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Archeological
evidence suggests that Bhutan was inhabited by nomadic herders as early
as 2000-1500 BC. Although the destruction of original documents
in fires and earthquakes has left much of Bhutan's ancient history obscure,
a few of the scriptures that were saved from such natural disasters reveal
the prominence of Buddhist tradition and mythology. Other sources
rely on reports from British explorers, and on legend and folklore.
Recorded
Bhutanese history dates back to the 747 AD when Guru Rinpoche
first visited the country. Regarded as the second Buddha and the patron
saint of Bhutan, he introduced the Buddhist religion in the country, providing
a sense of cohesion during the middle ages. |
Until
the early 17th century, Bhutan was a cluster of fragmented provinces
constantly at odds with each other. It was Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal,
a great spiritual personality and leader who brought an end to warring
factions and unified the country into one nation, establishing a theocracy
in 1652 and introducing a code of law. In the process of crushing
several foreign invasions, mainly from Tibet, he initiated the building
of many fortresses called Dzongs, which to this day, serves as centers
of administration in the country.
The
theocracy established by Zhabdrung endured until 1907 when
Ugen
Wangchuck was elected as the first hereditary king of Bhutan by popular
consensus. Jigme Wangchuck succeeded him and ruled the country from 1926
to 1952. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as the father of
modern Bhutan, was king from 1952 to 1972. The present king His
Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck ascended to the throne in
1972.
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