Legend of Bhutan
The early inhabitants of Bhutan were dates back as early as 2000 BC according to Archaeological evidence. Buddhism was probably introduced in the 2nd century although traditionally its introduction is credited to the first visit of Guru Rimpoche in the 8th century. He flourished the Tantric strain of the Mahayana Buddhism practiced in Bhutan. His eight manifestations are worshipped throughout the kingdom as second Buddha and wherever he visited in the country is today a pilgrimages sight highly revered by Bhutanese.
 

Bhutan was not unified under a central authority until the sixteenth century. However the numerous religious presences in the country and noble families ruled in different valleys throughout Bhutan, quarrelling among them. This changed in 1616 with the arrival of Ngawang Namgyal from Tibet. He implemented the Drukpa Kagyu religion throughout the region and soon established himself as the religious ruler of Bhutan with the title Zhabdrung Rimpoche. He repelled attacks from rival lamas and Tibetan forces and transformed the southern valleys into a unified country called Druk-Yul (Land of the Thunder Dragon). His political system lasted until beginning of 20th century and the Zhabdrung’s era ended in 1705 was followed by 200 years of internal conflict and political infighting.
 

Instability lasted until 1907 when Ugyen Wangchuck was elected, by a unanimous vote of Bhutan's chiefs and principal lamas, as hereditary ruler of Bhutan. Thus, the first king was crowned and the Wangchuck dynasty began. Over the following four decades, he and his heir, King Jigme Wangchuck, brought the entire country under the monarchy's direct control.


During the reign of the third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Bhutan opened its door to the outside world after an age long isolation .Bhutan became the member of United Nations. It was our neighbor India who strongly backed our country for the admission. During his period Bhutan developed many diplomatic ties with many countries. He abolished the age long slaverism prevailing in the country and started modern education. The third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck is known as the “father of modern Bhutan”.


The present monarch, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, has continued the policy of controlled development with particular focus on the preservation of the environment and Bhutan's unique culture. Among his ideas, the economic self-reliance has now become widely known as “Gross National Happiness”. His coronation on 2nd June 1974 was the first time the international media were allowed to enter the Kingdom, and marked Bhutan's debut appearance on the world stage. The first group of paying tourists arrived later that year. In 1999, television and Internet were first introduced to Bhutan.

 
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