Jigme Namgyel “The Black Regent”

Bhutan History remembers this man as a stubborn, sure-fire and insolent warrior who left no stones unturned to consolidate the warring factions in the country. Bhutanese remember him, for one, as the man who in February 1865 compelled the British forces to retreat to Dewangiri, infliction heavy losses and capturing two cannons which he took back to Trongsa.

Born to Pila Gonpo Wangyel and Sonam Pedzom in 1825, he was the Third of the five children who set off seeking his fortunes after a dream foretold his foray to Bumthang and then to Mangdelung. He reached Trongsa to become Trongsa Penlop. After Ugyen Phuentsho’s death Jigme Namgyel rose from several low ranks to become the Zimpon (Chief Chamberlain) of his new master Tsokhyil Dorji in 1848. Soon afterwards, the Black Regent, (nicknamed so for his dark face, the black robes he wore and the black horse he rode), had his first test of battle in his own home district of Kurtoe where he defeated the Lhuentse Dzongpon.

In 1980, the Jigme Namgyel finally assumed formal power as the 51st regent. He retired in 1873 passing the throne to his cousin Dorje Namgyel and took seat in Simtokha where he died in 1881 after having installed his son Ugyen Wangchuck as the Paro Penlop.