Bhutan

Bhutan

The name “Bhutan” is actually a derivative of the Indian Hindu word “Bhot-anta” which means “where Tibet (Bhot) ends”. The Bhutanese call their country “Druk-yul”, which means “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, themselves “Drukpas” and their language “Dzongkha” or “the language of the forts”. “Dzong” means “fort” and “kha” means “language”. This tiny independent monarchy, with an area of 38,394 square kilometers, opened up to the outside world and modern tourism only in the last few decades.

With Thimphu (2,230 m) as it’s capital, and 18 administrative districts, this beautiful land has a small population of less than a million, mostly Buddhists of the Drukpa Kagyu sect but with adherents to the Nyingmapa school in the central and eastern districts. In a world where there are now hardly any absolute monarchs, the Bhutanese are fiercely devoted to their young King, fifth in the Wangchuk Dynasty, educated in the west but who insists on preserving his country’s unique culture, customs, religious traditions, modes of dress and food habits and most importantly, Bhutan’s natural environment.

Bhutan’s modern potato crops owe their origin to an English diplomat Ashley Eden who was ordered to take along potatoes to be planted wherever he camped overnight while on a mission to Bhutan from the British Viceroy in Calcutta.

The country’s north lies within the Great Himalayas, with peaks surpassing 7,300 m with high valleys lying at 3,700 m to 5,500 m. Spurs radiate south-wards, forming the lesser Himalayan ranges. Several fertile valleys at elevations of 1,500 m to 2,700 m are well-populated and cultivated.

Bhutan’s first hereditary monarch and the present king’s great-great-grandfather, Ugyen Wangchuk, attended in 1912, as a royal invitee, the historic Delhi Durbar at which Britain’s King George V was proclaimed Emperor of India. King Ugyen was received and treated most cordially by both Emperor and the British Viceroy.

The Royal government rules through a democratically elected National Assembly, a National Advisory Council and a Council of Ministers. The King is regarded in the same esteem that the British have for Elizabeth II but this king has sweeping political powers.

Economy

Bhutan’s economy is based mainly on agriculture and handicrafts with most exports going to India. Although perhaps still on the Least Developed Countries’ list, Bhutan is self-sufficient in food, self-produced clothing and self-built traditional houses. Practically every household, even in the urban areas, has one or two wooden handlooms which produce some of the world’s most unique, colourful and very durable cloth materials. Bhutan also produces various kinds of cottage-based handicrafts. Hydro-electric power is a prime export to neighbouring India. Although the government is still wary of “over-enthusiastic tourism”, this new industry does contribute to some degree to the national treasury. The present king’s father, Jigme Singye Wangchuk, who voluntarily abdicated in his son’s favour, famously coined the phrase “Gross National Happiness” to be used as a guide to manage national affairs.

Realizing that modernity does have it’s benefits, several decades ago Bhutan embarked on an ambitious programme of building more roads, hospitals and schools to create a system of secular education.

Climate

Bhutan’s climate varies with-sub-continental precipitation and wind-conditions which are often influenced by weather conditions in the north where the great Tibetan Plateau lies. The rainy season, being in the same precipitary mode as along the entire trans-Himalayan belt, begins around the middle of June and remains till end-September.

Mountainsides everywhere in Bhutan become ablaze in red and orange as the Spring rhododendron season sets in. The best time for clear and warm days in Bhutan is in the Autumn.

The low river valleys and settlements of Punakha, Mongar, Tashigang and Lhuntse districts experience cool winters and hot summers while the higher valleys of Ha, Paro, Thimphu, Tongsa and Bumthang (ranging from 2500 m to 4500 m) have a more temperate climate but winters can be cold and snowy while summers are cooler.

Wherever one goes in Bhutan, the immense importance that the government and people place on religion, indigenous culture, decent social behaviour, the natural environment all bound in the historical and traditional aspects of the country, is strongly evident. Immense forts which serve as district administrative centres dominate all the valleys and high hills, monasteries and shrines are everywhere. The somewhat laid-back lifestyle of the people reflects their desire to live in peace and an acceptable degree of prosperity and, being a people of simple habits, without plunging into brash modernity and ostentatiousness.