IDNO

P.96719.WIL

Description

On Cech’s list describing prints:
“F. W. became Political Officer in Sikkim on January 4th, 1933.
(Photos 81-84 were taken in Punakha MPOW: 73-4)
83. “At Punakha (5170’) 1.7.33”
See gi: Punakha
83d. “A courtyard”.” [printed text]
For more information see Cech’s list.

Place

S Asia; Bhutan; Punakha

Cultural Affliation

Named Person

Photographer

Williamson, Frederick

Collector / Expedition

Date

1 July 1933

Collection Name

Williamson Collection

Source

Williamson, Margaret

Format

Print Black & White

Primary Documentation

Other Information

Place: Seen in the picture is the cortyard and the main temple of Punakha Dzong. When approaching the Dzong, one must cross the Mochu River via a traditional cantilever bridge. The bridge leads to three steep wooden staircases, above which is the immense front door of the Dzong. The staircases were strategically design; in times of war they could be removed, making the Dzong in effect impenetrable. The front door leads to the first courtyard, which is occupied by the district administration. A six storied central tower with temples on every floor stands at the end of the courtyard. The Runjung Kharsapani (a self-created image of the Bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokitestvara or Chenrezi), Bhutan’s most sacred relic, is kept in one of the temples. [Dawa Dem 16/9/2008]

The transcription of this album by Mark Turin and Sara Shneiderman was carried out with reference to Krystina Cech’s catalogue list alone. Alex Nadin has since revised their cataloguing by systematically matching their records to the images. Margaret Williamson’s handwritten captions for photographs have now been transcribed into the Inscription field, and Cech’s descriptions appear in the Description field. Correct entries for Place, Named Person and Other Nos. have also been entered by Alex Nadin. [Sudeshna Guha 29/10/2002]