Geography and Environment

Bhutan isolation from the western worls can be explained in part by its geography. Located between India and the auotnomous region of Tibet, China betwen 88 degree 45 celsius and 92 degree 10 celsius longitude east and 26 degree 40 celsius and 28 degree 15 celsius latitude north, the country couvers 46500 Sq.Kms (18,147 Sq. Miles). Bhutan forms a gigantic staircase from a narrow strip of land in the south at an altitude of 300 Mts ( 985 feet) up to high Himamalyan peaks in the north with an altitude of over 7000 metres ( 23000 feet). The population was estimated in 2004 at 700000 inhabitants and a census was carried out in June 2005.

Eighty per cent of the population still live off cultivation and live-stock rearing on only 7.8% of arable land, but this has been decreasing since the mid-1980s with the apprearence of a middle class, consisting of civil servants and business people and since the mid 90's workers in the private tertiary sector, which receives incentives from the government.

Bhutan is called Druk Yul which was inhabited in early 2000 BC. The History of Bhutan began in the 17th Century AD when Tibetan King Songten Gampo, constructed the first two Bhuddist temples Kyichu in the Paro valley and Jampa in Choekar valley of Bhumtang.

In 8th century,a Tantrist from Swat ( now Pakisthan) arrived in Bhutan. His name was Padmasambhava, popularly revered in Bhutan as Guru Rinponche or the Precious Master introduced Buddhism. Since then, Buddhism has occupied a predominant role in shaping the social, political, economic and cultural evolution of the country. In the centuries that followed, Lamas or Buddhist teachers and local nobility established their own separate domains throughout the country.

Under the politically and religiously charismatic Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594-1652), a leader of the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism uniified the country under a unified power and established the Chhoesi system of governance, whereby both the temporal and religious authority were separated and vested in the Druk Desi (Temporal Head) and Je Khenpo (Spiritual Head) respectively. By the end of the 17th century, the country emerged with a distinct national and cultural identity, as well as, an unprecedented degree of political stability.

Bhutaneses are friendly people. The large majority of people are a homogenious group divided linguistically into three broad categories. These are Sharcops,Ngalong and Lhotshampa. Besides there are a number of smaller groups, many with their own language which form about one percent of the population. some of these groups are ; Bhumtap in Bhumtang,Tsangho in the east. Laypas in the north west, Brokpas in the north east and Doyas in the south west of Bhutan.The last century has witnessed a greated variety with addtion of the people of Napelese which form large section of the Bhutnese Population.

The state religion of Bhutan is the Drukpa sect Kagyupa, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism. Ever since its introduction in the eighth century, Buddhism has shaped the nation’s history and played a vital part in the life of its people. Throughout Bhutan, from the most densely populated valleys to the most remote mountain way stops, religious monuments and symbols bear witness to a deep and respected faith. One comes across prayer wheels, prayer flags and the sacred mantra Om mani Padme Hung carved on the slabs of stone and rocky hillside.

Chortens (stupas) housing the sacred relics dot the landscape, Monasteries and temples some dating back to as early as the eighth century, are the focal point of each village.

Bhutan’s traditional culture is alive in its performing arts, such as dance and music which are an integral part of religious ceremonies. In addition, secular performances, such as dance, songs, traditional instrumental music, drama based on biographies of religious personalities hold a special place in the lives of the people as they play an important role in national, village, or domestic functions and festivals. Bhutan’s textile tradition has, in recent years, gone international. The distinct technique, colour and style of indigenous Bhutanese weaving is being increasingly appreciated by textile specialists, collectors and users.

Bhutan is known for handicraft items in bronze, silver and othe metals. Sculting of relgious figures is widely practised and very temple house large brightly painted and gilded statues of the Bhudha and Other saints

The castle like dzongs with their gently tapering walls , classic lines large courtyards and beautfull galaries are among the finest examples of the Bhutanese architecture. Containing large monstries inside and set in commanding position on hilltops or at the conflusence of rivers, dzongs.

Textiles, Bhutan’s premier art is the product of centuries of individual creativity and transmitted in fibre preparation, dyeing, weaving, cutting, silk, cotton, nettle, wool and yak hair are the fibres and dyes have become widely available and weavers have adopted these with enthusiasm, altering the palette, textures, surface qualities of the cloths produced. Bhutanese intricate brocades and complex warp-striped patterns are unmatched anywhere else in the world.

Bhutanese textiles are a national treasure and the government’s policy along with people’s appreciation will ensure the preservation of this creative art and its tradition.stitching and embroidery. Wild silk, cotton, nettle, wool and yak hair are the fibres and dyes have become widely available and weavers have adopted these with enthusiasm, altering the palette, textures, surface qualities of the cloths produced. Bhutanese intricate brocades and complex warp-striped patterns are unmatched anywhere else in the world.

Bhutanese textiles are a national treasure and the government’s policy along with people’s appreciation will ensure the preservation of this creative art and its tradition.