P.O. Box 879, Thimphu, Bhutan

  
     
 

HISTORY OF BHUTAN
"Bhutanese history is closely associated with its religion.

The first adventment of Buddhism began from 7th century AD and subsequently building of Buddhist temples in Bhutan."

    
         
 

The visit of Guru Padmasambhava and other Buddhist scholars and pilgrims from India and Tibet marked medieval Bhutan. Since the 12th century, many religious schools had spread widely throughout the kingdom and from 13th century onwards, the people had more rapidly adopted Buddhism, but later there were conflicts among different religious schools.

Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a leader of Drukpa Kagyup sect came to Bhutan in 1616. After many struggle and disputes, he established the dual system of administration for the first time in 1651, which was not seen before. However, this did not last long. After his death, successors became victims of intrigues and rivalries till early 20th century the instability continued.

  
a
 


HRH Ugyen Wangchuck, the powerful Bhutanese chief who was crowned as the first hereditary Monarch of Bhutan in 17th December, 1907.

The country's self imposed policy of isolation continued till the reign of third monarch, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. He decided to shed this old age policy and introduced the country to the outside world, bringing the country into the international mainstream.

King Jigme Singye Wangchuck also declares that a new constitution will be effective in the country from 2008.