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The Monarchy in Bhutan

 

The civil wars in Bhutan continued. Jigme Namgyel was enthroned as the 51st Desi in 1870. He remainded in control and appointed his son Urgen Wangchuck as Paro Punlop. After his father’s death in 1882 Urgen Wangchuck marched on Bumthang and Trongsa. His victory ensured that he was more powerful than the desi. In 1885 a battle errupted during a meeting in Thimpu. His survival and victory ensured Urgen Wangchuck was the most powerful man in Bhutan. He installed his nominee as desi and reduced the post to a ceremonial role.

The First King (Druk Gyalpo) Urgen Wangchuck

In 1907 the desi died and Urgen Wangchuck was elected hereditary ruler of Bhutan. He was crowned December 17th 1907. King Urgen went to New Delhi where he met King George V and received the Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India (in the photo of King Urgen on this site’s home page he is wearing the award).

The Second King Jigme Wangchuck

Urgen Wangchuck died in 1926 and was succeeded by his second son Jigme Wangchuck. Bhutan remained isolated and was not influenced by the Great Depression or World War Two. Jigme Wangchuck organized the administration and took control of the country.

The Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck

Jigme Wangchuck died in 1952 and was succeeded by his son Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The King had been educated in England and India. He was fluent in Tibetan, Hindi and English. He improved relations with India inviting Prime Minister Nehru and Indira Ghandi to visit Bhutan in 1958. In 1961 Bhutan emerged from isolation and started the process of planned development. By joining The Columbo Plan in 1962 Bhutan gained access to technical assistance and training from South Asian member countries. The first Five Year Plan started in 1961 and India helped construct and finance the large Chhukha hydroelectric plant. Some Bhutanese opposed the rate of development. In 1964 Prime Minister Jigme Palden Dorji was assassinated and the King eventually assumed the duties of the prime minister. In 1971 Bhutan joined the United Nations and formed diplomatic relations with India. In 1953 the King established the Tshogdu (National Assembly) and created a twelve volume code of law. He abolished serfdom, reorganized land holdings, formed the Royal Bhutan Army, the Police Force, and the High Court. He took great lengths to preserve Bhutan’s customs, culture, and traditions.

The Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck

Dorji Wangchuck died in1972. He was succeeded by his 16 year old son Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The King was educated in Bhutan, India, and Great Britain. He pledged to continue in his father’s footsteps. He introduced the concept of “gross national happiness” and economic self -reliance as an ideal. June 2nd 1974 the Fourth Druk Gyalpo was crowned and for the first time foreigners were allowed to attend the events. Thimpu hosted 287 guests and the world gained a glimpse of the tiny Himalayan kingdom. The King continued planned modernization of health care, education, rural development, and communications. He expanded conservation efforts and continued governmental reforms. He promoted the concept of “One Nation, One People”. In 1988 the King married four sisters. The crown prince is Dasho Jigme Kesar Namgyal Wangchuck.

The Fifth King Dasho Jigme Kesar Namgyal Wangchuck

Jigme Singye Wangchuck abdicated in December 2006 and his son Crown Prince Dasho Jigme Kesar Namgyal Wangchuck became the Fifth Druk Gyalpo.  The King's enthronement ceremony will be held on an auspicious date in early 2008.