Ugyen Wangchuck

The ruler of Bhutan who was raised by local chiefs to hereditary kingship and founded the Wangchuck dynasty.

Life

Son of the Penlop of Trongsa

Ugyen Wangchuck was the son of the governor of the Trongsa region in central Bhutan. Bhutan was racked by civil wars in the late 19th century; he subdued the local chiefs and became the most powerful man in Bhutan.

Ended the civil war

In 1904 he helped the British expedition under Younghusband negotiate with Tibet, winning British trust. In 1907 Bhutan's religious and secular leaders made him hereditary king at Punakha, founding the Wangchuck dynasty. In 1910 he signed the Treaty of Punakha with Britain.

First king

During his reign he founded Western-style schools; he died in 1926.

Legacy

Ugyen Wangchuck ended Bhutan's long civil strife, and the Wangchuck dynasty he founded continues to this day.

Did you know? Bhutan's kings and crown princes still wear a crown topped with a raven's head; the raven is a symbol of Bhutan's guardian deity.

Key dates

• 1885Gained the upper hand in the civil war
• 1904Helped Britain negotiate with Tibet
• 1907Enthroned as first king
• 1910Signed the Treaty of Punakha
• 1926Died