Bhutan History
Chapter: Buddhism-The Light on the Nation’s Path
1.
Define
the following terms:
i.
Animism ii. Shamanism iii. Bonism iv. Buddhism.
Ans:
Animism: The process of worshiping and
belief in the natural elements for seeking protection.
Shamanism:
The practice of interaction with the spirit world performed by Shamans.
Bonism:
The practice of worshipping the natural elements through offerings or
sacrificing live animals to appease the spirits and deities.
Buddhism:
The religious practices according to the teaching of Lord Buddha [or] The
practice of the teachings of Lord Buddha.
2.
What
are the two types of Bonism practices?
Ans.
|
Bon-Kar (White
Bonism) |
Bon-Nag (Black
Bonism) |
|
Worshipping of
spirits and deities by offering statuettes or effigies instead of live animal
sacrifices. |
Worshipping of
spirits and deities by sacrificing live animals. |
3.
Which
parts of the Bhutanese community practice the Bon-Nag or Black Bon?
Ans. In Bhutan, only communities such as Lhop
(in Samtse) and Monpa continue the practice of Bon-Nag by
sacrificing live animals to appease the spirits and local deities.
4.
Bonism is still practiced in Bhutan. Do you agree? Give two examples to support your
answer.
Ans. Yes, I agree that Bonism is still practiced in
Bhutan. For example, the Bonism practice in Monggar is called Kharphu, Yak
Lhai (Yak Choe) in Ura, Bumthang, Chodpa in Zhemgang, Bonkor in Haa, Chhaa
in Lhuntsi and Lhabon in Trongsa.
 |
| Ura Yak Chhoe (Yak Lhai) Tradition. Source: Bumthang Dzongkhag Website |
 |
| Lhabon Tradition in Trongsa. |
5.
What
is meant by the term ‘Pre-Buddhist Period’ in Butan?
Ans. Pre-Buddhist Period means the period before
Buddhism spread in Bhutan.
6.
Buddhism reached in Bhutan before Guru Rinpoche’s visit. Do you agree? Give three points to support your
answer. [OR] Give Three pieces of evidence to prove that Buddhism was already
spread in Bhutan before Guru Rinpoche.
Ans. The three pieces of evidence to prove that
Buddhism had already spread in Bhutan before Guru Rinpoche’s visit are:
i.
Duntim
Ney near Amo Chhu river valley in Phuentsholing is related to Rigdzin Garab
Dorji, an Indian Buddhist who was believed to have meditated near the river and
was believed to have dissolved in rainbow light during the 1st and 2nd
Century CE.
ii.
Emperor
Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire in India helped spread Buddha’s teachings to
different parts of the world. Since Bhutan is near India, Bhutanese people
would have received several Buddhist masters in Bhutan. The serene and cool
mountain ridges of Bhutan would have provided a good place for meditation for
the Buddhist masters from India. During the course of their visits to Bhutan,
the people would have received the teachings of Buddha.
iii.
Construction
of early Buddhist temples (Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro and Jampa Lhakhang in
Bumthang). These two temples were believed to have been built Tibetan King
Songtsen Gampo during the 6th Century CE.
7. What
is meant by ‘Thaduel-Yangduel’?
Ans. It is 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen
Gampo in the 6th Century CE. ‘Thaduel’ means “temple taming borders”
and ‘Yangduel’ means ‘temples taming beyond borders.
8.
Give
three differences between the temples built before and after the visit of Guru
Rinpoche in Bhutan.
Ans.
|
Temples built
before Guru Rinpoche’s visit |
Temples built
after Guru Rinpoche’s visit |
|
Jowo
Shakyamuni Buddha or Maitreya Buddha surrounded by eight principal Jangchub
sempa as the main statues in the temple. |
Nampar Nangzed
(Vairocana) surrounded by eight principal Jangchub Sempa as the main statues. |
9. What
was the name given to Guru Rinpoche? Where was he born?
Ans. Padmasambhava. He was believed to have been born
in the Swat Valley of Pakistan.
1 Why is Guru Rinpoche called as ‘Miraculously Born’?
Ans. Guru Rinpoche is called ‘Miraculously Born’
because He was believed to have been born from a Lotus flower in a lake called
Dhanakosha in Pakistan.
11 Why is Guru Rinpochhe referred to as the “Second
Buddha”?
Ans. Guru Rinpochhe is referred to as the “Second
Buddha” because He is believed to have been born according to the prophecy of
Lord Buddha. Buddha prophesied that He
will be reborn in the future from a lake by the name called Padma Jungney.
1 When did Guru Rinpochhe visit Bhutan for the first
time?
Ans. Guru Rinpochhe visited Bhutan during the 8th
Century (around 750 C.E.).
1 Why did Guru Rinpochhe visit Bhutan in the year 750
CE?
Ans. King Sendha, a local king of Bumthang was
believed to have invited Guru Rinpochhe to cure his illness/sickness.
1 Where was Guru Rinpochhe residing when he was invited
by King Sendha?
Ans. Guru Rinpochhe was residing at Yangloeshoe
(Maratika) in Nepal.
1.
Who
caused the sickness of King Sendha?
Ans. Shelging Karpo, the local deity of Bumthang
caused the sickness of King Sendha.
1.
How
did Guru Rinpochhe subdue Shelging Karpo and cure the sickness of King Sendha?
Ans. Guru Rinpoche meditated at the place where
Shelging Karpo was residing. With the supernatural power, He manifested into
eight different manifestations to lure him out of his hiding place. Guru
Rinpoche then transformed into Garuda (Ja-chhung-the Mythical Bird) and pounced
on Shelging Karpo (who appeared from his hiding place in the form of a snake)
subduing him and converting him to the protector of Buddhism. This method of
subduing the anti-buddhist is known as tantric Buddhism.
Chapter TWO: Choegyal Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal: The Architect of
the Nation-State Palden Druk.
1.
Explain
briefly the genealogy of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Ngawang Namgyel was born to Mipham Tenpai Nyima (of
Gya Lineage) and Sonam Pelkyi Buthri (daughter of Kyisho Dep) in Central Tibet
in the year 1594 (Wood Horse Year) at Druk Jangchhubling.
1.
What
were names given to Zhabdrung?
Ans. The name Ngawang Tenzin Namgyal was
given by his father, Mipham Tenzin Namgyal by his grandfather, Ngawang
Jigme Dragpa Chog Thamchedlay Nampar Gyalwa by his root teacher Lhawang
Lodroe, Ngagi Wangpo Nampar Gyalwai Dhey by Kunkhyen Pema Karpo.
2.
What
is the meaning of the term ‘Zhabdrung’?
Ans. ‘Zhabdrung’ means ‘at whose feet one submits.’
3.
Who
conferred the title ‘Zhabdrung’ to Ngawang Namgyal?
Ans. 24th Sakya Thrizin conferred the title
to Ngawang Namgyal.
4.
Zhabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal is believed to be whose reincarnation?
Ans. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is believed to be the
reincarnation of Kunkhyen Pema Karpo.
5.
Why
did Zhabdrung leave his ancestral home in Tibet and come to Bhutan? [OR]
Ans. Zhabdrung left Tibet for Bhutan because of the
three main reasons:
i.
Outer
Reasons- Dispute with
Tsang Desi Phuntsho Namgyal over the reincarnation of Kunkhyen Pema Karpo.
ii.
Inner
Reasons- Invitation
from the Obtsho Lam and the people of Goen, especially Umze Tenzin Drugyal.
iii.
Sacred
Reasons- signs and
omens or prophetic dreams of Principal Deity Mahakala (vision of a black Raven
flying towards the south).
6.
Why Bhutan is considered a “Home away from
Home” for Zhabdrung?
Ans. Bhutan is “Home away from Home” for Zhabdrung
because:
i.
His
ancestors had already visited Bhutan and established several monasteries and
family establishments. For example, His great great grandfather, Lam Ngawang Chogyal
built temples such as Chimi Lhakhang (Punakha) and Pangrizampa (Thimphu), great
grandfather Ngagi Wangchuk built several temples later replaced with dzongs,
etc.
ii.
Several
Drukpa Kadgyu lams visited Bhutan and established the Drukpa Kadgyu traditions.
Phajo Drugom Zhigpo and its descendants established a strong hold of the
traditions in Bhutan.
iii.
The
Bhutanese patrons and supporters (followers) offered great support and
hospitality when Zhabdrung came to Bhutan in 1616 CE.
7.
Who
was the ‘Root Teacher’ of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal?
Ans. Lhawang Lodroe.
Chapter: Jigme Namgyal
1.
When
was Jigme Namgyal born? Who were his parents and where was he born?
Ans. Jigme Namgyal was born in 1825 to Pila
Gonpo Wangyal and Sonam Dolma at Kurtoe Dungkar in
Lhuntsi.
2.
Why
did Jigme Namgyal leave his ancestral home in Kurtoe at a very young age?
Ans. Jigme Namgyal left his ancestral home in Kurtoe because
of the frequent dreams instructing him to go to the west where he will find his
destiny.
3.
Who
was the Choetse Poenlop when Jigme Namgyal reached Trongsa?
Ans. Ugyen Phuntsho.
4.
List
down the posts Jigme Namgyal held in Trongsa.
Ans.
ü Tozey (retainer)
ü Zimgarp (attendant)
ü Zimnang ( )
ü Trongsa Tsongpoen
ü Darpoen
ü Trongsa
Zimpoen/ Choetse Zimpoen (Choezim)
ü Trongsa Droenyer/Choetse Dronyer (Chodron)
ü Trongsa Poenlop/Choetse Poenlop
5.
Which
event in the life of Jigme Namgyal portray his character of loyalty to his
master, the Choetse Poenlop?
[OR]
How did
Jigme Namgyal become the Trongsa Poenlop in 1853?
Ans. In 1849, when Jigme Namgyal was at Punakha Dzong
renovation he saved the Choetse Poenlop Tshokye Dorji from the assassination
conspiracy (murder plan) by the enemies. Tshokye Dorji promised Jigme Namgyal
the seat of Trongsa Poenlop after he retire for saving his life.
6.
What
role Jigme Namgyal played in the event of 1850?
[OR]
Explain
the causes, events and the results of Battle of Limithang.
[OR]
How did
Jigme Namgyal re-unify Sharchog Khorlo Tshibgyed?
Ans. Jigme
Namgyal became Trongsa Dronnyer/Choetse Dronyer (Choedron) in 1850.
|
Causes |
Events |
Results |
|
The four eastern Dzongpoens of Zhonggar, Dungsam, Yangtse and
Trashigang revolted against the Trongsa Poenlop. |
Jigme Namgyal was instructed by the poenlop to bring the rebellion
under control. He led the armies and march towards Zhonggar. They met the
enemy forces at Limithang where a battle took place. |
Armies of the enemy were defeated and brought the rebellion under
control. Sharchog Khorlo was once again reunified. |
7.
Jigme
Namgyal made the post of Trongsa Poenlop powerful during his time as the
poenlop. Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer.
Ans. Yes, I agree that Jigme Namgyal made the post of
Trongsa Poenlop powerful during his time as the Poenlop.
i.
Firstly,
in 1854, when there was a dispute between the Dzongpoens of Wangdue and Thimphu
for the post of Druk Desi, Jigme Namgyal intervened and solved the dispute
peacefully. After this incident, 43rd Druk Desi gave Jigme Namgyal
the authority to appoint the Dzongpoens in eastern Bhutan and allowed
him to keep a large share of annual compensation from Assam Duars.
ii.
Secondly,
in 1862, again the internal strife (power struggle) arose in the west between
the Punakha Dzongpoen and the Desi. Jigme Namgyal once again intervened and solved
the disputes. Jigme Namgyal appointed new Druk Desi and Wangdi Dzongpoen.
These
incidences show that Jigme Namgyal’s presence in the west was very important to
control the internal strifes in the country. Not only he had power in the
eastern region, he too had the power over western Bhutan.
8.
Explain
briefly about the event of Battle of Shamkhar in 1857.
[OR]
Evaluate
the causes, events, and results of the Battle of Shamkhar.
|
Causes |
Events |
Results |
|
Tsondrue Gyaltshen claimed the seat of Trongsa Poenlop as promised
where Jigme Namgyal should handover the post after three years. When Jigme
Namgyal failed to keep the promise, he used forces in claiming the promises. |
A brief battle was fought at Shamkhar in Bumthang. The central monk
body intervened and mediated a peaceful solution. |
Jigme Namgyal retained the seat of Trongsa Poenlop and Tsondrue
Gyaltshen was promoted to Jakar Poenlop. Half of the eastern region were
given under the control of the Jakar Poenlop. Jigme Namgyal built Wangduechhoeling Palace as a symbol of his
victory. |
9.
Jigme
Namgyal was believed to have won the Battle of Shamkhar. Do you agree? Give
reasons for your answer.
Ans. Yes, I agree that Jigme Namgyal won the
battle because he could retain the post of Trongsa Poenlop and built
Wangduechhoeling Palace as a symbol of his victory.
[OR]
No,
I don’t agree that Jigme Namgyal had won the battle because he had to share the
power where half of the eastern region control was given to Tsondrue Gyaltshen
which reduced his complete control of Sharchog Khorlo Tshibgyed.
10. What role did Jigme Namgyal play during the event of
the Great Duar War in 1865?
Ans. During the Duar War, Jigme Namgyal led the
Bhutanese armies against the British Indian armies. Alongside him, Tsondrue
Gyaltshen (Jakar Poenlop) also accompanied the battle against the British.
Jigme Namgyal resisted the British attack bravely. Jigme Namgyal finally signed
the treaty with the British (called the Treaty of Sinchula in 1865) to stop further attacks by the British.
11. How did Jigme Namgyal become the 51st Druk
Desi?
Ans. During the 1869 event, there was a conflict
between Punakha Dzongpoen and Wangdue Dzongpoen Sigay (former) with Thimphu
Dzongpoen and new Wangdue Dzongpoen Darlung Tobgay who had killed Khasar Tobgay
(Thimphu Dzongpoen) and appointed Kawang Mangkhel (new Thimphu Dzongpoen).
Jigme Namgyal was invited by the Punakha Dzongpoen to
help against the rivals. Jigme Namgyal defeated the Thimphu and the Wangdue
Dzongpoen. In the meantime, Jigme Namgyal was appointed as the new Druk Desi
(51st) in 1870 CE.
12. Jigme Namgyal was
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