Stone tools, arms, and remnants of big stone structures provide
evidence that Bhutan was populated as former as 2000 BC. Historians
have theorised that the state of Lhomon (literally, "southern
darkness"), or Monyul ("Dark Land", a reference to
the Monpa - the aboriginal peoples of Bhutan) may have existed between
500 BC and AD 600. The names Lhomon Tsendenjong (Sandalwood Country),
and Lhomon Khashi, or even Southern Mon (country of four approaches)
have been found in ancient Bhutanese and Tibetan chronicles.
The earliest transcribed event in Bhutan was the passage of the
Buddhist saint Padmasambhava (also
called Guru Rinpoche) in the 8th century. Bhutan's former history
is unclear, because to the highest degree of the records were destructed
after fire ravaged Punakha, the ancient capital in 1827. By the
10th century, Bhutan's political development was heavily influenced
by its religious history.
Several sub-sects of Buddhism issued which were patronised by the
Several Mongol & Tibetan overlords. After the decline of the
Mongols in the 14th century, those sub-sects vied with each more
for mastery in the political & spiritual landscape, eventually
leading to the ascendancy of the Drukpa sub-sect by the 16th century.
Bhutan remains one of the most secluded
nations in the world, and almost tourists are involved to
book packaged tours (offered by the country's numerous tourist agencies)
in order to travel around the country. In contrast to Nepal, which
is well-known as a budget travel destination, Bhutan imposes a minimal
daily fee of US$200 for tourists travelling in groups during high
season, or US$240 per day for single travelers (who still must be
accompanied by a guide and driver).
The traditional dress for Ngalong and
Sharchop men is the gho, a knee-length robe tied at the waistline
by a cloth belt known as the kera. Women wear an ankle-length dress,
the kira, which is clipped at one shoulder and tied at the waist.
A accompaniment to the kira is a long-sleeved blouse, the toego,
which is wear off underneath the outer layer. Social status and
class find out the texture, colours, and decorations that embellish
the garments.
Scarves and shawls are also indicants of social standings, as Bhutan
has traditionally been a feudal society. Earrings are wear off by
females. Controversially, Bhutanese law now requires these Tibetan-style
garments for all Bhutanese citizens including the Nepalese, who
are not of Tibetan stock.
Bhutan's national sport is archery, and competitions are held regularly
in virtually all villages. It differs from Olympic standards not
only in technical details such as the placement of the targets and
atmosphere. There are two targets placed over 100 metres apart and
teams shoot from one end of the field to the other. Both member
of the team shoots 2 arrows per round. Traditional
Bhutanese archery is a social festival and competitions are organised
between villages, towns, and amateur teams.
There are typically plenty of food and drink complete with singing
and dancing cheerleaders comprising of the wives and supporters
of the participating teams. Attempts to distract A opponent include
standing around the target and making fun of the shooter's ability.
Darts (khuru) is A equally popular outdoor team sport, in which
heavy wooden darts indicated with a 10cm nail are throw away at
a paperback-sized target ten to twenty metres away. |
