War History

Bhutanese tell stories of wars and battles in the past. The stories mostly focus on the bravery and valour or the shrewdness and strategic thinking of the leaders. The war heroes are celebrated as champions and their cause seen as just. The story of Pemai Tshewang Tashi in a regional conflict between Bumthang and Tongsa, the story of Jigme Namgyal fighting against the British in southeastern Bhutan and Ugyen Wangchuk, the first king vanquishing his foes in western Bhutan are examples of Bhutanese war and battle stories.