Jigme Dorji Wangchuck
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Jigme Dorji Wangchuck |
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| 3rd King of Bhutan | |
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| Reign | 27 October 1952–21 July 1972 |
| Born | 2 May 1928 |
| Died | 21 July 1972 (aged 44) |
| Place of death | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Predecessor | Jigme Wangchuck |
| Successor | Jigme Singye Wangchuck |
| Consort | Ashi Kelzang Chhoedon Wangchuck |
| Royal House | Wangchuck Dynasty |
| Father | Jigme Wangchuck |
Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (, Wylie: 'jigs med rdo rje dbang phyuk; May 2, 1928 – July 21, 1972) was the last Maharaja and first Dragon King of Bhutan.
He began to open Bhutan to the outside world, began modernization, and took the first steps toward democratization. Upon succeeding his father, Jigme Wangchuck, on 27 October 1952, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck put an end to feudalism and slavery and released all remaining serfs. He encouraged certain modern inventions to assist the local peasantry and introduced wheeled vehicles, where previously the transportation of crops and people was done manually. He established a High court and reorganized the judicial system. In 1953, he established the Tshogdu or National assembly - Bhutan’s first unicameral Parliament.
He established the Royal Advisory Council in 1963 and promulgated a new constitution in which he replaced the old titles of Maharaja and Highness with the title of Dragon King and the style of Majesty. During his reign Bhutan’s first planned economic development plan was drafted. In 1961, a five year economic development plan was launched for the years 1961-1966. Bhutan is still following this economic development plan. He created Bhutan’s first Council of Ministers in 1968. In 1963, Bhutan joined the Colombo Plan. During his 20-year reign, 1770 km of roads were constructed, the number of schools rose to 102 and 6 hospitals were established. In 1971, he set up a Planning Commission. Bhutan was admitted to the United Nations in 1971.
In 1950, the People's Republic of China occupied Tibet, a country with which Bhutan had a long-established relationship. This encouraged the king to foster stronger ties with foreign nations, especially India, and culminated with Bhutan joining the United Nations in 1971. At the same time, he empowered the National Assembly to remove him or any of his successors with a two-thirds majority.
Jigme Dorji Wangchuck suffered his first heart attack at the age of twenty. He made frequent visits overseas for medical treatment, dying in Nairobi, Kenya, while receiving medical treatment, in 1972. Jigme Singye Wangchuck, his son, succeeded him. He was married to Queen Ashi Kelzang Chhoedon Wangchuck.
[edit] Styles
- 1929-1944: Dasho Jigme Dorji Wangchuk
- 1944-1946: Trongsa Dronyar Dasho Jigme Dorji Wangchuk
- 1946-1952: Para Penlop Dasho Jigme Dorji Wangchuk
- 1952-1963: His Highness Maharaja Sri Panch Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, Maharaja and Dragon King of Bhutan
- 1963-1972: His Majesty Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, Mang-pos Bhur-ba'i rgyalpo, King of Bhutan
[edit] Honours
- Padma Vibhushan (1954)
[edit] Sources
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Jigme Dorji Wangchuck
Born: 2 May 1928 Died: 21 July 1972 |
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| Regnal titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Jigme Wangchuk |
Maharaja of Bhutan 1952-1963 |
Succeeded by Himself (as Dragon King of Bhutan) |
| Preceded by Himself (as Maharaja of Bhutan) |
Dragon King of Bhutan 1963-1972 |
Succeeded by Jigme Singye Wangchuk |
