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Archeological evidence suggests Bhutan was inhabited possibly 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 Rimpoche in the 8th century.
Guru Rimpoche 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 artifacts 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, quarreling 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"
Rimpoche. 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.
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 Dorje Wangchuck, is regarded as the Father of Modern Bhutan because of the development
plans he initiated. 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, His Majesty King
Jigme Singye, 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 tourists arrived later that year. |
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