Two copies of the Genja documents were made. One is supposed to be in Bhutan, while the other was in possession of John Claude White, the British Political Officer.
(The photograph of the document posted here is from White's book 'Sikhim and Bhutan'.)
On 17th December 1907, corresponding to the 12th Day of the 11th Month in the Earth Monkey Year, a historic Genja, and the oath of allegiance were signed, which defined Bhutan as a modern absolute monarchy.
Thus, Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck was enthroned as the first hereditary Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) changing the course of Bhutan's history forever leading to the end of the dilapidated 300-year-old theocratic dual system of governance.
As translated by Micheal Aris in his book, “The Raven Crown”
“To the Lotus feet of the precious judge, the exalted one of the Dual System (of religious and secular law).
It is submitted that while from former times in our Kingdom of Bhutan the great Regent took office among any that come forth from the lamas and teachers of the monastic college or from the council of ministers and the regional governors, there was otherwise no hereditary monarch.
Now therefore a contract has been drawn up in firm conclusion containing a unanimous agreement, which is not to be altered, on the part of all officers and subjects including the abbot and teachers of the monastic community, the ministers of the council of state and regional governors.
According to the purport of this contract of expressing the deliberations and common desire of all those mentioned above and made evident to all gods and men, Sir Ugyen Wangchuck, the leader of Bhutan and Trongsa Penlop, has been empowered as hereditary monarch in the palace of great bliss at Pungthang (Punakha), the second Potala, on 17 December 1907, corresponding to the 12th day of the 11th month of our own year of the Earth Monkey, at a time of favourable astrological conjunction.
Accordingly, we the above-mentioned lamas and officials, subjects and followers, great and small, shall place our loyalty as witnesses and render service and honour to the King who has been installed on the Golden Throne and to the succession of his royal heirs. If otherwise there should be any kind of accusing talk arising from evilly disposed of rumour or false gossip, then such persons are to be expelled from the common fold.”
In unalterable acceptance of this, the common seal of the abbot, teachers and monastic community; [there follow the individual seal of ministers and governors; lesser officials of the capital and provinces (“the junior-most double-rationed ones”); minor functionaries (“those entitled to riding mounts”); and finally the headmen of the “subject citizens” of each district) The Top part of the genja is Zhabdrung’s state seal.
On this glorious occasion of the 115th National Day Celebration, we would like to join the nation in cherishing and celebrating achievements under the dynamic reign of our beloved and benevolent leaders of the nation.
We pledge to serve the Tsa-Wa-Sum with utmost dedication, loyalty, and sincerity and continue to render our best services to the nation and its people.
Pelden Drukpa Gyalo!
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