A body of monks, councilors, Chillahs of different districts and people’s representatives unanimously elected Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck as the first hereditary king of Bhutan on the 13th day of the 11th month of Sa-tel Lo, corresponding to December 17, 1907. The enthronement in the Punakha Dzong began with religious ceremonies followed by the affixing of the seal on a document that stands as a sacred testament between the people and the Wangchuck dynasty. The crowning of Bhutan’s first king ushered in a period of unity, prosperity and peace in the country that had been in civil strife for years. The country’s sovereignty, independence, economic development and people’s welfare ranked foremost as the policies of Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck.

Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck

The British Political Officer in Sikkim, John Claude White, who attended the coronation, described Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck as a man of “integrity, uprightness and firmness of character”.

John Claude White in his speech stated that the enthronement of Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck was indeed a wise step and would be of advantage to the British Government. His speech stated: “…….I am convinced that you have taken a wise step in thus consolidating the administration of the State. Sir Ugyen has been my friend for many years, and you could not have made a better choice. His integrity, uprightness, and firmness of character commend him to every one, and his accession to the Maharajaship is not only a gain to Bhutan, but is of great advantage to the British Government………”
The growth of hereditary monarchy brought an end to the Desi system initiated by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1651. The new form of government ensured peace, brought together the people of different regions of Bhutan and gave a distinct identity to the country.

Sacred Testament