Bhutan History Quiz

Early History (1000 BCE - 600 CE)

• Bhutan's early history is shrouded in mystery due to lack of written records.
• The country was inhabited by various tribes, including the Lhop people and the Monpa people.
• Buddhism was introduced to Bhutan from India in the 7th century CE.

Tibetan Influence (600 CE - 1600 CE)

• In the 9th century, Tibetan King Langdarma's persecution of Buddhists led to an influx of Tibetan refugees in Bhutan.
• Tibetan lamas established Buddhist monasteries and introduced the Nyingma school of Buddhism.
• The Kingdom of Bumthang was established in the 12th century, marking the beginning of Bhutan's feudal era.

Unification and the Shabdrung Era (1600 CE - 1907 CE)

• In 1616, the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal unified Bhutan's warring factions and established the Kingdom of Bhutan.
• The Shabdrung introduced the dual system of government, where the spiritual leader (Je Khenpo) and the secular leader (Desi) shared power.
• The Shabdrung era saw the construction of numerous dzongs (fortresses) and the establishment of a unique Bhutanese culture.

British Colonization and Modernization (1907 CE - 1971 CE)

• In 1907, the Treaty of Punakha established Bhutan as a British protectorate.
• The British introduced modern education, medicine, and infrastructure to Bhutan.
• In 1951, Bhutan gained independence from British India, and a constitutional monarchy was established.

Modern Bhutan (1971 CE - present)

• In 1971, Bhutan joined the United Nations and began to open up to the world.
• The country has since undergone rapid modernization, with a focus on sustainable development and Gross National Happiness.
• Bhutan transitioned to a parliamentary democracy in 2008, with the adoption of a new constitution.

Early History (1000 BCE - 600 CE)

• Bhutan's early history is shrouded in mystery due to lack of written records.
• The country was inhabited by various tribes, including the Lhop people and the Monpa people.
• Buddhism was introduced to Bhutan from India in the 7th century CE.

Tibetan Influence (600 CE - 1600 CE)

• Tibetan King Langdarma's persecution of Buddhists led to an influx of Tibetan refugees in Bhutan in the 9th century.
• Tibetan lamas established Buddhist monasteries and introduced the Nyingma school of Buddhism.
• The Kingdom of Bumthang was established in the 12th century, marking the beginning of Bhutan's feudal era.

Unification and the Shabdrung Era (1600 CE - 1907 CE)

• In 1616, the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal unified Bhutan's warring factions and established the Kingdom of Bhutan.
• The Shabdrung introduced the dual system of government, where the spiritual leader (Je Khenpo) and the secular leader (Desi) shared power.
• The Shabdrung era saw the construction of numerous dzongs (fortresses) and the establishment of a unique Bhutanese culture.

British Colonization and Modernization (1907 CE - 1971 CE)

• In 1907, the Treaty of Punakha established Bhutan as a British protectorate.
• The British introduced modern education, medicine, and infrastructure to Bhutan.
• In 1951, Bhutan gained independence from British India, and a constitutional monarchy was established.

Modern Bhutan (1971 CE - present)

• In 1971, Bhutan joined the United Nations and began to open up to the world.
• The country has since undergone rapid modernization, with a focus on sustainable development and Gross National Happiness.
• Bhutan transitioned to a parliamentary democracy in 2008, with the adoption of a new constitution.

Test your knowledge of Bhutan's early history, from the mysterious tribes to the introduction of Buddhism and Tibetan influence.