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BHUTAN
The name ‘Bhutan’ appears to derive
from the Sanskrit ‘Bhotant’ meaning ‘the end of Tibet’
or from ‘Bhu-uttan’ meaning ‘high land’. Though known as
Bhutan to the outside world, the Bhutanese themselves
refer to their country as Druk Yul or the Land of the
Thunder Dragon. ‘Druk’ meaning ‘Dragon’ and extending
from the predominant Drukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism.
 The
documented history of the Kingdom begins with 747 A.D.
with Guru Padsambhava also known as Guru Rinpoche who
made his legendary trip from Tibet across the mountains
flying on a tigress’s back. He arrived in Paro valley at
Taktsang Lhakhang also known as Tiger’s Nest. Guru
Rinpoche is not only recognized as the founder of the
Nyingmapa religious school but also considered to be
second Buddha. In the ensuing centuries, many great
masters preached the faith resulting in full bloom of
Buddhism by the middle ages. Although sectarian at
first, the country was eventually unified under Drukpa
Kagyupa sect of Mahayana Buddhism by saint/administrator
Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century. Ngawang
Namgyal codified a comprehensive system of laws and
built a chain of Dzongs which guarded each valley during
unsettled times and now serving as the religious and
administrative centre of the region.
During the next two centuries civil wars intermittently
broke out and the regional Governors became increasingly
more powerful. At the end of 19th century, Trongsa
Governor overcame all his rivals and soon afterwards
recognized as the overall leader of Bhutan. The Governor
of Trongsa, Sir Ugyen Wangchuck, was elected as the
first King of Bhutan in 1907 by an assembly of
representatives of the monastic community, civil
servants and people. The country has now the system of
democratic monarchy. The monarchy has thrived ever since
and the present King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck,
the first King’s great grandson, commands the
overwhelming support of his people. After assuming the
throne in 1974, the present king continued his father a
policy of pragmatic development by actively pursuing
industrial progress, country wide education and medical
care and at the same time ensuring country cultural and
natural heritage intact. |
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