The Archive of Khaling Gonpa, akin to most other monastic archives, comprises vast religious scriptures. It encompasses a set of Bum, a set of dkon brtsegs, and various sutras and miscellaneous titles. The majority of this collection was written on cream-colored handmade Bhutanese paper with black ink for the main body and written with gold ink on dark blue paper for a few opening pages. There is also a volume written on dark blue paper with golden and silver ink. Preserved as a sacred relic, the Archive of Khaling Gonpa finds its sanctuary within the Samdrup Tsemo Lhakhang. Nestled on traditional bookshelves, it is enveloped in layers of cloth and shielded by two wooden boards, securely fastened with a string, symbolizing the reverence and care with which this spiritual treasure is safeguarded.
Extent: 1 collection of manuscripts containing 158 volumes.
Custodial history: It was overseen by a line of Lamas until the 20th century. The last Lama, called Lopen Kuenzang, was appointed by Trashigang Dzongpon Thinley Tobgay, popularly known as Doppola. After the demise of Lopen Kuenzang, although the custom of appointing a Lama continued until the Lhakhang was offered to the Trashigang Monastic Body, the practice of appointing a caretaker from the community has been initiated. Thus, lines of caretakers have looked after the Lhangkhang until recently. Today, a monastic school has been established in the temple and is overseen by the head of the school appointed by the Central Monastic Body of Trashigang.
Arrangement: There is no specific system of arrangement in the collection level. However, we have meticulously organized the collection into four categories namely: Ngawang Pekar Manuscripts, Tenzin Dondrub Manuscripts, Thorbu Manuscripts, and Lopen Kunzang Collection.
Author(s)/Creator(s): The majority of the collection is believed to have been created within Khaling Gonpa by various individuals over a period spanning from the 18th century to the 20th century.
