Ugyen Wangchuk

 

Azhi Tsundrue Lhamo, 1921

 Early Life

Ugyen Wangchuk was born to Gongsar Jigme Namgyal and Azhi Pema Choekey in 1862 Wangduechoeling Palace. At the age of eight, he was working in the court of his father as normal civil servant with strict Driglam Namzha (etiquette) to mature him into a strong character for the future. His uncle Kuenzang Tenpay Nima gave him education and training in the earlier days.

Ugyen Wangchuk’s First Military Campaign at Paro in 1877

Ugyen Wangchuk was able to prove that he was a ‘man of courage’ during the Paro Poenlop revolt incident in 1877. He accompanied his father in the expedition to curb (solve) the revolt and capturing Ta Dzong which later on, Ugyen Wangchuk was appointed the in-charge of the Ta Dzong and Paro Poenlop in 1879 (1879). 

Rise of Young Ugyen Wangchuk and becomes Trongsa Poenlop

The problem between Pema Tenzin (Jakar poenlops) and Dungkar Gyaltshen (Trongsa Poenlop) both the uncles once again resurfaced. Ugyen Wangchuk like his father, did not interfere. Pema Tenzin sought help from his Droensep Singye Namgyel (Assistant Guest-master) to remove the Trongsa Poenlop through treachery on condition that Singye Namgyal be appointed the Trongsa Dronyer. After having eliminated Dungkar Gyaltshen, Pema Tenzin ascended to the throne and appointed his own relative as Dronyer. Singyel Namgyal having not appointed him as promised by Pema Tenzin, murdered Pema Tenzin and assumed himself as Trongsa Poenlop.

Ugyen Wangchuk finally decided to interfere as his uncle’s murder mean a political treachery by Singye Namgyal. Encouraged by his mother, Ugyen Wangchuk took revenge killing Singye Namgyal and declaring him as the new Trongsa Poenlop in 1884.