Drawing My Family Tree

I decided to sacrifice a few Sundays to sit face-to-face with my father to discuss and list down on our family tree. It came into my mind a long time ago. But every time I have the mood, either my father is away, or I have some other work. This time I had the perfect coincidence –I had my father by my side and I was free. 

It was a tough battle to track down and put them into the correct order and sequence. Despite grueling hours of sitting with my father, unlearning and relearning past history, it was quite challenging to recall some names of some past generations who were lost long ago. Simply, few names couldn't be traced at all. We left it for some other occasions. I want to discuss the missing names and lineage with one of my cousins who has some ideas and background on one fine day. I also expect some other family members would definitely help us add and trace down a few missing names in future, as I would keep adding to the list.

 

Total Family Lineage of Dilumpa Rai [https://www.familyecho.com]

I felt sorry for my unschooled father to whom I had to quiz him like a criminal. I briefed him about my small work to sort out the relationship and draw some images of my great great grandfather. So that his grandchild and other future generations won’t have to suffer in identifying their past and bloodline, which is obviously going to become more complex and forgotten.

 

With all the information carefully arranged and drafted, I am sure this family timeline that I have drawn would someday be useful for all of us. Through this work of mine, I am sure that they would know the relation and order –who is who? And more importantly, when I grow old, I shall proudly recall and look back that I have done some outstanding work to plot a family tree. 

 

Embarking on a family tree assignment is exciting but equally tasking which requires good oral information and documents. Throughout the process, my father, whom I always consider a man rich in oral history, is the backbone in shaping this present form. 

I was sensitive and careful throughout the sitting with my father. If I wasn’t sure, I had redirected the questions and asked him again and again. I made sure the family tree is correct and precise. For missing names and sequence, I shall give more depth and color during some other time.

 

Concentrating on my great great grandfather line

Through this work, I could connect to many of my unknown cousins who live in different parts of the country –Gelephu and Daifarm. Dhansiri and Manaytar. Maley and Moaugang. I could find new ways to reconnect with them. It wasn't a waste of time and resources. My time and effort has created an indelible impression on my family members and perched an open link in the blood relation about the past, present and future generations.

As the discussion progressed, I knew which generation of my great-grandfather had exactly set foot in this land, the first ancestral lands and settlements. One point of our discussion was massively interesting but so critical, why my great-grandfather entered Bhutan and directly went to settle in the extreme corner of Tsirang, into the valley of Dodomchen. My great grandfather has settled into a virgin forest on the Burichu River bank. The place is rich in wild animals, fruits, vegetables and berries, fish and water. 

Why didn't they settle around Thimphu Valley, Paro Valley, Phuntsholing Valley and Gelephu valley? [Story in some other fine mood]

It could be probably, he was a crazy non-veg guy and into hunting. One thing was clear that most of my great-grandparents have never been to schooling. That was so sad. Although few had their non-formal education, they didn’t reach far in school. Most of them remain behind for farm work, herding animals and contributing labors. It was interesting to learn that most of the family members seem active and progressive since each line has at least five, or six children. It was evident even from the present generation that each branch has a minimum of five grandchildren. It was as high as eleven children. But, coming to the present generation, the clock has reversed and I am worried someday some line will become extinct. 

 

Link to my grandfather line

I was crystal clear on three critical branches in our family lineage. First the link between Hasta Dal Rai, Jantaray link [missing proper name] and Chakra Dhoj Rai. I came to know how we are different now. Second, I came to know the real father of my great-grandfather "Deekpal Rai" and his brother "Prethi Dhoj Rai" and his bloodline. Third, I came to know how "Bhopal Rai" and "Purna Bdr Rai" are related as first cousins. They all are the surviving first cousins whom we considered as very close.  

This family tree will serve as the soft tool to remind us and pave the way forward. I couldn’t include all the names of the grandchildren and others as it was overly populated and more. Someday, I would make a point to detail it out and share with some important family members.

 

This will remain and occupy a special place in my heart and hopefully to other family members and my kids. I want to frame it and put it on the wall. My kids must know their roots and bloodline.