Trongsa Dzong

Trongsa Dzong (Fortress of Trongsa)

The fortress of Trongsa or Trongsa Dzong is also called Chhoekhor Rabtentse Dzong or Choetse Dzong (in short) was built under the command of Zhabdrung Rinpochhe by Choegyal Minjur Toenpa, who served as the Third Druk Desi (Secular Ruler) of Bhutan in 1646. After the completion of the construction of the Dzong, Choegyal Minjur Toenpa was appointed as the First Trongsa Poenlop (Choetse Poenlop Dangpa).

The Legacy of the site of the fortress (Trongsa Dzong)

Before the Dzong was built, the place was already famous for pilgrimage as it was the site where the hermitage was established by Zhabdrung’s great Grandfather, Lam Ngagi Wangchuk, who had already set foot in the country from Tibet during the mid-sixteenth century (around 1540s). Tracing the footstep of his ancestor, the construction of fortress was decided immediately as it was also politically strategic, which would cover the authority over the eastern region. The Dzong was said to have extended its structures in the later period of time by the reigning poenlops and hereditary monarchs of Bhutan.

The view of Trongsa Dzong (Fortress of Trongsa)

Historical Background

The fortress of Trongsa played an important role in the history of Bhutan. It was the headquarter of Sharchog Khorlo Tsibgyed (Eight Regions of Eastern Bhutan) during the time when the consolidation of Drukpa rule was in full swing in the country under Zhabdrung Rinpochhe. Choegyal Minjur Toenpa, who was to serve as the Third Druk Desi of Bhutan later was appointed as the First Poenlop. Under his commandership, the rebellious Chieftains from the East gradually came under his control, indirectly bringing the unification of these Local Rulers under the Drukpa control. Thereupon, the powerbase of Trongsa became crucial in the political scenario, taking the control of regions of central and south-east. The Trongsa Dzong became the central authority for the Eastern regions which linked the Central Powers in Punakha.

The image of the Trongsa Dzong features in the Bhutanese Currency Ngultrum (Nu.50)

The power base of Trongsa Poenlop heightened during the poenlop-ship of Gongsar Jigme Namgyal who held the post for thirteen years. Jigme Namgyal after having held the post, he took many achievements in his times, even taking a lead role at the central government affairs. The legacy of assuming the post of Trongsa Poenlop before the enthronement of the King on the Golden Throne in Bhutan began during his son Ugyen Wangchuk’s period who became the First Hereditary Monarch of Bhutan in 1907. The customary post is still continued in the present times as Choetse Poenlop, which will be assumed by the Crown Prince right before the enthronement. The present and the Fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk assumed this post in the year 2004.

On the throne of Trongsa Poenlop in 2004.
Courtesy: Alchetron.