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{{Infobox building
{{Infobox building
| name = Dechencholing Palace
| name = Dechencholing Palace
| native_name= {{lang|dz|བདེ་ཆེན་ཆོས་གླིང་}}<br>''{{transl|dz|dechencholing}}''
| native_name= [[File:Dechencholing-dz.svg|200px]]<br>''{{transl|dz|Dechencholing}}''
| former_names =
| former_names =
| alternate_names =
| alternate_names =
| image =
| image = Jigme Singye Wangchuck and Robert Blake.jpg
| caption = Dechencholing Palace, Thimphu
| caption = Dechencholing Palace, Thimphu
| map_type = Bhutan
| map_type = Bhutan
Line 20: Line 20:
| coordinates = {{coord|27.523534|89.64273|display=inline}}
| coordinates = {{coord|27.523534|89.64273|display=inline}}
| start_date = 1952
| start_date = 1952
| completion_date = 1953<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_GKTAAAAIAAJ&q=Dechencholing+Palace&dq=Dechencholing+Palace&hl=en&ei=CzlcTK_4MoaI4gb17byCAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CFUQ6AEwCA|title=
| completion_date = 1953<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_GKTAAAAIAAJ&q=Dechencholing+Palace|title=Blue annals of Bhutan|author=C. T. Dorji|publisher=Vikas Pub. House|year=1997|page=110|isbn=9788125904366 }}</ref>
Blue annals of Bhutan|author=C. T. Dorji|publisher=Vikas Pub. House|year=1997|page=110}}</ref>
| inauguration_date =
| inauguration_date =
| renovation_date =
| renovation_date =
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| references =
| references =
}}
}}
{{Contains Tibetan text}}
{{Contains special characters|Tibetan}}
'''Dechencholing Palace''' ({{lang-dz|བདེ་ཆེན་ཆོས་གླིང་}}, ''{{transl|dz|dechencholing}}'') is located in [[Thimphu]], the capital of [[Bhutan]], {{convert|4|km|mi}} to the north of the [[Tashichho Dzong]] and {{convert|7|km|mi}} north of the city centre.<ref>Pommaret, p.163</ref> It was built in 1953 by the third [[List of rulers of Bhutan|king of Bhutan]] ''[[Druk Gyalpo]]'' [[Jigme Dorji Wangchuck]].
'''Dechencholing Palace''' ({{langx|dz|བདེ་ཆེན་ཆོས་གླིང་}}, ''{{transl|dz|dechencholing}}'') is located in [[Thimphu]], the capital of [[Bhutan]], {{convert|4|km|mi}} to the north of the [[Tashichho Dzong]] and {{convert|7|km|mi}} north of the city centre.<ref>Pommaret, p.163</ref> It was built in 1953 by the third [[List of rulers of Bhutan|king of Bhutan]] ''[[Druk Gyalpo]]'' [[Jigme Dorji Wangchuck]].


==Geography==
==Geography==
The palace lies at the northern end of the Thimphu Valley, on the west bank of the Thimphu River. The palace is accessed via the [[Dechhen Lam]] (road) which runs along the eastern bank of the Thimphu river from the district of [[Yangchenphug]], through [[Langjupakha]] for several kilometres before approaching the palace. On the way to the palace the road passes the Royal Banquet Hall, the Centre for Bhutan Studies, the Woodcraft Centre and then passes the Indian Estate on the other side of the river.<ref>Pommaret, p.162</ref> Just south of the palace on the other side of the river is the suburb of Taba. The palace is surrounded by forest to the east and west; the eastern forest is denser and is said to be the only leafy forest in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dudh.gov.bt/Thimphustructural/partthree/3.8.html |title=Flora, Fauna and Avifauna Reserves |publisher=Ministry of Works and Human Settlement |accessdate=2010-08-06 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706163142/http://www.dudh.gov.bt/Thimphustructural/partthree/3.8.html |archivedate=2011-07-06 |df= }}</ref> On a slope in the forest high above Taba is the [[Wangchuck Resort]], used as a meditation retreat.<ref>Pommaret, p.178</ref>
The palace lies at the northern end of the Thimphu Valley, on the west bank of the Thimphu River. The palace is accessed via the [[Dechhen Lam]] (road) which runs along the eastern bank of the Thimphu river from the district of [[Yangchenphug]], through [[Langjupakha]] for several kilometres before approaching the palace. On the way to the palace the road passes the Royal Banquet Hall, the Centre for Bhutan Studies, the Woodcraft Centre and then passes the Indian Estate on the other side of the river.<ref>Pommaret, p.162</ref> Just south of the palace on the other side of the river is the suburb of Taba. The palace is surrounded by forest to the east and west; the eastern forest is denser and is said to be the only leafy forest in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dudh.gov.bt/Thimphustructural/partthree/3.8.html |title=Flora, Fauna and Avifauna Reserves |publisher=Ministry of Works and Human Settlement |accessdate=2010-08-06 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706163142/http://www.dudh.gov.bt/Thimphustructural/partthree/3.8.html |archivedate=2011-07-06 }}</ref> Opposite on a slope in the forest high above Taba is the [[Wangchuck Resort]], used as a meditation retreat (the retreat has no connection to the palace).<ref>Pommaret, p.178</ref>


==History==
==History==
Dechencholing Palace was built in 1953 after the coronation of the third King of Bhutan, ''[[Druk Gyalpo]]'' [[Jigme Dorji Wangchuck]], following the death of his father, ''Druk Gyalpo'' [[Jigme Wangchuck]], in 1952.<ref name=Dorje>{{cite book|last=Dorje|first=Gyurme|title=Tibet Handbook: the Travel|page=839|accessdate=2008-11-14|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DDLAqIckCHkC
Dechencholing Palace was built in 1953 after the coronation of the third King of Bhutan, ''[[Druk Gyalpo]]'' [[Jigme Dorji Wangchuck]], following the death of his father, ''Druk Gyalpo'' [[Jigme Wangchuck]], in 1952.<ref name=Dorje>{{cite book|last=Dorje|first=Gyurme|title=Tibet Handbook: the Travel|page=839|accessdate=2008-11-14|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DDLAqIckCHkC
|year=1999|publisher=Footprint Travel Guides|isbn=1-900949-33-4}}</ref><ref name=Dorji>{{Cite book|last=Dorji|first=C.T.|title=Blue annals of Bhutan|page=110|accessdate=2010-07-30|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_GKTAAAAIAAJ&hl=en&dq=Dechencholing%20Palace,%20Thimphu&ei=6n1STJj3CMiecZTuub8M&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CFYQ6AEwCQ|publisher= Vikas Pub. House|year=1997}}</ref> The third king's son [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]] was born here on 11 November 1955.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bhutantour.bt/tag/jigme-singye-wangchuck|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318232748/http://www.bhutantour.bt/tag/jigme-singye-wangchuck|dead-url=yes|archive-date=2012-03-18|title=Jigme Singye Wangchuck|publisher=Bhutan Tour|accessdate=2010-08-08}}</ref> Later, one hundred thousand ''Raksha Thotreng'' rituals were performed at the palace as a beneficial rite for the public enthronement of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck in 1974.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0voLU0FgYy8C&pg=PA253&lpg=PA253&dq=Dechencholing+Palace&source=bl&ots=jQ4vOAB-3g&sig=D13LyeCzjuSOlIYkXwE5HRBkms0&hl=en&ei=LGVcTJmDOYqQjAe52LTxAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CDIQ6AEwCTge#v=onepage&q&f=false|author=Khyentse, Dilgo|author2=Rinpoche, Sogyal|author3=Dalai Lama|title=Brilliant Moon: The Autobiography of Dilgo Khyentse|publisher=Shambhala Publications|year=2010|page=253|isbn=1-59030-763-1}}</ref>
|year=1999|publisher=Footprint Travel Guides|isbn=1-900949-33-4}}</ref><ref name=Dorji>{{Cite book|last=Dorji|first=C.T.|title=Blue annals of Bhutan|page=110|accessdate=2010-07-30|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_GKTAAAAIAAJ&q=Dechencholing%20Palace,%20Thimphu|publisher= Vikas Pub. House|year=1997|isbn=9788125904366 }}</ref> The third king's son [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]] was born here on 11 November 1955.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bhutantour.bt/tag/jigme-singye-wangchuck|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318232748/http://www.bhutantour.bt/tag/jigme-singye-wangchuck|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-03-18|title=Jigme Singye Wangchuck|publisher=Bhutan Tour|accessdate=2010-08-08}}</ref> Later, one hundred thousand ''Raksha Thotreng'' rituals were performed at the palace as a beneficial rite for the public enthronement of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck in 1974.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0voLU0FgYy8C&q=Dechencholing+Palace&pg=PA253|author=Khyentse, Dilgo|author2=Rinpoche, Sogyal|author3=Dalai Lama|title=Brilliant Moon: The Autobiography of Dilgo Khyentse|publisher=Shambhala Publications|year=2010|page=253|isbn=978-1-59030-763-2}}</ref>


The late Royal Grandmother, ''Druk Gyalpo''’s mother the Dowager Queen [[Phuntsho Choden]] (''Ashi'' Phuntsho Choden), popularly known as ''Gayum Angay'' [[Phuntsho Choden]] Wangchuck, lived in this palace as a [[Buddhist]] nun. However, the present King does not stay in this palace, as the royal residence is now at the [[Samteling Palace]] (Royal Cottage).<ref name=History>{{Cite web|url=http://www.servinghistory.com/topics/Dechencholing_Palace|title=Dechencholing Palace|accessdate=2010-07-30|publisher=Serving History}}</ref><ref name=Bisht>{{Cite book|last=Bisht|first= Ramesh Chandra| title= International Encyclopaedia Of Himalayas (5 Vols. Set)|page=144|accessdate=2010-08-07|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XWblUfYqGK4C&pg=PA144&dq=Queen+Mother's+palace+in+Thimphu&hl=en&ei=Il5dTJM6x9Bx4YrJ2g4&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CFUQ6AEwCDgK#v=onepage&q&f=false|publisher=Mittal Publications|year= 2008|isbn=81-8324-265-0}}</ref><ref name="Brown, p. 97">Brown, p. 97</ref><ref name="Palin, p. 245">Palin, p. 245</ref>
The late Royal Grandmother, ''Druk Gyalpo''’s mother the Dowager Queen [[Phuntsho Choden]] (''Ashi'' Phuntsho Choden), popularly known as ''Gayum Angay'' [[Phuntsho Choden]] Wangchuck, lived in this palace as a [[Buddhist]] nun. However, the present King does not stay in this palace, as the royal residence is now at the [[Samteling Palace]] (Royal Cottage).<ref name=History>{{Cite web|url=http://www.servinghistory.com/topics/Dechencholing_Palace|title=Dechencholing Palace|accessdate=2010-07-30|publisher=Serving History}}</ref><ref name=Bisht>{{Cite book|last=Bisht|first= Ramesh Chandra| title= International Encyclopaedia Of Himalayas (5 Vols. Set)|page=144|accessdate=2010-08-07|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XWblUfYqGK4C&q=Queen+Mother's+palace+in+Thimphu&pg=PA144|publisher=Mittal Publications|year= 2008|isbn=978-81-8324-265-3}}</ref><ref name="Brown, p. 97">Brown, p. 97</ref><ref name="Palin, p. 245">Palin, p. 245</ref>


The palace is frequently used for international delegations, especially those with [[India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bhutantour.bt/bhutan-news/his-majesty-the-king-granted-an-audience-to-the-indian-foreign-secretary.html|title=His Majesty the King granted an audience to the Indian Foreign Secretary|publisher=Bhutan Tour|date=2009-02-16|accessdate=2010-08-08}} {{Dead link|date=November 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bhutannewsservice.com/main-news/after-us-delegation-indian-fm-rushed-to-thimphu/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707233144/http://www.bhutannewsservice.com/main-news/after-us-delegation-indian-fm-rushed-to-thimphu/ |dead-url=yes |archive-date=2011-07-07 |title=After US delegation, Indian FM rushed to Thimphu |publisher=Bhutan News Service |date=2009-02-16 |accessdate=2010-08-08 }}</ref> Indian ambassadors regularly visit the palace to discuss international relations between India and Bhutan. It is also the venue for hosting luncheons and banquets for Head of the States and other important guests of Bhutan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=//www.trailblazertrekking.com/paro-thimpu-tour.htm |title=Paro-Thimpu Tour |accessdate=2010-08-07 |publisher=Nepal Trailblazer |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314183500/http://www.trailblazertrekking.com/paro-thimpu-tour.htm |archivedate=March 14, 2012 }}</ref>
The palace is frequently used for international delegations, especially those with [[India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bhutantour.bt/bhutan-news/his-majesty-the-king-granted-an-audience-to-the-indian-foreign-secretary.html|title=His Majesty the King granted an audience to the Indian Foreign Secretary|publisher=Bhutan Tour|date=2009-02-16|accessdate=2010-08-08}} {{Dead link|date=November 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bhutannewsservice.com/main-news/after-us-delegation-indian-fm-rushed-to-thimphu/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707233144/http://www.bhutannewsservice.com/main-news/after-us-delegation-indian-fm-rushed-to-thimphu/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-07-07 |title=After US delegation, Indian FM rushed to Thimphu |publisher=Bhutan News Service |date=2009-02-16 |accessdate=2010-08-08 }}</ref> Indian ambassadors regularly visit the palace to discuss international relations between India and Bhutan. It is also the venue for hosting luncheons and banquets for Head of the States and other important guests of Bhutan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=//www.trailblazertrekking.com/paro-thimpu-tour.htm |title=Paro-Thimpu Tour |accessdate=2010-08-07 |publisher=Nepal Trailblazer |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314183500/http://www.trailblazertrekking.com/paro-thimpu-tour.htm |archivedate=March 14, 2012 }}</ref>


==Structure==
==Structure==
The palace is a three-storied building set amidst willow trees, lawns and ponds. Except for the present King, other members of the Royal family reside here. Its architecture is entirely in Bhutanese traditional style including the furnishings inside.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://travelspedia.com/South-Asia/Bhutan/12157.html|title=Royal Palace in Dechencholing|accessdate=2010-07-30|publisher=Travelpedia}}</ref> The palace interior furnishings are said to be encased in metal in [[Repoussé and chasing|repoussé technique]] superimposed on white velvet.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HEcnAQAAIAAJ&q=Dechencholing+Palace&dq=Dechencholing+Palace&hl=en&ei=JoNcTOWXFIqB4QaZn7i8Bw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CC0Q6AEwATgU|title=Tibetan studies, Volume 256, Part 2|author= Krasser, Helmut|publisher=Issue 21 of Beiträge zur Kultur- und Geistesgeshichte Asiens, Volume 256 of Denkschriften (Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften. Philosophish-Historische Klasse), Volumes 1-2 of Proceedings of the 7th Seminar of the International Association for Tibetan Studies, International Association for Tibetan Studies Seminar (Graz, Austria), Verlag der Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften|year=1997|isbn=3-7001-2657-3}}</ref>
The palace is a three-storied building set amidst willow trees, lawns and ponds. Except for the present King, other members of the Royal family reside here. Its architecture is entirely in Bhutanese traditional style including the furnishings inside.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://travelspedia.com/South-Asia/Bhutan/12157.html|title=Royal Palace in Dechencholing|accessdate=2010-07-30|publisher=Travelpedia|archive-date=2016-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112005409/http://travelspedia.com/South-Asia/Bhutan/12157.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The palace interior furnishings are said to be encased in metal in [[Repoussé and chasing|repoussé technique]] superimposed on white velvet.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HEcnAQAAIAAJ&q=Dechencholing+Palace|title=Tibetan studies, Volume 256, Part 2|author= Krasser, Helmut|publisher=Issue 21 of Beiträge zur Kultur- und Geistesgeshichte Asiens, Volume 256 of Denkschriften (Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften. Philosophish-Historische Klasse), Volumes 1-2 of Proceedings of the 7th Seminar of the International Association for Tibetan Studies, International Association for Tibetan Studies Seminar (Graz, Austria), Verlag der Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften|year=1997|isbn=3-7001-2657-3}}</ref>


The late Royal Grandmother, ''Gayum'' [[Phuntsho Choden]] Wangchuck lived in this palace for many years and possessed her own chapel, adorned with paintings and carvings and candles burning from bowls. ''Gayum'' employed a number of women at the palace to weave garments for men and women, producing national dress costumes.<ref>{{cite book|url=
The late Royal Grandmother, ''Gayum'' [[Phuntsho Choden]] Wangchuck lived in this palace for many years and possessed her own chapel, adorned with paintings and carvings and candles burning from bowls. ''Gayum'' employed a number of women at the palace to weave garments for men and women, producing national dress costumes.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vUnF8fl2dzcC&q=Dechencholing+Palace&pg=PA362|author1=Gibson, Jack |author2=Sharma, Brij |title=An Indian Englishman|publisher=Lulu.com|year=2008|page=362|isbn=978-1-4357-3461-6}}</ref>
⚫
As the palace frequently hosts international delegations, it has its own [[helipad]] to facilitate swift access even though there is no airport in [[Thimphu]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kdoJAQAAIAAJ&q=Dechencholing+Palace|author=Rustomji, Nari|title=Bhutan: the dragon kingdom in crisis|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|year=1978|page=61|isbn=978-0-19-561062-8 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Peoples of Eastern Asia, Volume 1|author=Macdonald, Fiona|publisher=Marshall Cavendish|year=2004|isbn=0-7614-7547-8|page=33}}</ref>
https://books.google.com/books?id=vUnF8fl2dzcC&pg=PA362&dq=Dechencholing+Palace&hl=en&ei=GHxcTPG8IISv4AaPzuS5Bw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CDkQ6AEwBDgK#v=onepage&q=Dechencholing%20Palace&f=false|author1=Gibson, Jack |author2=Sharma, Brij |title=An Indian Englishman|publisher=Lulu.com|year=2008|page=362|isbn=1-4357-3461-0}}</ref>
⚫
As the palace frequently hosts international delegations, it has its own [[helipad]] to facilitate swift access even though there is no airport in [[Thimphu]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kdoJAQAAIAAJ&q=Dechencholing+Palace&dq=Dechencholing+Palace&hl=en&ei=qHpcTLHTNcf34Abi9IGnBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAjgK|author=Rustomji, Nari|title=Bhutan: the dragon kingdom in crisis|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|year=1978|page=61}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Peoples of Eastern Asia, Volume 1|author=Macdonald, Fiona|publisher=Marshall Cavendish|year=2004|isbn=0-7614-7547-8|page=33}}</ref>


In 1957, King ''Druk Gyalpo'' [[Jigme Wangchuck]] commissioned a skilled artist named Lam Durlop Dorji of [[Jakar|Bumthang]] to open an embroidery school at the palace, to instruct some 30 young monks in this field.<ref name="LH">{{cite web|url=http://lungtahandicraft.com/history.php |title=The History of Bhutanese Handicrafts |publisher=Lungta Handicraft |accessdate=2010-08-08 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101030140823/http://www.lungtahandicraft.com/history.php |archivedate=2010-10-30 |df= }}</ref> The school has produced several notable [[thangka]] embroideries, notably [[Thongdrel]] (large thangkas hanging from the roof tops of [[monasteries]] and [[dzong]]s), and Thangkas (scroll paintings).<ref name="LH"/> As Bhutan is a Tibetan Buddhist nation this school heavily revolves around Buddhism, which is reflected in its artwork.
In 1957, King [[Jigme Wangchuck]] commissioned a skilled artist named Lam Durlop Dorji of [[Jakar|Bumthang]] to open an embroidery school at the palace, to instruct some 30 young monks in this field.<ref name="LH">{{cite web|url=http://lungtahandicraft.com/history.php |title=The History of Bhutanese Handicrafts |publisher=Lungta Handicraft |accessdate=2010-08-08 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101030140823/http://www.lungtahandicraft.com/history.php |archivedate=2010-10-30 }}</ref> The school has produced several notable [[thangka]] embroideries, notably [[Thongdrel]] (large thangkas hanging from the roof tops of [[monasteries]] and [[dzong]]s), and Thangkas (scroll paintings).<ref name="LH"/> As Bhutan is a Tibetan Buddhist nation this school heavily revolves around Buddhism, which is reflected in its artwork.


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 77: Line 75:


==References==
==References==
*{{Cite book|last=Brown|first=Lindsey|title=Bhutan |author2=Mayhew, Bradley |author3=Armington, Stan |author4=Whitecross, Richard|publisher=Penguin|year=2009|isbn=1-74059-529-7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s-L8NUlW_QgC&printsec=frontcover}}
*{{Cite book|last=Brown|first=Lindsey|title=Bhutan |author2=Mayhew, Bradley |author3=Armington, Stan |author4=Whitecross, Richard|publisher=Penguin|year=2009|isbn=978-1-74059-529-2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s-L8NUlW_QgC}}
*{{Cite book|author=Pommaret, Francoise|title=Bhutan Himalayan Mountains Kingdom|edition=5th|publisher=Odyssey Books and Guides|year=2006|pages=136–7}}
*{{Cite book|author=Pommaret, Francoise|title=Bhutan Himalayan Mountains Kingdom|edition=5th|publisher=Odyssey Books and Guides|year=2006|pages=136–7}}


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[[Category:Royal residences in Bhutan]]
[[Category:Royal residences in Bhutan]]
[[Category:Houses completed in 1953]]
[[Category:Houses completed in 1953]]
[[Category:1953 establishments in Bhutan]]

Latest revision as of 19:25, 29 October 2024

Dechencholing Palace

Dechencholing
Dechencholing Palace, Thimphu
Dechencholing Palace is located in Bhutan
Dechencholing Palace
Location within Bhutan
General information
TypePalace
Architectural styleBhutanese
LocationThimphu, Bhutan
Coordinates27°31′25″N 89°38′34″E / 27.523534°N 89.64273°E / 27.523534; 89.64273
Construction started1952
Completed1953[1]
OwnerGovernment of Bhutan
Technical details
Structural systemPalace
Floor countThree
Design and construction
Architect(s)Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck
This article contains Tibetan script. Without proper rendering support, you may see very small fonts, misplaced vowels or missing conjuncts instead of Tibetan characters.

Dechencholing Palace (Dzongkha: བདེ་ཆེན་ཆོས་གླིང་, dechencholing) is located in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) to the north of the Tashichho Dzong and 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) north of the city centre.[2] It was built in 1953 by the third king of Bhutan Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Geography

[edit]

The palace lies at the northern end of the Thimphu Valley, on the west bank of the Thimphu River. The palace is accessed via the Dechhen Lam (road) which runs along the eastern bank of the Thimphu river from the district of Yangchenphug, through Langjupakha for several kilometres before approaching the palace. On the way to the palace the road passes the Royal Banquet Hall, the Centre for Bhutan Studies, the Woodcraft Centre and then passes the Indian Estate on the other side of the river.[3] Just south of the palace on the other side of the river is the suburb of Taba. The palace is surrounded by forest to the east and west; the eastern forest is denser and is said to be the only leafy forest in the city.[4] Opposite on a slope in the forest high above Taba is the Wangchuck Resort, used as a meditation retreat (the retreat has no connection to the palace).[5]

History

[edit]

Dechencholing Palace was built in 1953 after the coronation of the third King of Bhutan, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, following the death of his father, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Wangchuck, in 1952.[6][7] The third king's son Jigme Singye Wangchuck was born here on 11 November 1955.[8] Later, one hundred thousand Raksha Thotreng rituals were performed at the palace as a beneficial rite for the public enthronement of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck in 1974.[9]

The late Royal Grandmother, Druk Gyalpo’s mother the Dowager Queen Phuntsho Choden (Ashi Phuntsho Choden), popularly known as Gayum Angay Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck, lived in this palace as a Buddhist nun. However, the present King does not stay in this palace, as the royal residence is now at the Samteling Palace (Royal Cottage).[10][11][12][13]

The palace is frequently used for international delegations, especially those with India.[14][15] Indian ambassadors regularly visit the palace to discuss international relations between India and Bhutan. It is also the venue for hosting luncheons and banquets for Head of the States and other important guests of Bhutan.[16]

Structure

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The palace is a three-storied building set amidst willow trees, lawns and ponds. Except for the present King, other members of the Royal family reside here. Its architecture is entirely in Bhutanese traditional style including the furnishings inside.[17] The palace interior furnishings are said to be encased in metal in repoussé technique superimposed on white velvet.[18]

The late Royal Grandmother, Gayum Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck lived in this palace for many years and possessed her own chapel, adorned with paintings and carvings and candles burning from bowls. Gayum employed a number of women at the palace to weave garments for men and women, producing national dress costumes.[19] As the palace frequently hosts international delegations, it has its own helipad to facilitate swift access even though there is no airport in Thimphu.[20][21]

In 1957, King Jigme Wangchuck commissioned a skilled artist named Lam Durlop Dorji of Bumthang to open an embroidery school at the palace, to instruct some 30 young monks in this field.[22] The school has produced several notable thangka embroideries, notably Thongdrel (large thangkas hanging from the roof tops of monasteries and dzongs), and Thangkas (scroll paintings).[22] As Bhutan is a Tibetan Buddhist nation this school heavily revolves around Buddhism, which is reflected in its artwork.

Notes

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  1. ^ C. T. Dorji (1997). Blue annals of Bhutan. Vikas Pub. House. p. 110. ISBN 9788125904366.
  2. ^ Pommaret, p.163
  3. ^ Pommaret, p.162
  4. ^ "Flora, Fauna and Avifauna Reserves". Ministry of Works and Human Settlement. Archived from the original on 2011-07-06. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
  5. ^ Pommaret, p.178
  6. ^ Dorje, Gyurme (1999). Tibet Handbook: the Travel. Footprint Travel Guides. p. 839. ISBN 1-900949-33-4. Retrieved 2008-11-14.
  7. ^ Dorji, C.T. (1997). Blue annals of Bhutan. Vikas Pub. House. p. 110. ISBN 9788125904366. Retrieved 2010-07-30.
  8. ^ "Jigme Singye Wangchuck". Bhutan Tour. Archived from the original on 2012-03-18. Retrieved 2010-08-08.
  9. ^ Khyentse, Dilgo; Rinpoche, Sogyal; Dalai Lama (2010). Brilliant Moon: The Autobiography of Dilgo Khyentse. Shambhala Publications. p. 253. ISBN 978-1-59030-763-2.
  10. ^ "Dechencholing Palace". Serving History. Retrieved 2010-07-30.
  11. ^ Bisht, Ramesh Chandra (2008). International Encyclopaedia Of Himalayas (5 Vols. Set). Mittal Publications. p. 144. ISBN 978-81-8324-265-3. Retrieved 2010-08-07.
  12. ^ Brown, p. 97
  13. ^ Palin, p. 245
  14. ^ "His Majesty the King granted an audience to the Indian Foreign Secretary". Bhutan Tour. 2009-02-16. Retrieved 2010-08-08. [dead link‍]
  15. ^ "After US delegation, Indian FM rushed to Thimphu". Bhutan News Service. 2009-02-16. Archived from the original on 2011-07-07. Retrieved 2010-08-08.
  16. ^ "Paro-Thimpu Tour". Nepal Trailblazer. Archived from the original on March 14, 2012. Retrieved 2010-08-07.
  17. ^ "Royal Palace in Dechencholing". Travelpedia. Archived from the original on 2016-01-12. Retrieved 2010-07-30.
  18. ^ Krasser, Helmut (1997). Tibetan studies, Volume 256, Part 2. Issue 21 of Beiträge zur Kultur- und Geistesgeshichte Asiens, Volume 256 of Denkschriften (Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften. Philosophish-Historische Klasse), Volumes 1-2 of Proceedings of the 7th Seminar of the International Association for Tibetan Studies, International Association for Tibetan Studies Seminar (Graz, Austria), Verlag der Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften. ISBN 3-7001-2657-3.
  19. ^ Gibson, Jack; Sharma, Brij (2008). An Indian Englishman. Lulu.com. p. 362. ISBN 978-1-4357-3461-6.
  20. ^ Rustomji, Nari (1978). Bhutan: the dragon kingdom in crisis. Oxford University Press. p. 61. ISBN 978-0-19-561062-8.
  21. ^ Macdonald, Fiona (2004). Peoples of Eastern Asia, Volume 1. Marshall Cavendish. p. 33. ISBN 0-7614-7547-8.
  22. ^ a b "The History of Bhutanese Handicrafts". Lungta Handicraft. Archived from the original on 2010-10-30. Retrieved 2010-08-08.

References

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  • Brown, Lindsey; Mayhew, Bradley; Armington, Stan; Whitecross, Richard (2009). Bhutan. Penguin. ISBN 978-1-74059-529-2.
  • Pommaret, Francoise (2006). Bhutan Himalayan Mountains Kingdom (5th ed.). Odyssey Books and Guides. pp. 136–7.
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