ABOUT BHUTAN

| Geography | Natural resources | History | The People | Culture | Religion | Arts and Crafts | Architecture | Textile | Environment |

Geography

The Kingdom of Bhutan of Druk Yul (the land of the Thunder Dragon) is a country nestled in the Eastern Himalayas. The high Himalayas to the north separate the Kingdom from the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China, while the rugged eastern region borders the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim. About the size of Switzerland with a population of only 7,00,000, it was declared one of the ten global hotspots for environmental conservation. A land of Dzongs (Fortified Monasteries), snow peaked mountains, and the last bastion of Mahayana Buddhism which influences every aspect of life here. Bhutan with its unique culture and the intriguing festivals offer breathtaking moments that will linger forever in a visitor's lifetime.

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History

A conscious policy of isolation complemented by formidable geographical barriers has enabled the Kingdom to maintain its independence throughout its history. Ancient stone implements and other archaeological findings indicate that there were settlements in Bhutan dating back to 2000 B.C. The chronicled history of Bhutan, however begins with the advent of Buddhism in the eight century.

In 747 A.D., the Buddhist sage, Padmasambhava, popularly revered in Bhutan as Guru Rinponche or the Precious Master, visited the country and introduced Buddhism. Since then, Buddhism has occupied a predominant role in shaping the social, political, economic and cultural evolution of the country. In the centuries that followed, Lamas or Buddhist teachers and local nobility established their own separate domains throughout the country.

In the 17th century, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594-1652), a leader of the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism consolidated the country under a unified power and established the Chhoesi system of governance, whereby both the temporal and religious authority were separated and vested in the Druk Desi (Temporal Head) and Je Khenpo (Spiritual Head) respectively. By the end of the 17th century, the country emerged with a distinct national and cultural identity, as well as, an unprecedented degree of political stability.

During the second half of the 18th century, the country witnessed a resurgence of political instability. The unity of the country was effected by internal dissent. External threats in the later half of the 19th century added a new dimension to the political quandary. It was against this background that the need for strong leadership emerged. Peace and stability were restored with the enthronement of His Majesty King Ugyen Wangchuk (1907-1926). On December 17, 1907 with the signing and sealing of the Oath of Allegiance in a grand ceremony in Punakha Dzong, Ugyen Wangchuk became the first hereditary monarch of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The monarchy has thrived ever since and the present King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the first King's great grandson, commands the overwhelming support of the his people. Since his coronation in 1974, the present King has dedicated himself to defining and realising a long-term vision and direction for the country. He set up a system of Government, which is responsive to the political, social and development needs of the country. He also pursued a process of democratization and involvement of the people in their own affairs from the national to the community level. His Majesty’s philosophy and approach have been clearly established and recognized, enhancing the country’s identity and role in the international community.

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The People

Bhutan is a rich mosaic of cultures, lifestyles, languages and belief systems. In a country with a population of just over half a million, as many as 19 different dialects and a few languages are spoken. This attributed to the fact that in the past, Bhutanese communities settled in the valleys independence emerges as a strong characteristic of the people. The National language is Dzongkha, which is taught in all the schools. A growing proportion of the people speak English. The current medium of instruction in Bhutan is English.

The Bhutanese are, by nature, physically strong and fiercely independent with an open and ready sense of humour. Hospitality is an in-built social value in Bhutan. People wear colorful dresses, the men wear a Gho, a long robe tied around the waist by a slim fabric belt. Kira, the main garment of women is an ankle length wrap-around dress secured by a belt around the waist, and fastened at the shoulders with silver brooches called Koma.

There is no rigid class system in Bhutan and social and educational opportunities are not affected by rank or birth. Bhutanese women enjoy equal rights with men. Both men and women are free to choose their partners for marriage and both can initiate divorce.

Monks are held in great respect and play an active part in community life. Representative of the monk body are present at all important occasions. In the past, it was common for one son from each family to enter the monastic order, a custom that is less prevalent today.

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Culture

Unlike many countries, traditional arts, age-old ceremonies, festivals, social conduct and structures are not remnants of a bygone age. Traditional arts and crafts are still practiced as they were done hundreds of years ago, vibrant festivals are celebrated and social principles are still evident because they continue to have a special significance in the daily lives of the people.

Bhutanese language and literature, arts and crafts, drama, music, ceremonies and events, architecture, and basic social and cultural values draw their essence from Buddhism. Just as the Kingdom’s history is characterized by religious landmarks, the influence of religion is highly visible in everyday life. Hundreds of sacred monasteries, stupas, religious institutions, prayer flags and prayer wheels mark the countryside, providing a strong infrastructure and atmosphere for the teachings of their living faith.

Bhutan’s traditional culture is alive in its performing arts, such as dance and music which are an integral part of religious ceremonies. In addition, secular performances, such as dance, songs, traditional instrumental music, drama based on biographies of religious personalities hold a special place in the lives of the people as they play an important role in national, village, or domestic functions and festivals. Bhutan’s textile tradition has, in recent years, gone international. The distinct technique, colour and style of indigenous Bhutanese weaving is being increasingly appreciated by textile specialists, collectors and users.

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Religion

The state religion of Bhutan is the Drukpa sect Kagyupa, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism. Ever since its introduction in the eighth century, Buddhism has shaped the nation’s history and played a vital part in the life of its people. Throughout Bhutan, from the most densely populated valleys to the most remote mountain way stops, religious monuments and symbols bear witness to a deep and respected faith. One comes across prayer wheels, prayer flags and the sacred mantra Om mani Padme Hung carved on the slabs of stone and rocky hillside.

Chortens (stupas) housing the sacred relics dot the landscape, Monasteries and temples some dating back to as early as the eighth century, are the focal point of each village.

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Arts and Crafts

The most exciting and vital aspects of the Bhutanese tradition and heritage are found in its arts and crafts. Much of Bhutan’s spiritual and intellectual life is manifested through its arts. Bhutanese arts are not primarily concerned with abstract concepts of ‘beauty’ (that may appeal to few), but with interpretation of values and beliefs that are held by the vast majority and which embody the eternal stream of life or consciousness. It is a subjective process deeply imbued with a strong sense of morality, with many art forms epitomizing the eternal struggle between forces of good and evil.

Bhutanese art and crafts, particularly those that are religious in their thematic content follow strict iconography rules. Merit can be earned only if the prescribed rules are strictly followed. The use of creative energy is used mostly in secular artistic ventures. Zorig Chosum or the 13 aspects of Bhutanese arts and crafts includes shinzo (woodwork), dozo (stonework), jinzo (clay crafts), lugzo (bronze casting), parzo (wood, slate and stone carving), lazo (painting), shagzo (wood turning), garzo (black smithy), troeko (silver and goldsmithy), tsharzo (bamboo and cane crafts), dhezo (papermaking), thagzo (weaving) and tshemzo (tailoring). The skill of Bhutan’s craftsmen, working with bronze, silver and other fine metals, is seen in myriad ways: statues of deities, doors and pillars of temples, bells, trumpets, swords, tables, candlesticks, rice boxes, and jewelry.

Wooden crafts include a wealth of items from bowls to finely worked bamboo hats, baskets, butter containers, and bows and arrows.

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Architecture

Architecture is also a significant feature of the Bhutanese identity. Dzongs (fortresses), Lhakhangs (temples), Goenpas (monasteries), chortens (stupas), palaces, bridges and vernacular housing that can be seen across the countryside form the diverse but harmonious architectural expressions of the cultural heritage and living traditions of the Bhutanese people. The unmatched combination of engineering skill and aesthetic beauty is reflected in all structures. Traditional shapes, colours and patterns on the walls, doors, windows, places Bhutanese architecture in a class of its own.

Among the diverse architectural expressions of the country, the castle-like Dzongs, with their massive stone walls, large courtyards and beautiful architectural details and galleries, are the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. Impressive monasteries, set in commanding positions on hilltops or at the confluence of rivers, are the administrative centers of their regions.

The Dzong represents a unique architectural marvel. Hundreds of wooden planks are joined together without a single nail and no formal architectural plan goes into its construction.

Secular architecture in Bhutan finds its main form in traditional farmhouses. Bhutanese houses have a distinct character from those of other Himalayan countries. Due to steep terrains, they are usually built as scattered houses or in clusters, rather than in rows. Most traditional houses are relatively spacious and take advantage of the natural sunlight. Family dwellings are often three storeyed, with room for livestock on the ground floor, storage and sometimes living quarters on the second floor, while the third floor houses living quarters and a Choesham (shrine). Between the third floor and the roof an open space is usually kept for open-air storage. Boulders over the lath are used to hold down the shingles on the roof truss. Windows and doors are normally painted giving the house a very festive appearance. Floral, animal and religious motifs are mainly used as themes for colourful paintings. The typical construction materials used in traditional Bhutanese houses are timber, stone, clay and bricks.

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Textile

Vibrant fabrics and intricate weavers are an inseparable part of Bhutan’s rich culture. The colours, weaves and designs have evolved over centuries together. A specific design cannot be attributed to a particular village alone but also at home and a family. Textiles are an evolving art, changing their role as Bhutanese life evolved. They represent prestige, commodity, wealth, capital as well as expressions of religious devotion.

Textiles, Bhutan’s premier art is the product of centuries of individual creativity and transmitted in fibre preparation, dyeing, weaving, cutting, silk, cotton, nettle, wool and yak hair are the fibres and dyes have become widely available and weavers have adopted these with enthusiasm, altering the palette, textures, surface qualities of the cloths produced. Bhutanese intricate brocades and complex warp-striped patterns are unmatched anywhere else in the world.

Bhutanese textiles are a national treasure and the government’s policy along with people’s appreciation will ensure the preservation of this creative art and its tradition.stitching and embroidery. Wild silk, cotton, nettle, wool and yak hair are the fibres and dyes have become widely available and weavers have adopted these with enthusiasm, altering the palette, textures, surface qualities of the cloths produced. Bhutanese intricate brocades and complex warp-striped patterns are unmatched anywhere else in the world.

Bhutanese textiles are a national treasure and the government’s policy along with people’s appreciation will ensure the preservation of this creative art and its tradition.

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Environment

Bhutan has been identified as one of the 10 bio-diversity hot spots in the world and as one of the 221 global endemic bird areas. Almost three fourths of land area is covered by forests of temperate and sub-tropical species that are a natural habitat for a diversity of flora and fauna. Its various eco-systems harbour some of the most exotic species of the eastern Himalayas. An estimated 770 species of birds and over 50 species of rhododendron, along with an astonishing variety of medicinal plants (over 300 species) and orchids are endemic to this region. There are about 3,281 plant species per 10,000 square kilometers.

Nine national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are home to some of the rarest and most significant animals in the world. This has become possible as a result of the combined efforts of the government and the people to keep the country’s flora and fauna undisturbed. The exact number of mammalian species is unknown but over 165 have been reported. Rare animals like golden langur, takin and snow leopard are found distributed widely. Tiger, leopard, elephant, red panda, gaur, serow, Himalayan black bear, brown bear, wild pig, musk deer are some large mammals found in many parts of Bhutan. The Phobjikha valley in Wangdue district and Bomdiling in Yangtse are two of the three wintering grounds for the rare Black-necked crane.

26 per cent of the country’s total area has been declared as nature parks and reserves. These form a haven for a number of the world’s rare and endangered species. Very recently, another nine percent of the country has been set aside as biological corridors connecting protected areas. The corridors form a “Gift to the Earth” from the people of Bhutan. Bhutan is one of very few developing countries where much of the natural resource base remains intact.

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