Sharchog Khorlo Tshibgyed and its Reunification in 1850

 

Sharchog Khorlo Tshibgyed

The Eight provinces of Central and Eastern Bhutan were collectively known as Sharchog Khorlo Tshibgyed (or) Eight Provinces of the Eastern Circle. 

1. Mangde Tshozhi (four blocks of Mangde) 

2. Bumthang Dezhi (four sub-divisions of Bumthang) 

3. Kurtoe Dozhi (four valleys of Kurtoe) 

4. Yangtse TshoNga (five blocks of Yangtse)

5. Khyengri Namsum (three different regions of Khyeng) 

6. ZhonggarTshoduen (seven blocks of Zhonggar) 

7. Trashigang Tshochu (ten blocks of Trashigang) 

8. Dungsam Dosum (three valleys of Dungsam).

After the unification of the country completely, these regions were controlled under Trongsa poenlop.

Reunification of Sharchog Khorlo Tshibgyed by Jigme Namgyal (Battle of Limithang)

The Dzongpoens of Trashi Gang, Trashi Yangtsi, Zhonggar and Gyadrung of Dungsam (Bhutan Agent in India) were revolting against the Trongsa Peonlop supported by the central government. Jigme Namgyal who was promoted to Trongsa Dronyer(Guest Master) in 1850 led an armies from Zhemgang, Lhuntshi, Trongsa and Bumthang and defeated those rebel Dzongpoens at Battle of Lingmithang in Zhonggar taking the Dzonpoens as prisoner.

Ruins of Zhonggar Dzong
Courtesy: bookmytour

**Importance of Jigme Namgyal’s military venture in the east:-

1. The defeat of those Dzongpoens has made the Sharchog Khorlo Tshibgye once again under the control of Trongsa poenlops.
2. Jigme Namgyal got experienced about the military campaign which would help him in the later times as well as gained knowledge and understanding about the affairs of the west.