Bhutan's history is very influenced by religion. Recorded history in Bhutan starts in the 9th century when monks from Tibet immigrated to get away from turmoil in their own land. For much of history, a major source of power in Bhutan was held by various religious schools. The Drukpa Kagyupa school of Buddhism was formed in the 12th century. It is still the main form of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Bhutan remained ruled by a number of religious schools until 1616 when Ngawana Namgyal took leadership. He became the ruler, called the shabdrung. During this time the country was at its most united and was ruled under one law. After Ngawana died, it was 200 years until the next great leader would take power.
In 1885 Ugyen Wangchuck became the next powerful ruler. He became the Dragon Kin in 1907.
After his death, infighting and civil war eroded the power of the shabdrung for the next 200 years when in 1885, Ugyen Wangchuck was able to consolidate power and cultivated closer ties with the British in India. Both Ugyen and later his son, Jigme established diplomatic ties with India. Bhutan became recognized as an independent country in 1947 and signed a Treaty of Peace and Friendship with India in 1949.
