Saw Lu inherited from his father Anawrahta the Pagan Empire, the first ever unified kingdom of Burma but proved an inexperienced ruler.
14 Facts About Saw Lu
1.
2.
Saw Lu was later killed in captivity about a year later.
3.
Saw Lu was born to King Anawrahta and Queen Agga Mahethi, Queen of the Southern Palace.
4.
However, later chronicles Yazawin Thit and Hmannan say Saw Lu was older by about one and two years, respectively.
5.
Saw Lu was brought up by a Mon lady of noble birth.
6.
Saw Lu grew up with the wet nurse's son Yamankan, who became a close friend of his.
7.
Saw Lu was not interested in running the kingdom, and never participated in any of his father's military campaigns.
8.
Saw Lu viewed Kyansittha, his half-brother and general in the Pagan army who was extremely popular with the people, with suspicion.
9.
However, Saw Lu soon had to banish Kyansittha again because the latter renewed his affair with Manisanda.
10.
Saw Lu recalled Kyansittha from exile, and gave him the command of Pagan army.
11.
Saw Lu's army was routed and the king was taken prisoner.
12.
Kyansittha tried to rescue but Saw Lu refused to be rescued.
13.
Saw Lu was killed by Yamankan to prevent the further rescue attempts.
14.
Saw Lu was so incompetent that it says much for the genius of the father that his kingdom survived the test.