Jump to content

Penlop of Trongsa: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
Typi
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
m replace {lang-??} templates with {langx|??} ‹See Tfd› (Replaced 1);
 
(31 intermediate revisions by 17 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Bhutanese royal title}}
{{Css Image Crop

|Image = King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (edit).jpg
{{Infobox monarchy
|bSize = 250
|cWidth = 250
| royal_title = Penlop
|cHeight = 300
| realm = Trongsa
|oTop = 0
| incumbent = [[Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck]]
| image = King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (edit).jpg
|oLeft = 0
|Location = right
| other = Since 31 October 2004
| type = other3
|Description = [[Druk Gyalpo]] [[Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck]] is the most recent Penlop of Trongsa.
| his/her = His
| first_monarch = [[Chogyal Minjur Tempa|''Chogyal'' Minjur Tempa]]
| date = 1647
}}
}}
{{Contains special characters|Tibetan}}
'''Ponlop of Trongsa''' ([[Dzongkha]]: ཀྲོང་གསར་དཔོན་སློབ་; [[Wylie transliteration|Wylie]]: ''Krong-gsar dpon-slob''),<ref name=CS3>{{Country study|country=Bhutan |abbr=bt |editor=Savada, Andrea Matles |date=September 1991 |section=British Intrusion, 1772–1907 |author=Worden, Robert L. |pd=yes}}</ref><ref name=BWK>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=sHAnAtNrUQoC |title=Bhutan: Ways of Knowing |first1=Frank |last1=Rennie |first2=Robin |last2=Mason |publisher=IAP |page=176 |year=2008 |isbn=1-59311-734-5 |accessdate=2011-08-10}}</ref> also called '''Chhoetse Penlop''' ([[Dzongkha]]: ཆོས་རྩེ་དཔོན་སློབ་; [[Wylie transliteration|Wylie]]: ''Chos-rtse dpon-slob''; also spelled "Chötse"<ref name=Wangdi>{{cite web|url=http://www.thlib.org/enwiki/static/reprints/jbs/JBS_10_02.pdf |year=2004 |title=A Historical Background of the Chhoetse Penlop |author=Dorji Wangdi |format=PDF |accessdate=2011-02-20 |publisher=Cabinet Secretariat |location=[[Thimphu]] |work=[http://www.thlib.org The Tibetan and Himalayan Library online]}}</ref><ref name=Eesti>{{cite web|url=http://www.eki.ee/cgi-bin/mkn.cgi?form=mm&kohanimi=&maakond=BT&nimeliik=&of=tb&staatus=VAR |title=Päring kohanimeandmebaasist. Väliskohanimed. [Place Name Database Query. Foreign Names.] |publisher=Eesti Keele Instituut [Estonian Language Institute] |work=Eesti Keele Instituudi kohanimeandmebaas (KNAB) [Estonian Place Names Database (KNAB)] |accessdate=2011-02-21 }}</ref>)<ref group=Note>The spelling of this title varies widely in sources because [[transliteration]]s of [[Tibetan script]] and [[transcription (linguistics)|transcription]]s of Tibetan phonology differ. ''Penlop'' may be spelled "pönlop" or "ponlop." ''Trongsa'' may appear as "Tongsa" or even "(b)Krongsa." ''Chotse'' may alternatively appear as "Chhotse," "Ch(h)oetse," or "Ch(h)ötse." Any combination of these variations may also contain additional hyphens or differing capitalization.</ref> is a [[Dzongkha]] title meaning "Governor of the [[Trongsa Province|Province of Trongsa]] (Chhoetse)." It is generally given to the [[heir apparent]] of the Kingdom of [[Bhutan]]. The most recent holder of the title was King [[Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck]], who was then a [[prince]] (Dzongkha: ''dasho'', ''gyalsay''). Although the current [[heir presumptive]] is [[Prince]] [[Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck]], the title is reserved for the officially designated [[heir apparent]], which is subject to change by the reigning king. Also, the reigning [[Druk Gyalpo]] may retain the office or award it to another person after coronation. The proper reference style is [[Royal Highness|His Royal Highness]] Trongsa (Chhoetse) Penlop.
The '''Penlop of Trongsa''' ({{langx|dz|ཀྲོང་གསར་དཔོན་སློབ་}}; {{bo|w=Krong-gsar dpon-slob}}),<ref name=CS3>{{Country study|country=Bhutan |abbr=bt |editor=Savada, Andrea Matles |date=September 1991 |section=British Intrusion, 1772–1907 |author=Worden, Robert L. |pd=yes}}</ref><ref name=BWK>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sHAnAtNrUQoC |title=Bhutan: Ways of Knowing |first1=Frank |last1=Rennie |first2=Robin |last2=Mason |publisher=IAP |page=176 |year=2008 |isbn=978-1-59311-734-4 |accessdate=2011-08-10}}</ref> also called '''Chhoetse Penlop''' ([[Dzongkha]]: ཆོས་རྩེ་དཔོན་སློབ་; [[Wylie transliteration|Wylie]]: ''Chos-rtse dpon-slob''; also spelled "Chötse"<ref name=Wangdi>{{cite web |url=http://www.thlib.org/enwiki/static/reprints/jbs/JBS_10_02.pdf |year=2004 |title=A Historical Background of the Chhoetse Penlop |author=Dorji Wangdi |accessdate=2011-02-20 |publisher=Cabinet Secretariat |location=[[Thimphu]] |work=The Tibetan and Himalayan Library online |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110214150739/http://www.thlib.org/enwiki/static/reprints/jbs/JBS_10_02.pdf |archive-date=2011-02-14 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=Eesti>{{cite web|url=http://www.eki.ee/cgi-bin/mkn.cgi?form=mm&kohanimi=&maakond=BT&nimeliik=&of=tb&staatus=VAR |title=Päring kohanimeandmebaasist. Väliskohanimed. [Place Name Database Query. Foreign Names.] |publisher=Eesti Keele Instituut [Estonian Language Institute] |work=Eesti Keele Instituudi kohanimeandmebaas (KNAB) [Estonian Place Names Database (KNAB)] |accessdate=2011-02-21 }}</ref>),<ref group=Note>The spelling of this title varies widely in sources because [[transliteration]]s of [[Tibetan script]] and [[transcription (linguistics)|transcription]]s of Tibetan phonology differ. ''Penlop'' may be spelled "pönlop" or "ponlop". ''Trongsa'' may appear as "Tongsa" or even "(b)Krongsa". ''Chotse'' may alternatively appear as "Chhotse", "Ch(h)oetse" or "Ch(h)ötse". Any combination of these variations may also contain additional hyphens or differing capitalization.</ref> is a [[Dzongkha]] title meaning "Governor of the [[Trongsa Province|Province of Trongsa]] (Chhoetse)". It is now generally given to the [[heir apparent]] of the Kingdom of [[Bhutan]], but historically was an important title, for the governor of [[Trongsa]] and the surrounding area, and was the route by which the [[House of Wangchuck]] came to the throne.

The most recent holder of the title was King [[Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck]], who was then a [[prince]] (Dzongkha: ''[[dasho]]'', ''gyalsey''). The current [[heir apparent]] is [[Prince]] [[Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck]], because the title is reserved for the officially designated [[heir apparent]], and is subject to change by the reigning king. Also, the reigning [[Druk Gyalpo]] may retain the office or award it to another person after coronation. The proper reference style is [[Royal Highness|His Royal Highness]] Trongsa (Chhoetse) Penlop.


[[Penlop]] is a title roughly translating to "Provincial Governor" or the [[Europe]]an title "[[Duke]]." The crown prince holds the title "[[Penlop]] of [[Trongsa Province|Trongsa]]," or "Trongsa [[Penlop]]," which is the title held by the [[House of Wangchuck]] before its ascendancy to the throne. Originally, there were [[Penlop]]s for each of the nine provinces of [[Bhutan]], but they were consolidated under the control of the [[Penlop]] of Trongsa [[Ugyen Wangchuck]] when he became the first [[Druk Gyalpo]].<ref name=Wangdi/>
[[Penlop]] is a title roughly translating to "Provincial Governor" or the [[Europe]]an title "[[Duke]]". The crown prince holds the title "[[Penlop]] of [[Trongsa Province|Trongsa]]", or "Trongsa [[Penlop]]", which is the title held by the [[House of Wangchuck]] before its ascendancy to the throne. Originally, there were [[Penlop]]s for each of the nine provinces of [[Bhutan]], but they were consolidated under the control of the 12th [[Penlop]] of [[Trongsa District|Trongsa]] [[Ugyen Wangchuck]] when he became the first [[Druk Gyalpo]].<ref name=Wangdi/>


==History==
==History==
{{see|House of Wangchuck|History of Bhutan|Dual system of government}}
{{see|House of Wangchuck|History of Bhutan|Dual system of government}}
{| style="float: right; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin: .46em 0 0 .2em;" width=250px
{| style="float: right; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin: .46em 0 0 .2em;" width=250px
|+ Trongsa Penlops<ref name=Wangdi/><ref name=HBB>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=yA9uAAAAMAAJ |title=History of Bhutan based on Buddhism |first=C. T. |last=Dorji |publisher=Sangay Xam, Prominent Publishers |chapter=Appendix III |year=1994 |isbn=81-86239-01-4 |page=200 |accessdate=2011-08-12}}</ref><ref name=Royal>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalark.net/Bhutan/bhutan2.htm |title=BHUTAN – The Wangchuck Dynasty |date=2010-03-20 |first=Christopher |last=Buyers |work=The Royal Ark – Royal and Ruling Houses of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas |accessdate=2011-08-10}}</ref>
|+ Trongsa Penlops<ref name=Wangdi/><ref name=HBB>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yA9uAAAAMAAJ |title=History of Bhutan based on Buddhism |first=C. T. |last=Dorji |publisher=Sangay Xam, Prominent Publishers |chapter=Appendix III |year=1994 |isbn=81-86239-01-4 |page=200 |accessdate=2011-08-12}}</ref>
|-
|-
! Number
! Number
Line 22: Line 28:
! Dates
! Dates
|-
|-
| 1 || <small>''Tongsab Chogyal'' Minjur Tenpa</small> || <small>1646–?</small>
| 1 || <small>''Tongsab [[Chogyal Minjur Tenpa|Chogyal]]'' [[Chogyal Minjur Tenpa|Minjur Tenpa]]</small> || <small>1646–??</small>
|-
|-
| 2 || <small>''Tongsab'' Sherub Lhendup (Namlungpa)</small> || <small>([[fl.]] 1667)
| 2 || <small>''Tongsab'' Sherub Lhendup (Namlungpa)</small> || <small>([[fl.]] 1667)</small>
|-
|-
| 3 || <small>''Tongsab'' Zhidhar (Druk Dhendup)</small> || <small>([[fl.]] 1715)</small>
| 3 || <small>''Tongsab'' Zhidhar (Druk Dhendup)</small> || <small>([[fl.]] 1715)</small>
|-
|-
| 4 || <small>''Tongsab'' Dorji Namgyel (Druk Phuntsho)<ref group=table>Druk Phuntsho was also [[Druk Desi]] 1763–1765</ref></small> || <small>?</small>
| 4 || <small>''Tongsab'' Dorji Namgyel (Druk Phuntsho)<ref group=table>Dorji Namgyel was also the 14th [[Druk Desi]] 1763–1765</ref></small> || <small>?</small>
|-
|-
| 5 || <small>''Tongsab'' Sonam Drugyel (Pekar)</small> || <small>([[fl.]] 1770)</small>
| 5 || <small>''Tongsab'' Sonam Drugyel (Pekar)<ref group=table>Sonam Drugyel was also the 31th [[Druk Desi]] 1815–1819</ref></small> || <small>([[fl.]] 1770)</small>
|-
|-
| 6 || <small>''Tongsab'' Jangchhub Gyeltshen</small> || <small>?</small>
| 6 || <small>''Tongsab'' Jangchhub Gyeltshen</small> || <small>?</small>
Line 40: Line 46:
| 9 || <small>''Tongsab'' Tshoki Dorji</small> || <small>?–1853</small>
| 9 || <small>''Tongsab'' Tshoki Dorji</small> || <small>?–1853</small>
|-
|-
| 10 || <small>''Tongsab Samdrup'' [[Jigme Namgyal (Bhutan)|Jigme Namgyal]]<ref group=table>Jigme Namgyal was also the [[list of rulers of Bhutan|51st Druk Desi]] ([[Druk Desi|Deb Raja]]) of Bhutan 1870-1873</ref></small> || <small>1853–1870</small>
| 10 || <small>''Tongsab Samdrup'' [[Jigme Namgyal (Bhutan)|Jigme Namgyal]]<ref group=table>Jigme Namgyal was also the [[list of rulers of Bhutan|51st Druk Desi]] ([[Druk Desi|Deb Raja]]) of Bhutan 1870–1873</ref></small> || <small>1853–1870</small>
|-
|-
| 11 || <small>''Tongsab'' Dungkar Gyeltshen</small> || <small>?</small>
| 11 || <small>''Tongsab'' Dungkar Gyeltshen</small><ref group=table>Paternal grandfather of First [[Druk Gyaltsuen|Queen]] [[Tsundue Pema Lhamo]]</ref> || <small> 1870–1882</small>
|-
|-
| 12 || <small>''Gongsar'' [[Ugyen Wangchuck]]</small> || <small>1882–1907</small>
| 12 || <small>''Gongsar'' [[Ugyen Wangchuck]]</small> || <small>1882–1907</small>
|-
|-
| 13 || <small>''Gyalsay'' [[Jigme Wangchuck]]</small> || <small>1923–??</small>
| 13 || <small>''Gyalsey'' [[Jigme Wangchuck]]</small> || <small>1923–??</small>
|-
|-
| 14 || <small>''Gyalsay'' [[Jigme Dorji Wangchuck]]</small> || <small>1946–??</small>
| 14 || <small>''Gyalsey'' [[Jigme Dorji Wangchuck]]</small> || <small>1946–??</small>
|-
|-
| 15 || <small>''Gyalsay'' [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]]</small> || <small>1972–??</small>
| 15 || <small>''Gyalsey'' [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]]</small> || <small>1972–??</small>
|-
|-
| 16 || <small>''Gyalsay'' [[Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck]]</small> || <small>2004–present</small>
| 16 || <small>''Gyalsey'' [[Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck]]</small> || <small>2004–present</small>
|-
|-
| colspan=3 | Notes:<br>{{reflist|group=table}}
| colspan=4 | Notes:<br>{{reflist|group=table}}
|-
|-
|}
|}
Line 60: Line 66:
Under Bhutan's early theocratic [[dual system of government]], decreasingly effective central government control resulted in the ''[[de facto]]'' disintegration of the office of [[Zhabdrung Rinpoche]] after the death of [[Ngawang Namgyal]] in 1651. Under this system, the Zhabdrung reigned over the temporal [[Druk Desi]] and religious [[Je Khenpo]]. Two successor Zhabdrungs – the son (1651) and stepbrother (1680) of Ngawang Namgyal – were effectively controlled by the Druk Desi and Je Khenpo until power was further splintered through the innovation of multiple Zhabdrung incarnations, reflecting speech, mind, and body. Increasingly secular regional lords ([[penlop]]s and [[dzongpen]]s) competed for power amid a backdrop of civil war over the Zhabdrung and invasions from [[Tibet]] and the [[Mongol Empire]].<ref name=CS1>{{Country study|country=Bhutan |abbr=bt |editor=Savada, Andrea Matles |date=September 1991 |section=Administrative Integration and Conflict with Tibet, 1651–1728 |author=Worden, Robert L. |pd=yes}}</ref>
Under Bhutan's early theocratic [[dual system of government]], decreasingly effective central government control resulted in the ''[[de facto]]'' disintegration of the office of [[Zhabdrung Rinpoche]] after the death of [[Ngawang Namgyal]] in 1651. Under this system, the Zhabdrung reigned over the temporal [[Druk Desi]] and religious [[Je Khenpo]]. Two successor Zhabdrungs – the son (1651) and stepbrother (1680) of Ngawang Namgyal – were effectively controlled by the Druk Desi and Je Khenpo until power was further splintered through the innovation of multiple Zhabdrung incarnations, reflecting speech, mind, and body. Increasingly secular regional lords ([[penlop]]s and [[dzongpen]]s) competed for power amid a backdrop of civil war over the Zhabdrung and invasions from [[Tibet]] and the [[Mongol Empire]].<ref name=CS1>{{Country study|country=Bhutan |abbr=bt |editor=Savada, Andrea Matles |date=September 1991 |section=Administrative Integration and Conflict with Tibet, 1651–1728 |author=Worden, Robert L. |pd=yes}}</ref>


The penlops of [[Trongsa Province|Trongsa]] and [[Paro Province|Paro]], and the dzongpens of [[Punakha]], [[Thimphu]], and [[Wangdue Phodrang]] were particularly notable figures in the competition for regional dominance.<ref name=CS1/><ref name=CS2>{{Country study|country=Bhutan |abbr=bt |editor=Savada, Andrea Matles |date=September 1991 |section=Civil Conflict, 1728–72 |author=Worden, Robert L. |pd=yes}}</ref> During this period, there were a total of nine provinces and eight penlops vying for power.<ref>{{cite book|title=Lands of the Thunderbolt: Sikhim, Chumbi & Bhutan |author1=Lawrence John Lumley Dundas Zetland (Marquis of) |author2=Ronaldsha E., Asian Educational Services |publisher=Asian Educational Services |year=2000 |isbn=81-206-1504-2 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=CgoHInuX6lMC |accessdate=2011-08-10 |page=204}}</ref>
The penlops of [[Trongsa Province|Trongsa]] and [[Paro Province|Paro]], and the dzongpens of [[Punakha]], [[Thimphu]], and [[Wangdue Phodrang]] were particularly notable figures in the competition for regional dominance.<ref name=CS1/><ref name=CS2>{{Country study|country=Bhutan |abbr=bt |editor=Savada, Andrea Matles |date=September 1991 |section=Civil Conflict, 1728–72 |author=Worden, Robert L. |pd=yes}}</ref> During this period, there were a total of nine provinces and eight penlops vying for power.<ref>{{cite book|title=Lands of the Thunderbolt: Sikhim, Chumbi & Bhutan |author1=Lawrence John Lumley Dundas Zetland (Marquis of) |author2=Ronaldsha E., Asian Educational Services |publisher=Asian Educational Services |year=2000 |isbn=81-206-1504-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CgoHInuX6lMC |accessdate=2011-08-10 |page=204}}</ref>


[[Chogyal]] Minjur Tenpa (1613–1680; ''r.'' 1667–1680) was the first Penlop of Trongsa, appointed by Ngawang Namgyal. He was born Damchho Lhundrub in Min-Chhud, [[Tibet]], and led a monastic life from childhood. Before his appointment at Trongsa, he held the appointed post of Umzey (Chant Master). A trusted follower of the Zhabdrung, Minjur Tenpa was sent to subdue kings of Bumthang, Lhuntse, Trashigang, Zhemgang, and other lords from [[Trongsa Dzong]]. After doing so, the Tongsa divided his control in the east among eight regions (Shachho Khorlo Tsegay), overseen by Dungpas and Kutshabs (civil servants). He went on to build [[Jakar Dzong|Jakar]], [[Lhuntse Dzong|Lhuntse]], Trashigang, and Zhemgang [[dzong architecture|Dzongs]].<ref name=HBB/>{{rp|106}}
[[Chogyal Minjur Tenpa]] (1613–1680; ''r.'' 1667–1680) was the first Penlop of Trongsa, appointed by Ngawang Namgyal. He was born Damchho Lhundrub in Min-Chhud, [[Tibet]], and led a monastic life from childhood. Before his appointment at Trongsa, he held the appointed post of Umzey (Chant Master). A trusted follower of the Zhabdrung, Minjur Tenpa was sent to subdue kings of Bumthang, Lhuntse, Trashigang, Zhemgang, and other lords from [[Trongsa Dzong]]. After doing so, the Tongsa divided his control in the east among eight regions (Shachho Khorlo Tsegay), overseen by Dungpas and Kutshabs (civil servants). He went on to build [[Jakar Dzong|Jakar]], [[Lhuntse Dzong|Lhuntse]], Trashigang, and Zhemgang [[dzong architecture|Dzongs]].<ref name=HBB/>{{rp|106}}


Within this political landscape, the [[House of Wangchuck]] originated in the [[Bumthang Province|Bumthang region]] of central Bhutan.<ref name=Heaven>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=bOfwJvGAMtAC&pg=PT331 |title=So Close to Heaven: The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayas |series=Vintage Departures |first=Barbara |last=Crossette |publisher=[[Random House]] Digital, Inc. |year=2011 |isbn=0-307-80190-X |accessdate=2011-08-10}}</ref> The family belongs to the descendants of Dungkar Choji of the Nyö clan, and is descended from [[Pema Lingpa]], a Bhutanese [[Nyingma]] saint. The Nyö clan emerged as a local aristocracy supplanting many older aristocratic families of Tibetan origin that sided with Tibet during invasions of Bhutan. In doing so, the clan came to occupy the ''de facto'' hereditary position of Penlop of Trongsa since [[Jigme Namgyal (Bhutan)|Jigme Namgyal]] (appointed from among his family), as well as significant national and local government positions.<ref name=Harding>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=rlxdncBwpbgC |title=The life and revelations of Pema Lingpa |first1=Padma-gliṅ-pa (Gter-ston) |first2=Sarah |last2=Harding |editor=Harding, Sarah |publisher=Snow Lion Publications |page=24 |year=2003 |isbn=1-55939-194-4 |accessdate=2011-08-10}}</ref>
Within this political landscape, the [[House of Wangchuck]] originated in the [[Bumthang Province|Bumthang region]] of central Bhutan.<ref name=Heaven>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bOfwJvGAMtAC&pg=PT331 |title=So Close to Heaven: The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayas |series=Vintage Departures |first=Barbara |last=Crossette |publisher=[[Random House]] Digital, Inc. |year=2011 |isbn=978-0-307-80190-6 |accessdate=2011-08-10}}</ref> The family belongs to the descendants of Dungkar Choji of the Nyö clan, and is descended from [[Pema Lingpa]], a Bhutanese [[Nyingma]] saint. The Nyö clan emerged as a local aristocracy supplanting many older aristocratic families of Tibetan origin that sided with Tibet during invasions of Bhutan. In doing so, the clan came to occupy the ''de facto'' hereditary position of Penlop of Trongsa since [[Jigme Namgyal (Bhutan)|Jigme Namgyal]] (appointed from among his family), as well as significant national and local government positions.<ref name=Harding>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rlxdncBwpbgC |title=The life and revelations of Pema Lingpa |author1=Padma-gliṅ-pa (Gter-ston) |first2=Sarah |last2=Harding |editor=Harding, Sarah |publisher=Snow Lion Publications |page=24 |year=2003 |isbn=1-55939-194-4 |accessdate=2011-08-10}}</ref>


While the Penlop of Trongsa controlled central and eastern Bhutan, the rival Penlop of Paro controlled western Bhutan. Dzongpens controlled areas surrounding their respective dzongs. Eastern dzongpens were generally under the control of the Penlop of Trongsa, who was officially endowed with the power to appoint them in 1853.<ref name=HBB/>{{rp|106, 251}} The Penlop of Paro, unlike Trongsa, was an office appointed by the [[Druk Desi]]'s central govertunment. Because western regions controlled by the Penlop of Paro contained lucrative trade routes, it became the object of competition among aristocratic families.<ref name=Harding/>
While the Penlop of Trongsa controlled central and eastern Bhutan, the rival Penlop of Paro controlled western Bhutan. Dzongpens controlled areas surrounding their respective dzongs. Eastern dzongpens were generally under the control of the Penlop of Trongsa, who was officially endowed with the power to appoint them in 1853.<ref name=HBB/>{{rp|106, 251}} The Penlop of Paro, unlike Trongsa, was an office appointed by the [[Druk Desi]]'s central govertunment. Because western regions controlled by the Penlop of Paro contained lucrative trade routes, it became the object of competition among aristocratic families.<ref name=Harding/>


Although Bhutan generally enjoyed favorable relations with both Tibet and the [[British Raj]] through the 19th century, extension of British power at Bhutan's borders as well as Tibetan incursions in British [[Sikkim]] defined politically opposed pro-Tibet and pro-Britain forces.<ref name=EUR>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=e5Az1lGCJwQC |title=Far East and Australasia |series=Regional surveys of the world: Far East & Australasia |author=Europa Publications |edition=34 |publisher=Psychology Press |year=2002 |pages=180–81 |isbn=1-85743-133-2 |accessdate=2011-08-08}}</ref> This period of intense rivalry between and within western and central Bhutan, coupled with external forces from Tibet and especially the [[British Empire]], provided the conditions for the ascendancy of the Penlop of Trongsa.<ref name=Harding/>
Although Bhutan generally enjoyed favorable relations with both Tibet and the [[British Raj]] through the 19th century, extension of British power at Bhutan's borders as well as Tibetan incursions in British [[Sikkim]] defined politically opposed pro-Tibet and pro-Britain forces.<ref name=EUR>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e5Az1lGCJwQC |title=Far East and Australasia |series=Regional surveys of the world: Far East & Australasia |author=Europa Publications |edition=34 |publisher=Psychology Press |year=2002 |pages=180–81 |isbn=1-85743-133-2 |accessdate=2011-08-08}}</ref> This period of intense rivalry between and within western and central Bhutan, coupled with external forces from Tibet and especially the [[British Empire]], provided the conditions for the ascendancy of the Penlop of Trongsa.<ref name=Harding/>


After the [[Bhutan War]] with Britain (1864–65) as well as substantial territorial losses ([[Cooch Behar]] 1835; [[Assam]] [[Dooars]] 1841), armed conflict turned inward. In 1870, amid the continuing civil wars, Penlop Jigme Namgyal of Trongsa ascended to the office of [[Druk Desi]]. In 1879, he appointed his 17-year-old son [[Ugyen Wangchuck]] as Penlop of Paro. Jigme Namgyal reigned through his death 1881, punctuated by periods of retirement during which he retained effective control of the country.<ref name=LP>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=s-L8NUlW_QgC |title=Bhutan |series=Lonely Planet Country Guides|first1=Lindsay |last1=Brown |first2=Bradley |last2=Mayhew |first3=Stan |last3=Armington |first4=Richard W. |last4=Whitecross |edition=3 |publisher=[[Lonely Planet]] |pages=38–43 |year=2007 |isbn=1-74059-529-7 |accessdate=2011-08-09}}</ref>
After the [[Bhutan War]] with Britain (1864–65) as well as substantial territorial losses ([[Cooch Behar]] 1835; [[Assam]] [[Dooars]] 1841), armed conflict turned inward. In 1870, amid the continuing civil wars, Penlop Jigme Namgyal of Trongsa ascended to the office of [[Druk Desi]]. In 1879, he appointed his 17-year-old son [[Ugyen Wangchuck]] as Penlop of Paro. Jigme Namgyal reigned through his death 1881, punctuated by periods of retirement during which he retained effective control of the country.<ref name=LP>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s-L8NUlW_QgC |title=Bhutan |series=Lonely Planet Country Guides|first1=Lindsay |last1=Brown |first2=Bradley |last2=Mayhew |first3=Stan |last3=Armington |first4=Richard W. |last4=Whitecross |edition=3 |publisher=[[Lonely Planet]] |pages=38–43 |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-74059-529-2 |accessdate=2011-08-09}}</ref>


The pro-Britain Penlop [[Ugyen Wangchuck]] ultimately prevailed against the pro-Tibet and anti-Britain Penlop of Paro after a series of civil wars and rebellions between 1882 and 1885. After his father's death in 1881, Ugyen Wangchuck entered a feud over the post of Penlop of Trongsa. In 1882, at the age of 20, he marched on Bumthang and Trongsa, winning the post of Penlop of Trongsa in addition to Paro. In 1885, Ugyen Wangchuck intervened in a conflict between the Dzongpens of Punakha and Thimphu, sacking both sides and seizing [[Simtokha Dzong]]. From this time forward, the office of [[Druk Desi]] became purely ceremonial.<ref name=LP/>
The pro-Britain Penlop [[Ugyen Wangchuck]] ultimately prevailed against the pro-Tibet and anti-Britain Penlop of Paro after a series of civil wars and rebellions between 1882 and 1885. After his father's death in 1881, Ugyen Wangchuck entered a feud over the post of Penlop of Trongsa. In 1882, at the age of 20, he marched on Bumthang and Trongsa, winning the post of Penlop of Trongsa in addition to Paro. In 1885, Ugyen Wangchuck intervened in a conflict between the Dzongpens of Punakha and Thimphu, sacking both sides and seizing [[Simtokha Dzong]]. From this time forward, the office of [[Druk Desi]] became purely ceremonial.<ref name=LP/>


==Legal status==
==Legal status==
Under Article 2 of the [[Constitution of Bhutan]], actual succession depends on the King without regard to who is the titular Trongsa or Chhoetse Penlop: the title is not a part of the Constitutional succession framework. Thus, if there are "shortcomings in the elder prince, it is the sacred duty of the King to select and proclaim the most capable prince or princess as heir to the Throne."<ref name=Art2>{{cite web|url=http://www.constitution.bt/TsaThrim%20Eng%20(A5).pdf |format=PDF |title=Constitution of Bhutan, Art. 2 |publisher=[[Government of Bhutan]] |year=2008 |accessdate=2011-08-12}}</ref>
Under Article 2 of the [[Constitution of Bhutan]], actual succession depends on the King without regard to who is the titular Trongsa or Chhoetse Penlop: the title is not a part of the Constitutional succession framework. Thus, if there are "shortcomings in the elder prince, it is the sacred duty of the King to select and proclaim the most capable prince or princess as heir to the Throne."<ref name=Art2>{{cite web |url=http://www.constitution.bt/TsaThrim%20Eng%20(A5).pdf |title=Constitution of Bhutan, Art. 2 |publisher=[[Government of Bhutan]] |year=2008 |accessdate=2011-08-12 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904194200/http://www.constitution.bt/TsaThrim%20Eng%20(A5).pdf |archivedate=2012-09-04 }}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 19:38, 29 October 2024

Penlop of Trongsa
Incumbent
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Since 31 October 2004
Details
StyleHis Highness
First monarchChogyal Minjur Tempa
Formation1647

The Penlop of Trongsa (Dzongkha: ཀྲོང་གསར་དཔོན་སློབ་; Wylie: Krong-gsar dpon-slob),[1][2] also called Chhoetse Penlop (Dzongkha: ཆོས་རྩེ་དཔོན་སློབ་; Wylie: Chos-rtse dpon-slob; also spelled "Chötse"[3][4]),[Note 1] is a Dzongkha title meaning "Governor of the Province of Trongsa (Chhoetse)". It is now generally given to the heir apparent of the Kingdom of Bhutan, but historically was an important title, for the governor of Trongsa and the surrounding area, and was the route by which the House of Wangchuck came to the throne.

The most recent holder of the title was King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who was then a prince (Dzongkha: dasho, gyalsey). The current heir apparent is Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, because the title is reserved for the officially designated heir apparent, and is subject to change by the reigning king. Also, the reigning Druk Gyalpo may retain the office or award it to another person after coronation. The proper reference style is His Royal Highness Trongsa (Chhoetse) Penlop.

Penlop is a title roughly translating to "Provincial Governor" or the European title "Duke". The crown prince holds the title "Penlop of Trongsa", or "Trongsa Penlop", which is the title held by the House of Wangchuck before its ascendancy to the throne. Originally, there were Penlops for each of the nine provinces of Bhutan, but they were consolidated under the control of the 12th Penlop of Trongsa Ugyen Wangchuck when he became the first Druk Gyalpo.[3]

History

[edit]
Trongsa Penlops[3][5]
Number Name Dates
1 Tongsab Chogyal Minjur Tenpa 1646–??
2 Tongsab Sherub Lhendup (Namlungpa) (fl. 1667)
3 Tongsab Zhidhar (Druk Dhendup) (fl. 1715)
4 Tongsab Dorji Namgyel (Druk Phuntsho)[table 1] ?
5 Tongsab Sonam Drugyel (Pekar)[table 2] (fl. 1770)
6 Tongsab Jangchhub Gyeltshen ?
7 Tongsab Konchhog Tenzin ?
8 Tongsab Ugyen Phuntsho ?
9 Tongsab Tshoki Dorji ?–1853
10 Tongsab Samdrup Jigme Namgyal[table 3] 1853–1870
11 Tongsab Dungkar Gyeltshen[table 4] 1870–1882
12 Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck 1882–1907
13 Gyalsey Jigme Wangchuck 1923–??
14 Gyalsey Jigme Dorji Wangchuck 1946–??
15 Gyalsey Jigme Singye Wangchuck 1972–??
16 Gyalsey Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck 2004–present
Notes:
  1. ^ Dorji Namgyel was also the 14th Druk Desi 1763–1765
  2. ^ Sonam Drugyel was also the 31th Druk Desi 1815–1819
  3. ^ Jigme Namgyal was also the 51st Druk Desi (Deb Raja) of Bhutan 1870–1873
  4. ^ Paternal grandfather of First Queen Tsundue Pema Lhamo

Under Bhutan's early theocratic dual system of government, decreasingly effective central government control resulted in the de facto disintegration of the office of Zhabdrung Rinpoche after the death of Ngawang Namgyal in 1651. Under this system, the Zhabdrung reigned over the temporal Druk Desi and religious Je Khenpo. Two successor Zhabdrungs – the son (1651) and stepbrother (1680) of Ngawang Namgyal – were effectively controlled by the Druk Desi and Je Khenpo until power was further splintered through the innovation of multiple Zhabdrung incarnations, reflecting speech, mind, and body. Increasingly secular regional lords (penlops and dzongpens) competed for power amid a backdrop of civil war over the Zhabdrung and invasions from Tibet and the Mongol Empire.[6]

The penlops of Trongsa and Paro, and the dzongpens of Punakha, Thimphu, and Wangdue Phodrang were particularly notable figures in the competition for regional dominance.[6][7] During this period, there were a total of nine provinces and eight penlops vying for power.[8]

Chogyal Minjur Tenpa (1613–1680; r. 1667–1680) was the first Penlop of Trongsa, appointed by Ngawang Namgyal. He was born Damchho Lhundrub in Min-Chhud, Tibet, and led a monastic life from childhood. Before his appointment at Trongsa, he held the appointed post of Umzey (Chant Master). A trusted follower of the Zhabdrung, Minjur Tenpa was sent to subdue kings of Bumthang, Lhuntse, Trashigang, Zhemgang, and other lords from Trongsa Dzong. After doing so, the Tongsa divided his control in the east among eight regions (Shachho Khorlo Tsegay), overseen by Dungpas and Kutshabs (civil servants). He went on to build Jakar, Lhuntse, Trashigang, and Zhemgang Dzongs.[5]: 106 

Within this political landscape, the House of Wangchuck originated in the Bumthang region of central Bhutan.[9] The family belongs to the descendants of Dungkar Choji of the Nyö clan, and is descended from Pema Lingpa, a Bhutanese Nyingma saint. The Nyö clan emerged as a local aristocracy supplanting many older aristocratic families of Tibetan origin that sided with Tibet during invasions of Bhutan. In doing so, the clan came to occupy the de facto hereditary position of Penlop of Trongsa since Jigme Namgyal (appointed from among his family), as well as significant national and local government positions.[10]

While the Penlop of Trongsa controlled central and eastern Bhutan, the rival Penlop of Paro controlled western Bhutan. Dzongpens controlled areas surrounding their respective dzongs. Eastern dzongpens were generally under the control of the Penlop of Trongsa, who was officially endowed with the power to appoint them in 1853.[5]: 106, 251  The Penlop of Paro, unlike Trongsa, was an office appointed by the Druk Desi's central govertunment. Because western regions controlled by the Penlop of Paro contained lucrative trade routes, it became the object of competition among aristocratic families.[10]

Although Bhutan generally enjoyed favorable relations with both Tibet and the British Raj through the 19th century, extension of British power at Bhutan's borders as well as Tibetan incursions in British Sikkim defined politically opposed pro-Tibet and pro-Britain forces.[11] This period of intense rivalry between and within western and central Bhutan, coupled with external forces from Tibet and especially the British Empire, provided the conditions for the ascendancy of the Penlop of Trongsa.[10]

After the Bhutan War with Britain (1864–65) as well as substantial territorial losses (Cooch Behar 1835; Assam Dooars 1841), armed conflict turned inward. In 1870, amid the continuing civil wars, Penlop Jigme Namgyal of Trongsa ascended to the office of Druk Desi. In 1879, he appointed his 17-year-old son Ugyen Wangchuck as Penlop of Paro. Jigme Namgyal reigned through his death 1881, punctuated by periods of retirement during which he retained effective control of the country.[12]

The pro-Britain Penlop Ugyen Wangchuck ultimately prevailed against the pro-Tibet and anti-Britain Penlop of Paro after a series of civil wars and rebellions between 1882 and 1885. After his father's death in 1881, Ugyen Wangchuck entered a feud over the post of Penlop of Trongsa. In 1882, at the age of 20, he marched on Bumthang and Trongsa, winning the post of Penlop of Trongsa in addition to Paro. In 1885, Ugyen Wangchuck intervened in a conflict between the Dzongpens of Punakha and Thimphu, sacking both sides and seizing Simtokha Dzong. From this time forward, the office of Druk Desi became purely ceremonial.[12]

[edit]

Under Article 2 of the Constitution of Bhutan, actual succession depends on the King without regard to who is the titular Trongsa or Chhoetse Penlop: the title is not a part of the Constitutional succession framework. Thus, if there are "shortcomings in the elder prince, it is the sacred duty of the King to select and proclaim the most capable prince or princess as heir to the Throne."[13]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ The spelling of this title varies widely in sources because transliterations of Tibetan script and transcriptions of Tibetan phonology differ. Penlop may be spelled "pönlop" or "ponlop". Trongsa may appear as "Tongsa" or even "(b)Krongsa". Chotse may alternatively appear as "Chhotse", "Ch(h)oetse" or "Ch(h)ötse". Any combination of these variations may also contain additional hyphens or differing capitalization.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. Worden, Robert L. (September 1991). Savada, Andrea Matles (ed.). Bhutan: A Country Study. Federal Research Division. British Intrusion, 1772–1907.
  2. ^ Rennie, Frank; Mason, Robin (2008). Bhutan: Ways of Knowing. IAP. p. 176. ISBN 978-1-59311-734-4. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  3. ^ a b c Dorji Wangdi (2004). "A Historical Background of the Chhoetse Penlop" (PDF). The Tibetan and Himalayan Library online. Thimphu: Cabinet Secretariat. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-02-14. Retrieved 2011-02-20.
  4. ^ "Päring kohanimeandmebaasist. Väliskohanimed. [Place Name Database Query. Foreign Names.]". Eesti Keele Instituudi kohanimeandmebaas (KNAB) [Estonian Place Names Database (KNAB)]. Eesti Keele Instituut [Estonian Language Institute]. Retrieved 2011-02-21.
  5. ^ a b c Dorji, C. T. (1994). "Appendix III". History of Bhutan based on Buddhism. Sangay Xam, Prominent Publishers. p. 200. ISBN 81-86239-01-4. Retrieved 2011-08-12.
  6. ^ a b Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. Worden, Robert L. (September 1991). Savada, Andrea Matles (ed.). Bhutan: A Country Study. Federal Research Division. Administrative Integration and Conflict with Tibet, 1651–1728.
  7. ^ Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. Worden, Robert L. (September 1991). Savada, Andrea Matles (ed.). Bhutan: A Country Study. Federal Research Division. Civil Conflict, 1728–72.
  8. ^ Lawrence John Lumley Dundas Zetland (Marquis of); Ronaldsha E., Asian Educational Services (2000). Lands of the Thunderbolt: Sikhim, Chumbi & Bhutan. Asian Educational Services. p. 204. ISBN 81-206-1504-2. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  9. ^ Crossette, Barbara (2011). So Close to Heaven: The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayas. Vintage Departures. Random House Digital, Inc. ISBN 978-0-307-80190-6. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  10. ^ a b c Padma-gliṅ-pa (Gter-ston); Harding, Sarah (2003). Harding, Sarah (ed.). The life and revelations of Pema Lingpa. Snow Lion Publications. p. 24. ISBN 1-55939-194-4. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  11. ^ Europa Publications (2002). Far East and Australasia. Regional surveys of the world: Far East & Australasia (34 ed.). Psychology Press. pp. 180–81. ISBN 1-85743-133-2. Retrieved 2011-08-08.
  12. ^ a b Brown, Lindsay; Mayhew, Bradley; Armington, Stan; Whitecross, Richard W. (2007). Bhutan. Lonely Planet Country Guides (3 ed.). Lonely Planet. pp. 38–43. ISBN 978-1-74059-529-2. Retrieved 2011-08-09.
  13. ^ "Constitution of Bhutan, Art. 2" (PDF). Government of Bhutan. 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-09-04. Retrieved 2011-08-12.