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Olakha, Thimphu, Bhutan.

History of Bhutan


According to the records of history, Bhutan was previously named in different ways. The names such as Lho Jong which mean the “Valley of South”, Lho Jong Men Jong-“Southern Valleys of medicinal herbs, Lho Mon Tshenden Jong- “Southern Valleys where Sandlewood grows” were some of the names given to the country. As Bhutan was situated below the Tibetan borders, the term “Mon” was often used to refer to our country which refers to Mongoloid , non-Buddhist people that inhabited the southern Himalayas. Later in the 17th century, the country became to be known as Druk-Yul or the Land of the Drukpas which has reference to the Drukpa sect of Buddhism that was dominant during that period.

The Bhutanese people adopted the religion of Bonism in the early history but later in 7th century, Buddhism was introduced by a Tibetan King (Songtsen Gampo). Buddhism was further strengthened by the visit of Guru Rinpoche in the 7th century and thus the religion of Buddhism was spread across the country. Until the arrival of Zhabdrung, the country was ruled by different leaders termed as “Poenlop’s” who had authority over different clans. However, with the arrival of Zhabdrung in the 17th century, the country was unified under one system of law and governance. It was under his unification of the country that defeated all three invasions from Tibet. Soon after the death of Zhabdrung, the country fell into civil war between the various local ruler’s.

The chaos continued in the country until the consolidated power was unanimously given to the Trongsa Poenlop Ugyen Wangchuk who was able to gain control of the country. With the support of the people, Bhutan’s first hereditary king was crowned in 1907. The Wangchuk dynasty brought the country under one leader and it was through the different monarchs of the Wangchuk dynasty until today, who brought in developmental changes and modernization to keep the country unified and solidarity. It is through the leadership and guidance of these kings that Bhutan has progressed smoothly in economic development while preserving the age old culture and traditions. In 2008, the 4th king of Bhutan, King Jigme Singye Wangchuk initiated and established democratic form of government in the country in order to safeguard the rights of the citizens. In the same year, the 4th king of Bhutan stepped down and then crowned the current King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk as the 5th king of Bhutan. Since 2008, the country has successfully transited into the democratic form of government and currently guided by a constitutional monarchy form of government.