Bhutan: History

Pre-20th-Century History

Archaeological evidence suggests Bhutan was possibly inhabited as early as 2000 BC. Buddhism was probably introduced in the 2nd century although traditionally its introduction is credited to the first visit of Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century.

Guru Rinpoche is the most important figure in Bhutan's history, regarded as the second Buddha. His miraculous powers included the ability to subdue demons and evil spirits, and he preserved his teachings and wisdom by concealing them in the form of terma (hidden treasures) to be found later by enlightened treasure discoverers known as tertons . One of the best known of these tertons was Pema Lingpa; the texts and artefacts he found, the religious dances he composed, and the art he produced, are vital parts of Bhutan's living heritage.

Before the 16th century, numerous clans and noble families ruled in different valleys throughout Bhutan, quarelling among themselves and with Tibet. This changed in 1616 with the arrival of Ngawang Namgyal, a monk of the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism from Tibet. He taught throughout the region and soon established himself as the religious ruler of Bhutan with the title Shabdrung Rinpoche. He repelled attacks from rival lamas and Tibetan forces and transformed the southern valleys into a unified country called Druk Yul (Land of the Dragon). While the political system he established lasted until the beginning of the 20th century, the announcement of the Shabdrung's death in 1705 was followed by 200 years of internal conflict and political infighting.

Modern History

Instability lasted until 1907, when Ugyen Wangchuck was elected, by a unanimous vote of Bhutan's chiefs and principal lamas, as hereditary ruler of Bhutan. Thus the first king was crowned and the Wangchuck dynasty began. Over the following four decades, he and his heir, King Jigme Wangchuck, brought the entire country under the monarchy's direct control. Upon independence in 1947, India recognised Bhutan as a sovereign country.

The third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, is regarded as the father of modern Bhutan because of the development plans he initiated. In 1958 he abolished slavery. When China took control of Tibet, Bhutan's policy of total isolation lost its appeal and the country was formally admitted to the United Nations in 1971. The present monarch, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, has continued the policy of controlled development with particular focus on the preservation of the environment and Bhutan's unique culture. Among his ideals is economic self-reliance and what he nicknamed 'Gross National Happiness'.

His coronation on 2 June 1974 was the first time the international media were allowed to enter the kingdom, and marked Bhutan's debut appearance on the world stage. The first group of paying tourists arrived later that year.

Traditionally, lyonpos (members of the Council of Ministers) were appointed by the king for five-year terms. Lyonpos were usually reappointed and an unrivalled political stability in the last two decades has enabled Bhutan to progress steadily with its policy of controlled modernisation. Lyonpo Dawa Tshering holds a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's longest serving foreign minister (1972-98).

In major political reform in June 1998, the king dissolved the Council of Ministers and announced that ministers formerly appointed by him would need to stand for open election. A rotating chairman fronts the resultant cabinet.

Recent History

What has really shaken Bhutanese society, young and old, is King Jigme Singye Wangchuck's announcement in 2005 of his intention to adbdicate the throne and move towards a democratic constitutional monarchy by 2008. At the time of research, Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck was circulating a draft constitution around the country seeking opinion and support. This constitution, which is expected to be ratified by referendum, reinforces the King's idea of having a democratic government committed to increasing gross national happiness (GNH) and not just gross national product (GNP).

The other issue dominating Bhutanese civic life is the Nepali refugee problem. In the early 20th century many Nepalis migrated to Bhutan and settled in the south of the country. From the 1950s the Bhutanese government started taking steps to integrate the ethnic Nepalis, with little or no conflict up until the 1980s. In 1988 the government conducted a nationwide census aimed partly at identifying illegal immigrants, defined as those who could not prove family residence before 1958. Lack of proper documentation, a series of violent acts and ensuing fear and insecurity led to an exodus of Nepali-speakers from Bhutan.

How much this movement was voluntary remains a matter of fierce debate, but tens of thousands of Nepali-speakers left Bhutan between 1988 and 1993. At the end of 2005 there were 106,000 people in camps located in the Jhapa district of south-eastern Nepal, 10% to 15% of whom were born there. Their status is protected by the UNHCR, which uses donor support to provide the survival rations and shelter.

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