Reborn In 17th century India with Black Technology

24th September 1655

Capital of Bhutan: Punakha

In a majestic Monastery Fortress located at the Confluence of two rivers, Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu, exists the Punakha Dzong, which serves as the political and military centre of the Kingdom of Bhutan. In its solemn halls, an elder clad in resplendent robes adorned with the emblem of a golden dragon presides over his throne.

With a gaze as sharp as his regal attire, he engages in discussions and deliberations on matters of kingdom policy and affairs with his esteemed subjects, their voices echoing in the grand chamber.

This individual is none other than the Druk Desi, the temporal ruler of Bhutan. The incumbent ruler, Langonpa Tenzin Druk Dra, holds the distinguished position of being the half-brother to the esteemed figure known as the father of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

It was under Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s visionary leadership that Bhutan witnessed its foundation, as he skillfully unified disparate forces from various valleys and regions, ultimately establishing an independent kingdom structured along the lines of Tibet’s administrative framework.

After the founder Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s passing, Bhutan transitioned to a dual system of governance, akin to Tibet, where authority is split between the temporal ruler, the Druk Desi, and the spiritual leader, the Je Khenpo. This system eliminated hereditary succession, instead favouring the selection of the individual believed to be the reincarnation of Ngawang Namgyal for the new Druk Desi.

Langonpa assumed the role of temporal leader with the endorsement of the last Je Khenpo. However, this support came at a cost. During his brother’s reign, the role of the Je Khenpo was more ceremonial than substantive. It wasn’t until Langonpa’s ascent to the throne that the position gained official recognition.

The current Je Khenpo, Tenzin Drukgye, is the disciple of the last Je Khenpo Langonpa made a deal with. Currently, he is seated in the corner of the hall, silently observing the proceedings of the meeting without conveying or making clear his thoughts. His only role here is to ensure that the way of spiritual practice or Dharma in the kingdom is not tampered with by the temporal ruler.

"Your Excellency, the Druk Desi, I am pleased to report that this year’s yield has seen a significant increase," began one of the provincial governors responsible for agriculture. "However, we face a dilemma: Should we once again sell our surplus to the Mughal Empire?"

Langonpa, the Druk Desi, pondered this question momentarily before turning his gaze to a young man seated beside him, who looked no older than twenty. This was Prince Jigme Namgyal, his son.

Jigme knew that his father was testing him, so he thought for a moment and replied, "Your Excellency, I would not advise selling all our grain to the Mughals. Recently, the Mughal Empire shifted its strategy from the south of the continent to the north. I can conclude that their attack on the Ahom Kingdom was an attempt to expand eastward; unfortunately, they were blocked.

Now, the only direction they have left is the north. Given their recent successive losses, they may perceive the harsh terrain and environment as less of a deterrent than before. By showcasing our increased grain yield, we may inadvertently signal to the Mughals that we have surplus resources that could support their invasion efforts.

This could embolden them further, especially considering their current restlessness."

Langonpa acknowledged his son’s analysis with a nod, recognizing the validity of his concerns. "Indeed, this is a matter of great concern," he concurred. "As for your proposal, what do you suggest we do?"

Jigme pondered the question, stroking his beard thoughtfully before responding, "Your Excellency, Druk Desi, I propose that we sell our surplus grains to the Ahom kingdom, the Tibetan tribes, or the Small Nepali Kingdoms. Strengthening economic and military ties with these three Himalayan powers is crucial.

Additionally, I recommend establishing a military alliance as a precautionary measure, especially In the current situation where there are indications of the Mughal Empire expanding northward."

Langonpa nodded his head, quite satisfied with his son’s suggestion.

"Governor, let’s do as the young man said," he declared.

"As you wish, Your Excellency, The temporal ruler," the governor responded.

Just as the court meeting was about to adjourn, a soldier ran into the hall with a panicked expression.

"Your Excellency, it’s not good, it’s not good!" he yelled in fear.

Langonpa frowned as soon as he saw the intruder. "Tell me what happened, calm down," he said, understanding that something major must have occurred for the guard to act like this.

"It’s the Mughals, Your Excellency. The Mughals have attacked. Border towns in the Chukha province have already fallen. The Mughal army is en route to Thimphu."

"What?" The governors and the ruler alike exclaimed, unable to believe what they heard. Why would the Mughal Empire attack their kingdom all of a sudden?

The Je Khenpo, who had been silently listening to all the matters of governance, was suddenly not calm. He suddenly stood up from his seat, wearing a shocked expression.

"How many soldiers did the Mughal Empire dispatch?" Langonpa asked with some hope.

But his hope was directly crushed by the soldier in front of him. "Your Excellency, the exact number is not known, but it has been confirmed that it is no less than twenty thousand people."

"Buddha!," the governors who heard the numbers exclaimed again. They knew they were done for. In normal times, their kingdom was very hard to attack because of the terrain. But if the number of people was overwhelming, there was nothing that couldn’t be achieved with enough force. Water can break even rocks, much less their kingdom, where there are still holes for the water to flow through.

"Let the soldiers get ready for battle," Langonpa suddenly ordered as he left the hall.

"Oh, and Jigme, send letters to Ahom Kingdom, Tibet, and Nepal. See if we can get any help from them. We can win this war if we have enough reinforcements," he added.

"Yes, father," said Jigme, shaken up by the sudden invasion.

Langonpa was getting ready for battle when two women approached him. One was a mature older lady with some grey hair, and the other was a young girl, no more than 18. It was his wife, Kelsang Wangmo, and his daughter, Pema Yangchen, both wearing worried expressions.

"Langonpa, are you going to be alright?" his wife asked, concern evident in her voice. She knew she couldn’t convince her husband to stay behind, so she did what she could.

"Father, could you not go? This looks like an impossible battle. Let’s wait for reinforcements and stay here in the capital," his daughter pleaded, Unlike his wife, she did not give up trying to convince him.

Langonpa didn’t get angry, though. He understood their worries as he comforted them, "It’s impossible for me not to go. My people need me, and when the reinforcements arrive, it will be our victory. So don’t worry."

Though the mother and daughter were still worried, they could do nothing but put on relieved faces.

An Hour later...

Langonpa, along with his son and a few priests, quickly marched to Thimphu with an army of 2000 soldiers. They swiftly reached the Simtokha Dzong.

Inside the Dzong, the regional governor, armed and ready for battle, was present, overseeing the affairs of the survivors from the Mughal massacre.

"What is the condition now?" Langonpa asked as he met up with the governor.

"It is not ideal, Your Excellency. The towns of Gedu, Chhukha, Banakha, and Chapcha have fallen successively within 2 days. Also, we intercepted a message from a refugee from a Nepali tribe. Apparently, the Mughal Emperor has attacked various kingdoms of Nepal too," the governor reported.

"No wonder I did not receive any reply," Jigme thought, horrified by the news.

Seeing the horrified face of his son, Langonpa’s expression grew sombre. The more time passed, the less hope remained for them. Remembering something, he asked, "Son, did you receive any news from Ahom and the Tibetan tribes?"

Hearing his father’s question, Jigme quickly regained his composure as he replied, "Yes, Your Excellency. They conveyed that they are ready to support us and will send a sizeable number of soldiers as soon as possible."

"There is still hope," he thought, but he couldn’t help but wonder how long this "as soon as possible" would be. Could they last that long? He did not know.

"Alright, we will resist until the reinforcements arrive. Fortify the Dzong, and install all the fire lances we have in storage. Get ready for battle," Langonpa said with a grave expression.

With his order, the people began to move immediately. The old 14th to 15th-century Chinese cannons called fire lances, were installed in all designated locations in the Dzong.

Among these cannons was a single cannon that was larger and looked more powerful. This cannon appeared to have been made recently. Yes, this was the Red Barbarian cannon of the Chinese, made three decades ago.

Along with the army of 2000 soldiers brought from the Royal Capital and the soldiers who are already stationed here, an army of 3500 soldiers was formed. If enough time was given, another 3000 soldiers could be Reinforced from various parts of the kingdom, but looking at it now, the Mughals are unlikely to give them a chance.

TO BE CONTINUED...n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om