Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
After Alaungpaya's short and bloody reign, his son Hsinbyushin charged into Thailand
and levelled Ayuthaya, forcing the Siamese to relocate their capital to what would even-
tually become Bangkok. Hsinbyushin's successor, Bodawpaya (another son of Alaung-
paya), looked for glory too, and brought the Rakhine under Burmese control. This even-
tually led to tension with the British (who had economic interests in Rakhine territory)
that the dynasty would not outlive.
THREE KINGS
Lording it over a military parade ground in Myanmar's capital of Nay Pyi Taw are gi-
ant statues of the three kings considered the most important in Burmese history:
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Anawraahta (1014-77) The creator of the First Burmese Empire ascended the
throne in Bagan in 1044. He unified the Ayeyarwady Valley and held sway over the
Shan hills and Rakhine at the same time as introducing key religious and social re-
forms that form the basis of modern Burmese culture.
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Bayiinnauung (1516-81) Aided by Portuguese mercenaries, this king of Taungoo is
famed for unifying Burma for its 'second empire' and conquering Ayuthaya, the
capital of Siam (Thailand), in 1569. Since 1996 his likeness has ominously looked
over Thailand from near the border at Tachileik.
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Ala
Alauungpaya (1714-60) With no royal roots, this hometown hero of Mokesebo (Sh-
webo) founded the Konbaung dynasty and created the second largest empire in
Burmese history. His reign lasted only eight years, ending when he died - some
say from poisoning - on retreat from Siam, after being turned back by rains.
Colonial Burma
Wars with the British
With eyes on fresh markets and supply sources in Southeast Asia, Britain wrested all of
Burma in three decisive swipes. In the First, Second and Third Anglo-Burmese Wars
they picked up Tanintharyi (Tenasserim) and Rakhine in 1824, Yangon and southern
Burma in 1853, and Mandalay and northern Burma in 1885.
The first war started when Burmese troops, ordered by King Bagyidaw, crossed into
British-controlled Assam (in India) from Rakhine to pursue refugees. General Maha Ban-
dula managed some minor victories using guerrilla tactics, but eventually was killed by
cannon fire in 1824. Burmese troops then surrendered. The Treaty of Yandabo, helped by
the missionary translator Adoniram Judson (whose name is still on many Baptist
churches in Myanmar), gave Rakhine and Tenasserim to the British.
