Dzong History

The dzong structures as religious or political centres in Bhutan play an important role. The historic edifices generally have a rich story of why, how and when they were built and how and who used the space. Most dzong have historical origins as they were built by religious figures for a purported religious purpose. Some dzong structures were later built as secular residences, military forts and administrative centres. These, then, have a social or political background to their foundation. The large centres of district administration mostly have both a religious origin and a secular purpose as they were built to both house the clergy rulers and as forts to fend off invaders.