| Scholars are generally agreed
that the evolution of Bhutan as a modern state can be attributed
to four major events. These are, the advent of Buddhism in
Bhutan with the arrival of Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century
AD; establishment of the Drukpa Kargue Sect by Phajo Drugom
Shigpo in 13th century AD; the unification of Bhutan under
a central authority by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 17th century
AD and the coming about of a hereditary monarchy under King
Ugyen Wangchuck in the early twentieth century.
Since the 17th century government in Bhutan has consisted
of a dual control, jointly exercised by the Dharam Raja, as
an incarnation of former Lamas, and Deb Raja, an appointee
of the Dharam Raja. This "Concept of Dualism" was
introduced by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the one man credited
with the consolidation and unification of Bhutan, under one
"Central Authority." During the lifetime of the
Shabdrung and a little thereafter, this dualism worked very
satisfactorily. Over a period of time, however, power was
usurped by Penlops (Governors of Provinces or Regions). At
any given time, the most powerful penlop nominated his own
puppet as happened in the case of Dharam Raja and Deb Raja.
This resulted in revolutions and internecine wars rendering
the government unstable. It is through this picture of turmoil
and chaos that the story of the rise and triumph of the Wangchuck
dynasty, transits to one of relative peace and stability.
The history of the Kingdom is steeped in myth and legend.
In 1772, when Bhutan attacked Cooch Behar, a military forced
dispatched by Warren Hastings expelled the intruders which
legitimized the involvement of the British in this part of
the world. In 1903 the Government of India authorized a “Tibet
Mission” under Col FE Younghusband to proceed to Tibet
to seek a peaceful solution through negotiations with Chinese
and Tibetan delegates. Feeling some anxiety about the Bhutanese
attitude, Col Younghusband recommended in September 1903,
that the Bhutanese should be induced to declare their intentions.Therefore
the cooperation from “Tongsa Penlop," Ugyen Wangchuck,
the most powerful magnate of Bhutan then, was sought. His
contribution was so impressive that the British awarded him
a K.C.I.E in 1905, and Ugyen Wangchuck was created “Sir
Ugyen Wangchuck”.
Given the uncertainties of the time and the evolving political
scene around these parts of the world, it was collectively
decided by the clergy, laity and artistocracy of Bhutan to
install a hereditary system of “kingship” to eliminate
seizing of power by the sword! Sir Ugyen Wangchuck was elected
king by unanimous choice, and hereditary monarchy was established
in 1907 replacing the theocracy founded in the seventeenth
century by the Shabdrung.
The “Founding Monarch” Ugyen Wangchuk came to
power against a turbulent background of incessant feuding.
While the hereditary rule came in the time of Sir Ugyen Wangchuck,
the ground for this had been prepared during the time of Jigme
Namgyel in the late nineteenth century. Today , the Fifth
King from the Dynasty, the great, great grandson of the founding
monarch, occupies the “Golden Throne” of Bhutan.
The Kingdom is on the threshold of a major change when it
embraces democracy in 2008. This, more than anything else,
is the bequest of “the Wangchucks” to the people
of Bhutan.
Dynastic rule, laid the foundation for everlasting peace and transquility in Bhutan. The country under the Wangchucks has progressed rapidly towards economic self-reliance with democracy taking root in the country.
This book was concieved and written to commemorate 100 years of Wangchuck Rule, when the Kingdom becomes a democracy with His Majesty, Druk Gyalpo,assuming the role of a "Constitutional Monarch."
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