Author Description

Castles were built using design principles that melded functional and aesthetic values. The walls of shrines in castles and houses were adorned with frescoes, but the very old ones were lost along with khars and dzongs which fell into ruins. Studies of frescoes show that both the composition of pigments and styles of paintings have changed. The style of iconography has been influenced by its primary purpose which is to support meditative visualization. But Buddhism has not been the only faith that shaped citizens. Different cosmological views and rites were sustained by pre-Buddhist faith. One example is the ancient festival celebrating fecundity and fertility associated with the progenitor god, Lha Ode Gungyel. Such unabashed yearly festivals have thrived because of the enormous space left to the customs and conventions of communities. The Legal Decree of 1729 also did that although it regulated government officials, monks, and the subjects, and made Buddhism the raison d'etre of the state. Its provisions include taxes, foreigners, and border security. As the relationship with Tibet improved, it deteriorated with the British, resulting in an armed conflict at the turn of 1864. Through all ups and downs of civilian life, the state monasteries maintained its routine and regularity. Among many of these is the daily honour accorded to the holy body of the founder of Bhutan, which has been a potent symbol of the nation. The volume comes to rest at the revered feet of Guru Padmasambhava analysing his wide-ranging legacy in Bhutan and beyond, and for times past and those still to come.