16 Facts About Ugyen Dorji

Ugyen Dorji was a member of the elite Dorji family and an influential Bhutanese politician.

Ugyen Dorji served as the closest adviser to Ugyen Wangchuck, the Penlop of Trongsa and later King of Bhutan.

Ugyen Dorji was instrumental in fostering friendly relations with the British after the Bhutan War, and providing support to the British expedition to Tibet in 1904.

Ugyen Dorji was a son of Dasho Sharpa Puchung, Dzongpon, and his wife, Thinley Pem, a lady from the Tsento in Paro.

Ugyen Dorji's son Sonam Topgay Dorji was born in 1896.

Ugyen Dorji's descendants maintained and developed the political power of Ugyen Dorji, marrying into the royal House of Wangchuck.

Ugyen Dorji served as Kazi from 1902 to 1907 to Ugyen Wangchuck the 12th Penlop of Trongsa, and then simultaneously as Penlop of Haa, Gongzim, and Deb Zimpon under the Royal Government as during its period of consolidation.

Ugyen Dorji garnered increasing power through his connections to the successful House of Wangchuck and the British Empire.

Kazi Dorji had advised the future First King to mediate between the British and Tibet, and later to allow the large-scale induction of Nepalis into Bhutan, establishing friendly ties with British India.

Kazi Ugyen Dorji settled the land and took advantage of the lucrative trade routes through Kalimpong, and by 1898 assumed the roles of Trade Agent and mediator between the British Empire and Tibet.

From his estate in Kalimpong, India, Ugyen Dorji Wangchuck operated Bhutan House.

Ugyen Dorji had the grounds consecrated by Chogley Yeshey Ngodrup on his return from a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya.

Ugyen Dorji was granted the personal title of Rai Bahadur on 1 January 1907.

Ugyen Dorji was promoted to Raja on 11 December 1911.

Ugyen Dorji received the Delhi Durbar Medal in silver twice and the Ugyen Wangchuck Medal 1st class.

Ugyen Dorji died at Bhutan House, on June 22,1916.