History
The discovery of stone implements indicate that Bhutan was inhabited as early as 2000-1500 B.C. Although much of Bhutan’s early history remains to be brought to light., Bhutan’s history from the 7th century on, is becoming increasingly known.
Before the 1600s, the country consisted of small but independent principalities until Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594 – 1652) unified the country into one nation in the early 17th century. He established a theocracy in 1652 and gave Bhutan an administrative system, and a code of law. The theocracy established by Shabdrung ended in 1907 when Ugyen Wangchuck (1862 – 1926) was elected as the first king of Bhutan by popular consensus. Since the establishment of the monarchy in 1907, there have been five hereditary kings:
1. King Ugyen Wangchuck 1907 – 1926
2. King Jigme Wangchuck 1926 – 1952
3. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck 1952 – 1972
4. King Jigme Singye Wangchuck 1972-2008
5. King Jigme Khesar Namgayal Wangchuck 2008-
Throughout its history, Bhutan has remained independent, being one of the few countries in Asia never to have been colonized. Bhutan was fairly isolated from the outside world until the 1960s when the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1952 – 1972) opened links with other countries and initiated the development of a modern economy. His Majesty the late King also introduced many social, legal and constitutional reforms, which have had far- reaching effects.
Bhutan (or Druk Yul)
Ancient stone tools and weapons, remnants of large stone structures, and megaliths that may have been used for boundary markers or rituals, provide evidence of civilization as early as 2000 B.C.
Many historical references to Bhutan have called it land of the South or, Lhomon Tsendenjong (southern sandalwood or medicinal country). Bhutan’s origin has been traced to the Sanskrit words Bhota-ant, meaning highlands country. The name Bhutan came to be used more widely in the late nineteenth century in English-language correspondence. The traditional name of the country, since the seventeenth century, has been Drukyul- country of the Drukpa, the Dragon People.
In 1907, Bhutan’s 300-year-old dual system of government ended. In November of that year, an assembly of leading Buddhist clergy, government officials, and heads of important families established a new absolute monarchy. Sir Ugyen Wangchuck was elected as the first hereditary Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King, who reigned 1907-26) of Bhutan. This marked beginning of Monarchy in a unified Bhutan. The present King, His majesty Jigme Khesar namgyel Wangchuck is the fifth hereditary King of Bhutan.
