Topic 1: Jigme Wangchuk (Early Life) and Coronation

 

Jigme Wangchuk was born to Azhi Tsondrue Lhamo (Lemo) and King Ugyen Wangchuk in 1905 at Thinley Rabten Palace in Bumthang. It was the same year when his father was awarded the Knight Commander of Indian Empire (K.C.I.E). 

 

Formal Education and Childhood Upbringing

Jigme Wangchuk was schooled in Thinley Rabten School in Bumthang the school which was established by his father. From the early age he was put in the court of his father serving as normal civil servants and brought with strict precept of Driglam Namzha in his father’s court.

At the age of 14, Jigme Wangchuk served as Trongsa Dronyer in 1919 and in 1922, at the age of 17, he was appointed Trongsa Poenlop. When he was just a teenage, he coordinated the funeral rites of his mother Azhi Tsundroe Lhamo in 1922, thus, proving him to be already matured enough to enthroned as the next Druk Gyalpo.

Courtesy: Google

      Coronation

 While his father King Ugyen Wangchuk’s death remains still lay-in-state waiting for auspicious day for cremation, Jigme Wangchuk was crowned as the second Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan on March 14, 1927 in Punakha.  The event was attended by Zhabdrung, Je Khenpo and other officials including the F. M. Bailey, a British Political Officer of Sikkim who presented the insignia of Companion of Indian Empire (C.I.E) to the King Jigme Wangchuk.

In loving memory of his father and for the country’s future he,

 

i)                   - Made generous gifts to the Central Monk Body

    -Donated gold to refurbish the statues inside Punakha Dzong,

     - Installed new Sertog (ornamental gold pagoda) on Punakha Dzong

iv)                 -Donated sets of Kangjur and Tenjur texts to the Dzongs and monasteries

v)                  -Gave gerous gifts of food, clothing, livestock and money to the people, etc.

 

Personal Interest and Hobbies of the His Majesty

Life in the Royal Family reflected the tranquility (peace) of Jigme Wangchuk’s reign. There was close affections between the two queens and children exemplified the harmony that prevailed in the Royal Household.

The King was fond of children and frequently would be seen indulge with the children in their games. He would gift the children with the gifts and even let the children from the common people free access at the palace ground.

Built several palaces including the new palace at Trongsa Kuenga Rabten which was used as Winter Residence and Wangdue Choeling Palace was used as Summer Residence.  Other smaller palaces included Domkhar Palace (Tashi Choeling palace) at Bumthang and at Trongsa (Beleng and Samdrup Choeling).

The migration during summer and winter to the residences would be followed with ceremonial procession. Archery matches and many religious activities would be conducted at Kurje Lhakhang.

The Royal Families were very strict with the Driglam Namzha, which have helped maintain the tradition and attributed to the bhutan’s national identity.