Hanthawaddy kingdom
King Wareru established the Hanthawaddy kingdom in 1287 after the collapse of the Pagan kingdom. This new polity ruled lower Burma as a nominal vassal state of both the Sukhothai kingdom and the Mongol Yuan dynasty. The early years were defined by instability rather than power. Kings held little or no authority over their own vassals within the federation. Mottama remained in open rebellion from 1363 to 1388, challenging central control for decades. The kingdom existed as a loose federation of three major regional power centres: the Irrawaddy Delta, Bago, and Mottama. It became formally independent of Sukhothai only in 1330.
The energetic reign of King Razadarit began in 1384 and cemented the kingdom's existence. He firmly unified the three Mon-speaking regions including Myaungmya, Donwun, and Martaban. A prolonged conflict with the northern Burmese-speaking Ava kingdom followed immediately. The Forty Years' War lasted from 1385 to 1424 between these two powers. Razadarit successfully fended off the Ava kingdom throughout this long struggle. The war ended in a stalemate but served as a victory for Hanthawaddy since Ava finally gave up its dream of restoring the Pagan Empire. In the process, the western kingdom of Rakhine became a tributary state from 1413 to 1421.
Hanthawaddy entered its golden age after the war while its rival Ava gradually declined. From the 1420s to the 1530s, it was the most powerful and prosperous of all post-Pagan kingdoms. A string of gifted monarchs ruled during this period including Binnya Ran I, Shin Sawbu, Dhammazedi, and Binnya Ran II. Merchants traded with traders from across the Indian Ocean filling the king's treasury with gold and silver. Silk and spices flowed into the capital from distant lands. The kingdom also became a famous centre of Theravada Buddhism. It established strong ties with Sri Lanka and encouraged reforms that spread throughout the country.
Ava had tried to win support from the Taungoo dynasty by entering marriage alliances with King Mingyi Nyo since the late 15th century. From 1534 onwards, Ava came under constant raids by the Taungoo dynasty from Upper Burma. King Takayutpi could not marshal the kingdom's much greater resources against the smaller Taungoo forces. Tabinshwehti led the Taungoo army alongside his deputy general Bayinnaung. Taungoo captured Bago and the Irrawaddy Delta in 1538, 39. They took Mottama in 1541. The surrendered Pegu officials were offered amnesty and a pardon by Bayinnaung who placed them back in their old positions.
Hanthawaddy briefly revived in 1550 after Tabinshwehti was assassinated. This restored kingdom did not extend much outside the city of Bago. Bayinnaung quickly defeated the rebellion in March 1552. Though Taungoo kings would rule all of Lower Burma well into the mid-18th century, the golden age remained fondly remembered by the Mon people. In 1740, they rose up against a weak Taungoo Dynasty on its last legs to found the restored Hanthawaddy kingdom once more.
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Common questions
When did King Wareru establish the Hanthawaddy kingdom?
King Wareru established the Hanthawaddy kingdom in 1287 after the collapse of the Pagan kingdom. This new polity ruled lower Burma as a nominal vassal state of both the Sukhothai kingdom and the Mongol Yuan dynasty.
Who unified the three Mon-speaking regions during the reign of King Razadarit?
The energetic reign of King Razadarit began in 1384 and he firmly unified the three Mon-speaking regions including Myaungmya, Donwun, and Martaban. He successfully fended off the Ava kingdom throughout the Forty Years' War which lasted from 1385 to 1424.
Which monarchs ruled during the golden age of the Hanthawaddy kingdom from the 1420s to the 1530s?
A string of gifted monarchs ruled during this period including Binnya Ran I, Shin Sawbu, Dhammazedi, and Binnya Ran II. Merchants traded with traders from across the Indian Ocean filling the king's treasury with gold and silver while the kingdom became a famous centre of Theravada Buddhism.
When did Taungoo capture Bago and the Irrawaddy Delta from the Hanthawaddy kingdom?
Taungoo captured Bago and the Irrawaddy Delta in 1538 and 1539. They took Mottama in 1541 before Bayinnaung defeated the rebellion in March 1552.
What happened to the Hanthawaddy kingdom after Tabinshwehti was assassinated in 1550?
Hanthawaddy briefly revived in 1550 after Tabinshwehti was assassinated but this restored kingdom did not extend much outside the city of Bago. Bayinnaung quickly defeated the rebellion in March 1552 ending the brief revival.