The three oldest biographies of Tsangpa Gyare, the Founder of the Drukpa Kagyu School
Among the four prominent Tibetan Buddhist schools, the Kagyü (Bka’ brgyud) school produced the most numbers of sub-schools such as Karma Kagyü (Karma bka’ brgyud), Drikung Kagyü (’Bri gung bka’ brgyud) and Drukpa Kagyü (’Brug pa bka’ brgyud). The latter spread in surrounding regions and became a state religion in Bhutan.
Zhidar Matters: The Rise and Fall of a Controversial 18th Century Bhutanese Ruler
The book is a brief account of Zhidar, alias Sonam Lhundup, who was the 16th Druk Desi (reigned 1769-1773), a civilian head of the dual system of governance. He was ousted from power by his political rivals led by Jigme Senge, the 7th throne holder and, therefore, the ‘nominal’ head of the state. It was not a disgrace to lose a war against the British, who were then consolidating their holdings in Bengal after 1757. What was disgraceful is the overthrowing, in absentia, of a war commander in place of giving a hero’s welcome, whether he returned home as a victor or vanquished. Most nations in history gave this due honor, which was denied to Zhidar.