Brief History of Bhutan

Bhutan is a South Asian country, which is bordered by India to the south and China to the north. In the 8th century Padma Samvawa arrived to Bhutan bringing Buddhism from India. He taught Buddhism and established a number of temples and monasteries.

Before the introduction of Buddhism, Bon religion was prevalent in Bhutan. Bon Religion is very similsr to ancient native American's religion. Imported from Tibet and India, which continues to be practiced in some part of Bhutan.

In 1616 monk leader from Tibet named Shabdrung Ngawang Namgayl, a Buddhist leader arrived in Bhutan and he unified all states together and named Bhutan. He introduced the present dual system of religious and secular government. He ruled Bhutan for 35 years and died in 1651.

For two centuries following Shabdrung's demise, civil wars intermittently broke out, and the regional governors became increasingly more powerful. During the war hundreds of people lost their life and thousands of lost their family. This is what very similar to the past histories of many other countries around the world. The civil war ended in 1907 when the people of Bhutan elected the Trongsa Governor Ugyen Wangchuck, the First King of Bhutan. Trongsa is name of place; it's eastern part of Bhutan. The hereditary passed from great man still stands today in the kingdom.

Before forty years ago Bhutan was isolated from world, only handful of people were aware about Bhutan. Today Bhutan is known as one of the most peaceful country in the world. Bhutan is immersed in rich culture and peace with the theory of Gross National Happiness rather than Gross National Product. Gross National Happiness is sustain on four pillars. They are the promotion of equitable and sustainable socio-economic development, preservation and promotion of cultural values, conservation of the natural environment, and establishment of good governance.

This is brief history of my homeland country. I am practicing on writhing so, if there is mistake on grammar rules or other things please correct me. I am proud of myself because now I am able to write short articles in English. I can express my thoughts in English words. Today I am really grateful to the staffs of Literacy Source, volunteers and my friends. It's only success with your genuine helps.

Have a great day!

Lhakpa.