The first king Urgen Wangchuck (1862-1926)
created The Raven Crown as symbol of his supreme authority. The
crown is surmounted by a raven representing Mahakala, the
guardian deity of Bhutan. The Raven Crown had been designed as a
battle helmet for Jigme Namgyel (1825-81) the King’s father
known as the Black Regent, who wore it in many battles against
his enemies including the British. The British never subdued the
Black Regent. The first crown worn by Jigme Namgyel is now in
the National Museum of Bhutan, Paro. The second crown was worn
by the first and second kings is decorated with Tantric skulls.
The third crown worn by the third and forth king is decorated
with the Garuda. The three crowns are all topped by a raven’s
head.
