The landlocked Himalayan country Bhutan, with an area of
38,394sq.km was in chaos and disorder for powers and post in the early history.
Every region was ruled by a penlops and landlords which have not only burden
the people through heavy taxes but also had to work without payment as labor.
There was never a peace and prosperity in the country as people has to face
many civil wars.
With the prayers of the people a destined man called Jigme Namgyel
was born in 1825 to father Pila Gonpo Wangyel and mother Sonam Pelzom in
kurtoe. Inspired by his repeated dream of working at Trongsa, he journeyed
crossing all obstacles and facing challenges towards the dream land. He worked
under Tronsa Ponlop Ugyen Phuntsho from a very lowest post (Tozep). His
exemplary dedication and commitment to job has been recognized by the ponlop
which led to appointment of Tronsa Dronyer. He had become the trusted man
of Tronsa ponlop where he was also promised to be appointed as Trongsa Ponlop
after retirement of Ponlop Ugyen Phuntsho. It was in 1853 when he became
unprecedented Trongsa Ponlop in the country. He lead to reconciliation and
rises of monarchy and also re-unified the country. Jigme Namgyel the Father of
Kings became 49th Druk Desi in 1870.
A. The Architect of United Bhutan
The country was further strengthened by his son Gongsa Ugyen
Wangchuk - The Great Architect of united Bhutan. King Ugyen Wangchuk was born
at Wangduecholing palace in Bumthang to Ashi Pema choki and Trongsa Penlop
Jigme Namgyel in 1862. His strong dedication to service was recognized after he
was appointed as Tronsa penlop in 1886 after battle of Changligmithang
(1885).This has lead to the appointment of first hereditary monarchy in 1907.
He has brought three major reforms in the country which includes social,
political and cultural reforms after he became first king of Bhutan in 1907.
1. Social Reforms:
Many young Bhutanese were sent to study abroad and trained as
doctors, engineers, foresters, soldiers and teachers. He has established
schools at Haa in 1914 with 46 students studying in it. In 1915 second school
was established in Bumthang for crown prince Jigme Wangchuk. Moreover, royal
patronage to Bhutanese monks and scholars were also given as they were sent to
study in Tibet and has also invited teachers to Bhutan.
2. Political and Cultural Reforms
The political unity of the country has been strengthened as he has
brought to the end of civil wars in the country. The country was under civil
wars for penlops and Dzongpons which has ended after his enthronement as
hereditary monarchs. He had also commissioned the construction of new temple at
Kuje containing three storied statue of Guru Rinpoche.
B. Father of Consolidated Bhutan
King Jigme Wangchuk was born to Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuk and Ashi
Tsundu Lhamo in 1905. The king ascended to the throne on 26th August 1926 and
the coronation was held on 14 march 1927. The country's isolation and batter
system was the most important cornerstones for the survival of people in his
reign when the world was facing destructive Second World War. He married
to Ashi Phuntsho Choden and Ashi Pema Choden. His major contribution lies in
the administrative and social sections.
1. Administrative and Social Reform:
His majesty instituted Nangi Lhengye Zhi which includes four
important officials. Many un-necessary post was abolished and powers of
dzongpons reduce easing the tax burdens of the people. He also centralized and
created an effective collection of tax system used for developmental
activities. The taxation system was reviewed and instituted the system for
payment of labor. He abolishes traditional method dispensing justice like
throwing convicted murders to the rivers and the harsher punishments was
reduced.
C. Father of Modern Bhutan
King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck was born to King Jigme Wangchuk and
queen Ashi Phuntsho Choden on 2nd may 1928 at Thruepang Palace. He ascended to
the throne on 27th October 1952. He was successful in changing his title from
"His highness the Maharaja" to his majesty the Druk Gyalpo. He has
brought various reforms to the country which includes social reforms, cultural
reforms, economic development and political reforms.
1. Social reforms:
His majesty reduced land tax and granted tax assumption to poor
section of the people. The ceiling of land ownership was brought to 30 acres.
He abolished the age old practice of slavery and serfdom. The schools were
built for modern education and scholarships were sent to study in India and
abroad. Teacher training institute was established in the country. Moreover,
hospitals, dispensaries, agriculture and Animal Husbandry department were set
up in the country.
2. Cultural Reforms
His majesty has emphasized on the need to preserve age old culture
and tradition. He has adopted dzongkha as National language and developed it in
it written form. Moreover, numerous schools were established to promote
paintings, dancing, singing and sculpture. Moreover, to preserve county's rich
monuments and heritage, he founded the National Museum in Paro Ta-Dzong. It was
in his reign that the Tashi Chhoedzong was reconstructed.
3. Economic Development
To improve the economic outlook of the country, five year
development plan was established in 1961 with the help of Indian Government. In
1962 Bhutan government transport service was established followed by Bank of
Bhutan in 1968. Bhutan's foreign trade begins to grow with the development of
fruit processing and distillery in Samtse.
4. Political Reform
Constitutional reform and the administrative reform are two main
contributions toward political reforms. He transformed feudal absolute monarchy
in to modern state and in 1953 National Assembly called Tshodu was founded.
Moreover, Lhengye Zhungtshog and Thimphu high court was established in 1968.To
head different ministries Lynpos (ministers) were appointed in the country.
Furthermore, new district administrator known as Dzongdag was appointed.
5. Foreign Policy and International Relations:
The visit of Indian Prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
in 1958 created an important land mark in the history of Bhutan's international
Relation.With the help of Indian assistance Bhutan joined United Nations as a
member state in 1971 and in 1962 Bhutan joined Colombo plan. Bhutan became full
membership of United Nation Organisation on september 21, 1971. The country was
opened to the outside world by his Majesty and the death of his majesty was a
great loss to Bhutanese kingdom in 1972.
D. The Man of Vision:
His majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo was born to King Jigme Dorji
Wangchuk and Queen Ashi Kesang Choden on 11/11/1955 at Dechencholing Palace in
Thimphu. The world's youngest king ascended to the golden throne in 1972.
Succession to the throne as fourth hereditary king of Bhutan was celebrated at
Royal cottage in Bhutan in 1972. It was on June 2nd 1974 his majesty has been
crowned as fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan in Tashi Choedzong. The grand
celebration was done to the public at Changligmithang. His majesty's major
contribution include on social, economic and political development.
1. Education,
Health, Tax and Culture Reforms
Education throughout the country was upgraded through construction
of various schools. Primary schools were upgraded to higher and middle schools.
Degree College and various technical institutes were constructed under his
benevolent reign. Moreover, non formal education system was introduced in the
country where the people who did not have chance to study were give an
opportunity for it. The literacy rate of the country increased from 54% in 1996
to 65.54% in 2005 (Population and Housing Census, 2005).
His majesty’s contribution on health services include on coverage
with Basic Health Units in villages and construction of hospitals in various
regions. Hospitals and regional hospitals in the country were able to treat
major diseases where life expectancy increased from 44 years in 1971 to 66
years in 1995. Besides that, the medical services were given freely by the
state and people.
The labour act was reformed in 1995 and abolished Gongda woola.
The people need not have to work (woola) like earlier times. Moreover, the
mobilization of Zhabto lemi was decentralized to Gewog Yargay Tshochung. His
majesty has also stressed on preservation and promotion of country’s unique
culture and traditional heritage. He has established Dratshang Lhentshong and
Kadzin Lhentshog in 1984 and 1986 respectively to preserve and carry our
cultural and traditional religious activities. Futhermore, Preservation and
Promotion of Culture is not only enshrined in constitution but also as one of
the pillar in country’s Holistic developmental Philosophy Gross National
Happiness (GNH).
2. Economic
Development
Rural development, establishment of food cooperation of Bhutan,
Industrialization, private sector development, Transport and communication are
few of his majesty’s contribution towards economic development in the country.
The irrigation channels were improved in rural areas, high yielding varieties
of seeds were distributed through agriculture extension networks and mechanized
farming methods were introduced in the country. The marketing of country’s food
products like potato, orange and apple were done through food cooperation of
Bhutan. His majesty has commissioned the establishment of hydro power projects
in the country. Tala Hydro power project and Kurichu Hydro Power project was
established industrializing the country. Moreover, Penden Cement factory was
established in the country.
His majesty has held several meetings with private sectors for the
improvement of business opportunities and worked towards it. The business network
of the country increased and people were made comfortable to do any kind of
business in the country. Transporting system was connected to major part of the
country through roads. The radio broadcasting station was established in
1975 and the country was connected to internet and television broadcast in
1990.
3. Political
and Administrative development
The decentralization policy was implemented widely under his
majesty’s reign. He has established Dongkhag Yargay Tshongdu and Geog
Yargay Tshogchung in 1981 and 1991 respectively. The developmental needs of the
geogs and Dzongkhags are studied carefully through various meetings in geogs
and Dzongkhags leaded by the local and Dzongkhag head. Furthermore, his majesty
has formed ten ministries to carry out various activities. This has given the
ministry a power to implement the ideas and policy clearly. Legislative and
Judicial reforms are another important reforms towards political development.
It was the introduction of secret Ballot which has ensured free and fair
election. Moreover, Thrimkhangs were established with the help of Thrimshung
Chhemoe in every district.
4. Constitution
and Democracy
It was during the 76th session of National
Assembly his majesty handed over the reins of governance to a new cabinet of
elected council of ministers. Then, various democratic and constitutional
reforms were taken where the first draft of constitution was done in 2005
followed by establishment of Election Commission in 2006. His majesty has
announced to step-down his reign to his son in December 2005 in Tashiyangtse
which was done on 14th December 2006. The official coronation
was held in 2008.
5. Foreign
Policy and international relations
The Indo-Bhutanese relation increased under his majesty’s reign.
India has opened its air space to Bhutan national airlines and many
developmental projects and activities started with Indian assistance and
projects. In 1985, Bhutan became a founding member of South Asian Association
for Regional Cooperation (SARRC). Bhutan has joined many international
organizations like World Bank, Asian Development Bank and etc. Moreover, Bhutan
became members of international agencies like WHO, UNESCO, FAO etc. His majesty
has established diplomatic relations with many countries.
E. The People’s King
His majesty the King, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk was born to
King Jigme Singye Wangchuk and Ashi Tshering Yangdon on 21st February
1980. The king has brought various reforms in Social, Political, Foreign
and administrative sections in last 10 years. The social reforms include
establishment of office of Gyalpoi Zimpon and granting Kidu to poor and needy
people. His majesty has granted Gyalpoi Tozeo to poor children and census and
semso are also granted to the people. The king has travel throughout the
country to encourage people to participate in democratic exercise. He reminded
that the king is to constantly nurture the young democracy during the first
session of first parliament and second parliament.
The king has signed India- Bhutan Friendship treaty of 2007 in New
Delhi on 8th February 2014. Moreover, many state visits are
made which increased the foreign relation of the country. The king has attended
60th birth anniversary of Thai king, visit to Japan, Bangladesh
in important occasion. This has strengthened the country’s relation with other
nations. His majesty grants medals, patangs, scarfs and awards
to honor people for their dedicate service to Tsawa-sum. Moreover,
the king has brought various contribution towards the country, the mentioned
here are few of what I know and am updated.
Therefore, I thank my benevolent leaders for what they
have done to the country.Their great legacy has shaped the country to a better
place. The country once known "Lhomen" with its people
"Monpas" now is popularised as "The last Shangrila". We can
compare the earlier times and Bhutan today, the peace, development,
richness in all resources, happiness level in people, security and reputation
of the country. The people of the country has largest dept to the leaders, the
dept where one can't recover in this era. The only thing we as citizen do is
pray for their well being and serve to meet the dreams and aims of the leaders.
Thank you leaders, may Happiness continues to prosper in the country and people
be blessed under Wangchuk Dynasty.