The Ruined Ruins
The Ruins of Drugyal Dzong before the reconstruction Picture from Google I have a deep affection for ruins. I love the stories that old and broken things have to tell and everything they remain for. The ruins of Drukgyal Dzong in Paro is something I have always admired, not just as a patriotic Bhutanese but also as a student of architecture. But as they say, “You raze the old to raise a new,” the reconstruction of a new structure has already begun and has even reached half way through. This initiation seems to be welcomed and even celebrated by many, but I can’t explain the sore feeling it gives me every time I think about it. The ruins were something that preserved glory and heroism of wars Bhutan had fought four hundred years ago. The thick walls of rammed earth held such strength that could not be demolished by any foreign attacks but rather stood high and bold to scare away enemies. The walls stretch along the hill looking as if it grew out of it and nothing could e
