13 Facts About Narathu

Narathu was a middle son of King Sithu I and Queen Yadanabon.

Narathu's mother was a daughter of Dhamma Kyin, a minister at King Kyansittha's court.

Narathu was a senior prince for much of his father's reign, whereas the king's eldest son Min Shin Saw was the heir apparent.

Narathu impressed his father with his management of day-to-day affairs of the kingdom.

Narathu soon became the de facto heir apparent at the court.

In 1167, Alaungsithu fell violently ill, and Narathu ordered the king moved to the Shwegugyi Temple, which Sithu had built in 1131.

Narathu came into the room, and put a blanket over his bedridden father's head.

Narathu still needed to deal with Min Shin Saw, who had come down with an army to claim the throne.

Narathu readily submitted, personally leading Min Shin Saw's coronation ceremony.

Narathu's conduct lowered the prestige of the empire, and he was deeply unpopular.

Narathu became angry, and killed a queen of his with his bare hands in a fit of range.

The chief of Pateikkaya, angered by Narathu's action, sent a group of eight assassins, disguised as Brahmin astrologers in 1171.

Narathu's theory has been strongly refuted by Htin Aung as pure conjecture.