List of early and legendary monarchs of Burma
This is a list of early and legendary monarchs of Burma (Myanmar). It covers the monarchs of the early polities in Upper Burma, Lower Burma and Arakan, according to the various royal chronicles. The list consists of two types. Some of the dynasties were likely derived from "Indian legends taken from Sanskrit or Pali originals" in order to link the Burmese monarchy to the Buddha.[1][2] Many others were actual historical figures cloaked in pre-Buddhist legends, and probably existed in a different time period than that described in the chronicles. Moreover, many of these historical-based legendary figures were likely contemporaries of rival small settlements, rather than in the continuous lineage presented by the chronicles.[3]
Unless otherwise noted, the regnal dates in this article are abbreviated to the first Western calendar year only although the Burmese calendar straddles the Western calendar. For example, the start of King Pyinbya's reign, 208 ME (25 March 846 to 24 March 847 CE), is shown here only as 846 (instead of 846/47).
Upper Burma
editThe first Tagaung dynasty was part of the Abhiyaza origin myth that made a "sudden appearance" in central Burma in 1781—in the treatise Mani Yadanabon.[4] The myth was not part of any of the prior central Burmese chronicles and treaties, as well as those immediately after, including the 1798 Yazawin Thit chronicle.[5] But the myth gained ascendancy with the Konbaung kings, and was finally included in the Hmannan Yazawin chronicle in 1832, officially linking the Konbaung and central Burmese kings to the Buddha.[6] The proclamation was part of the regional traditions to link their leaders to the clan of the Buddha. The earliest evidence of such linkage was in Arakan in the 1450s. The Arakanese tradition had grown more elaborate by the early 17th century, and finally reached central Burma in the 18th century.[7] It was embraced by the Konbaung kings who starting in the 1770s began an effort to delink the then prevailing pre-Buddhist origin myth of linking the monarchy to a solar spirit with a more universal (Buddhist) myth.[2]
Monarch | Reign | Relationship | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Abhiyaza | 850–825 BCE | ||
Kanyaza Nge | 825–? | Son | |
Zambudipa Yaza | Son | ||
Thingatha Yaza | Son | ||
Weippanna Yaza | Son | ||
Dewata Yaza | Son | ||
Munika Yaza | Son | ||
Naga Yaza | Paternal uncle | ||
Einda Yaza | Brother | ||
Thamuti Yaza | Son | ||
Dewa Yaza | Son | ||
Maheindra Yaza | Son | ||
Wimala Yaza | Son | ||
Thihanu Yaza | Son | ||
Mingana Yaza | Son | ||
Kantha Yaza | Son | ||
Kaleinga Yaza | Son | ||
Thindwe Yaza | Son | ||
Thihala Yaza | Son | ||
Thamuti Yaza | Son | ||
Hantha Yaza | Brother | ||
Wara Yaza | Son | ||
Alaung Yaza | Son | ||
Kawlaka Yaza | Son | ||
Thuriya Yaza | Son | ||
Thingyi Yaza | Son | ||
Taingchit Yaza | Son | ||
Madu Yaza | Son | ||
Minhlagyi Yaza | Son | ||
Thanthu Thiha Yaza | Son | ||
Daninga Yaza | Son | ||
Heinda Yaza | Son | ||
Mawriya Yaza | Son | ||
Beinnaka Yaza | Son |
This is the list of kings of the second Tagaung dynasty per in the Hmannan Yazawin chronicle, which provides no reign dates except for the date when the Sri Ksetra Kingdom was founded by two princes from Tagaung.[8] According to Michael Charney, the second Tagaung dynasty is simply a version of the same Abhiyaza myth—Daza Yaza/Dhajaraja is another title of Abhiyaza/Abhiraja—which the chroniclers of the Hmannan must have realized but nonetheless sequenced it as a successor dynasty to circumvent "any superior claim of legitimacy on the part of the royal line of western Burma" [Arakan].[9]
Monarch | Reign | Relationship | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Daza Yaza | c. 600 BCE–? | ||
Thado Taing-Ya | |||
Thado Yahta-Ya | |||
Thado Tagun-Ya | |||
Thado Hlanbyan-Ya | |||
Thado Shwe | |||
Thado Galon-Ya | |||
Thado Naga-Ya | |||
Thado Naga-Naing | |||
Thado Yahawlaw | |||
Thado Paungshe | |||
Thado Kyaukshe | |||
Thado Hsinlauk | |||
Thado Hsinhtein | |||
Thado Taingchit | |||
Thado Mingyi | |||
Thado Maha Yaza | His sons founded Sri Ksetra Kingdom in 483 BCE. |
Sri Ksetra Kingdom BCE 483-84
editMonarch | Reign | Relationship | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Maha Thanbawa | 483–477 BCE | Son of Thado Maha Yaza of Tagaung | |
Sula Thanbanwa | 477–442 | Brother | |
Duttabaung | 442–372 | Son of Maha Thanbawa | Historical figure believed to have ascended the throne in 739 CE |
Duttayan | 372–350 | Son | |
Yan Baung | 350–300 | Son | |
Yan Man | 300–250 | Son | |
Yetkhan | 250–219 | Son | |
Khanlaung | 219–181 | Son | |
Letkhaing | 181–147 | Son | |
Thirikhan | 147–119 | Son | |
Thiriyit | 119–110 | Son | Last of Duttabaung's line |
Taba | 110–59 | Adopted son | |
Papiyan | 59 BCE–7 CE | Son | |
Yan Mukha | 7–22 | Son | |
Yan Theinkha | 22–25 | Son | |
Yan Monsaleinda | 25–40 | Son | |
Bereinda | 40–52 | Brother | |
Monsala | 52–57 | Son | |
Ponna | 57–60 | Son | |
Thakha | 60–63 | Brother | |
Thathi | 63–66 | Son | |
Kan Nu | 66–67 | Younger brother | |
Kan Tet | 67–70 | Elder brother | |
Beizza | 70–74 | Elder brother | |
Thumondari | 74–81 | Not stated | |
Atitya | 81–84 | Son | |
Thupyinnya | 84–94 | Brother | End of the Sri Ksetra dynasty |
Formative Early Pagan
editThe following is the list of Pagan kings as given in the main royal chronicles.[10]
Name | Reign per Zatadawbon Yazawin | Reign per Maha Yazawin, Yazawin Thit, and Hmannan Yazawin | Relationship with the predecessor |
---|---|---|---|
Thamoddarit | 80–125 | 107–152 | Nephew of Thupyinnya of Sri Ksetra |
Yathekyaung | 125–140 | 152–167 | Caretaker |
Pyusawhti | 140–222 | 167–242 | Son-in-law of Thamoddarit |
Hti Min Yin | 222–249 | 242–299 | Son |
Yin Min Paik | 249–334 | 299–324 | Son |
Paik Thinli | 334–371 | 324–344 | Son |
Thinli Kyaung I | 371–415 | 344–387 | Son |
Kyaung Tu Yit | 415–440 | 387–412 | Son |
Thihtan | 440–477 | 412–439 | Son |
Thuye | 477–492 | 439–494 | Usurper |
Tharamun Pya | 492–514 | 494–516 | Grandson of Thihtan |
Thaik Taing | 514–521 | 516–523 | Son |
Thinli Kyaung II | 521–530 | 523–532 | Son |
Thinli Paik | 530–535 | 532–547 | Brother |
Khan Laung | 535–545 | 547–557 | Brother |
Khan Lat | 545–557 | 557–569 | Brother |
Htun Taik | 557–570 | 569–582 | Son |
Htun Pyit | 570–586 | 582–598 | Son |
Htun Kyit | 586–613 | 598–613 | Son |
Middle Early Pagan (AD 613-846)
editAll four main chronicles are in agreement with the regnal dates in this period.[10]
Name | Reign per Zatadawbon Yazawin, Maha Yazawin, Yazawin Thit, and Hmannan Yazawin | Relationship with the predecessor |
---|---|---|
Popa Sawrahan | 613–640 | Usurper |
Shwe Ohnthi | 640–652 | Son-in-law |
Peit Thon | 652–660 | Brother |
Peit Taung | 660–710 | Son |
Nga Khwe | 710–716 | Brother |
Min Kywe | 716–726 | Usurper |
Theinga | 726–734 | Elected by court; of royal blood |
Thein Khun | 734–744 | Son |
Shwe Laung | 744–753 | Son |
Htun Htwin | 753–762 | Son |
Shwe Hmauk | 762–785 | Son |
Htun Lut | 785–802 | Brother |
Saw Khin Hnit | 802–829 | Son |
Khelu | 829–846 | Son |
Late Early Pagan (846-1044)
editThe chronicles again do not agree with the dates for this period. The dates in later chronicles Yazawin Thit and Hmannan Yazawin now depart from Maha Yazawin dates from 846 CE forward.[10]
Name | Reign per Zatadawbon Yazawin | Reign per Maha Yazawin | Reign per Yazawin Thit and Hmannan Yazawin | Relationship with predecessor(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pyinbya | 846–886 | 846–858 | 846–878 | Brother |
Tannet | 886–904 | 858–876 | 878–906 | Son |
Sale Ngahkwe | 904–934 | 876–901 | 906–915 | Usurper |
Theinhko | 934–956 | 901–917 | 915–931 | Son |
Nyaung-u Sawrahan | 956–1001 | 917–950 | 931–964 | Usurper |
Kunhsaw Kyaunghpyu | 1001–1021 | 950–971 | 964–986 | Son of Tannet |
Kyiso | 1021–1038 | 971–977 | 986–992 | Son of Nyaung-u Sawrahan |
Sokkate | 1038–1044 | 977–1002 | 992–1017 | Brother |
Lower Burma
editMonarch | Reign | Relationship | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Thiha Yaza | ?–543 BCE | Died in the year the Buddha died; came from India | |
Dhamma Thawka I | |||
Titha | Tissa | ||
Dhamma Pala | |||
Dhamma Daza | |||
Einkura | |||
Upadewa Yaza | |||
Thiwa Yaza | |||
Zawta Kumma | |||
Dhamma Thawka II | |||
Uttara | |||
Katha Wunna | |||
Maha Thala | |||
Araka | |||
Narathu I | |||
Maha Beinda | |||
Adara | |||
Angula | |||
Urunnata | |||
Thuganda I | |||
Thuganda II | |||
Bramah Datta | |||
Manya Yaza | |||
Adika | |||
Maradi Yaza | |||
Thaduka | |||
Dipa Yaza I | |||
Athinkha Yaza | |||
Bomma Yaza | |||
Manda Yaza | |||
Mahintha Yaza | |||
Dhamma Sekka Yaza | |||
Thusanbadi | |||
Baddara Yaza | |||
Narathu II | |||
Zambudipa Yaza | |||
Ketharit Yaza | |||
Wizaya Kumma | |||
Mani Yaza | |||
Tekka Min | |||
Athinkha Yaza | |||
Kutha Yaza | |||
Dipa Yaza II | |||
Nara Yaza | |||
Yaza Thura | |||
Seitta Yaza | |||
Diga Yaza | |||
Ottama Yaza | |||
Thiri Yaza | |||
Dhamma Yaza | |||
Maha Seitta Yaza | |||
Ganda Yaza | |||
Zeya Yaza | |||
Thumana Yaza | |||
Maddaka Yaza | |||
Aminna Yaza | |||
Udinna Yaza | |||
Manuha | ?–1057 CE |
Early Hanthawaddy
editThe list here is per Harvey who reported it from the Shwemawdaw Thamaing (lit. "History of Shwemawdaw Pagoda"); the dates are unattested.[3] Other Mon Chronicles give a similar list of rulers from 573 to 781 with no records thereafter, leaving a gap of 276 years to Pagan's conquest of Pegu in 1057.[11] Harvey's list better synchronizes with historically confirmed Pagan dates. But according to Michael Aung-Thwin, pre-Pagan Mon kingdoms of Lower Burma are later 15th century legends, unattested by evidence. Pegu as a place name only first appeared in a 1266 Old Burmese inscription.[12]
Monarch | Reign | Relationship | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Thamala | 825–837 | Founds Pegu (Bago) in 825 | |
Wimala | 837-854 | Brother | |
Atha | 854–861 | Nephew | |
Areindama | 861–885 | Son | |
A monk | 885–902 | ||
Geinda | 902–917 | ||
Migadeippa I | 917–932 | ||
Geissadiya | 932–942 | ||
Karawika | 942–954 | ||
Pyinzala | 954–967 | Son | |
Attatha | 967–982 | Brother | |
Anuyama | 982–994 | Nephew | |
Migadeippa II | 994–1004 | ||
Ekkathamanda | 1004–1016 | ||
Uppala | 1016–1028 | ||
Pontarika | 1028–1043 | Founds Dagon | |
Tissa | 1043–1057 |
Rulers of Arakan
editFirst Danyawaddy (2666–825 BCE)
editMonarch | Reign | Relationship | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Mara Yu | 2666–2604 | ||
Mara Zi I | 2604–2572 | son | |
Mara Onlin | 2572–2519 | son | |
Mara Rwaylin | 2519–2471 | son | |
Mara Bin | 2471–2416 | son | |
Mara Zi II | 2416–2383 | son | |
Mara Kin | 2383–2351 | son | |
Nga Sha Po | 2351–2330 | usurper | |
Dwara Sanda | 2330–2290 | son of Mara Kin | |
Thola Sanda | 2290–2257 | son | |
Sanda Thuriya Sanda | 2257–2220 | son | |
Kala Sanda | 2220–2180 | son | |
Ti Sanda | 2180–2149 | son | |
Madhutha Sanda | 2149–2129 | son | |
Zeya Sanda | 2129–2089 | nephew | |
Mokkha Sanda | 2089–2063 | son | |
Gunna Sanda | 2063–2051 | son | |
Three Nobles | 2051–2050 | usurpers; reigned 7 days, 3 months, and 8 months successively | |
Kan Raza I | 2050–2009 | grandson of Gunna Sanda | |
Kan Raza II | 2009–1973 | brother | |
Athurinda Thuriya | 1973–1938 | uncle | |
Tharameta | 1938–1880 | son | |
Thuriya | 1880–1849 | son | |
Min Thi | 1849–1827 | brother | |
Min Ba | 1827–1805 | son | |
Si Aung | 1805–1777 | son | |
Tataingthin | 1777–1746 | brother | |
Kyaw-Khaung Win | 1746–1715 | son | |
Thuriya Nandameit | 1715–1694 | son | |
Athu Yindabaya | 1694–1663 | son | |
Letya Sithugyi | 1663–1631 | son | |
Thihaka | 1631–1588 | son | |
Min Bun Than | 1588–1557 | son | |
Thayet Hmwe | 1557–1508 | son | |
Zeya Nandathu | 1508–1457 | son | |
Tekkathu | 1457–1411 | son | |
Lekkhana | 1411–1374 | son | |
Gunnarit | 1374–1326 | son | |
Thiwarit | 1326–1285 | son | |
Min Hla Hmwe | 1285–1254 | son | |
Marinda | 1254–1192 | son | |
Theiddat Kumara | 1192–1170 | son | |
Min Hla I | 1170–1123 | son | |
Min Hla II | 1123–1099 | brother | |
Nga Sarit | 1099–1061 | son | |
Myet-hna Wun | 1061–1030 | son | |
Let Thut Kyi | 1030–1003 | son | |
Thiri Kamma Thunda | 1003–972 | brother | |
Nanda Kotabaya | 972–945 | son | |
Min Nan Phyu | 945–925 | son | |
Min Manu | 925–897 | son | |
Minkhaung | 897–878 | son | |
Laukkhaung Raza | 878–838 | son | |
Min Nge Pyaw-Hla-Si | 838–832 | son | |
Three nobles | 832–825 | usurpers |
Second Danyawaddy (825 BCE–146 CE)
editMonarch | Reign | Relationship | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Kan Raza III | 825–788 | ||
Thila Raza | 788–740 | son | |
Wasa Thura | 740–709 | son | |
Nandawi Thura | 709–669 | son | |
Puna Thuriya | 669–637 | son | |
Thuranda | 637–614 | son | |
Sandima | 614–577 | son | |
Thiri Sanda | 577–537 | son | |
Thiha Ran | 537–491 | brother | |
Thiha Nu | 491–471 | son | |
Payaka | 471–440 | son | |
Nela Gun | 440–399 | son | |
Rohaha Gun | 399–368 | son | |
Thiri Gun | 368–344 | son | |
Thamaza | 344–309 | nephew | |
Kummara | 309–289 | son | |
Thet Htin Phyu | 289–249 | son | |
Tha Bin U | 249–207 | son | |
Teza Wun | 207–171 | brother | |
Munzayaba | 171–137 | son | |
Kummara Withuddi | 137–50 | uncle | |
Wathu Mun Dala | 50–16 | son | |
Thurinda | 16 BCE–15 CE | son | |
Ralamayu | 15–37 | brother | |
Nalamayu | 37–68 | son | |
Wada Gun | 68–90 | son | |
Withu Raza | 90–111 | son | |
Thiri Raza | 111–146 | son |
Third Danyawaddy (146–788 CE)
editMonarch | Reign | Relationship | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Sanda Thuriya | 146–198 | ||
Thuriya Dipati | 198–245 | son | |
Thuriya Patipat | 245–298 | son | |
Thuriya Rupa | 298–313 | son | |
Thuriya Mandala | 313–375 | son | |
Thuriya Wunna | 375–418 | son | |
Thuriya Natha | 418–459 | son | |
Thuriya Wuntha | 459–468 | son | |
Thuriya Banda | 468–474 | son | |
Thuriya Kalyana | 474–492 | son | |
Thuriya Mokkha | 492–513 | son | |
Thuriya Teza | 513–544 | son | |
Thuriya Ponnya | 544–552 | son | |
Thuriya Kala | 552–575 | son | |
Thuriya Pabba | 575–600 | son | |
Thuriya Sitya | 600–618 | son | |
Thuriya Thehta | 618–640 | son | |
Thuriya Wimala | 640–648 | son | |
Thuriya Renu | 648–670 | brother | |
Thuriya Gantha | 670–686 | son | |
Thuriya Thagya | 686–694 | uncle | |
Thuriya Thiri | 694–714 | son | |
Thuriya Kethi | 714–723 | son | |
Thuriya Kutta | 723–746 | son | |
Thuriya Ketu | 746–788 | son |
Waithali (788–1018 CE)
editMonarch | Reign | Relationship | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Maha Taing Sanda | 788–810 | founder | son of Thuriya ketu |
Thuriya Taing Sanda | 810–830 | son | |
Mawla Taing Sanda | 830–849 | son | |
Pawla Taing Sanda | 849–875 | son | |
Kala Taing Sanda | 875–884 | son | |
Tula Taing Sanda | 884–903 | son | |
Thiri Taing Sanda | 903–935 | son | |
Thinkha Taing Sanda | 935–951 | son | |
Chula Taing Sanda | 951–957 | son | |
Amyahtu | 957–964 | Chief of Myu people | |
Pe Phyu | 964–994 | nephew | |
Nga Pin Nga Ton | 994–1018 | son of Chula Taing Sanda |
Notes
editReferences
edit- Aung-Thwin, Michael (2005). The mists of Rāmañña: The Legend that was Lower Burma (illustrated ed.). Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press. ISBN 978-0-8248-2886-8.
- Charney, Michael Walter (2002). "Centralizing Historical Tradition in Precolonial Burma: The Abhiraja/Dhajaraja Myth in Early Kon-baung Historical Texts". South East Asia Research. 10 (2): 185–215. doi:10.5367/000000002101297053. ISSN 0967-828X. S2CID 143753605.
- Charney, Michael W. (2006). Powerful Learning: Buddhist Literati and the Throne in Burma's Last Dynasty, 1752–1885. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan.
- Hall, D.G.E. (1960). Burma (3rd ed.). Hutchinson University Library. ISBN 978-1-4067-3503-1.
- Harvey, G. E. (1925). History of Burma: From the Earliest Times to 10 March 1824. London: Frank Cass & Co. Ltd.
- Kala, U (1724). Maha Yazawin Gyi (in Burmese). Vol. 1–3 (2006, 4th printing ed.). Yangon: Ya-Pyei Publishing.
- Lieberman, Victor B. (2003). Strange Parallels: Southeast Asia in Global Context, c. 800–1830, volume 1, Integration on the Mainland. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-80496-7.
- Phayre, Lt. Gen. Sir Arthur P. (1883). History of Burma (1967 ed.). London: Susil Gupta.
- Royal Historical Commission of Burma (1832). Hmannan Yazawin (in Burmese). Vol. 1–3 (2003 ed.). Yangon: Ministry of Information, Myanmar.
- Than Tun (1964). Studies in Burmese History (in Burmese). Vol. 1. Yangon: Maha Dagon.