Architecture and identity

The Shabdrung united various small kingdoms with their own cultural traditions into one, centrally-ruled kingdom. Since it was his conviction that political unity also presupposed a unifying cultural identity, he thought it necessary to create a unique cultural character for Bhutan.

He pursued this aim by developing specific religious ceremonies and rituals, a national costume and, most impressively, an independent architecture. The unifier of the nation created a specific Bhutanese style with his fortresses: the complex construction and artistic arrangements of the wooden bay windows (rapse) and the free standing roof constructions have rendered Bhutanese architecture unique in the Himalayas.