Dasho Tenzin Dorji, the recipient of Druk Thuksey medal and one of Bhutan’s foremost historians, passed away at his residence in Thimphu yesterday.
He was 85 years old.
Dasho Tenzin Dorji wrote about a dozen books on Bhutanese history and culture, and was the primary source of information for Michael Aris’ works.
His most famous work was Gyalwai Jungrab Selwai Droenme- a comprehensive history of eastern Bhutan.
Joining the civil service as a clerk in Trashigang Dzong, he rose to the rank of Nyerchhen and Dzongda.
After Dasho was transferred to Thimphu, he served as Tshigong and then as the Auditor General of Bhutan. He retired as the Chairman of the Antiques Department, a forerunner of the Special Commission for Cultural Affairs, in 1986.
He received the Red Scarf from the Third Druk gyalpo, and the Druk Thuksey in 1974 from the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
Dasho Tenzin Dorji was also famed for his works on Bhutanese astrology.
