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Bhutan: History and Reality
Bhutan, a country in southeastern Asia, although geographically bordering China, is full of mystery to many because of its unique history and geographical location. Bhutan's majority ethnic group has deep ties with some ethnic minorities in China, and their language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan language family. However, Bhutan's history has been inextricably linked with China, and it has also been deeply influenced by South Asia, and has traveled a long and tortuous historical path. Let's explore Bhutan's past, learn about its present and its special national conditions.
History of Bhutan: From Monba to Kagyu
The early inhabitants of Bhutan are believed to be the ancestors of the Monba people in China, however, there is much uncertainty about the early history of Bhutan due to the lack of written records of early history. Some suggest that between the 1st and 6th centuries AD, Monba ancestors may have established a regime in and around Bhutan called Mensumi. It is said that King Mensumi led his army south and at one point conquered parts of present-day India, such as Assam, West Bengal and Bihar. However, the authenticity of these deeds is disputed due to the lack of direct written records.
Around the 7th century AD, the Tubo regime rose and quickly expanded its territory into the area of present-day Bhutan. Songtsen Gampo ordered the construction of Buddhist temples in Bhutan's Bumtang and Paro regions, and Buddhism took root in Bhutan. However, in 842 AD, after the collapse of the Tubo regime, the surrounding areas of Bhutan entered an era of tribal division. Soon after, the Mongol cavalry entered the Tibetan Plateau and soon incorporated Bhutan into the territory of the Mongol Empire. After the establishment of the Yuan Dynasty, Bhutan came under the jurisdiction of the Xuanzhengyuan of the Yuan Dynasty, and different Buddhist sects emerged.
By the 14th century, the Yuan Dynasty was in decline, the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism became dominant in Tibet, and monks from other Buddhist sects fled to Bhutan. During this period, the Kagyu sect became the main Buddhist sect in the surrounding areas of Bhutan, especially the Zhupa Kagyu sect was widely spread in Bhutan.
Ngawang Langje: The Creation King of Bhutan
Around 1594 AD, Bhutan's history took place at an important turning point. The Jia family in Relong Township, Gyantse County, welcomed a baby named Ngawang Langjie. This family has had a profound influence on the Zhupa Kagyu sect for generations, so Ngawang Langgyal would have been expected to become the head of the Zhupa Kagyu sect. However, local separatist forces intervened in the dispute over the Kagyu patriarchs and armed clashes broke out with Ngawang Langjiao, eventually forcing him to leave his family and move south to Bhutan.
Upon arrival in Bhutan, Ngawang Langjiai led his troops to defeat the armies of other religious denominations on numerous occasions and established his own regime in Bhutan. He promulgated the Code, built strong forts, and unified the entire Bhutan region. As a result, he became the religious and secular leader of Bhutan and was honored as Xia Zhong. His influence is unique in Bhutanese history.
After Ngawang Langjie's death, his followers claimed that he was in retreat, keeping his death a secret for 54 years. During this period, Bhutan continued to maintain relative independence, but maintained clan relations with the Chinese dynasty of Tibet and the Central Plains.
Bhutan's complex relationship with Britain and India
Bhutan had a complex and tortuous relationship with the British East India Company and later the Indian colonies. The British East India Company first invaded Bhutan in 1772-1773 AD, and although Bhutan did not destroy the country, it signed an unequal treaty with the British East India Company in 1774 AD, agreeing to pay tribute to Britain and allow it to harvest timber in Bhutan. The British then forced Bhutan to agree to commerce, turning Bhutan into a springboard for infiltration into Tibet, China.
However, instead of becoming a British colony, Bhutan remained independent. In the mid-1850s, the British planned to invade Bhutan, but India was nationally large
The uprising thwarted the plan. In 1864 AD, civil strife broke out in Bhutan, leading to another British invasion, this war known as the Duartal War. The Bhutanese army, despite its outstanding performance, was eventually defeated by the British, leading Bhutan to sign the Treaty of Sinchura in 1865, ceding land and paying subsidies.
Soon after, Bhutan and the United Kingdom signed the Treaty of Punakha, which gave Britain a guiding role in foreign affairs. Despite this, Bhutan continued to be independent, avoiding direct British interference in its internal affairs.
In 1947, after India's independence, Bhutan also signed a treaty with India that transferred the direction of its foreign relations to India. While Bhutan maintained its domestic political independence and recognized its independent statehood, its economic dependence on India deepened.
Current situation in Bhutan: special national conditions
In 2008, Bhutan underwent political reforms from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. Despite being a member of the United Nations, diplomacy is still guided by India, making Bhutan one of the UN member states with the fewest diplomatic relations.
Bhutan has a total population of about 777,000 people, with three main ethnic groups: the Cangluo, the Alok and the Lochan. Among them, the Alo people dominate in Bhutan, and most of the nobility, including the Wangchuk family of the Bhutanese royal family, belong to the Arlo ethnic group. Although both the Cangluo and Alo belong to the Sino-Tibetan language family, there are differences in their religious beliefs, with the Arlo mainly believing in the Zhupa Kagyu sect, while the Cangluo mainly believe in the Nyingma sect.
The Lochan are a unique ethnic group in Bhutan, descended from Nepalese artisans who speak mainly Indo-Aryan languages. This ethnic group has clashed with Bhutan's native ethnic groups, causing many people to leave Bhutan. Despite this, the Lochang people still exist in Bhutan.
In general, Bhutan is a country with a long history and special national conditions, and although its international relations are relatively limited, it has a unique cultural and historical heritage. Although its development has been relatively slow, Bhutan has maintained its independence and uniqueness, becoming a unique pearl in the Asian region.
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