Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck [Father of the Foundation of Modern Bhutan]

Birth and Child 

Ugyen Wangchuck 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. He served as a manual servant from the lowest rank such as Changarp and Zimgarp at his father's court. His uncle Peling Suntruel Kuenzang Dechen Dorji gave him education and training in his earlier days. Ugyen Wangchuck is believed to be the reincarnation of the Rinpochhe of Kham in Tibet.

Ugyen Wangchuck’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 1876. He accompanied his father in the expedition to curb (solve) the revolt and capturing Ta Dzong which later on, Ugyen Wangchuck was appointed the in-charge of the Ta Dzong and Paro Poenlop in 1879. Phuntsho Dorji, the adopted son of Gongsa Jigme Namgyal was also present during the event.

Ugyen Wangchuck becomes the Trongsa Poenlop.

The problem between Pema Tenzin (Jakar poenlops) and Dungkar Gyaltshen (Trongsa Poenlop) both the uncles once again resurfaced few years (around CE 1882) after the death of Jigme Namgyal. Ugyen Wangchuck like his father, did not interfere at the first instant. 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 the Dronyer. Singyel Namgyal having not appointed him as promised by Pema Tenzin, murdered Pema Tenzin and assumed himself as Trongsa Poenlop.

Source: Google

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