Dorji Tenzin: Random Thoughts like Cries of a Clown

It is surprising fact that when world was fighting for democracy, Bhutan which had semi-democratic   form of government adopted monarchy in 17 December 1917 by crowning Sir Ugyen Wangchuk as first hereditary monarchy of Bhutan. During the era of Zhabdrung, apart from Desi, three penlops were appointed at rank of minister to look after three regions, Trongsa Poenlop for eastern Bhutan, Parop Penlop for western Bhutan and Daga Penlop for central and southern Bhutan. There were also many appointed Dzonpons( head of district) out   of which two Dzongpoen; Punakha Dzongpoen and Thimphu Dzongpon had power equivalent to Penlop. After the demise of Zhabdrung in 1652, the power struggle for post of Desi, Penlops and Dzongpoens began often resulting into assassination and cold-blooded battle. Some Desis ruled the nation as short as three months. At such period, the father of first Monarch Jigme Namgyal who was semi-literate and descendent of Pema Lingpa became courtier under Tronga Penl

Zhabdrung realized that Bhutan needed to differentiate itself from  Tibet  in order to promote its religion and cultural identity. He devised many of Bhutan’s customs, traditions and ceremonies in a deliberate effort to develop a unique cultural identity for the country. As a revered Buddhist scholar, Zhabdrung had both the astuteness and authority to codify the Kagyu religious teachings into a system that was distinctively Bhutanese. He also defined the national dress and instituted the Tshechu festival. The Zhabdrung created a code of laws that defined the relationship between the lay people and the monastic community. A system of taxes was developed; these were paid in kind in the form of wheat, buckwheat, rice, yak meat, butter, paper, timber and clothing. The people were subject to a system of compulsory labour for the construction of trails, dzongs, temples and bridges. These practices lasted almost unchanged until the third king eliminated them in 1956. In 1640’s