Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel – The Founding Father

The exhibition, one of the first of its kind, celebrates the life and legacy of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel – the founding father of Bhutan. From the early years in Ralung to his epic journey to Bhutan carrying the Rangjung Khasarpani; and from starting the first monastic school in Cheri to unifying the country under one central administration and fending off the mighty Mongols and the Tibetans, the reputation and achievements of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel were so significant that his death had to be, and was, kept a secret for over 50 years. And his legacy remains intact to this day.

2016 marks the 400th Year of his great legacy. The exhibition will feature sacred and mundane objects that were either used by him or were gifted to others.

The exhibition will open on 21 September 2016 at the Royal Textile Academy.