ü Importance of Dzongs ( Note: for students reference only ) The word dzong means ‘a fortress ’. ü Dzongs have served and acted as an effective defence against any attack or invasion. ü It is mostly built on the mountain overlooking and commanding the whole valley below. ü It is often surrounded by watch towers and observation posts located in the hill sides. ü History of the construction of dzongs in Bhutan can be categorized into three phases; ü Pre-Zhabdrung dzongs ü The Zhabdrung era dzongs ü The post-Zhabdrung dzongs. ü Dzongs were first built in Bhutan by Lam Gyalwa Lhanangpa in 12 th century. ü Do Ngon dzong (Blue stone dzong) was built by him. ü Pre-Zhabdrung dzongs were used as monasteries. ü Dzongs played an important role in the history of Bhutan from zhabdrung’s time. ü The reason is “ Dzongs not only acted as a helpful defence but also...
Read and discover