15 Facts About Jigme Wangchuck

Jigme Wangchuck was the 2nd Druk Gyalpo or king of Bhutan from 26 August 1926, until his death.

Jigme Wangchuck pursued legal and infrastructural reform during his reign.

Jigme Wangchuck was succeeded by his son, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Jigme Wangchuck was born in 1905, at the Thinley Rabten Palace in Wangdue Phodrang District.

Jigme Wangchuck received his education at Wangduechhoeling Palace, where he learned English and Hindi and received a religious education.

Jigme Wangchuck ascended to the throne in 1926, after the death of Ugyen Wangchuck; he received his formal coronation in Punakha on March 14,1927.

Jigme Wangchuck primarily focused his energies on internal construction and infrastructure projects: for instance, Jigme oversaw the renovation of dzongs and monasteries in eastern Bhutan, and founded and renovated several schools in the country.

Jigme Wangchuck built several royal residences, including the Kuenga Rabten winter palace in Trongsa and additional residences at Samdrupcholing and Domkhar.

Jigme Wangchuck paid close attention to the administration of Bhutan's laws.

Jigme Wangchuck discouraged capital punishment for all crimes besides murder, reduced the judicial fees on the citizenry, and allowed citizens to call on him to appeal the judgments of lower officials.

When World War II broke out, Jigme Wangchuck sent 100,000 rupees to the Raj as a gesture of goodwill.

Early in 1952, Jigme Wangchuck fell ill, and witnessed omens that convinced him he would die.

The Second King, Jigme Wangchuck, had five children with his two cross cousins, Ashi Phuntsho Choden and her sister, Ashi Pema Dechen:.

Princess Choki Wangmo Jigme Wangchuck had two daughters, Ashi Deki Choden and Ashi Sonam Yulgyal.

Princess Pema Choden Jigme Wangchuck had four children; Ashi Namden, Dasho Namgyel Dawa, Dasho Wangchen Dawa and Dasho Leon Rabten.