The Centre for Bhutan Studies is a research institute for social science and public policy, the one of its only kind in the kingdom.It conducts multi-disciplinary research on Bhutan’s economy, history, religion, society, polity, culture and other related themes; promotes scholarship on Bhutan through its publications and dissemination on web, and organizes international and national conferences and seminars, and lecture series; conducts ethnographic studies of rural communities; and documents oral tradition, history, culture etc. through life-histories.
Ever since its establishment in 1999, the Centre has been at the forefront in promoting and deepening the understanding of Gross National Happiness (GNH) as a part of its policy studies both at theoretical and operational levels. It has so far published three books related to GNH. All its publications and findings are available in this web.
Welcome to our web. We hope it is useful.
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Welcome to the Centre for Bhutan Studies
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Website Upgrade
The new Centre for Bhutan Studies website is back online and has had a design upgrade. We hope you like the new site and find it interesting and informative.
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New Announcement: International Conference on Buddhism 2013
International Conference on Buddhism 2013
After the successful conduct of the first International Conference on Globalized Buddhism (May 21-23, 2012) which was attended by numerous renowned national and international Buddhist scholars and practitioners, the Centre for Bhutan Studies will hold the second conference in its series of Buddhist conferences to be held in Bhutan next year. Therefore, interested individuals and organizations are requested to register with the organizers. Details of participation will be provided soon.
Contact bhutanbuddhistconference@gmail.com for further information.
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MEETING OF PRACTITIONERS AND SCHOLARS ON HAPPINESS, 30 – 31 OCTOBER, 2012
The basic objective of this meeting are two-fold:
- to discuss on the improvement of the future course of survey questionnaire; and
- to discuss public policies in the light of 2010 GNH survey findings.
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Talk series: Up coming
ALL ARE WELCOME!!
The Centre for Bhutan Studies (CBS) will be hosting a talk on the topic “Bhutan – A Personal Tribute.” His Excellency Ambassador Pavan K. Varma will be the speaker and it will be held on December 24, 2012 at 3:PM at the Convention Centre, near National Council office.
His Excellency is a 1976 batch IFS officer. His Excellency is a novelist, translator, non fiction writer and a diplomat – author. His Excellency studied History at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi and took a degree in Law from Delhi University. Before being the Ambassador of India to Bhutan, he has served in Moscow, New York, London and Cyprus. His Excellency has also carved a niche for himself as an author of several well-acclaimed books, including Ghalib and The Great Indian Middle Class. His new book, entitled Chanakya’s New Manifesto: To Resolve The Crisis Within India, will be published in January, 2013 and is expected to summarize his vision of people and development-oriented politics.
Therefore, it is with immense pleasure that the Centre for Bhutan Studies would like to invite all the interested individuals to kindly attend the talk the aforementioned date and time. For further information, please contact Mr. Pema Thinley at pmthinley8@gmail.com , 02-321005/17638610 during the office hours.
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Invitation for Bids (for construction of multi-purpose hall)
1. The Centre for Bhutan Studies and GNH Research invites sealed bids from eligible W3 (Small) Contractors registered with Construction Development Board for Construction of Multi-Purpose Hall for Centre for Bhutan Studies & GNH Research at Langjophakha, Thimphu.
2. Bidding documents may be purchased from Ms. Sonam Lham, Administrative and Finance Division, Centre for Bhutan Studies and GNH Research from 22/04/2013 to 21/05/2013 during office hours only, for a non-refundable fee of Nu 500.00 (Ngultrum five hundred) only, in the form of cash or Demand Draft in favor of CBS, Langjophakha, Thimphu.
3. Bids must be accompanied by a bid security of Nu 45,400.00 (Ngultrum forty five thousand four hundred) only drawn in favor of CBS, Langjophakha, Thimphu. Bid security shall have to conform to the requirements of the bidding document and shall have to be valid for 30 days beyond the validity of the bid.
4. Bids must be delivered to Ms. Sonam Lham, Administrative and Finance Division, Centre for Bhutan Studies and GNH Research on or before 12:00 hours (noon) on 21st May 2013 and will be opened on 21st May 2013 at 14:30 hours (2:30 pm), in presence of the bidders who wish to attend.
5. For any information or queries regarding the above work, please contact Administrative Officer at 77190333 or Sonam Lham at (02) 321005.
You can download the same document on office letter head from here.
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Gross National Happiness: Practice and Measurement
GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS: PRACTICE AND MEASUREMENT
Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Gross National Happiness
Edited by Dasho Karma Ura and Dorji Penjore
This publication is the proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Gross National Happiness held in Thimphu, Bhutan, from 24 to 26 November 2008, against the backdrop of the global financial crisis. The conference which attracted 90 participants from 25 countries and five continents was attended by an average of 300 participants and observers. With the theme ‘Practice and Measurement’, the conference could not be held at a better place and time than Bhutan, the birthplace of GNH, and a time when the world is questioning the conventional growth model and its measurement system.
A total of 48 papers were presented. Almost all papers have been categorised to fit into one of the nine domains of Gross National Happiness: i. Psychological Wellbeing; ii. Time Use and Balance; iii. Cultural Diversity and Resilience; iv. Community Vitality; v. Ecological Diversity and Resilience; vi. Good Governance; vii. Health; viii. Education; and ix. Living Standard. Papers related to measuring progress and development of alternative measure of wellbeing (Measurement), and those related to carrying the GNH forward into global network and development of innovative ideas for implementing GNH (The Way Forward) constitute two separate parts. The book is divided in to these different categories for download:
| Theme | Page No. |
| 1. Cover Page, Introduction, Keynote Address and Remarks by Nicholas Rossellini, Resident Coordinator of UN System in Bhutan | vi, 1-9 |
| 2. Measurement | 15-126 |
| 3. Psychological Wellbeing | 127-168 |
| 4. Time Use | 169-208 |
| 5. Culture | 209-240 |
| 6. Community Vitality | 241-302 |
| 7. Ecological Diversity and Resilience | 3030-330 |
| 8. Good Governance | 331-412 |
| 9. Health | 413-466 |
| 10.Education | 467-524 |
| 11. Living Standard | 525-612 |
| 12. GNH – The Way Forward | 613-688 |
| 13. Contributor’s Biography |
First Published: 2009
ISBN 978-99936-14-52-4
© The Centre for Bhutan Studies
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Beyond the Ballot Box
Beyond the Ballot Box
Report from the Deepening and Sustaining Democracy in Asia Conference, 11-14 October 2009
This publication is the proceedings of the conference on Deepening and Sustaining Democracy organised by the Royal Government of Bhutan, the Centre for Bhutan Studies and the United Nations Development Programme. The inspiration for this Conference emerged from discussions between the Hon’ble Prime Minister lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley and Mr Ajay Chhibber, United Nations Assistant Secretary General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and Pacific. The conference was held not only to mark the smooth and peaceful democratic transition of Bhutan in 2008, but also as a platform to share lessons and experiences among countries in the region to help strengthen, deepen and sustain the democratic culture and values in Asia.
Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament from 13 countries representing South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) groups as well as others, participated in the Conference. Representatives of non-governmental and civil society organisations from a number of Asian countries, United Nations and international organisations representatives attended alongside regional journalists and Bhutanese participants. Fifteen internationally acclaimed scholars and experts on democracy presented papers and animated the discussions on a range of topics. Specifically, these were:
Foundations of Democracy Experiences in Democracy Civic Rights and Participation Elections and Justice Accountability and Freedom
These topics provided the opportunity to focus on the basic guiding principles of democracy – freedom of expression, equal access to justice, and that each country should develop its own tools and mechanisms to put these principles into action. The publication can be downloaded by different chapters from the following:
First Published: 2010
ISBN 978-99936-14-61-6
© The Centre for Bhutan Studies
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Journal of Bhutan Studies Volume 21, Winter 2009
1. A Brief Account of Namkhai Nyinpo and his reincarnations by Sangay Wangdi
The present Namkhai Nyingpo po, the 7th reincarnation Jigme Thinley Namgyal was born in eastern Bhutan in 1966 at Tongshong to Tshering Gyaltshen and Sherabmo, the wisdom Dakini. At the time of his birth, many wonderful signs appeared. The rainbow appeared over the valley in the sunshine and the drinking water turned into white milk. The first word the child spoke was “Kharchu, Kharchu”. He could remember his past lives clearly and he even vividly recognized his previous disciples. Through his pure wisdom vision, the 16th Karmapa Rigpai Dorji impeccably recognized the boy as the legitimate reincarnation of Namkhai Nyingpo.
2. Dangphu Dingphu: The Origin of the Bhutanese Folktales by Dorji Penjore
Bhutan is no more an oral society and its store of oral tradition is depleting fast due to rapid social transformation and proliferation of mass media and modern communication system. There is little government or public effort to study, archive, translate, teach and use folktales. This paper makes a review of the Bhutanese oral tradition and discuses the origins of the Bhutanese folktales in light of major folklore theories. It attempts to promote better appreciation of the Bhutanese folktales through the study of their types, characters, themes, and narrative structure. It ends with a short discussion on its functions, primarily its role in educating children.
3. Intellectual Property, Access to Medicines and Public Health Issues in Bhutan by Kencho Palden
The effects of the trade liberalisation process has been felt in Bhutan; even though it is a developing country and one of the smallest markets in the world it has not been able to escape from the inevitable. This is evident from the accession process to the World Trade Organization, which is at an advanced stage. One important key factor in being compliant with the WTO is meeting the minimum standards of Trade-Related Aspects of the Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. Multiple challenges exist in implementing the standards of the TRIPS Agreement. It has been argued that the effects of WTO- TRIPS compliance will be detrimental to Bhutan’s free health care policy, particularly access to medicines in the light of a lack of pharmaceutical industry and manufacturing capacity. The present legislation on intellectual property in Bhutan lacks necessary safeguards and flexibilities in the public health arena; these safeguards are present within the TRIPS Agreement and that is further amplified by the Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health.
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Journal of Bhutan Studies Volume 22, Summer 2010
1. Stock Market Finance and Gross National Happiness: An Institutional Fit? Evidence from Bhutan by Bruce Hearn & Michael Givel
This paper studies the institutional fit and the appropriateness of neoclassical stock market institutions within the context of Buddhist informal institutions in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. This is particularly timely given the considerable media interest in the principles of Gross National Happiness (GNH) as an alternative series of measures relating to economic growth and development. Our findings reveal that while conventional development policy supporting stock market and banking system financial systems is not counter to the principles embodied in GNH the central government may be better in administering finance owing to a general apathy towards formal neoclassical institutions by the population owing to the dominance and pervasive strength of the Buddhist monastic traditions and culture in Bhutan.
2. Coinage in Bhutan During the 19th and 20th Centuries by Ratna Sarkara and Indrajit Ray
One of the principal objectives of this paper is to examine the degree of monetisation in the Bhutanese economy from the early period to the first quarter of the 20th Century. Section I narrates this development. Section II explains the types of coins struck in Bhutan during the 18th-19th Centuries. Section III deals with the types of coins that were used during the reign of Ugyen Wangchuck. This Section also seeks to estimate the addition of money in circulation during this period. Major findings of the study are summarised by way of conclusions in section IV.
3. Attitude of Nurses towards Mental Illness in Bhutan by Rinchen Pelzang
This paper explores the general nurses’ attitudes towards mental illness in Bhutan. A non-probability convenience sample with quantitative descriptive method was used. The sample represents the known population of nurses from National Referral Hospital (JDWNR Hospital), Thimphu. Overall, the findings indicated that the nurses surveyed have a positive attitude towards mental illness (mean – 134.39, SD – 17.35). Findings from this study shows that the nurses with psychiatric experience of 3-4 weeks and 4 weeks respectively were found to have more positive attitude towards mental illness indicating that the clinical placement of nurses in psychiatric unit improves attitudes towards mental illness.
4. Religious Practice of the Patients and Families during Illness and Hospitalization in Bhutan by Rinchen Pelzang
The purpose of the study is to explore the demand and extent of religious rituals performed by patients and families during illness and hospitalization in Bhutan. The study has used a convenience sample with quantitative method. The survey questionnaire was administered to a total of 106 patients and families who were admitted to the hospital at least for three days. Simple frequency count and percentages were used to interpret the findings of the study.
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Journal of Bhutan Studies Volume 23, Winter 2010
1. Sounds of Sokshing: Revisiting the Contested Provisions of the Land Act 2007 by Dr Sonam Kinga
This is a preliminary discussion paper that could help inform debates in Parliament and in the society. It will seek to elaborate issues concerning sokshing although some arguments would equally apply for tsamdro rights. It will highlight problems of enforcing the provision of the Land Act concerning sokshing and provide recommendations for possible consideration in addressing the issue.
2. The Use of Qualitative and Ethnographic Research to Enhance the Measurement and Operationalisation of Gross National Happiness by Nicole I.J. Hoellere
This paper aims to introduce ethnographic and qualitative research as a valuable addition to previous quantitative surveys in order to measure, test and operationalise Gross National Happiness in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Ethnographic research and anthropological theory can reveal valuable insights into everyday practices and experiences of and with GNH and GNH-related policies on the ground level.
3. To Join or Not to Join WTO: A Study on its Negative Impacts by Karma Wangdi
Membership of the WTO allows for better market access, a level playing field, policy reforms, access to justice and technical assistance. However, empirical evidence suggests some members have benefited more than others. Besides, small countries face difficulties in meeting the cost of the WTO compliance, in addition to the loss of policy autonomy, because policies have to be aligned to that of the WTO. In this relation, this report mainly discusses issues related to GATT and GATS. It will also briefly discuss DSU and SPS.
4. In with the Bad: Ambient Air Quality and Tranboundary Pollution in Bhutan by Linda Pannozzo
Bhutan is extraordinary and unique, but also incredibly vulnerable. In fact, it has fallen victim to some of the worst consequences of industrialization-gone- mad in the rest of the world. For one, although its contribution to the global climate crisis is negligible at best, Bhutan is considered to be highly vulnerable to its effects — both in terms of human health impacts and in terms of weather-related disasters.
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Journal of Bhutan Studies Volume 24, Summer 2011
1. Rows of Auspicious Seats by Dorji Penjore
This paper analyses centuries-old Bhutanese ritual, bzhugs gral phun sum tshogs pa’i rten ‘brel. Literally translated as ‘auspicious seating row’, its performance is believed to bring auspiciousness, and as such any significant public function in Bhutan compulsorily begins with performance of this ritual. That the ritual brings auspiciousness is ingrained in the Bhutanese psyche.
2. Chibdral: A Traditional Bhutanese Welcome Ceremony by Karma Rigzin
Chibdral, the focus of this paper, is a ceremonial procession of men and horses. ‘Chib’ refers to the horse that leads the procession and ‘Dral’ means “uniform line”. With a history believed to stretch back to the time of the Buddha, chibdral continues to be one of the most important and most frequently performed ceremonies in modern Bhutan.
3. The Sacred Dance of Peling Ging Sum by Khenpo Phuntsok Tashi
This paper explores the Peling Ging Sum, established in the 15th century by one of the most significant treasure revealers (terton) in the Vajrayana Buddhist history, Pema Lingpa (1450-1521). Meaning The Three Wrathful Deities of Pema Lingpa and also known as Peling Tercham, it consists of three parts: first, the stick dance (juging) which locates and points out the adversary; second, the sword dance (driging) to conquer and destroy it; and third, the drum dance (ngaging) celebrates victory over the adversary.
4. Hen Kha: A Dialect of Mangde Valley in Bhutan by Jagar Dorji
his paper presents research on Hen Kha, a dialect of the Mangde region found in the central district of Trongsa. As dialects around the world are perishing at an alarming rate, there is a deep concern about the future of Hen Kha and the other dialects of Bhutan whose presence helps reveal the cultural diversity of the country. The present analysis explores the effects of modernisation and urban migration on local vernacular, as well as the grass root efforts to conserve such languages, such as communities that are actively cultivating programming in the local dialect. Fortunately, there is still time for Bhutan to actively preserve such dialects so that they do not disappear into oblivion.
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Journal of Bhutan Studies Volume 25, Winter 2011
1. A Zhabdrung Phunsum Tshogpa (zhabs drung phun sum tshogs pa) Thangka from the National Museum of Bhutan Collection by Ariana Maki
This paper presents recent research on one thangka from the museum collection depicting the theme of Zhabdrung Phunsum Tshogpa (zhabs drung phun sum tshogs pa), or ‘submitting [oneself] to the one with perfect qualities’. The composition converges around the 17th century religious and political master, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (zhabs drung ngag dbang rnam rgyal, 1594-1651).
2. Meme Lama Sonam Zangpo’s Kurseong Years: A Note on Factors in the Foundation of a Modern Bhutanese Religious Community outside of Bhutan by Amy Holmes-Tagchungdarpa
This paper is a brief attempt to fill in this period of Lama Sonam Zangpo’s life, and to provide an exploration of some of the factors that influence the development of religious communities.
3. From Mount Tsari to the tsechu: Bhutan’s Sacred Song and Lute Dance by Elaine Dobson
This article examines the dramnyen cham (Tib. sgra snyan ‘cham), a sacred dance which is led by a dramnyen player, and the choeshay, a religious song also accompanied with dance, and it explores their connection with the founding and spread of the Drukpa (dragon) Kagyu branch of Vajrayana Buddhism in Bhutan.
4. Invoking a Warrior Deity: A Preliminary Study of Lo-ju by Dendup Chophel
The article is based on manuscript of the rituals, hagiography of eminent Drukpa (‘brug pa) hierarchs and other socio- political publications though none of them directly relate to the actual rationale and period of the festival’s institution. So, this work is primarily a heuristic recreation of the festival based on stray references found in these sources that are appropriately corroborated with existing myths, legends and other grapevines.
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Journal of Bhutan Studies Volume 26, Summer 2012
1. Ladakhi and Bhutanese Enclaves in Tibet by John Bray
This paper is a preliminary discussion of the ambiguities surrounding the enclaves. It begins with an analysis of their common origins in the 17th century, and then discusses the disputes surrounding them in the 20th century, making particular reference to British records.1 The paper concludes with a discussion of the enclaves’ standing in the wider context of traditional and contemporary Himalayan politics.
2. Population History and Identity in the Hidden Land of Pemakö by Kerstin Grothmann
This study explores the history of migration by different Buddhist peoples from eastern Bhutan, the neighbouring Tawang area and the Tibetan plateau to the ‘hidden land’ (Tib. sbas yul) of Pemakö, and the circumstances that induced migrants to leave their homelands.
3. Under the Influence of Buddhism: The Psychological Well- being Indicators of GNH by Tashi Wangmo & John Valk
This article tries to see whether the indicators of GNH reflect the Buddhist principles or not, first by looking at some key foundational doctrines of Buddhism which might lie behind the GNH index and indicators: the Four Noble Truths, Karma, and the six perfections or paramitas to highlight Mahayana Buddhist principles of happiness and second by focussing on psychological well-being, one of the nine domains of GNH.
4. Culture, Public Policy and Happiness by Sangay Chophel
This paper explores the relationship between culture and happiness by analysing work from different disciplines as a way of shedding useful insight on policy issue. It discusses the role of public policy in furthering happiness. In addition, this paper discusses contemporary literature on identity, values, diversity, and public policy in relation to happiness and well- being, and corroborates some of the claims made in this paper by using the data from Gross National Happiness survey conducted in 2010 wherever it is applicable and warranted.
5. Trend of Bhutan’s Trade during 1907-26: Export by Ratna Sarkar & Indrajit Ray
This paper analyses the trend of merchandise export of Bhutan to British India during the reign of King Ugyen Wangchuck, explains the destination of export trade of Bhutan and makes an attempt to analyse the composition of exports.
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Journal of Bhutan Studies Volume 27, Winter 2012
1. Massive Rice Offering in Wangdiphodrang in Zhabdrung Rinpoche’s Time by Dasho Karma Ura
This article analyses a newly discovered book of 1679, perhaps the oldest extant land record, which shows that there was a survey of taxable fields and taxable houses of Wangdi district (Shar mTsho brGyad kyi khral Zhing khral Khyim gyi Deb gTer) to collect rice taxes as fresh-harvest offering for blessing tithes (dbang yon thog phud).
2. GNH, EI and the well-being of Nations: Lessons for public policy makers, with specific reference to the happiness dividend of tourism by Dr Shaun Vorster
This paper has two objectives: firstly, to conceptually explore the theoretical underpinnings of GNH and how it relates to societal EI and, secondly, to evaluate within this theoretical context the happiness dividend of the tourism economy, with specific reference to ethics, the labour market and environmental sustainability. As such the paper responds to a question posed by Goleman (2008): “Can there be an emotionally intelligent society?”
3. The ethics platform in tourism research: A Western Australian perspective of Bhutan’s GNH Tourism Model by Simon Teoh
This paper examines Bhutan’s unique development model based on a philosophy called Gross National Happiness (GNH) through tourism. The discussion is framed by Macbeth’s (2005) ethics platform in tourism research. The purpose of the paper is to investigate and understand a group of Western Australians’ perspective of Bhutan as a valued tourist destination and the likelihood of participants visiting Bhutan after understanding the GNH tourism model at a live display of Bhutanese culture.
4. In-service Training: Key to Enhancing Competence and Building Confidence for Job Performance of Gewog-level Extension Agents in Bhutan by Dr Samdrup Rigyal
It is about the study undertaken to measure the confidence levels of the extension agents (EAs) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests based in the gewogs for efficient job performance by identifying their perceptions on the various competencies. It showed that most of the competencies EAs considered important were also possessed by them and vice versa. However, the competencies considered important that were least possessed by EAs were particularly in vital areas, including technical knowledge and skill oriented competencies. The study indicated that EAs needed some form of training in all the 40 competencies of extension knowledge, skills and qualities measured. The technical knowledge competency stood out as the most important training need.
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Situation of Children in Bhutan
Situation of Children in Bhutan by Fredrik Barth & Unni Wikan
The data on which this report is based were collected in Bhutan during the periods: 14-27 March 1989 (Wikan), 14 March to 24 April 1989 (Barth), 28 July to 21 October 1989 (Barth), 24 August to 12 November 1989 (Wikan), from published sources, reports etc., and during the remaining periods between 1 March 1989 and 15 January 1999. The field study has comprised of survey visits covering all districts except Samtse and Dagana; while visits of longer duration and repeated revisits, have been made in Paro; Punakha; Phobjikha and Rukubji in Wangdi Phodrang; Chendebji in Trongsa; Jakar and Ugyencholing in Bumthang, as well as Thimphu and environs.
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Gongzim Ugyen Dorji The King’s Aide and Diplomat Par Excellence
Gongzim Ugyen Dorji The King’s Aide and Diplomat Par Excellence by Tshering Tashi
Gongzim Ugyen Dorji (1855-1916) played a great supporting role in establishing the monarchy. The Gongzim was a simple man who shared the dream of his master, the first King of Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck. His story is an example and a tribute to all the Bhutanese who served and continue to serve their monarchs with complete dedication.
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Rangeland Tenure Transfer An Analysis of Policy and Legal Issues in Bhutan
Rangeland Tenure Transfer An Analysis of Policy and Legal Issues in Bhutan by Lyonpo Dr. Kinzang Dorji
This book attempts to analyze the situation with regard to ownership pattern of Tsamdro (rangeland) prior to the Land Act of Bhutan 2007 vis-à-vis their livestock ownership at present as many are no longer engaged in grazing for their livelihoods; assess the need of individuals, communities and social groups to whom grazing rights need to be leased; and explore policy and legal options available to implement the provisions of the Land Act 2007
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Journal of Bhutan Studies Volume 28, Summer 2013
1. The Role of English in Culture Preservation in Bhutan by Dorji Thinley & T.W. Maxwell
This study explores issues surrounding the preservation and promotion of culture in the context of the secondary school English curriculum in Bhutan. The languages of Bhutan carry a rich and diverse tradition of oral literatures, but these genres and the cultural values they embody may disappear if they are not promoted. In Bhutan, schools are an active culture preservation site. For this reason, and also since English is the language of curricula for most subjects taught in school, we assumed that one of the ways in which Bhutan’s diverse cultures can be honoured and enlivened is through the study of folk literature in the English curriculum.
2. Diversity in Food Ways of Bhutanese Communities Brought About by Ethnicity and Environment by Kunzang Dorji, Kesang Choden & Walter Roder
This article tries to document traditional food systems in five ethnically distinct communities in Bhutan (all located in lower mid hills of the country with subtropical climate), especially focusing on: 1) Ethnobotanic information, 2) Crop diversity, 3) Cultivation practices, and use of crops.
3. Exploring Bhutan’s ‘Natural Democracy’: In Search of an Alternative View of Democracy by Katsu Masaki
This paper seeks to make an alternative translation/ interpretation of Bhutan’s democracy, in place of the mainstream view that the country has recently made a decisive transition toward democracy. It calls our attention to the country’s time-honored ‘natural democracy,’ which rests on monarchical authority and cohesive rural communities. Both of them represent vernacular forms of freedom and equality, contrary to their widely held image as being averse to democracy. This research was made possible by funding from the Japanese Government’s Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research.
4. Wangdü Chöling Dzong: The Masterpiece of Gongsar Jigme Namgyel by Gengop Karchung
This paper attempts to figure out the significance and role of this well-known historical structure besides throwing some lights on establishment of the dzong and its renovation. It also tries to present other information related to this Dzong through available written and oral sources. Besides researching on written sources, interviews were conducted with Lam Jampel Dorje, Wangdü Chöling Lam, Agäy Rinzin Dorje, 84 (2010) and Agäy Sherub Wangdü, 76 (2010) who shared valuable information.
5. The Old Man ‘Mitshering’ at Nyima Lung Monastery by Tenzin Jamtsho
This article documents the significance and meaning of an easily distinguishable performer ’Mitshering’ (the old man) which is seen in some monastic festivals of central Bhutan like Nyima Lung.
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Beneficiary Labour Contribution (Woola)
Beneficiary Labour Contribution (Woola) by Karma Ura
This monograph studies the labour contributions made by households, primarily rural, to the construction and maintenance of a wide range of communal infrastructure.
This study is carried out by including one-page questionnaire on ‘woola’ with the larger literacy survey form 2004, which is attached in the last page.
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