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Importance of Dzongs ( Note: for students reference only)
The word dzong means ‘a fortress’.
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Dzongs have served and acted as an effective defence against any
attack or invasion.
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It is mostly built on the mountain overlooking and commanding the
whole valley below.
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It is often surrounded by watch towers and observation posts located
in the hill sides.
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History of the construction of dzongs in Bhutan can be categorized
into three phases;
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Pre-Zhabdrung dzongs
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The Zhabdrung era dzongs
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The post-Zhabdrung dzongs.
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Dzongs were first built in Bhutan by Lam Gyalwa Lhanangpa in 12th
century.
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Do Ngon dzong (Blue stone dzong) was built by him.
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Pre-Zhabdrung dzongs were used as monasteries.
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Dzongs played an important role in the history of Bhutan from
zhabdrung’s time.
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The reason is “Dzongs not only acted as a helpful defence but
also became the centres of religious and cultural activities and the seat of
civil authority.
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It also became the symbol of Drukpa rule”.
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Almost all the dzongs were built in the same way. There were no
blueprints to any of the dzongs.
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It was built purely from the direction and dictation of a high lama
or Rimpoche spurred on by the spiritual forces.
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It was designed as parallelograms divided into several courtyards
and was mainly made up of mud, stones and timber.
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The dzongs house many treasures, religious artifacts of great value,
books and written record and weapons too.
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Many of the dzongs were burnt and damaged by earthquake and floods.
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This has resulted in the loss of treasures and records.
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Dzongs functioned as granaries during famine.
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It also played an important role in the religious life of the
country.
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It had a central monastery to house the monks and carry out
religious training.
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