Bhutan’s history began in the 7th century. Initially, a Buddhist prince named Padmasambhava first visited Bhutan in 746 AD. Following his arrival, Buddhism flourished and today it is the national religion. The great Buddhist saint reportedly subdued many demons in Bhutan’s deep valleys. Subsequently, he turned these very demons into protectors of Buddhism. In fact, many sacred places across the country today show imprints and historical evidence of Padmasambhava’s miraculous acts. Therefore, many tour plans include visiting these places, which consequently instills an aura of peace into visitors.
A major change came in 1616 A.D. when the Tibetan master Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel arrived. First, he defeated local factions. Then, he unified the country. As a result, he established a dual system of governance. This system separated the religious and temporal bodies. For instance, the religious body’s head was the Je-Khenpo, whereas the temporal system’s head was the Desi. This system lasted until the early 1900s.
Furthermore, Zhabdrung introduced Bhutan’s first legal system around 1629. He codified the laws into the Nga-Chu-Drug-Ma (the 16 legal codes). These laws became the foundation of moral discipline. Moreover, he subdued powerful demons and evils. Ultimately, he turned them into guardians of Buddhism. Today, Bhutanese people worship two of these protectors; namely, the male guardian Yeshey Gempo and the female guardian Pelden Lhamo. In addition, Zhabdrung created unique styles of arts and crafts. He also designed Bhutan’s national dress and initiated rituals that people still practice today.
After Zhabdrung’s death, civil wars broke out. The internal turmoil persisted until 1885. A courageous man, Ugyen Wangchuck, then consolidated power. He was the son of the brave man Jigme Namgyel. Ugyen Wangchuck united the country and also built ties with the British in India. Consequently, he was enthroned as the first hereditary monarch on December 17, 1907. Today, we observe this day as Bhutan’s National Day.
Later, in 1910, Bhutan and British India signed the Treaty of Sinchula. This treaty ensured British non-interference in Bhutan’s internal affairs. However, Bhutan would seek their advice on foreign relations. The treaty likewise gave Bhutan monetary compensation for lands the British had captured.
After Ugyen Wangchuck died in 1929, his son Jigme Wangchuck became the second king. India, after gaining its independence in 1947, recognized Bhutan as an independent nation. Subsequently, Bhutan and India signed another treaty in 1949. This new treaty replicated the terms of the Treaty of Sinchula.
The third king took the throne in 1952. He brought gradual modernization to the country. He initiated planned developments through a five-year plan model. Under his leadership, Bhutan became a member of the United Nations in 1971. Furthermore, he instituted the first National Assembly in 1953 as the country’s highest decision-making body. He also formed the Royal Bhutanese Army and the High Court. This brought justice to people involved in legal issues.
Modern amenities were built across the country, for instance, roads, hospitals, and schools. He also made public services like health and education free of cost. Therefore, people refer to the king as the Father of Modernization.
In 1972, Jigme Singye Wangchuck became the fourth king at age 17. He consolidated the development work his father began. He is particularly known for propounding the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH). This is a pragmatic development tool. Indeed, GNH defies Western models that consider only economic metrics. Instead, it integrates both material and spiritual well-being. GNH is, therefore, a middle path to development.
The fourth king also decentralized power by instituting local governments. Bhutan, as a result, became a member of many regional and international organizations. Furthermore, in 1998, the king relinquished his powers. He bestowed full executive powers on the cabinet ministers. One of them became the chairman for a year.
At the turn of the 21st century, the king called for a constitution. Consequently, the first constitution was adopted in 2008. In the same year, Bhutan instituted a democratic government. This system gave its people the right to vote and choose their leaders. This ushered in a new era for the Kingdom.
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