Jigme Wangchuck facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jigme Wangchuck |
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| Druk Gyalpo | |
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| Dragon King of Bhutan | |
| Reign | 26 August 1926 – 30 March 1952 |
| Coronation | 14 March 1927 |
| Predecessor | Ugyen Wangchuck |
| Successor | Jigme Dorji Wangchuck |
| Born | 1905 Thinley Rabten Palace |
| Died | 30 March 1952 (aged 47) Kuenga Rabten Palace, Dragteng Gewog, Trongsa |
| Burial | Cremated at Kurjey Lhakhang |
| Spouse | 1st consort-Phuntsho Choden 2nd consort-Pema Dechen |
| Issue | King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Princess Choki Wangmo Wangchuck Prince Namgyel Wangchuck Princess Deki Yangzom Wangchuck Princess Pema Choden Wangchuck |
| House | House of Wangchuck |
| Father | Ugyen Wangchuck |
| Mother | Tsundue Pema Lhamo |
| Religion | Buddhism |
Jigme Wangchuck (born 1905 – died March 30, 1952) was the second king of Bhutan. He was known as the Druk Gyalpo, which means "Dragon King." He ruled from August 26, 1926, until his death in 1952.
During his time as king, Jigme Wangchuck worked to improve Bhutan's laws and buildings. Bhutan mostly stayed separate from other countries during his reign. Its only foreign connections were with the British Raj (the British rule in India). After his death, his son, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, became the next king.
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Early life and education
Jigme Wangchuck was born in 1905. His birthplace was the Thinley Rabten Palace in Wangdue Phodrang District. He studied at Wangdecholing Palace. There, he learned English and Hindi. He also received a religious education.
As the first son of Ugyen Wangchuck, he was expected to become king. In 1923, he was given the important title of Penlop of Trongsa. This prepared him for his future role.
His time as king
Jigme Wangchuck became king in 1926. This happened after his father, Ugyen Wangchuck, passed away. His official crowning ceremony took place in Punakha on March 14, 1927.
Building and improvements
King Jigme focused on building projects inside Bhutan. He worked on improving the country's buildings and services. For example, he oversaw the repair of many dzongs (fortress-monasteries) and religious sites in eastern Bhutan. He also started and improved several schools across the country.
He built new royal homes too. These included the Kuenga Rabten winter palace in Trongsa. He also built other homes at Samdrupcholing and Domkhar. King Jigme wanted to improve roads and modern medical care. However, he could not do much of this because there was not enough money.
Laws and justice
King Jigme also paid close attention to Bhutan's laws. He tried to make the justice system fairer. He discouraged the death penalty for most crimes, except for murder. He also lowered the fees people had to pay in court. Citizens could even appeal directly to him if they disagreed with a lower official's decision.
Foreign relations
In terms of foreign policy, King Jigme mostly kept Bhutan isolated. However, he continued the friendly relationship his father had with the British Raj. When World War II started, King Jigme sent money to the British Raj. This was a sign of goodwill. In return, the British Raj helped keep Bhutan isolated. They stopped Westerners from visiting the country.
After India became independent in 1947, King Jigme sent people to start talks with India. This led to the 1949 friendship treaty between the two nations. In this treaty, Bhutan agreed to let India "guide" its foreign policy. India also agreed to pay Bhutan money every year. They also gave Bhutan 32 square miles of land in Dewangiri.
His final days
In early 1952, King Jigme became ill. He saw signs that made him believe he would soon die. So, he decided to spend his last days practicing archery. This was one of his favorite hobbies. However, his health got worse quickly. After ten days, he was too sick to continue. He went back to the Kuenga Rabten Palace. He died there on March 30, 1952.
His family
King Jigme Wangchuck had five children. Their mothers were his two cousins, Ashi Phuntsho Choden and Ashi Pema Dechen.
- The Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (son of his first wife).
- Princess Choki Wangmo Wangchuck (daughter of his second wife).
- Prince Namgyel Wangchuck, who became the 26th Penlop of Paro (son of his second wife).
- Princess Deki Yangzom Wangchuck (daughter of his second wife).
- Princess Pema Choden Wangchuck (daughter of his second wife).
Honours and awards
King Jigme Wangchuck received several important awards during his life.
Awards from Bhutan
Maharaja Ugyen Wangchuck Medal 1st class in gold (received in 1909).
Awards from other countries
- From the British Raj:
Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (KCIE - received in 1930).- Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (CIE - received in 1927).
Delhi Durbar Silver Medal (received in 1911).
- From the United Kingdom:
Recipient of the King George V Silver Jubilee Medal (received in 1935).
Recipient of the King George VI Coronation Medal (received in 1937).
See also
In Spanish: Jigme Wangchuck para niños
- House of Wangchuck
