The unification of the state

At the beginning of the 17th century the Drukpa Kagyupa school of Buddhism was the most powerful political force in Bhutan. Despite this fact the old local principalities had not been unified to one state. It was up to the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to do it.

The unification of Bhutan was a tedious and difficult process. The Shabdrung was able to accomplish a great deal because of his charisma as scholarly monk, as well as through his skills as politician and administrator.

Gaining control of the Paro valley

It is extremely revealing to observe the process by which the Shabdrung gained control of the Paro valley, since this process must have been repeated many times during the unification of the state.

In 1645 the old Drukpa family of Humrel in Paro presented the Shabdrung their Dzong*. In various texts it states that, in compensation for their Dzong, the Shabdrung exempted the Humrel family from all taxes and compulsory labour (ula), wherever they decided to settle.

A document dated 1646, with the signature of the Shabdrung, details the privileges granted to a noble family after they had recognised the Shabdrung's power. First he points out the ties between the Drukpas of Ralung and this family, then he describes the privileges: on all their journeys they would have free lodging, drinks, riding horses and carriage for their luggage. Additionally they would also be exempt from all taxes and compulsory labour.

But it wasn't always possible for the Shabdrung to peacefully gain sovereignty over the land.