26 Facts About Minkhaung I

Minkhaung I is best remembered in Burmese history for his epic struggles against King Razadarit of Hanthawaddy Pegu in the Forty Years' War.

Minkhaung I gave Swe command of the 33-member Pyinzi cavalry.

Minkhaung I kept Min Yaza as chief minister, and appointed Yaza's son Pauk Hla governor Yamethin, and Yaza's son-in-law Thado Theinkhathu governor of Badon and Tabayin.

Minkhaung I appointed Theiddat governor of Sagaing with the title of Thiri Zeya Thura but stopped short of declaring him his heir-apparent.

In Pegu, King Razadarit assessed that Minkhaung I's hold on power was still weak, and planned to place a nominee of his own.

Minkhaung I bought time by sending a delegation led by a learned Buddhist monk, Shin Zawtayanta, to broker a truce.

Minkhaung I was able to assemble a sizable force, which he sent after the rainy season to relieve Prome.

Minkhaung I sent an embassy led by Min Yaza to Pegu to negotiate a treaty.

In return, Minkhaung I sent his only sister Thupaba Dewi to be queen of Razadarit in a marriage alliance.

Minkhaung I was greatly impressed by his son's performance, and wanted to make him his heir apparent.

Minkhaung I tried to appease his brother Theiddat, governor of Sagaing, by giving him command of the Northern Cavalry.

Minkhaung I had Theiddat arrested but later released him after Min Yaza intervened.

Minkhaung I readily gave shelter to Theiddat although he knew such an action would be regarded as a declaration of war against Ava.

Minkhaung I broke the 1403 agreement: Pegu stopped sending the annual shipment of 30 elephants and Ava's share of customs revenue of the Bassein port.

Meanwhile, Minkhaung I tried to solidify his hold over Arakan by sending his eldest daughter Saw Pyei Chantha to be the wife of Anawrahta as well as a senior minister to aid the vassal king.

Minkhaung I sent an embassy to Chiang Mai, and a long overdue mission to China in early 1408.

Minkhaung I's son proved a gifted commander, and Ava would come closest to reassembling the Pagan Empire.

Minkhaung I pulled back his forces to Prome, and invaded Arakan in early 1411.

The invasion was considered serious enough that Minkhaung I recalled Minye Kyawswa from Arakan.

Minkhaung I was weary but allowed his son to carry out the plan.

Minkhaung I ordered a pause as it was just a month away from the rainy season and the army did not have enough strength.

Minkhaung I's forces defeated Maw forces at Myedu, and chased the enemy to the Chinese border.

Minkhaung I managed to send an army which forced the Chinese army to retreat.

Minkhaung I recalled Thihathu from Prome, and appointed him heir apparent.

Minkhaung I heavily relied on the advice of his court led by Chief Minister Min Yaza.

Minkhaung I continued to employ Pagan's administrative model of solar polities in which the high king ruled the core while semi-independent tributaries, autonomous viceroys, and governors actually controlled day-to-day administration and manpower.