Bhutan Tashigang History: Exploring the Ancient Kingdoms of the Himalayas
The kingdom of Bhutan is a small landlocked country in the eastern Himalayas, bordered by India and Tibet. It has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, and its culture is deeply rooted in Buddhism. One of the most interesting aspects of Bhutanese history is the region of Tashigang, located in the east of the country. This area was once the heart of the ancient kingdom of Bhutan, and it is still home to many important historical sites. In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of Tashigang and its importance to the kingdom of Bhutan.
Tashigang is an area of immense historical significance for Bhutan. It was the site of the ancient kingdom of Druk Yul, which was the first unified kingdom of Bhutan. The kingdom was founded in the 8th century by Guru Rinpoche, a Buddhist master who is revered as the second Buddha in Bhutan. During his lifetime, Guru Rinpoche unified the various tribes of the region and established the kingdom of Druk Yul. He is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan and establishing the first monasteries in the region.
The kingdom of Druk Yul was ruled by a succession of kings until the 17th century, when it was invaded by the Tibetans. The kingdom was eventually annexed by the Tibetan Empire in 1644, and the region of Tashigang became a part of the Tibetan province of Tashigang. The area remained under Tibetan rule until the 19th century, when it was annexed by the British Empire.
Today, Tashigang is an important cultural and historical site in Bhutan. It is home to many ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries, including the famous Tashigang Dzong, which was built in the 17th century. The area is also home to the Taktshang monastery, which is perched high on a cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. This monastery is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Bhutan and is said to be the place where Guru Rinpoche first introduced Buddhism to the region.
The history of Tashigang is closely linked to the history of Bhutan. This region has played an important role in the development of the kingdom and its culture, and it is still home to many important historical sites. For anyone interested in exploring the ancient kingdoms of the Himalayas, Tashigang is an ideal destination.