A Study of Myanmar Palaces(AD.

1102-1859)

Win Myint Aung1

Abstract
This paper is a study on the royal palace construction of King Htilaing’s palace, Inwa palace,
Hanthawady palace,King Nyaungyan’s palace,Thalun’s palace,King Badon’s palace and King
Mindon palace. In doing research, the comparative study is used to present that the fluctuation
of Myanmar king's political power was related to the construction of new royal cities and royal
palace. This paper could aid partially to observers for traditional customs of Myanmar palace. It
is pointed out that powerful king used to construct new royal palaces. Myanmar Kings believed
in Buddha Sasana and they accepted their royal palace as the center of the universe. These kings
also constructed their royal cities and royal palace to be the same as the city of Sakkyawate
Kings as much as they could. Myanmar Kings built the royal cities and palaces to reform the
central administration to be stronger and to be better. The fluctuation of Myanmar king's
political powers was related to the construction of new royal cities and royal palace. In
particular, the powerful King only used to construct new royal cities and palaces.
Key words: Royal City, Capital, Capital city, Palace

Aims
To know about the Culture of Myanmar palace in pre-colonial Period.
To Understand the Causes on Construction of royal Palaces and the Shifting of royal
palaces.
Introduction
The royal capitals and palaces were built form Pyu Period to Konbaung Period (1752-
1885). The selection for sites for construction of royal capitals was based on considerations
upon centrality in administration, easy accessibility in transport, agriculturally productive
regions and advantage for security conditions. Myanmar kings used to construct their palaces
only with wood. The reason for construction with wood had many point, such as location of
capital in Dry Zone of Central Myanmar, abundant supplies of bamboos and woods and due to
the tradition of religious building with bricks and stones. Among the eleven kings in Konbaung
Period, five kings constructed new royal palaces and two kings, shifted their royal palaces.
Materials and Method
Historical research method is employed and it is presented as a comparative study. In
this research paper, the primary sources and secondary sources are used. Royal Orders of
Burma (1598-1885) is the primary sources. Particularly, this paper cited secondary sources as
evidences. Data are collected from Mandalay University Library, History Department Library
and private book collectors.
Research Questions
-Why did the kings prefer the construction of capital cities and royal palaces in pre-colonial
period?
-How did the select the site of royal palace in the reign of Myanmar Kings?

1
Associate professor, Dr, Department of History, University of Mandalay
254 University of Mandalay, Research Journal, Vol.11, 2020

Literature Review
About Myanmar "Royal Palaces" wrote in Dr. Toe Hla's "Kohti-Konan-Kokyangan-
Hnint" (With our Sovereign State) book, Dr. May Nyunt's "Founding of Capital Cities with
Special Reference to Ratanapura and Amarapura", Ph.D. Dissertation and Mya-Ke-tu's
"Nandale-Hmattan-Mya" (Record of cultural palace). In "Kohti-Konan-Kokyangan-Hnint"
book, it stated about royal palace in Konbaung Period (1752-1885), shifting of royal palace in
King Mindon (1852-1878), about royal families’ hostels and the concept of cosmology. Also in
Dr. May Nyunt's Ph.D. Dissertation, information about the Ratanapura studied In Mya-Ke-
tu's "Nandale-Hmattan-Mya", ceremonies than constructing of royal palace was observed. In
this research paper, eight building of new royal palaces and whythey were built before
Konbaung Period, from the reign of King Htilaing to Mindonmin (1852-1878) in Konbaung
Period were studi.
Findings and Discussion
By studying this research paper “A Study of Myanmar Palace” the royal customs of
Myanmar Palace in pre-colonial period was found. It can be observed that the art of building a
new royal palace was the same as a political system and the fluctuation of Myanmar King’s
political power was related to the construction of new capital city and royal palace.

Establishment of Palaces
Myanmar kings used to build their palaces with timber from Pyu Period to Yadanabon
Period. They, especially, built the Myenandaw which was used to hold royal meeting with
timber and large logs. The reasons for choosing buildings were :
(1) The royal capital is located in Dry zone of central Myanmar,
(2) Myanmar was rich in forest resources of trees and bamboo, and
(3) Myanmar traditional culture was used to build brick buildings only for the religious
purposes.2
As Myanmar had such culturally high standard neighbours as China and India, they
seemed to acquire the art of architecture form these countries and they could build their
palaces.
As the palace halls, and buildings being constructed in Sriksetra an early Pyu town and
Bagan were gilded and driven intake with brick, they were influenced particularly by the
archeology of India.
The art of building palace was much different form buildings of homes. The ruling
Kings had to build their palaces to be magnificent in accordance with their monarchial
insignia. Since Buddhist Sasana had arrived at Myanmar, rationale Buddhist philosophies and
perceptions could assist in building royal palace.3 According to the life history of Lord Buddha
the monasteries where Lord Buddha used to reside were built in three types. The royal palaces
of Bodhithata (Buddha to be) would be,
1. Yarma (Ninth tiered hall to reside in winter)
2. Thuba(palace hall for the raining season) and

2
May Nyunt, Founding of Capital cities with special Reference to Ratanapura, Amarapura and Rata-napura.
Ph.D. Dissertation, Department of History, University of Mandalay, 2014, p.58 (Henceforth: May Nyunt, 2014)
3
Herman Goetz, The Art of India, Newyork, Grey tone press, 1964, pp.120-121
 University of Mandalay, Research Journal, Vol.11, 2020 255

3. Phuyarma (fifth tired palace hall to reside in summer)4

As the time pass by, building of Myanmar palace experienced changes. It could be the
development of architecture. The same features in royal palaces were,
1. Built of woods,
2. Built in a single storey,
3. Built in tired roofs,
4. Surrounded by the wall and
5. Location of the palace at the center in the mantala shape.5
The King resided in the Magnificent palace hall with reference to sovereignty of the
kings over all things.
Royal styles were started to find in Bagan Period because the archive for building
palace in Mon language was found in the date of 1102 under Htilaingmin’s rule.
The Kings who succeeded to Htilaingmin was also proud of building royal capitals, and
they used to give the auspicious titles to their royal capitals. A Bagan king took the title of
“Eintawshin” and another king took the title of “Shwenankyawt shin” as well as the title of
“Phannanshin”.6 Likewise, in Konbaung period,
1. Yadanatheinga Myonanteemin7 (Alaungmintaya)
2. Zeyarpura Myonantemin 8 (Naung dawgyi),
3. Yadanapura Myonantemin9 (Myedumin),
4. Amarapura Myonantemin 10(Badomin),
5. Second Inwa Myonankemin11 (Bagyidawmin)
6. Second Amarapura Myonantemin 12 (Thayawady) and
7. Yadanabon Myonantemin 13 (King Mindon) were expressed as the builders of royal
capitals.
Htilaingmin’s Royal Palace
As there were more historical evidences during Bagan Period, royal palace during
“pyu” period could be stated more commonly. Stone inscriptions, mural paintings, eastern
4
Tipitakadara Sayadaw U viseitta Saravivamsa, Naing-gan, taw Buddha sāsana Mahā Buddhawin (State Buddha
Sāsana Stories of the Buddha) Vol.II, Yangon, Department of Religious Affairs, 2002, pp.30-31
5
Dr Toe Hla, Ko-htee-ko-nan-ko-kya-ngan-nint (With our Sovereign State), Yangon, Nawarat Press, First printing,
2005, p.15-16 (Henceforth: Toe Hla, 2005)
6
U Kala, Yazawinchoke (The Brief Chronicle), Yangon, Yar Pyae Press, 2011, p.116
7
Maung Mang Tin, Konbaung-zet Maha yazawingyi (The Great Chronicle of the Konbaung Dynasty), Vol.I,
Yangon, Yar Pyae Press, 2004, p.80 (Henceforth: Maung Maung Tin, 2004a)
8
Maung Maung Tin, 2004a, 248
9
Maung Maung Tin, 2004a, 266
10
Maung Maung Tin, 2004a, 378
11
Maung Maung Tin, Konbaung zet-Maha yazawinyi (The Great Chronicle of the Konbaung Dynasty), Vol. II,
Yangon, Yar Pyae Press, 2004, p.162 (Henceforth: Maung Maung Tin, 2004b)
12
Maung Maung Tin, 2004b, 168
13
Maung Maung Tin, Konbang zet Maha yazatwingyi (The Great Chronicle of the Konbaung Dynasty), Vol.III,
Yangon, Yar Pyae Press, 2004, p.111
256 University of Mandalay, Research Journal, Vol.11, 2020

brick cups, relief models, etc, were the historical material evidences of Bagan Period. These
materials contained literature and pictured evidences in relation with royal palaces. The most
important thing among them was the stone inscription about the building of royal palace by
Htiaing (1084-1112) also well-known as King Kyansittha in Myanmar history. This stone
inscription was inscribed in Mon language to record the biography of the king and his palace
construction.14 It was the first record on the construction of royal palace in Myanmar literature
and history.
The stone inscription of Htilaingmin on the construction recorded all about on royal
palace construction in detail. It is noted as follows according to that record.
21st February, 1102, Ceremony for placing stake,
3rd March, 1102, Ceremony for corners lap laying
5th March, 1102, Ceremony for gilding Urupillar,
7th March, 1102, Naming the new palace as Zeyarbon,
12th March, 1102, Erecting all pillars,
2nd April, 1102, Making doorways,
11th April, 1102, Making windows,15
25th April, 1102, Started building tired roofs,
By considering this dated stone inscription on royal palace construction, it can be
estimated that, the royal, palace was not very large and it took only a few months for
completion. Besides, as the inscription included that the staircases were built at the beginning,
then the windows were made and there were tired roofed halls, it can be assumed that the royal
palace was entirely made of woods, without any stone and bricks.
After Bagan experienced Mongolian invasion, Bagan declined its status of being royal
capital. As a result, the core area of Myanmar political power shifted to Pinya, which lied on
the south of old Inwa.
Pinya Royal Palace
Pinya royal capital was established by King Thihathu in 1312 and gave the name
Vizarapura and the royal palace was called Kyaw Zaw Shwebon. The capital was called Panya
with reference to obtaining golden flower at the town site and later changed to Pinya.16 The
capital was reigned by six Kings from Thihathu to Uzanapyaung and lasted 64 years and 3
months.17 King Uzana was dethroned by Thatoeminphya at 3 months of reign. Pinya was no
longer in age due to low quality kings.
Inwa Royal Palace
In 1365, over 50 years after the ruin of Bagan King, Thatoemin Phya shifted royal
capital to Inwa, which was better in security conditions than Pinya. The royal capital

14
Mon kauksapaung chroke (The Brief of Mon Inscriptions), Edited by U Chit Thein, Yangon, Takatho Press,
1965, p.33 (Henceforth: Chit Thien, 1965)
15
(a) Chit Thien, 1965, 33-35
(b) Toe Hla, 2005, 9-10
16
Kala, 2006a, 259
17
May Nyunt, 2014, 64
 University of Mandalay, Research Journal, Vol.11, 2020 257

construction was started in February, 1364 and it was completed within seven months. Then,
the royal capital was named Yadanapura and the royal palace was named Shwebonthanan. The
name Yadanapura was intended for both worldly and religious wealth abundance in the royal
capital so that the name Yadanapura was given to it. It was meant that so crowded royal capital
could be attained with various successes and auspiciousness from that day on wards.18
Although Thatoeminphya selected the royal capital site on the basis of security from
military defence point of view, the following three situations were found:
1. Centrality in the Country,
2. Abound in foods supply, and
3. Focal point in natural water courses19
During that time, Inwa was located at the center of the country for administration and
military. Bhamo-Mohnyin in Upper Myanmar, Shan State in the east, Hanthawady, Dagon,
Dala, and Mon areas in lower Myanmar and later to the Than win River and Chin State in the
west. Therefore, it had advantages to control them rapidly with ease.
Moreover, Inwa was located in a fertile alluvial plain for food production and it was
located in the adjacent area of Ledwin11 Khayines, which was famous as the rice bowl of
Upper Myanmar, only separated by the Panlaung River. In other words, Ledwin11Khayines
were rice granaries of Inwa.
Inwa was located near the confluence of the Myitnge River with the Ayeyarwady
River. So the selection of Inwa as a site of the royal capital by Thatoeminphya on the
Ayeyarwady river course which is flowing from Myitkyina and Bhamo in the upper course to
the sea in the lower course through central Myanmar should be idealized by the people.20
Therefore, it can be easily understandable, about the importance of Inwa in military, economy
and administration works of the country.
As a result, Inwa royal capital which was built by King Thatoeminphya lasted 30
dynasties and 388 years of age.21 Due to the advantageous location of the town, Inwa was also
selected as royal capital for two times by King Sinphyushin or Myedumin (1763-1776) and
King Bagayidawor Sagaingmin (1819-1837). It can be considered as the righteous site
selection for the royal capital at Inwa.
The first Inwa dynasty was established by King Thatoemin and the royal throne was
newly constructed by thirteenth King, who was well-known as Shwenan Kyawtshin in great
chronicles. As the newly constructed royal palace was so magnificent in the architect royal
style, King Narapati who constructed that palace was praised as Shwenankyawtshin. 22 Its
architectural style was so good that the palace deserved to be recorded in archives.
King Nyaungyan’s Royal Palace
After the ruin of second Myanmar Empires, established by Hanthawady Sinphyushin,
prince Nyaungyan, one of the sons of the king went to upper Myanmar and constructed a new
royal capital in the site of old Inwa, on 17 January, 1598, by opening to four directions. The
18
Kala, 2006a, 275, 277
19
May Nyunt, 2014, 65, 66
20
May Nyunt, 2014, 66
21
May Nyunt, 2014, 66
22
U Kala, Maha Yazawingyi (The Great Chronicle), Vol.II, Yangon, Yar Pyae Press, 2006, p.105 (Henceforth:
Kala, 2006b)
258 University of Mandalay, Research Journal, Vol.11, 2020

name of the town was changed into Shwewamyogyi by erasing the old name Yadanapura. The
king constructed royal palace, royal capital, Shwezigon, Gudawthit and five gateways
simultaneously on 5th July, 1599. The construction of the royal palace by King Nyaungyan was
recorded in palace, royal capital, Shwezigon, Gudawthit an 5 gateways simultaneously on 5th
July, 1599. The construction of the royal palace by King Nyaung Yan was recorded in palace
construction archive.23
King Thalun’s Palace
King Thalun, who ascended onto the royal throne after Nyaungyanmin and
Anaukphatlunmin also constructed a new royal palace. The timbers and logs which were used
in the palace construction were given by the respective Myozas. According to the records, there
were 27 halls and 238 teak logs,Lakkhan-thit586 logs, 118 Pyin-thitand 10 Saung-thit were
used for the palace construction.24 The shape of the palace was the same as the stake plan map
of King Nyaungyan and later kings from Badonmin to King Mindon had to construct their
royal palaces based upon the model of king Thalun’s palace. As there were more records
concerning palace construction, the royal capital constructions were more reliable than
those of the past.
King Badon’s Palace
Badonmin started construction works for new royal palace on 21st October, 1782.25 The
king had prepared erecting scaffold with 500 carpenters and architects on 30th December, 1782.
Seven places in construction of palace, including lake, moat, monastery, pitakateik, pagoda and
the town were simultaneously inlaid with stakes as the same time of palace stake inlaid-
ceremony. Then, these seven places were constructed simultaneously on 9th January 1783. The
new palace of Badonmin was composed of 51 halls and they were constructed by 529
carpenters. 26 King Badon started palace construction in December 1782 and completed the
work in April, 1783. Therefore, only four months time was used to complete palace
construction.
After the capital was founded, it was named “Amarapura”. The royal capital was
named “Myananbonsan”, and royal palace was named “Aungnansanya”, on 17th May 1783.27
King Badon also carried out maintenance and reparation works for perpetuation of the
royal palace continuously. 28 On 11th, July 1795, a royal order was released to repair the
damages on palace roof, rafter and walls. 29 The king also orders to repair the elephant sheds. 30

23
May Nyunt, 2014, 70
24
U Kala, Mahayazawingyi (The Great Chronicle), Vol.III, Yangon, Yar Pyae Press, 2006, p.140-141
(Henceforth: Kala, 2006c)
25
Maung Maung Tin, 2004a, 1391
26
May Nyunt, Amarapuramyotinanti Samaing (History of Amarapura: Founding of Capital city and palace), M.A.
Thesis, Department of History, University of Mandalay, 1993, pp.54-55 (Henceforth: May Nyaunt, 1993)
27
May Nyunt, 1993, 25
28
The Royal Orders of Burma (AD 1598-1885), Edited and Translated by Dr. Than Tun, Vol.V (AD 1788-1806),
Kyoto, The Center for Southeast Asia studies, Kyoto University, 1986, p.557 (Henceforth: ROB V, 1986)
29
ROB V, 1986, 584
30
ROB V, 1986, 821
 University of Mandalay, Research Journal, Vol.11, 2020 259

A royal order was released on 6th March, 1806, not to build the houses closely to keep the royal
palace and royal capital to be clean. It could be to prevent the danger of fires.31
On 13th March, 1810 a great fire broke out in Amarapura, starting from Tayoketan in
the western portion of the royal palace. The royal palace was also burnt by the great fire.32 As
relief and reestablishments on the fire were performed immediately, the royal palace also had
to be reconstructed. It can be assumed that the second reconstructed royal palace was not as
great as the first palace. King Badon was the one who had to construct the royal palace two
times one in 1782 and another in 1810. As Badonmin left the complete records on the
construction of the royal palace, his works could be compared to the next palace construction
by King Mindon.
King Mindon’s Palace
In monarchial history of Myanmar, Yandanabon royal capital which was more popular
than Mandalay was the last royal capital of Myanmar. The capital was constructed by King
Mindon starting in 1856.33 Although King Mindon’s construction and shifting of a new royal
capital seemed the same as those of the earlier Kings, it was much different from them in many
ways. The most important point is that construction and shifting of King Mindon’s new royal
capital took full political essence. The capital was shifted to a new site to keep the
independence and sovereignty of the country and to carry out new reforms for the country’s
development. The ultimate political objective was to regain the lost territories to the British
colonialists.
When the site for the new royal capital was selected, King Mindon pointed out the site
directly by himself. It was placed at the south west of the foot of Mandalay Hill which was a
little far from the Ayeyarwady River. Royal order to construct new royal capital was released
on 13th January 1857. 34 The record on the construction of new royal capital and palace
included the following works.
30th October, 1856-Search for site selection to build new royal capital,35
31st October, 1856-Blue print of the royal capital and palace were submitted, 36
4th December, 1856, Clear the forest37
January, 1857, Issued money from royal treasury38
31 January, 1857, Preittas were recited at the selected site for construction for royal
palace and listened by royal accidence,
12th February, 1857, offer to Nats (spirits) and performed ground works in the palaces

31
ROB V, 1986, 821
32
Maung Maung Tin,2004b, 132
33
Toe Hla, 2005, 67
34
Toe Hla, 2005, 75
35
Sithu Maung Maung Kyaw, Mandalay Myotinanti Sa tan (Founding of Mandalay city and palace), Mandalay,
Ratanadipan Press, 1959, p.62 (Henceforth: Maung Maung Kyaw, 1959)
36
Maung Maung Kyaw, 1959, 64
37
Maung Maung Kyaw, 1959, 71
38
Maung Maug Tin, 2004c, 175
260 University of Mandalay, Research Journal, Vol.11, 2020

for royal capital and the palace.39

14th March, 1857, A temporary Palace was constructed at the north-western corner of
the royal palace40
7th May, 1857, An armoury was constructed at the south eastern corner of the royal
capital41
16th July, 1857, Royal Palace was given the name of Myanansankyaw
22 May, 1859, completion of all construction works for royal capital and palace.42
Total work force, who had to participate to complete the construction of Mandalay
royal capital was totally 36240 royal servants. During the palace construction works, over 100
halls were constructed. When all construction works were completed, King Mindon held royal
ceremony for ascending throne on 22nd, May, 1859 and gave the name Yadanabon to the
capital, Lay-kyun Aung-Myay to the royal capital and gave the name Myanansankyaw to the
royal palace.43
Acknowledgements
I would like to express my thanks to Rector, Pro-rectors, University of Mandalay for allowing me to
submit my research paper. My special thanks also go to Dr Yee Yee Win, Professor and Head of the History
Department, University of Mandalay for her permission and encouragement.
Conclusion
Although large towns were discovered by excavations, there were no evidences up to
the present time in relation with the plans for the royal palaces. The basic architectural styles
are found to be nearly the same in construction of royal palaces from Bagan Period to
Yadanabon Period. In Myanmar history, Myanmar Kings used to construct new royal capitals
and palaces, and shifted their capitals because they wished to be proud of themselves as the
builders of Capitals and palaces, because they wish to receive the reputation that they were
descended from the powerful Sakkyawate kings, the generations of Thakka royal families, and
because they felt that their existing capitals were in weak security conditions according to the
prophecies and men in the events. The construction of royal capital and shifting of the royal
capital were mostly found in the actions by Myanmar Kings. In Myanmar history, the most
frequent shifting of capitals and royal palaces were particularly found during Konbaung period.
Out of eleven kings of Konbaung Dynasty, five Kings established new royal capitals and
palaces while two kings shifted their royal capital and palace. Although it was said as the
shifting of royal capitals, these were much looked like constructions of new royal capital and
thrones.

39
Maung Maug Tin, 2004c, 175
40
Maung Maug Tin, 2004c, 176
41
Maung Maug Tin, 2004c, 177
42
Toe Hla, 2005, 78
43
Toe Hla, 2005, 78
 University of Mandalay, Research Journal, Vol.11, 2020 261

References
Primary Sources
The Royal Orders of Burma (AD 1598-1885), Edited and Translated by Dr. Than Tun, Vol.V (AD 1788-1806),
Kyoto, The Center for Southeast Asia studies, Kyoto University, 1986
Secondary Sources
Unpublished Books
May Nyunt, Amarapuramyotinanti Samaing (History of Amarapura: Founding of Capital city and palace), M.A.
Thesis, Department of History, University of Mandalay, 1993
May Nyunt, Founding of Capital cities with special Reference to Ratanapura, Amarapura and Rata-napura. Ph.D.
Dissertation, Department of History, University of Mandalay, 2014
Published Books in Myanmar
Kala,U, Maha Yazawingyi (The Great Chronicle), Vol.II, Yangon, Yar Pyae Press, 2006
Kala, U, Mahayazawingyi (The Great Chronicle), Vol.III, Yangon, Yar Pyae Press, 2006
Kala, U, Yazawinchoke (The Brief Chronicle), Yangon, Yar Pyae Press, 2011
Maung Mang Tin, Konbaung-zet Maha yazawingyi (The Great Chronicle of the Konbaung Dynasty),Vol.I,
Yangon, Yar Pyae Press, 2004
Maung Maung Kyaw, Sithu, Mandalay Myotinanti Sa tan (Founding of Mandalay city and palace), Mandalay,
Ratanadipan Press, 1959
Maung Maung Tin, Konbaung zet-Maha yazawinyi (The Great Chronicle of the Konbaung Dynasty),Vol.II,
Yangon, Yar Pyae Press, 2004
Maung Maung Tin, Konbang zet Maha yazatwingyi (The Great Chronicle of the Konbaung Dynasty), Vol.III,
Yangon, Yar Pyae Press, 2004
Mon kauksapaung chroke (The Brief of Mon Inscriptions), Edited by U Chit Thein, Yangon, Takatho Press, 1965
Tipitakadara Sayadaw U Viseitta Saravivamsa, Naing-gan, taw Buddha sāsana Mahā Buddhawin(State
Buddha Sāsana Stories of the Buddha) Vol.II, Yangon, Department of Religious Affairs, 2002
Toe Hla, Dr, Ko-htee-ko-nan-ko-kya-ngan-nint (With our Sovereign State), Yangon, Nawarat Press, First printing,
2005
Published Books in English
Herman Goetz, The Art of India, Newyork, Grey tone Press, 1964