Second Battle of Simtokha Dzong

Second Tibetan Invasion of Bhutan
Part of the Unification of Bhutan and
the Tsangpa-Ngawang Namgyal conflict

The reconstructed Simtokha Dzong.
Date1634
Location
Result

Tsangpa retreat, strategic victory of Ngawang Namgyal[4][5]

Territorial
changes
Ngawang Namgyal's supporters capture the Gasa valley[7]
Belligerents
forces of Zhabdrung Rinpoche Ngawang Namgyal
Commanders and leaders
  • Unknown Tibetan commander
  • Chokdrub Könchog Gyeltshen[8]
    (Barawa sect lama)
  • Several other lamas
  • Tenzin Drukgyal[1]
    (military chief commander)
  • Unknown Simtokha garrison commander[4]
  • Strength
    Five Tibetan divisions[b]
    Unknown number of lamaist troops[1]
    Unknown, but probably small[10]
    Casualties and losses
    Tsangpa: likely heavy[4]
    "Five Lamas": Unknown
    Unknown

    The Second Tibetan Invasion of Bhutan[4] or the Second Battle of Simtokha Dzong[11] was a military confrontation in 1634 between the supporters of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and the forces of the Tibetan Tsangpa dynasty and several Bhutanese lamas allied against him. The latter initially conquered Zhabdrung's seat, Simtokha Dzong, threatening to eliminate his young dominion. The castle's ammunition stores were accidentally ignited during the battle, however, resulting in an explosion that destroyed Simtokha Dzong and much of the Tibetan army. Seizing this chance, Zhabdrung's followers rallied and ousted the Tibetans from their territory, turning the battle into a decisive strategic victory of Ngawang Namgyal, paving the way for the Unification of Bhutan under his rule.

    1. ^ a b c d Karma Phuntsho (2013), p. 228.
    2. ^ Karma Phuntsho (2013), p. 228, 235.
    3. ^ Karma Phuntsho (2013), p. 235, 236.
    4. ^ a b c d Karma Phuntsho (2013), p. 229.
    5. ^ Ardussi (1977), p. 220.
    6. ^ Aris (1979), p. 219.
    7. ^ a b Ardussi (1977), pp. 220, 262.
    8. ^ Ardussi (1977), p. 262.
    9. ^ Ardussi (1977), pp. 219, 220.
    10. ^ Karma Phuntsho (2013), p. 228, 229.
    11. ^ Karma Phuntsho (2013), p. 227.


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