Jigme Dorji Wangchuck facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jigme Dorji Wangchuck |
|
|---|---|
| Dragon King of Bhutan | |
.jpg)
Picture of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck at Paro International Airport
|
|
| Dragon King of Bhutan | |
| Reign | 30 March 1952 – 21 July 1972 |
| Coronation | 27 October 1952 |
| Predecessor | Jigme Wangchuck |
| Successor | Jigme Singye Wangchuck |
| Born | 2 May 1928 Thruepang Palace, Trongsa |
| Died | 21 July 1972 (aged 44) Nairobi, Kenya |
| Burial | Cremated at Kurjey Lhakhang 27°37′N 90°42′E / 27.617°N 90.700°E |
| Spouse | Ashi Kesang Choden |
| Issue | Sonam Chhodron Wangchuck Dechan Wangmo Wangchuck Jigme Singye Wangchuck Pema Lhadon Wangchuck Kesang Wangmo Wangchuck |
| House | Wangchuck |
| Father | Jigme Wangchuck |
| Mother | Ashi Phuntsho Choden |
| Religion | Buddhism |
Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (born May 2, 1928 – died July 21, 1972) was the third Druk Gyalpo, or Dragon King, of Bhutan. He is known for starting to open Bhutan to the rest of the world. He also began to modernize the country and took the first steps towards making it more democratic.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jigme Dorji Wangchuck was born in 1928 at Thruepang Palace in Trongsa. From a young age, he learned about royal manners and leadership. He was taught at the royal court by his father, the King.
Wangchuck also received a British-style education in Kalimpong. He traveled to many foreign countries, like Scotland and Switzerland. These trips gave him ideas to help develop Bhutan in ways that suited its unique culture.
In 1943, he became the Trongsa Dronyer (a royal official). In 1950, he was made the 25th Paro Penlop, a powerful regional governor.
Wangchuck married Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck on October 5, 1951, in Paro. The next year, he became King after his father passed away. His coronation was held at Punakha Dzong on October 27, 1952.
Reign: Modernizing Bhutan
During his 20 years as King, from 1952 to 1972, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck started big changes in Bhutan. He is often called the "Father of Modern Bhutan."
He worked to make Bhutan stronger and safer. He also got help from other countries to develop Bhutan. For example, Bhutan joined the Colombo Plan in 1962 to get international aid. India became a main source of financial and technical help.
The King was a smart planner. He modernized Bhutan without losing its special culture and traditions. He brought in modern ways to protect Bhutanese culture, especially Buddhist culture. At the same time, he introduced Western science and technology. He was also one of the first environmentalists in the region. The Manas Sanctuary, a protected area for wildlife, was created in 1966.
Political and Social Changes
When he became King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck made important social changes. In Bhutan, some people were bonded laborers, meaning they worked for wealthy families in exchange for food and shelter. The King changed this. Laborers on royal lands became tenants or sharecroppers, instead of being forced to work. Later, other bonded laborers in the country were also set free.
In 1953, the King wanted decisions for the country to be shared, not just made by him and a few officials. So, he created the National Assembly of Bhutan in Punakha Dzong. For the first time, elders from different areas could share their ideas for Bhutan's future. It was also a place for the King to share his plans for the country.
After the National Assembly was set up, the King created many new laws. These laws covered important parts of Bhutanese life, like land, animals, marriage, and property. The Thrimzhung Chenmo (Supreme Law) was passed in 1959. These laws helped create a society based on clear rules.
To make sure these laws were followed, the King also set up a court system. He appointed Thrimpons (judges) in different districts. In 1968, the High Court was established. These changes helped improve how the country was run.
In 1955, he changed how taxes were paid. People started paying taxes with money instead of goods. This was a big step at the time. The Royal Bhutan Army was also formally established in 1963. The King also created new government ministries in 1968.
Culture and Education
The King cared deeply about preserving Bhutanese culture, especially its rich Buddhist culture. He ordered the building of Buddhist monuments, including a large Buddha statue in Thimphu. He also had many copies of important Buddhist texts made.
In 1967, he founded Simtokha Rigzhung Lobdra (now called the Institute of Language and Cultural Studies). This school helped train new traditional scholars. He also increased the number of monks in many monasteries. During his rule, the rules for the Dzongkha language (Bhutan's national language) were created.
To spread culture and traditions, and to teach science and other subjects, the King started modern schools across the country. He opened two important public schools: Yangchenphug in western Bhutan (1969) and Kanglung in eastern Bhutan (1968). He also created an Agriculture Department to improve food and income from farming. Free health services were also started during his reign.
Building Infrastructure
Bhutan began building modern roads, communication systems, schools, health centers, and farms with help from India. India became independent in 1947 and later offered aid to Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck visited India many times. The first Indian Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, visited Bhutan in 1958.
After Nehru's visit, Bhutan's modern development began. Road construction started in 1959. In 1961, Bhutan began its first Five Year Plan (FYP). This plan aimed to build 177 km of roads, 108 schools, three hospitals, and 45 clinics. By 1961, motor roads reached Thimphu. The idea of planning the country's economy in five-year periods began then. By the end of his reign, over 1200 km (750 miles) of roads had been built. His last visit to central Bhutan was to open the Zhunglam, a highway between Wangdue Phodrang and Trongsa, in 1971.
Foreign Relations
The King worked to keep a strong relationship with India. He also wanted to build ties with other countries. He aimed for close economic links with Bangladesh. Bhutan was the first country after India to recognize Bangladesh's independence.
A very important event during his time was Bhutan joining the United Nations in 1971. Bhutan became the 125th member of the UN.
Death
King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck had heart problems for a long time. He had his first heart attack when he was 20. In July 1972, he traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, for medical treatment. Sadly, he passed away suddenly during this visit. His body was then flown back to Bhutan for cremation.
Styles and Titles
- 1929–1944: Dasho Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
- 1944–1946: Trongsa Dronyer Dasho Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
- 1946–1952: Paro Penlop Dasho Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
- 1952–1963: His Highness Sri Panch Maharaj Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Maharaja of Bhutan.
- 1963–1972: His Majesty Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Mang-pos Bhur-ba'i rgyalpo, King of Bhutan.
Honors and Awards
National Honors
Bhutan:
Grand Master of the Royal Order of Bhutan (Druk Thuksey = Son of the Heart of the Thunder Dragon, 1966).
Foreign Honors
Bangladesh:
Recipient of the Bangladesh Liberation War Honour (Posthumous) (March 27, 2012)
India:
Recipient of the Lotus Decoration (January 26, 1954)
United Kingdom:
Recipient of the King George V Silver Jubilee Medal (May 6, 1935)
Recipient of the King George VI Coronation Medal (May 12, 1937)
See also
In Spanish: Jigme Dorji Wangchuck para niños
- Jigme Dorji National Park
