Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck: Institution of Hereditary Monarchy

 **Circumstances (Reasons*) that led Bhutan to establish Hereditary Monarchy:

1.       Political Vacuum- the seats of Druk Desi and Zhabdrung were left empty. For example, Zhabdrung Jigme Chogyal died in 1904 and the reincarnation was yet to recognized. On the other hand, Desi Choglye Truelku Yeshi Ngedrup retired to Sangchoekhor Monastery in 1906 leaving the seat of Desi empty.

2.       Gyadrung Ugyen Dorji submitted a petition (official request) to Lhengye Tshog (Council of Ministers). His request to appoint Ugyen Wangchuk as the ‘Monarch’ was based on following reasons:

-Dual system was found to be not working properly which will effect the sovereignty of the country,

                  - post of Desi and Zhabdrung became puppet in the hands  of Poenlops and Dzongpoens,

              -Hereditary Monarchy (system of kingship to be continued by his heir) will ensure the country’s peace and sedurity,

          - strong and capable leader like Ugyen Wangchuk will ensure continued peace and sovereignty of the country.

Enthronement as Druk Gyalpo

British Guests during the enthronement of Ugyen Wangchuck as the First Hereditary King of Bhutan.
Source: Google

Finally the Lhengye Tshog approved the petition and with the Oath of Allegiance (promise to accept and follow) taken, every officials including Poenlops, Dzongpoens, Central Monk Body, etc signed on the document imprinted with Zhabdrung’s seal (Nga Chudrugma) accepting Ugyen Wangchuk as First Hereditary Monarch (king) on 17^th December, 1907 (corresponding to Bhutanese calendar on 13^th Day of 12^th month of Earth Monkey Year) in Punakha Dzong with British officials such as John Claude White also witnessed the enthronement sharing his views on Bhutan’s decision to have hereditary monarchy and particularly Sir Ugyen Wangchuk as the king. Ugyen Dorji was promoted as Gongzim (Chief of Chamberlain) to the First Druk Gyalpo.

Genja of 1907: On the enthronement of Ugyen Wangchuck as the First Hereditary Monarchy of Bhutan.
Source: Google

Bhutan's First Hereditary Monarch: During the enthronement.
Source: Google/

 Reforms of the First Druk Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck

1.    Modern education was initiated through establishing first modern schools at Haa (Ugyen Dorji Schoo/ Wangchuk Lhodzong) and Thinley Rabten School at Wangdue Choeling, Bumthang, in 1914 and 1915 respectively. 46 students were enrolled in the beginning.  12 Bhutanese started serving as civil servants in 1921.

2. Improved Monastic education- Invited learned teachers from Tibet and sent monks and scholars to study further in Tibet.

3.  Religious contributions- Renovated (repaired) many temples and new temples were built.

4.  Reduced land tax and Woola for the people.

5.  Encouraged trade and commerce with India.

6. Made good relation with the British Government in India.

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