Before getting to Bhutan, located in the eastern Himalayas, travelers should know about the History of Bhutan. History of Bhutan is very rich and varied. Bhutan, traditionally called ‘Druk Yul’, is a land-locked country which is bordered by India in the south, east and west and by the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China in the north.
Historical Facts of Bhutan
Bhutan has gone through several phases through history. The country witnessed internal strifes, practised Shamanism and then embraced Buddhism. It entered in conflict with the British and then the monarchy itself brought in democratic system in the country. History of Bhutan can be divided into following phases:
Archaeological Times
Archaeologists have dug out noteworthy number of stone tools and megaliths in Bhutan. This is the clear evidence of man’s residence around 2000BC in Bhutan.
Arrival of Buddhism
Known history of Bhutan begins with the arrival of Buddhism in the country. People of Bhutan followed Shaman traditions before advent of Buddhism. Padmasambhava, who became popular as Guru Rimpoche, is known for bringing Buddhism to Bhutan.
Appearance as a Country
Bhutan was the battleground of warring tribes till early 17th century. They were unified by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan lama and military leader. He introduced cultural symbols and established the dual system of government.
First King
Ugyen Wangchuck, the Penlop of Trongsa, the first hereditary monarch of Bhutan, came to power in 1907. He was unanimously elected by the regional governors, the clergy and the representatives of the people.
Conflict with the British
The Bhutanese occupied the Indian kingdom of Cooch Behar in the early 1700s and the British arrived and chased the Bhutanese out. The British even attacked Bhutan in 1774 and forced the Bhutanese to sign a treaty. But it was totally failed to bring peace between the two and border conflicts continued between them.
As a Modern Nation
King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third king of Bhutan, introduced constitutional reforms in Bhutanese history for the first time. A National Assembly with 150 members was established during his reign. The country launched its first Five Year Development Plan in 1961 and opened itself to international community.
Know about the Historical Accounts of Bhutan.
Online information on History of Bhutan is provided by travel.mapsofworld.
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