Dzongs in Bhutan

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 became the centres of religious and cultural activities and the seat of civil authority.

ü  It also became the symbol of Drukpa rule”.

ü  Almost all the dzongs were built in the same way. There were no blueprints to any of the dzongs.

ü  It was built purely from the direction and dictation of a high lama or Rimpoche spurred on by the spiritual forces.

ü  It was designed as parallelograms divided into several courtyards and was mainly made up of mud, stones and timber.

ü  The dzongs house many treasures, religious artifacts of great value, books and written record and weapons too.

ü  Many of the dzongs were burnt and damaged by earthquake and floods.

ü  This has resulted in the loss of treasures and records.

ü  Dzongs functioned as granaries during famine.

ü  It also played an important role in the religious life of the country.

ü  It had a central monastery to house the monks and carry out religious training.