BHUTAN / DRUK-YÜL

Bhutan, a country known for its pristine environment, happiness index, and historical isolation, possesses a unique and intricate past. Although it has a quiet medieval and colonial history, it has intriguing connections to ancient times.

During the Vedic age, the region that encompasses present-day Bhutan was part of the Kirata Kingdom and even played a role in the Mahabharata's Kurukshetra War. Notably, the name "Bhutan" shouldn't be confused with its etymological predecessor, "Bhauttarastra" or "Bod," which referred to Tibet. Bhutan, as a distinct kingdom, was yet to emerge.

It wasn't until 1626 that the Kingdom of Lhödruk, or Druk-yül, was established. For the following three centuries, it remained a vassal state under Tibet (and therefore, China), with shifting boundaries that bordered British India's Assam province in the south, Sikkim in the west, and Tibet in the north. The colonial-era boundary demarcation between India and Tibet by the British Empire added complexity, as China's entry into the equation post-1947 raised concerns about Bhutan's territorial integrity. Consequently, Bhutan existed as an Indian protectorate from 1947 to 1971, contributing to misconceptions about its status as part of India.

The name "Druk-yül" wasn't the country's sole former appellation. Ancient names like Lhomön, Mön, Lhokhazi, Lhödruk, and Menjong were in use before the 17th century. The establishment of the kingdom in the Kyichu valley and Nam village around Lhasa in 1206 by Zhapdrung Ngakwang Namgyel, a Tibetan Buddhist Lama, unified fragmented Tibetan clans, granting them a unique identity while rooted in Tibetan heritage. Contrarily, another theory suggests that "Druk-yül" only dates to the 18th century, with "Lhödruk" as the former name. British sources also referred to it as "Dukpa," with its inhabitants known as "Drukpa." However, "Druk-yül" has been the standard name since the 18th century. Nevertheless, the name "Bhutan" or "Bhootan" has appeared on vintage maps, signifying its historical recognition.

Furthermore, Bhutan's inclusion on old Indian maps as part of its Princely States stems from its status as a British India protectorate between 1910 and 1947. When India's independence became imminent in 1947, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru raised the question of whether Nepal, Sikkim, and Bhutan should become part of India or remain independent. All three kingdoms hesitated to merge, valuing their uniqueness and distinctiveness. They also had limited in common with Indian states, with Sikkim and Bhutan sharing closer ties to Tibet than India. The kingdoms were given the option to accede to India in the future, and while Nepal and Bhutan declined, Sikkim, due to its political vulnerabilities, formally became an Indian state in 1975.

Despite its separate identity, Bhutan has faced border issues with China due to agreements with Tibet, with China disputing several regions. These include:

• Pangda, Doklam, Dramana or Zhuomorna, Shakhatoe or Xiabu, Yak Chu or Lulinqu, Charithang Chu or Qiaertangqu (between Bhutan and Sikkim)
• Kula Khari, Beyul Khenpajong or Baiyu, Menchuma Valley or Minjiuma and Chagdzom (bordering Tibet in the north)
• Sakteng or Molasading (bordering the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh in the east that itself is claimed by China)

The Doklam and Sakteng regions are of particular concern to India due to their direct security implications for the country. Over the years, there have been numerous discussions and negotiations between Indian and Chinese representatives and governments regarding these border areas. These discussions had not resulted in a definitive resolution, and tensions persisted.

Bhutan, which shares a border with China and India, is understandably cautious about involving India directly in its negotiations with China. Bhutan has expressed concerns about potential Chinese intervention in matters involving India and Bhutan's borders. This has led to a degree of reluctance on Bhutan's part to engage in tripartite negotiations with both China and India.

It's worth noting that the border map of Bhutan has evolved over time. The map from 1925 reflects some differences in Bhutan's borders compared to the present-day configuration. Border disputes and negotiations have played a role in shaping the country's territorial boundaries, and these issues continue to be significant in the region's geopolitical landscape.