lonely-planet-myanmar-burma-11-edition

296HISTORY COLONIAL BURMAPublished in1925, GE Harvey’sHistory of Burmagives a chronologicalrundownof Myanmar’skingdoms fromthe Pyu era until1824, faithfullyrecounting manyfanciful legendsalong the way.took over Inwa in 1752. Some say Alaungpaya’s sense of invincibility deludedthe Burmese into thinking they could resist the British later on.After Alaungpaya’s short and bloody reign, his son Hsinbyushincharged into Thailand and levelled Ayuthaya, forcing the Siamese torelocate their capital to what would eventually become Bangkok. Hsinbyushin’ssuccessor, Bodawpaya (another son of Alaungpaya), looked forglory too, and brought the Rakhaing under Burmese control. This eventuallyled to tension with the British (who had economic interests inRakhaing territory) that the dynasty would not outlive.Colonial BurmaWars with the BritishWith eyes on fresh markets and supply sources in Southeast Asia, Britainwrested all of Burma in three decisive swipes. In the First, Second andThird Anglo–Burmese Wars they picked up Tanintharyi (Tenasserim)and Rakhaing in 1824, Yangon and southern Burma in 1853, and Mandalayand northern Burma in 1885.The first war started when Burmese troops, ordered by King Bagyidaw,crossed into British-controlled Assam (in India) from Rakhaing to pursuerefugees. General Maha Bandula managed some minor victories usingguerrilla tactics, but eventually was killed by cannon fire in 1824. Burmesetroops then surrendered. The Treaty of Yandabo, helped by the translatorof missionary Adoniram Judson (whose name is still on many Baptistchurches in Myanmar), gave Rakhaing and Tenasserim to the British.THREE KINGSLording it over a military parade ground in Myanmar’s capital of Nay Pyi Taw are giantstatues of the three kings considered the most important in Burmese history:» Anawrahta (1014–77) The creator of the First Burmese Empire ascended thethrone in Bagan in 1044. He unified the Ayeyarwady Valley and held sway over theShan hills and Rakhaing at the same time as introducing key religious and socialreforms that form the basis of modern Burmese culture.» Bayinnaung (1516–81) Aided by Portuguese mercenaries, this king of Taungoois famed for unifying Burma for its ‘second empire’ and conquering Ayuthaya, thecapital of Siam (Thailand), in 1569. Since 1996, his likeness has ominously lookedover Thailand from near the border at Tachileik.» Alaungpaya (1714–60) With no royal roots, this hometown hero of Mokesebo(Shwebo) founded the Konbaung dynasty and created the second largest empire inBurmese history. His reign lasted only eight years, ending when he died – some sayfrom poisoning – on retreat from Siam, after being turned back by rains.1433Rakhaing's ruler,N a r a m i t h l aestablishes a newcapital at Mrauk U,which, over thecourse of the next fewcenturies, grows into agrand city of templesand internationalcommerce.BERNARD NAPTHINE/LONELY PLANET IMAGES ©1472The great Mon KingDhammazedi takesthe throne, unifi esthe Mon, moves thecapital from Inwato Bago (Pegu), andsets up diplomaticcontact with Europe.1527The Shan, who hadexercised increasingcontrol over the areafollowing the fall ofBagan, defeats thekingdom at Inwa andrules Upper Burma for28 years.» Buddha statues, Mrauk U