The political events in the early 1900

The brief account of external political event that threatened Bhutanese political security despite civil wars was:

1. The imperial expansion of Russian during the 19th century caused a threat to the expansion of the British trade in the Himalayan Kingdoms. Because of these imperial forces in Himalayas Bhutan’s trading activities were largely affected. Because of the British’s growing interest over the trade relation with Tibet, Curzon (British viceroy) decided to send the armed mission led by Younghusband in 1903. Thus, Curzon sought an assistance from Ugyen Wangchuck (Trongsa Poenlop of Bhutan) to act as a mediator to help develop relationship with the Dalai Lama. Thus, the mission was successful.

King Ugyen Wangchuck and his entourage during Britsh Expedition to Tibet

(Picture Courtesy:Unknown)

In recognition of the service rendered by Trongsa Poenlop Ugyen Wangchuck. White recommended the following:

a. Government of India should increase the subsidy from Rs.50000 to Rs.100000.
b. Sinchula treaty of 1865 should be revised (in respect of foreign relation with China and Tibet).
c. New roads should be constructed with financial help from British India.
d. Indo-Bhutan trade relation should be improved.
e. British administration conferred Ugyen Wangchuck the title of Knight Commander of Indian Empire (K.C.I.E).

2. China showed interest over trade and her sovereignty in Bhutan. In a communication to Bhutan, it noted, “The Bhutanese are the subjects of the Emperor of China who is the Lord of Heavens, and are of the same religion as the other parts of the Empire. You, Deb Raja, and the two Poenlops think that you are great, but you cannot continue without paying attention to your rulers. ” From this we can conclude that china indeed directed the king to develop trade relation with china. However, Bhutan paid no heed to such directions of China.

3. The relations that Bhutan shared with the British India were solely based on mutual trust and confidence. This policy was however altered to check the chinese aggression during Lord Minto’s. Thus, the Punakha treaty (1910) was signed which highlighted that government of Bhutan to seek mandatorily the advice of the British government in her external relation with other countries.

Thus, Bhutan experienced series of internal and external political insecurities and instabilities within 1870 to early 1900s.

Reference

Sarkar.R.,& Ray.I.,(n.d)Political Scenario of Bhutan during 1774-1906: An impact Analysis on Trade and Commerce