|
|
|
home »
bhutan »
people |
|
|
The country's population of 600, 000 is
composed of three main ethnic groups. The Sharchopas,
who are considered to be the earliest inhabitants of
Bhutan, live mostly in Eastern Bhutan and they are of
Indo-Mongoloid origin. The Ngalops populate mostly
Western Bhutan migrated from the Tibetan plains and are
the importers of Buddhism to Bhutan. The Lhotsampas who
are of Nepalese origin settled in the southern foothills
of the country in the early twentieth century. This
ethnic diversity of the people has resulted in numerous
dialects and languages that are spoken throughout the
country. Dzongkha is the National language. English is
the medium of instruction in schools and is widely
spoken |
 |
|
____________________________________________________________________________________________ |
Geography Of
Bhutan |
Bhutan is a landlocked country. It is
about 47,000 kilometres - roughly the size of
Switzerland. It is located between Tibet in the north,
Indian states of West Bengal and Assam in the south, and
Arunachal Pradesh in the east.
Bhutan has three major land regions. The Great Himalayan
region in the north rises more than 4300 m (14,000 ft)
along the Tibetan border.
This area is uninhabited except for a few scattered
settlements in the high valleys. The Great Himalayas
radiate southward into central Bhutan, creating the
Middle Himalayan zone. |
____________________________________________________________________________________________ |
History Of Bhutan |
Till well into the 17th Century, Bhutan
was split up into small independent principalities.
After the arrival of Buddhism, during the seventh
century, the various Buddhist schools began sharing the
power in the country with the old aristocratic families.
The cleric Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel united the
independent principalities into one state. After his
death the theocracy disintegrated and the provincial
lords fought to gain control over the central power.
Only the establishment of the monarchy in 1907 brought
peace again. Today the fourth King of Bhutan is leading
his country into modern times. |
____________________________________________________________________________________________ |
Religion Of Bhutan |
Bhutan is the last bastion of the
Mahayana form of Buddhism in the world today. It was in
the 8th century AD that Guru Padma Sambhava introduced
Buddhism to the country. Subsequently this was
promulgated by various other religious figures who
visited Bhutan. The dominant sect that came to be
established in the country was the Drukpa Kargyu sect of
Mahayana Buddhism, which is now the official religion of
Bhutan.
The Bhutanese are very pious people and religion plays
an important part of their daily lives. Prayer flags
fluttering in the wind, chortens (stupas), monasteries
and twirling prayer wheels are a very common sight.
Religion permeates all strands of secular life and this
has brought about a reverence for the land and its
well-being. Religious festivals known as 'Tsechus' and 'Dromchoes'
symbolizing amity, peace and compassion, are held
annually at various parts of the kingdom at different
times of the year. These colorful festivals are a time
for the people from various walks of life to congregate
dressed in all their finery. The most popular festivals
are Paro Tsechu (March/April), Thimphu Tsechu
(September/October) and in Bumthang (October). During
the festival, rare and sacred masked dances, sword
dances and many rituals are performed. |
|
|
|
|
