Bhutan History
The Kindgdom of Bhutan is a country nestled in the Eastern Himalayas. The high Himalayas to the north separate the Kingdom from the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China while the rugged eastern region borders the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim.A conscious policy of isolation complemented by formidable geographical barriers has enabled the Kingdom to maintain its independence throughout the history. Ancient stone implements and other archaeological findings indicate that there were settlements in Bhutan dating back to 2000 B.C. The chronicled history of the Kingdom however begins with the advent of Buddhism in the eighth century.
In 747 A.D., the Buddhist sage, Padmasambhava popularly revered in Bhutan as Guru Rimponche visited the country and introduced Buddhism. Since then, Buddhism has occupied a predominant role in shaping the social, political, economic and cultural evolution of the country. In the centuries that followed, Buddhist teachers and local nobility established their own separate domains throughout the country.
In the 17th century, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594 – 1652), a leader of the Drukpa Kargyu School of Buddhism consolidated the country under a unified power and established the Chhoesi system of governance, whereby both the temporal and religious authority were separated and vested in the Druk Desi (Temporal Head) and Je Khenpo (Spiritual Head) respectively. By the end of the 17th century, the country emerged with a distinct national and cultural identity, as well as, an unprecedented degree of political stability.
During the second half of the 18th century, the country witnessed a resurgence of political instability. The unity of the country was affected by internal dissent. External threats in the latter half of the 19th century added a new dimension to the political quandary. It was against this background that the need for strong leadership emerged. Peace and stability were restored with the enthronement of His Majesty King Ugyen Wangchuck (1907 – 1926). On December 17, 1907 with the signing and sealing of the Oath of Allegiance in a grand ceremony in Punakha Dzong, Ugyen Wangchuck became the first hereditary monarch of the Kingdom of Bhutan.
The establishment of monarchy ushered in an era of peace and stability and most significantly unified the country under a central authority. It also set in motion a steady process of engagement with the outside world and laid the foundation for the country as a modern nation state.
Culture
Bhutan is a rich mosaic of cultures, lifestyles, languages and belief systems. In a country with a population of 600,000, as many as 19 different dialects and many languages are spoken. This is attributed to the fact in the past, Bhutanese communities settled in the valleys with limited communication. It is for the same reason that the sense of individuality and independence emerges as a strong characteristic of the people.The Bhutanese are, by nature, physically strong and fiercely independent with an open and ready sense of humour. Hospitality is an in-built social value in Bhutan. People wear colorful dresses; men wear a Gho, women wear Kira.
There is no rigid class system in Bhutan and social and educational opportunities are not affected by rank or birth. Bhutanese women enjoy equal rights with men.
Unlike many countries, traditional arts, age-old ceremonies, festivals, social conduct and structures are not the remnants of a bygone age. Traditional arts and crafts are still practiced as they were done hundreds of years ago, vibrant festivals are celebrated and social principles like Driglam Namzha (age old etiquette and code of conduct) are still evident because they continue to have a special significance in the daily lives of the people.
Ecology
The people of Bhutan have treasured their natural environment, and have lived in harmony with its elements respecting the sanctity of life and revering the mountains, forests and rivers as abodes of gods and spirits. The Buddhist faith being predominant, it has inculcated deeply in people, the value that all forms of sentient life, not just human life, are precious and sacred.The country has one of the richest bio-diversity in the world with about 3,281 plant species per 10,000 square kilometers and has been declared as part of one of the 10 global bio-diversity “hotspots”.
Bhutan has been identified as one of 221 global endemic bird areas of the world. Almost three fourths of the land area is covered by forests of temperate and subtropical species that are natural habitat for a diversity of flora and fauna. Its various eco-systems harbor some of the most exotic species of the eastern Himalayas. An estimated 770 species of birds and over 50 species of rhododendron, along with an astonishing variety of medicinal plants (over 300 species) and orchids are endemic to this region.
Nine national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are home to some of the rarest and most significant animals in the world. The exact number of mammalian species is unknown but over 165 have been reported. Rare animals like the golden langur, takin and snow leopard are found distributed widely. Himalayan black bear, brown bear, wild pig, musk deer are some large mammals found in many parts of Bhutan.
