bhutan

  Bhutan and Its Founder Chogyal Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594-1651) [1] The Unification of Bhutan into Nation State Bhutan lies in the eastern himalayan region. People were living in this part of the region from the time immemorial. The region (Bhutan) was blessed by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century CE. The seeds of the Mahayana Buddhism arrived at the Bhutanese soil. People lived in different valleys. There was no contact among the people of different valleys as they were cut off by rivers, dense forests and mountains systems. Different valleys were ruled by petty rulers. However, in the early 17th century CE, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Drukpa hierarch from Ralung Monastery came to Bhutan in 1616. He was welcomed cordially by Hobtsho lama of Gasa. Wherever he visited, a crowd of people gathered to receive blessing from him. People also offered gifts to Zhabdrung Rinpoche. The people of Wang (Thimphu) and Paro took Zhabdrung Rinpoche as their leader.  Although...

  This is a letter from the Desi of Bhutan to the Brigadiers-General (Dunsford) commanding the Force, dated 27th December 1864. " The territory which the Deb Raja has long since governed, although very small, he is contented with, and is never desirous of taking possession of the neighboring kingdoms of Chinese Tartary, China and English territory, nor ever put their peasantry into trouble. The Queen and the Deb Raja are like sister and brother. Last year when Mr. Eden came to me, I paid him such respect as was due to him, and introduced him to the Dhurma Raja, who settled the matter of captives with him. He, Mr. Eden, solemnly promised that he would never break the peace existing between us, or fight with us; but, in spite of this promise, you fight, which I do not like; you also never sent me any notice as to the reason of fighting, nor as to the time when you wish to do so, butt at once began by taking possession of our country, and halve driven out all our people, occupied a...

  A document was found at Balla stockade addressed by the Wangdu Phodrang Dzongpon to the Bhutanese official at Balla. The following is a translation of the letter: “I have heard that you are prudently acting, by building a strong stockade at Tazagong, for the protection of our country from the attacks of the ambitious and all-country-destroying English. As the hot season is at hand, you have requested permission to leave the position. I am aware that the place is getting warm, but if you return without gaining a decided victory, the great Chiefs and Lamas will surely hold you in great disgrace. So resolve never to come back but die in war. If you now come back, then what avail the hardship you have undergone so long in fortifying the position? What was the good of your undergoing labour so hard that you have reckoned one day as ten? What is the consequence of your lying in the open air whole nights, and sleeping upon the grass, having only a stone for your pillow? Certainly the ...

  Druk Gyalpo Jigme Wangchuck (1927 – 1952) and British India      Druk Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck passed away in 1926. Trongsa Penlop Jigme Wangchuck informed to the British India about the passing away of his father Druk Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck. In the following year, Trongsa Penlop Jigme Wangchuck was enthroned as the second Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan. The British India Government was represented by the political officer of Sikkim, Mr. F.M. Bailey. Dr. Graham visited Bhutan on the occasion of the coronation of the second Druk Gyalpo in 1927. Dr. Graham was one of the invittees on the occasion of the coronation of the second Druk Gyalpo. The following is the invitation letter to the Dr. Graham from the Druk Gyalpo: “ You were my friend in the time of my father; now also my full hope is in you. The Viceroy has sent a letter in which he has ordered me that I should at once take the position of Maharajah and according...