to Bhutan in 1972. On October 5, 1951, Topgay's younger daughter Ashi Kesang Choden Dorji married the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, creating a new bond so prominent as to cause some discontent among other Bhutanese families. Topgay is thus an ancestor of the current Fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Life In 1917, Topgay assumed his father's positions as Gongzim (Chief Minister) and Trade Agent to the Government of Bhutan, however he functioned to a large extent as prime minister, foreign minister, and ambassador to India. Topgay, though young at around 21 years of age, thus became the First King Ugyen Wangchuck's closest adviser. Administering from Bhutan House, Sonam Topgay Dorji was also Governor of Haa, directly abutting the estate, between 1917 and 1924. Through his position as trade intermediary, Topgay and the Dorji family amassed wealth reputedly greater than that of the royal family. He and his family also supported Western education of Bhutanese youths, paving the way for later educational reforms under the Third King. On April 23, 1948, Topgay Dorji headed the Bhutanese delegation to recently independent India, meeting Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Topgay and Nehru established Bhutan–India relations, prompted by a growing security concern over Communist China. Bilateral negotiations lasted through August 8, 1949, culminating in the Indo-Bhutan Treaty, replacing the defunct Treaty of Punakha. Under the new agreement, India returned the land around Deothang, subject of part of the 1865 Anglo-Bhutanese War. Throughout his career, Raja Sonam Topgay Dorji garnered several foreign honors. In 1917, he was granted the titles of Rai Bahadur and Raja by King George V. In 1918, he was made Deputy Minister (Kashag officer of the fourth rank) by the Thirteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet. Topgay was further created a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (CIE) on June 8, 1944. Death Topgay Dorji passed away at Bhutan House in September 1953, due to his Diabetes which had worsened over time. See also Dorji family History of Bhutan Politics of Bhutan References 1896 births 1953 deaths Prime Ministers of Bhutan Ambassadors of Bhutan to India Companions of the Order of the Indian Empire Dorji family