འབྲུག་ཡུལ Bhutan
The Land of thunder strom..
Early History
Bhutan's early history is steeped in mythology and remains obscure. It may have been inhabited as early as 2000 B.C., but not much was known until the introduction of Tibetan Buddhism in the 9th century. when turmoil in Tibet forced many monks to flee to Bhutan. In the 12th century, the Drukpa Kagyupa school was established and remains the dominant form of Buddhism in Bhutan today. The country's political history is intimately tied to its religious history and the relations among the various monastic schools and monasteries. Bhutan is one of the only countries which has been independent throughout its history, never conquered, occupied, or governed by an outside power. Although there has been speculation that it was under the Kamarupa Kingdom or the Tibetan Empire in the 7th to 9th centuries, firm evidence is lacking. From the time historical records are clear, Bhutan has continuously and
successfully defended its sovereignty. The consolidation of Bhutan occurred in 1616 when Ngawanag Namgyal, a man (lama) from Tibet, defeated three Tibetan invasions, subjugated rival religious schools, codified the Tsa Yig, an intricate and comprehensive system of law, and established himself as ruler (Shabdrung) over a system of ecclesiastical and civil administrators. After his death, infighting and civil war eroded the power of the shabdrung for the next 200 years when in 1885, Ugyen Wangchuck was able to consolidate power and cultivated closer ties with theBritish in India. In 1907, Ugyen Wangchuck was elected as the hereditary ruler of Bhutan, crowned on December 17, 1907, and installed as the head of
state Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King). In 1910, King Ugyen and the British signed the Treaty of Punakha which provided that British India would not interfere in the internal affairs of Bhutan if the country accepted external advice in its external relations. When Ugyen Wangchuck died in 1926, his son Jigme Wangchuck became the next ruler, and when India gained independence in 1947, the new Indian Government recognized Bhutan as an independent country. In 1949, India and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which provided that India would not interfere in Bhutan's internal affairs but would be guided by India in its foreign policy. Succeeded in 1952 by his sonJigme Dorji Wangchuck, Bhutan began to slowly emerge from its isolation and began a program of planned development. Bhutan became a member of theUnited Nations in 1971, and the National Assembly was established and a new code of law, as well as the Royal Bhutanese Army and the High Court. In 1972, Jigme Singye Wanchuck ascended the throne at age 16. He emphasized modern education, decentralization of governance, the development of hydroelectricity and tourism and improvements in rural developments. He was perhaps best known internationally for his overarching development philosophy of "gross national happiness." It recognizes that there are many dimensions to development and that economic goals alone are not sufficient. Satisfied with Bhutan's transitioning democratization process, he abdicated in December 2006 rather than wait until the promulgation of the new constitution in 2008. His son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, became King upon his abdication.
Religionstate Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King). In 1910, King Ugyen and the British signed the Treaty of Punakha which provided that British India would not interfere in the internal affairs of Bhutan if the country accepted external advice in its external relations. When Ugyen Wangchuck died in 1926, his son Jigme Wangchuck became the next ruler, and when India gained independence in 1947, the new Indian Government recognized Bhutan as an independent country. In 1949, India and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which provided that India would not interfere in Bhutan's internal affairs but would be guided by India in its foreign policy. Succeeded in 1952 by his sonJigme Dorji Wangchuck, Bhutan began to slowly emerge from its isolation and began a program of planned development. Bhutan became a member of theUnited Nations in 1971, and the National Assembly was established and a new code of law, as well as the Royal Bhutanese Army and the High Court. In 1972, Jigme Singye Wanchuck ascended the throne at age 16. He emphasized modern education, decentralization of governance, the development of hydroelectricity and tourism and improvements in rural developments. He was perhaps best known internationally for his overarching development philosophy of "gross national happiness." It recognizes that there are many dimensions to development and that economic goals alone are not sufficient. Satisfied with Bhutan's transitioning democratization process, he abdicated in December 2006 rather than wait until the promulgation of the new constitution in 2008. His son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, became King upon his abdication.Approximately two-thirds to three-quarters of the population practice Drukpa Kagyupa or Ningmapa Buddhism, both of which are disciplines of Mahayana Buddhism. Approximately one-quarter of the population is ethnic Nepalese and practice Hinduism. Christians, both Roman Catholic and Protestant, and non-religious groups comprise less than 1 percent of the population.
Dzongkha or Bhutanese is the official language of Bhutan and is spoken by about 500,000 people. It is a Sino-Tibetan language which is fairly closely related to Tibetan and distantly related to Chinese. But you have no problem. All of them know Hindi very well. However if you want to learn Dzongkha just keep attention on this.
Consonants
Extra consonants for writing Sanskrit loan words
Conjunct consonants
Vowels diacritics
Numerals
Classical and Folk Music
Bhutan was first united in the 17th century, during the reign of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594–1652); the same period saw a great blossoming of folk music and dance (cham). Instruments dating to this time include the lingm (flute), dramnyen (lute) and chiwang (fiddle). The influence of Drukpa Buddhism and Buddhist music on Bhutanese culture is important. Many folk songs and chanting styles are derived from Drukpa music.
Folk instruments-
lingm
chiwang
dramnyen: similar to a large, three-stringed rebec.
Popular Music
Bhutanese popular music history began with the Bhutan Broadcasting Service, which was followed by the band Tashi Nyencha, who established the first recording studio in Thimphu in 1991. Prior to this period, Bhutanese people primarily listened to filmi and other kinds of Indian pop music. Rigsar is the dominant style of Bhutanese popular music, and dates back to the late 1980s. The first major music star was Shera Lhendup, whose career began after the 1981 hit "Jyalam Jaylam Gi Ashi".
By the end of the 1980s, rigsar was no longer so popular, until the founding of the Norling Drayang recording label. Since Norling came into limelight, popular Bhutanese music has primarily been the rigsar genre, a fusion of elements from Western pop, Indian and Nepali music. The best-selling rigar album in Bhutanese history was New Waves (1996) by Suresh Moktan & Lhamo Dukpa. Lhamo dukpa is the first bhutanese modern singer female singers, she writes lyrics, compose music. Suresh who later denounced his own album affirming that the recording quality was not up to his expectations. This change in his perception came about as a result of his exposure to professional music education in India - particularly after studying Indian classical music. Despite the discontinuation of mass production of New Waves , young Bhutanese rigsar enthusiasts soon espoused this new concept, and this has fundamentally revolutionized the rigsar into further blend of “new and old” melodies. Other rigsar musicians include Neten Dorji. Unlike many countries, Bhutanese folk music is almost never used in popular music. The traditional dranyen, a kind of folk guitar, has been updated into the rigsar dranyen for use in popular music.
One of the most colorful festivals in the Bhutanese calendar is the Tshechu performed in all the Dzongs and in many monasteries and temples spread throughout Bhutan. Tshechu is a mask dance festival to commemorate the events in the life of Guru Rinpochoe who is revered as the second Buddha in Bhutan. There is also a display of Thongdrol, large scroll paintings of deities and saints which have the power to liberate people from sin that they had committed just by seeing it. People gather from all walks of life to witness this significant event. There are many other festivals distinct to different villages which are mostly animistic in nature performed by mediums. The festivals are moment for social get-together where people wear their finest clothes and jewelries.
Economy
The economy of Bhutan, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for more than 60% of the population. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links and dependence on India's financial assistance. The industrial sector is technologically backward, with most production of the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Model education, social, and environment programs are underway with support from multilateral development organizations. Each economic program takes into account the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions. For example, the government, in its cautious expansion of the tourist sector, encourages visits by upscale, environmentally conscientious tourists. Detailed controls and uncertain policies in areas such as industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment. Hydropower exports to India have boosted Bhutan's overall growth, even though GDP fell in 2008 as a result of a slowdown in India, its predominant export market.
Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Bhutan
Flights
Druk Air is the government-owned airline that serves as the primary carrier into Bhutan. They fly from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkatta, Dakar (Bangladesh), Kathmandu and Bagdora (India). Flights are limited and sometimes it’s difficult to get seats during big festival times. Your tour operator will be the one booking your tickets so don’t attempt to book your own. More recently, Buddha Air (yes, Buddha Air) has begun limited service from Kathmandu to Paro.
Transportation and Roads
Depending on the size of your group, you may travel in a small car, mini-van or small bus that can accommodate about 17 people. These are generally all quite comfortable but you’ll be traveling on roads that twist and turn almost constantly. Many people get car sick the first day but adapt to the roads rather quickly. If you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll want to carry some Dramamine, ginger or accu-pressure wrist bands. Motorcycles can also be found in Bhutan though you have to make arrangements well in advance if you plan on renting one. If you’re keen on it, you can join an organized motorcycle tour. Most good bikes are rented from India.
Depending on the size of your group, you may travel in a small car, mini-van or small bus that can accommodate about 17 people. These are generally all quite comfortable but you’ll be traveling on roads that twist and turn almost constantly. Many people get car sick the first day but adapt to the roads rather quickly. If you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll want to carry some Dramamine, ginger or accu-pressure wrist bands. Motorcycles can also be found in Bhutan though you have to make arrangements well in advance if you plan on renting one. If you’re keen on it, you can join an organized motorcycle tour. Most good bikes are rented from India.
Smoking
Cigarettes are officially illegal in Bhutan but more and more you’ll see locals smoking in public (gasp!). It’s usually done somewhat discreetly, but it is done and I haven’t seen anyone arrested yet. You can import a “reasonable” amount for consumption but will be charged an import tax for doing so.
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