History
Bhutan's early history is steeped in Buddhist tradition
and mythology. Bhutan's medieval and modern history
was a time of warlords, feuds, giant fortresses and
castles. The visit of Padama Sambhava in 747 AD is the
important landmark in the history of the country. The
kingdom's recent history begins with a hereditary monarchy
that was founded in the 20th century and continued the
country's policy of isolationism. It was under the leadership
of the third king that Bhutan emerged from its medieval
past of serfdom and reclusion.
Despite the speed of modernization, Bhutan has maintained
a policy of careful, controlled policy of development
in order to preserve its national identity.Though known
as Bhutan to the outside world, to the Bhutanese, the
country is known as Druk Yul, 'land of the thunder dragon'.
The people are known as the Drukpas.
Religion/Culture
The State religion is Drukpa Kagyupa a branch of Mahayana
Buddhism. It has been institutionalised in the Dratshang
(Central Monk body), headed by the Je Khenpo (Chief
Abbot) who is chosen from among the most learned lamas
and enjoys an equal rank with the King. Bhutan is the
only country in the world to have adopted Mahayana Buddhism
in its Tantric form as its official religion.The Buddhist
faith has played and continues to play a fundamental
role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development
of Bhutan and its people. It permeates all strands of
secular life.
People
Bhutanese are a mongolid race of people who originally
migrated into and settled the country in the 7th Century
AD. A nomadic and pastoral society at first, they gradually
turned to agriculture in the fertile valleys.There are
three main ethnic groups - the Ngalongs in the western
and central regions are the descendants of Tibetan immigrants
who arrived in Bhutan from the 9th century. The Sharchops
who live in the east of the country, are recognized
as the original inhabitants of Bhutan. The third group
is known as Lhotshampas. They represent the Nepali speaking
ethnic group. The total population of Bhutan is about
600,000.Sakten Valley, world of the Brokpas
