The recorded history of Bhutan dates back to 746 AD when Buddhism was first introduced to the country by an Indian born saint who was able to transform him into eight different manifestations and ride on a flying tigress. The saint is called Guru Padmasambhava (the lotus born teacher). However, the recent discovery of some stone implements in the region suggests that people have inhabited Bhutan as early as 2000 B.C.

The history of Bhutan, like many other countries all over the world, is riddled with fierce battels, betrayals, mysticism and extraordinary spectacles. These events in the history has helped forged a race so resilient and peace-loving and a country splashed with spectacular architecture, exotic culture and virgin natural eco-system.

Bhutan was known by different names in the past. Lho-Jong meaning Southern Country; Lho Jong Menjong meaning the southern country of medicinal herbs; “Lho-Mon-Kha Zhai” meaning the Southern Mon country of four gateways. However, the most popular and common name, used even today, is “Druk-Yul” the land of the Thunder Dragon. This was propounded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel , the spiritual leader from Tibet, in the 17th century. Zhabdrung was the first leader to consolidate many feudal regions under one leadership and created nationhood. The country was then called Druk-Yul meaning the land of Thunder Dragon; people were called Drukpas meaning the followers of Drukpa Kaguyu sect of Buddhism. A unique identity of dress, culture and a dual system of governance called Choesid meaning separation of secular and religious conducts from the administration of the country were established.

The system of hereditary Monarchy was established in early 20th century through a democratic election. The local leaders of Bhutan, in response to relentless internal strife amongst themselves and greater threat of invasion from Tibet and British India, elected Sir Ugyen Wangchuck as the first Hereditary King of Bhutan. Through this act, Bhutanese have voluntarily submitted to the rule of absolute hereditary monarchy.

In 2008 after 100 years of absolute Monarchy, the fourth king of Bhutan His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, undertook the most astonishing of deeds by gifting the people of Bhutan, through an enactment of constitution, the right to choose their own leader to govern the country. Democracy is thus gifted by the King to its people.

Bhutan had no schools, hospitals, telecommunications and road infrastructure until 1960s. The country was so remote and isolated that the first leader of an Independent India, closest neighbor, visited Bhutan riding a yak. Internet and Television were introduced only in the beginning of 21st century. Today we watch the LIVE broadcast of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle like so many other people in the world. In a short span of time, though Bhutan has achieved so much socio-economic development and progress, it has maintained a controlled and balanced development to preserve its unique national identity and culture.