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Conference on Discovery of Ramanya Desa

History, Identity, Culture, Language and Performing Arts
10-13 October 2007
Mahitaladhibesra Building, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand

Comparison of Mon chronicles: Rj-thabut and succeeding chronicles

By Sunthorn Sripan-ngern
Thai-Raman Association

Abstract

Raja-thabut is an old Mon word that means establishing, or founding, of a
kingdom, or city, by Mon monarchs. According to the Mon scriptures, Rj-thabut
was first inscribed during the reign of King Sha-Sudhamma-Rj (Mon king of
Sudhammavat or Sadhuim [Thaton]), the second time was during the reign of King
Anawratha of Pagan, and the third was during the reign of the Great King
(Bayinnaung of Pegu).
There are a number old Mon palm-leaf historical manuscripts present in
Thailand as well as in Burma, namely the scripture of Gavampat that tells the story of
the Gotama Buddha's journey to Sudhammavat of Monland; the scripture of Buddha
Khosa, the monk who brought the three baskets of Pitaka from Sri Lanka to
Sudhammavat; the scripture of Rjwa, Mahwa, Dhatuwa, Rjwasa Sakhep,
32 townships of Mattama and Rj-thabut. Apart from the palm leaf manuscripts,
there are some publications of Mon chronicles written centuries later, namely
Rjwasa Sakhep, Uppanna Sudhamma Rjwasa Gath, Nidna Hasvat
Gath, Akruim Rjdhirt and some recent publications by Nai Tun Thein and by
other Mon scholars.
Among the above mentioned Mon chronicles, a publication of Pk Lat
(Uppanna Sudhamma Rjwasa Gath, Nidna Hasvat Gath) narrated
specifically on some of the well known kings, such as Wareru (the founder of the
Second Hasvat Dynasty AD 1281), Rjdhirt, Ba Htao (Shin Sawbu),
Dhammaced, Tabinshwehti and Bayinnaung. They also describe in more detail about
the war between King Rjdhirt of Hasvat and King Mingaung of Inwa. Akruim
Rjdhirt (Yzdirit Ayeidawbon) is part of the Pk Lat manuscripts. At present
there is no complete version of the Mon historical publications.
Most of the Mon historical manuscripts usually begin with the story of the
Lord Buddha, recalling his past lives and prediction for future lives. Lord Buddha
made a prediction about Hasvat during His journey to Southeast Asia on the 8th
year after the Enlightenment. At that time the site of Hasvat or present day Pegu
was under the sea level. Upon seeing two swans swimming there, the Buddha made a
prediction that 1116 years after He had passed away, the place would become a city
called Siri Hasvat where the Buddhist religion would flourish to its highest level.
The Mon people recorded the Buddha's prediction and were awaiting the year of the
Buddha Era 1136, when a group of Mon people from Suddhammavat led by two
princes headed for the virgin-land for the founding of the new kingdom in accordance
with the Buddha's prediction.
Although some Mon historical manuscripts described the founding of the
Hasvat Kingdom, they did not include the founding of other towns around
Hasvat. Rj-thabut is the only palm-leaf manuscript that recounts details of the
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founding of Hasvat and the surrounding towns during the reign of successive Mon
kings. The names of the governors, the dates and dimensions of the township were
accurately recorded as well. The dating system used in the first Hasvat Dynasty
differed from the Buddha Era used in Sudhammavat or the present Burmese Era. The
Pyu Era was entering its final phase. However, the Pyu kingdom, Siri Khettara was at
the end of its power when the Mons established Siri Hasvat Kingdom, which
lasted for 220 years. Since then a succession of Burmese kings ruled it for 500 years
until King Wareru restored independence again in AD 1281 and resumed the Second
Hasvat Dynasty. The dating system in the Second Hasvat Dynasty is used in
the present Burmese Era.

Introduction

A few years ago I worked on a project supported by the Thai Ministry of
Education for the surveying of Mon palm-leaf manuscripts in monasteries in central
Thailand. We found thousands of bundles of old Mon palm-leaf manuscripts at Wat
Sl Daeng Nuea located on the Chao Phray river bank in Pathumthn and at Wat
Khongkhrm near to the Mae Klong river bank in Rtchabur Province. Most of
these manuscripts were inscribed between one hundred and two hundred years ago but
the origin of the text is much older than at the time of inscribing. The subjects of the
texts are generally about Buddhism, grammar of Pali, Mon literature, history, law,
traditional medicine, astrology and so on.
Among these various manuscripts, there was a bundle of manuscript titled
"Rj-thabut" with a total of about 72 pages of palm leaf. The word "Rj" means
King, but the word "Thabut" is rarely used in the present day Mon language. It is a
word associated with king, which means founding. At the beginning of the text, it
looks similar to the Gavampat, Mahwa or Rjwa manuscripts. At the end, there
is a note explaining that, Rj-thabut was first inscribed during the reign of King
Sha Rj of Sudhammavat (Sadhuim); the second time was during the reign of King
Anawratha of Pagan; and the third time was during the reign of the Great King
(Bayinnaung) of Hasvat.
Apparently, the first part of Rj-thabut is similar to the first part of the Pk
Lat publication, especially with regard to the Buddhas prediction on him visiting
Monland in 581 BC (Before the Common Era). Another similarity with the Pk Lat
publication is the historical account of the Second Hasvat Kingdom from AD
1281 to 1757. However, the Pk Lat publication and other manuscripts do not
describe the essential part of the history with respect to the founding of Hasvat
Royal City and its subordinate townships. In the Rj-thabut, the accounts of
Hasvat are described in more detail.
Furthermore, some words used in the manuscript are not familiar with the
present day Mon people and language. For example the official ranks: Amt, Skg,
Dp-hmuh, Akrp, which were from time to time changed from Amt to Wan and then
to Smi in later days. It is strange to see some words which are not in the Mon
language, such as u-mai (new town) of the Kuy people. Therefore we can imagine
that Rmaa Desa was a country or kingdom composed of people of different
ethnicities. Although King Samala and Wimala, the founders of Hasvat, came
from Sudhammavat, the new kingdom was not affiliated to Sudhammavat,
furthermore it accepted some traditions of the Pyu, for example the dating system and
naming of the city Siri Hasvat as Pyus capital city, Siri Khettara.


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Rmaa Desa

The word Rmaa Desa was founded in the Pali language of the Buddhas
history. By the time of Budhhas enlightenment, the first laymen who met the Buddha
were said to be from Rmaa Desa. The two brothers, Ta-pao and Ta-pho received
two refuges (Buddha and Dhamma) and five precepts from Buddha. Then the Buddha
re-named the two brothers as Tapussa and Bhandika. The Buddha also gave 8
hair relics to the two brothers which were enshrined in the pagoda now known as the
Shwe Dagon Pagoda in Rangoon.
Once again the word Rmaa Desa appeared in the manuscript of Gavampat
which describes the Buddhas journey to Southeast Asia. Eight years after
enlightenment or 37 years before commencement of the Buddha Era, the Buddha and
fellow Arahanta (monks) traveled to the region of Southeast Asia. The first place The
Buddha arrived at was in Aceh on Sumatra island and then on to Malacca of Malay,
Kampuchea, Ayutthay, Lavo, Sukhothai and southwestward to the coast of the
Andaman Sea. The Buddha arrived in Tavoy, Kyaikkami, Muu [Mudon],
Matlamluim [Moulmein], Mattama [Martaban], Sudhmmavat (Sadhuim) and
continued on to Rmaa Desa. According to the inscriptions, upon arriving there, the
Buddha saw two swans swimming near to the sand beach. This was a significant place
for the Buddha who made his predictions to His fellow Arahanta monks. The Buddha
predicted that in the next 1116 years after His passing, this would become a royal city
called Hasvat where the Buddhist religion would flourish to its highest level.
Therefore the word Rmaa Desa was used to call Irrawaddy delta. It was the
Buddhas prediction as being called Rmaa Desa which happened before the
founding of the first Hasvat Kingdom, more than a thousand years earlier.
However, during the Second Hasvat Kingdom AD 1281-1757, King Wareru and
the successive kings combined the three divisions in lower Burma Pa-sim [Bassein],
Mattama and Hasvat as Rmaa Desa. (See the list of 99 townships of Rmaa
Desa in the appendix)

Pyu Kingdom in the history of Burma

In regard to the Pyu Kingdom, the former inhabitants of Irrawaddy delta
according to the The History of Burma (1833), Sir Arthur P. Phayre writes:

The Pyu fought among themselves and separated into two parties. One
division having occupied the hilly district to the south east of Prome was
attacked by the Talaings and then crossed the great river into the country west
of Padaung(18)
The Burmese Kingdom of Tharekhettara (Prome) was probably overthrown
by the Talaings of Thahtun long before Pegu was founded. There is no distinct
record of this in Burmese history; it may have been mentioned in the ancient
Talaing chronicles, but they were carefully destroyed by the conquerors of
Pegu(30)

In the Mon chronicles, there is no mention of conflict between Pyu and Mon.
In the History of Shwe Dagon Pagoda, about a thousand years before the
establishment of Hasvat, it mentions King Dwot-ta-baung of Pyu (Buddhist Era
101-171) came to Rmaa Desa to pay homage to the Shwe Dagon Pagoda. At that
time the site of Hasvat city was under the sea level. There is no historical account
of Sudhammavat which mentions about the expansion of its territory into the
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Irrawaddy delta until the year 1136 of the Buddha Era. In founding Hasvat City,
Mon chronicles usually mention a dispute with a group of Indian people who had
claimed their possession of the virgin land, but it was resolved peacefully.

Restoration of independent Mon state by Wareru

Sir Arthur P. Phayre writes about the restoration of the independent Mon state,
explaining that, Many Shans had settled here from Zimme (Chiang Mai) and other
adjoining states, and a merchant of that race named Magadu had acquired wealth and
authority. He went to Thuhkate (Sukhothai) then the seat of the ruling Siamese chief
on the upper course of the Menam, and probably gained approval of his plans. On his
return he raised a rebellion against Alinma, the Burmese governor, put him to death.
He now became king of Martaban under the name of Wareru (p. 65).
Studying the history of the Mon by reading Burmese or English publications
will lead to confusion and inaccuracy because they are usually translated from
Burmese. Mon people called both the Thai and Shan by the name of Siam (Sem), and
Kuy as Siam Kuy; however the Kuy language is closer to the Mon-Khmer language
family group. King Buddha-Kes of Hasvat AD 1740 1746 was from Kuy
family. By studying the name Magadu and his native village u Wn (Dhon
Wun) (near Mattama), it is likely that the Magadus ethnic group was not related to
the Shan race. Although there was resettlement of people from Chiang Mai and
Lamphn into Hasvat and Mattama, it does not follow that they were all Thai or
Shan. According to the Thai legends such as Cmadev Vasa, Jinaklamal, the
former inhabitants of Chiang Mai and Lamphun (around 13
th
century of Buddha Era)
were Rme, Meng or Mon. Queen Cmadev of Haribhujaya (Lamphn) also had a
relationship with Hasvat, particularly during the reign of King Tissa Rj (AD
780-800).

Distinction of Rj-thabut manuscript

Most of the Mon chronicles emphasize religious events, especially about the
construction of pagodas and royal offerings. There are no historical records of the
Hasvat for the period between AD 800 and AD 1281 when it fell under the rule of
Burmese kings of Pagan whose faith was of the Ayi-gyi (Ari sect of Mahyna
Buddhist) religion. So no Buddhist monks, skillful in literature, survived in Hasvat
and in Pagan during that period. As mentioned in the beginning, Rj-thabut can be
divided into three parts: part (1) about Buddhas prediction or Gavampat manuscripts
inscribed in Sudhammavat during the reign of King Sha Rj; part (2) on the first
founding of Hasvat Kingdom inscribed in Pagan during the reign of King
Anawratha; and part (3) on the Second Hasvat Kingdom inscribed in Hasvat
during the reign of King Bayinnaung. The following information is just a summary of
part two with regard to the founding of the royal city of Hasvat and its subordinate
townships by King Samala and successive monarchs.

Some old Mon words frequently used in the manuscript of Rj-thabut

At measure of distance equal to 3.2004 meters
Ma-la measure of distance equal to 3.2004 meters
Tui measure of distance equal to 3.75 km. (2.33 miles)
Mahimu namely
Kum prince
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Amt Privy Council or kings ministers
Wan-jnok chief minister
Wan minister
Smi chief authority or governor
Skg Secretary
Jakh secretary
Dp-hmuh military officer
Caki military officer
Akrp assistant military officer
Ni Ht prison officer
ews follower
A-hmu-dhm Ar-dhm public servants

Founding of the city Siri Hasvat

According to Rj-thabut, Siri Hasvat was a Royal City first founded in
Budhist Era 1136 or 514 years of Paricheda (after the abolishment of Buddhist Era in
622). It would be better to call this era as Pyu Era (PE) for easy understanding. (The
dating system of Burma is attached in appendix). However, most of Mon historical
manuscripts and the Mon people nowadays accept the date of the 1
st
day of the
waning 11
th
lunar month B.E. 1116 as the founding year of Hasvat and is marked
as Mon National Day.

Size and shape of the city Siri Hasvat

The city was in rectangular shape, 1897 at (about 1 km wide and 2 km long)
length of wall round the city. It had 6 main gates and 16 small gates.
On the citys southern wall (1 km long) it had one main gate, Muh Kruk,
and 3 small gates.
On the western wall (2 km long) it had two main gates, Che-la-dhum,
Is-potta and 5 small gates.
On the northern wall (1 km long) it had one main gate, Kaly, and 3 small
gates.
On the eastern wall (2 km long) it had two main gates, Boeh-rt, Jo-thu and 5
small gates.

Boundry of Hasvat Kingdom known as Rmaa Desa in Buddhas prediction

In the east as far as the border of Yom township.
In the north-east as far as Muh-sep, Muh Tamoh townships.
In the north as far as Jaya-sahassavat, Rai-hla moutains.
In the north-west Saravat mountain.
In the west Tri-kumpha, Men-pla, Pa-sim townships.
In the south-west Agnu Jaya-Dipa, Lakhlaik-gengala, Inda-pura mountains
and Baranas lake.
In the south Kri-yenga (Pda), Khudadhipa (Syriam), Jaya-pura Khr.
In the south-east Suwannaphum mauntain, Sila-patta mountain
(later called Asah township).



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List of kings of Hasvat
The foundation of the city of Hasvat (A.D. 573-781)


No.
Name of kings in the
palm-leaf manuscript of
Rj-thabut
Pyu
Era
Name of kings in the History of Burma,
by Sir Arthur P. Phayre, London 1883


A.D.
Ruling
years
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Samala
Wimala
Asah
Arinda
Maheinsa
Gienda
Miga-dhipa
Gija-wiya
Karawika
Chandala
Atussa
Anuma
Miga-dhipa Dt
Agga-samanta
Umala
Punnarika
Tissa

514
526
533
540
547
564
576
591
601
613
626
641
653
663
675
687
702
722
Thamala Kumara
Wimala
Katha Kum ma
Mahumu arinda radza
Mahintha Radza
Geinda Radza
Mahimu Mig ga dib ba Radza
Gits tsa wi ya
Kara wi ka Radza
Tsan da la Radza
At ta tha Radza
Anuma Radza
Mahumu Mig ga dib ba nge
Mahimu Egga Thamanda Radza
Uba ma la radza
Pun na ri ka radza
Thamin Tiktha, titha, Tissa Radza
1
st
Hasvat kingdom ended
592
604
611
618
625
642
654
669
679
691
704
719
731
741
753
765
780
800
12
7
7
7
17
12
15
10
12
13
15
12
10
12
12
15
20

Founding subordinate townships

By the time of the founding Hasvat some townships around that area had
already existed and some were founded by King Samala, Wimala and the succeeding
kings of Hasvat. It is noted that 12 new townships were founded by the kings of
First Hasvat Dynasty and some existing towns were also a new demarcation.

1. Muh Tamoh Township, founded by King Samala, Pyu Era 514 -526

Other names Klok M, Kyauk Mo
Year and month of founding Pyu Era 517, May
Direction and distance from
Hasvat
In north east, about 5 days walk
Name of governor and staff Amat (privy councillor) named Suriya, Skg
(secretary) Mae-Konthaing, Dp-hmuh (military
officer)
Mae-htawchob, Akrp (assistant military officer)
Mae Htaw-done and 350 followers
Length and width of the town 580 x 580 at (1856 meters).
In the east Kyk Ako-akit pagoda
In the south Lak-chit river stream
In the west Kyk Mae-nan-daw pagoda
Demarcation
In the north Toung-Oo District



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2. Bn Township founded by King Samala, Pyu Era 514 -526

Other name Am
Year and month of founding Pyu Era 517, April
Direction and distance from
Hasvat
In north east, about 4 days walk
Name of governor and staff Amt Nanda-suraya, Skgi Bhrdthaba, Dp-hmuh
Chandaram, Akrp Mae Htaw Kai and 400 followers
Length and width of the town 470 x 470 at
In the east Yaung State boundary (Shan)
In the south Kyk Bh-bhrd pagoda
In the west Kyk Bh-phya pagoda
Demarcation
In the north Kyk Mae Sambn pagoda close to
Lag-chit river stream


1. Sib Township founded by King Samala, Pyu Era 514 -526

Other name Thonzayit
Year and month of founding Pyu Era 519, November
Direction and distance from
Hasvat
In the north east, about 2 days walk
Name of governor and staff Amt Sha-weilu, Skg Bala-nanda, Dp-hmuh
Akrp Mae Kinn-ta, Adrp
Mae-pert Kyaw and 346 followers
Length and width of the town 400 x 400 at
In the east Krung Htaw-mutamo river
In the south Kyk Bh-bhrd pagoda
In the west Phya-kruoh Sang Bee
Demarcation
In the north Kyk Kainku pagoda (Shan)


4. Chinku Township founded by King Samala, Pyu Era 514 -526

Other name Kyi-ku
Year and month of founding Pyu Era 520, September
Direction and distance from
Hasvat
In the east side of (Hasvat) river, about 2 days
walk
Name of governor and staff Amt Nanda-rj, Skg Kmain-rot, Dp-hmuh Sin-
lng, Akrp Mae Ta-nh and 120 follow families
Length and width of the town 560 x 560 at
In the east source of Krung Weng Paing river
In the south Krun Bhadhaw river mouth
In the west of Toung-Oo river mouth
Demarcation
In the north Krung Htaw, Lag-chit river- stream




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5. Gatain Township founded by King Wimala, Pyu Era 526 -533

Other names Sitaung
Year and month of founding Pyu Era 529, December
Direction and distance from
Hasvat
In the east of Hasvat, and on the east river side of
Sitaung River, about 2 days walk
Name of governor and staff Amt Songetarj, Skg Sanda-bala, Dp-hmuh
Balawelu, Akrp Mae Doit-Dhaw anad 500
followers
Length and width of the town 268 x 268 at
In the east Isiyo mountain (Kyaik Thi-yo)
In the south Krung-dhaton-dt river
In the west Layeh Pain Kalt
Demarcation
In the north Krun-hla-padaw river mouth

6. Wa Mai Township (means new town) founded by King Wimala, Pyu Era 526 -
533

Other names Wengmai, Zinmae
Year and month of founding Pyu Era 530, January
Direction and distance from
Hasvat
In south east, about 8 Taing from Hasvat, on the
coast (4 taings east of Zwe-Bhum)
Name of governor and staff Amt Suta-rj (Burmese), Skg Weilu (Burmese),
Dp-hmuh Mae Chanda, Akrp Mae Thaing Rot,
372 follow families of Siam Kuy from Sarak-p
Village
Length and width of the town 470 x 470 at
In the east sea coast
In the south east Krung Thitan river
In the south Kyk Htaw Ming-lae pagoda
In the west Thabru river mouth
In the north west Kyk Aliem-Dhlar pagoda
Demarcation
In the north Kyk La-ge Paing Krung pagoda

7. Zwue Bhum Township founded by King Wimala, Pyu Era 526 -533

Other names Zayue-Bhum
Year and month of founding Pyu Era 531, October
Direction and distance from
Hasvat
In the south, about 4 taing
Name of governor and staff Ba Pert-kamain, Skg Einda-kyaw, Dp-hmuh
Mae Suwe-lu, Akrp Mae Pert-kyaw and 300 follow
families
Length and width of the town 300 x 300 at
In the east Tha-pru river mouth
In the south east Kyk Mraw Pagoda
In the south Krung Kwek river
In the west river mouth ?
Demarcation
In the north La-che-sang-ane mountain
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8. Asah Township founded by Asah Kumma , Pyu Era 533 540

Other names Mei-la-put, Kyk-Katha
Year and month of founding Pyu Era 532
Direction and distance from
Hasvat
In the east, Mei-la-potta
Name of governor and staff Asah Kumma and 330 followers
Length and width of the town 780 x 780 at
In the east to the peak of mountain
In the south Suwannaphum mountain
In the west sea coast
Demarcation
In the north Krung Daton-dt river

9. Muh Piew Township founder by King Arinda Kumma, Pyu Era 540 547

Other names Maw-lone
Year of founding Pyu Era 541,
Name of governor and staff Smi Lgon-ein
In the east river mouth
In the south Pain-t-masn
In the north west Siri-Dhamseik
Demarcation
In the north Pain-Dha-luwe-htaw

10. Lagonphen Township founded by King Arinda Kumma, Pyu Era 540 547

Other names Lagonpyi, In-tagaw
Year and month of founding Pyu Era 542,
Name of governor and staff Bala-mingong Siri and 100 followers
Length and width of the town 370 x 370 at
In the east Kyk Khun-Bh pagoda
In the south Lagonphen river mouth
In the west Lagon-ein river mouth
Demarcation
In the north Kyk Bh-Bhrd pagoda

11. Khr Township founded by King Maheinsa Rj, Pyu Era 547 564

Other names Akhrim
Year and month of founding Pyu Era 550,
Name of governor and staff Amt Pert-ram, Skg Mae-choa-sin, Dp-hmuh
Mae-hla-kyaw, Akrp Mae-Arnjan and 40 followers
Length and width of the town 320 x 320 at
In the east Lagonphen pagoda
In the south Tong-Bn
In the west Moh-tha-n
Demarcation
In the north Kyk Zuwe-Lm pagoda



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12. Mae Township founded by King Maheinsa Rj, Pyu Era 547 564

Other names Done B Dha-mong, Ma-
Year and month of founding Pyu Era 551
Direction and distance from
Hasvat
340 x 340 at
Name of governor and staff Ba Kin, Skg Kong-bala, Dp-hmuh Chandaram,
Akrp Mai-wei-lu and 50 followers
Length and width of the town 340 x 340 at
In the east river mouth ?
In the south Krung Mae-chao river mouth
In the west Wea-sadao pasture
Demarcation
In the north Kyk Moh-dhea pagoda

13. Sieng Township demarcated boundary by King Agga-samanta Rj, Pyu Era 663
675

Other names Khudda-dhipa, Than-hlyin
Name of governor and staff Wan-janok Einda-bala-kyaw-thu, Caki Bala-kong,
Ni Htong Einda-sura, Jakhi Jaya-sura,
In the east Kam Choin Batain village
In the south B Muhnaik river
In the west sea coast
Demarcation
In the north B-aplong river

14. Pda Jain-tamoh Township demarcated boundary by King Agga-samanta Rj,
Pyu Era 663 675

Other names Kri-yenga, Pda
Name of governor and staff Mien-rama, Skg Kyay-thong-sura
In the east Kmain-Choin village
In the south Zuwe Sm river mouth
In the west as far as to the ocean
Demarcation
In the north Muhnaik

15. Gapeng Township demarcation by King Agga-samanta Rj, Pyu Era 663 675

Other names Gapeng
Name of governor and staff Queen Sangtays Dew
In the east river mouth
In the south Pain Zuwe-sm
In the west Baranasi pond
In the north east Tamorh river mouth
In the north Tamorh Ang-wang river
Demarcation
In the north east Krung Patoi river




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16. Pasem Township during the reign of King Agga-samanta Rj Pyu Era 663 675

Other names Ati-sancha, Kusima, Pathein
Name of governor and staff Wan Ai-nada-siri, Caki Bala-pert-ein, Ni Htong
Weila-sithi, Chakhi Ba Dhammaseik

17. Rammanago Township demarcation by King Punnarika, Pyu Era 687 702

Other names Rommanago, Kri-Kumpha, Lagon, Rangoon,
Yangon,
Name of governor and staff Smi Nanda Siri-hongsa, Skg Ba Ein, Dp-hmuh
Ba-rama, Akrp Mae Ong-hnin
Year of sending a new
authority
Pyu Era 689, in January
In the east Krung Mae Chng river
In the south Pain B river mouth
In the west Kang-Tamorh
Demarcation
In the north Rmvat (Mingaladon) township

18. Rammavat Township demarcation by King Punnarika, Pyu Era 687 702

Name of the town in succeeding Rammavat, Mingaladon
Name of governor and staff Smi Siri Hongsa Kam-pert, Skg Kmain-kyaw,
Dp-hmuh Sura-dhamma, Akrp Mae Htaw-Soi
In the east Kyk Borh-Rd pagoda,
In the south Bh Kron mountain
In the west river mouth
Demarcation
In the north Muh-wae (Mawbh township)

19. Suwanna-nadhi Township demarcation by King Punnarika, Pyu Era 687 702

Name of the town in succeeding Suwanna-nadhi, Mawbh
Name of governor and staff Smi Ai-mondhrae, Skg Pert-kyaw-su, Dp-
hmuh Kong-bala, Akrp Mae Thain-rot,
In the east Zuw-ma-yi pagoda,
In the south Ang-Wan pond
In the west Tamorh river
Demarcation
In the north Dhat-keh pagoda

20. Lain Township demarcation by King Punnarika, Pyu Era 687 702

Name of the town in succeeding Suwana-dhipa, Done-daik-lain
Name of governor and staff Smi Pert-ramsoi, Skg Mae Htaw-, Dp-hmuh
Chandachak, Akrp Mae-Phae
In the east Kyk Rai-pon pagoda
In the south Kyk De-pa-lwue pagoda
In the west Kyk Aram-mae-sam-preh pagoda
Demarcation
In the north Kyk Pakam-muh-de pagoda

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21. Phong Nong Township demarcation by King Tissa, Pyu Era 702 722

Name of the town in succeeding Phong Nong, Paung Lin
Name of governor and staff Jala-sangram, Skg Mae Tayja, Dp-hmuh Mae
-law, Akrp Mae Kyaw-hla and 70 followers
Length and width of the town 317 x 317 meng-long
In the east Kyk Bh-prst pagoda
In the south Kyk Boh-miek pagoda
In the west Bh-klon mountain
Demarcation
In the north Krung Bha-hura river

King Tissa had ruled the kingdom for 20 years AD 780-800. The king having
faith in Dewadatta, threw all the Buddha images into the moat and imposed
punishment onto those who worshiped Buddha images. Subsequently, Queen Bhattara
Dew brought some Buddha images and placed them into suitable places. The images
cast a supernatural power to the king who finally accepted Buddhism again. The king
had constructed a pagoda and retrieved all the Buddha images from the moat to
enshrine them in the pagoda. The Pagoda was called Kyaik Klom-bwo now known as
Kyaik Klom-bon.

Conclusion

After the reign of King Tissa, there was no record of history account in Mon
language as the kingdom became subject to Pagan where the priests of Ar were now
supreme and represented as leading immoral lives. Moreover, it may be no Burmese
orthography at that time until the reign of King Kyan-sittha (A.D.1057 -1085) the first
Burmese stone inscription (Raza Kumma Stone Inscription) which contains four
languages, Pali, Pyu, Mon and Burmese was erected by that king. The Mon history
manuscripts had been recorded again when Wareru restored Mon independence in
Mattama in A.D.1281 until to end of his dynasty in A.D. 1555. During this period,
detail of history account was recorded, such as establishment of the new townships
which expanded up to 99 townships in 3 divisions, namely Pasim, Mattama and
Hasvat which covered the whole part of lower Burma. Warfare between King
Mingaung and Rjdhirt, known in later days as Akrom Rjdhirt (Yazadirit
Ayeidawbon), was masterpiece of literature in Burma. There was a great renovation of
Shwe Dagon Pagoda, Buddhist synod and erection of Sema in every township in
Rmaa Desa during the reigns of Queen Ba Htao and King Dhammaced. This
period of time was recognized as the golden age of the Mon












13

The dating system and events in Burma
with reference to Rj-thabut

Buddha
Era

A.D.
Pyu
Era
Burmese
Era
Events in Rmaa Desa
45+ 45 years before B.E., Tapussa and Phallika brought
Buddhas hair relics from India to Rmaa Desa
37+ 37 years before B.E, Buddha and His fellow
Arahanta monks made a trip to South East Asia
including Rmaa Desa
60 Maha Thambwa and Chula Thambwa founded Pyu
Kingdom at Siri Khettara
84 Arahanta monks brought relics of hair, teeth, water
strainer from Indian and enshrined at Takoh Wn
rocky islet in Pda township
101 3
rd
King of Siri Khettara, Dwot-ta-baung paid
homage to Dagon Pagoda
236 9
th
King of Sudhammavat, Siri Dhamma-Soka paid
homage to Dagon pagoda
Sona and Uttara two Arahants arrived in
Sudhammavat and Rmaa Desa
238 11
th
of Pda King, Twotha-naga-akho went to Sri
Lanka and brought some Buddha relics and
enshrined at Tamoh Wn Pagoda
545 1 Commencement of Christian Era (A.D.)
622 78 26
th
King of Siri Khettara, Su Mon-dr abolished
the Buddhist Era
623 79 1 Commencement of Pyu Era
638 95 16 The kingdom of Siri Khettara ended
956 412 334 During the reign of Dhamma-pala Buddha-Ghosa
brought three Pitaka from Sri Lanka to
Sudhammavat



1136



592



514

The First Hasvat Kingdom

Samala (length of reign 12 years), he and his
brother Wimala founded Hasvat Kingdom
and built Kyk Muh-tao (Shwe Mawdaw) Pagoda
1153 609 531 Asah Kumma, defeated Indian hero named
Alamba
1162 618 540 Arinda Kumma (length of reign 7 years), built
Kyk Tong-pld pagoda
1182 638 560 Pup-pa-saw-ra-han of Pagan abolished the Pyu
Era
14
1183 639 561 1 Commence of the present Burmes Cula-Sakkart
1198

654

576

16

Miga-dhipa (length of reign 15 years) repaired
terrace Kyk Muh-tao, built Kyk Bh-ksa-
wimn, Kyk Bh Krue-bang, Kyk Ngt,
Sudhamma hall, Kyk Zue-kreh, Kyk Phatain,
Kyk Borh-khain, Kyk Bh-la-chieng, Kyk
Chela-dhum at east Tong-breh village, Kyk Bh-
asorn, Kyk Htan-daw-gi, Kyk The-tt,
1248 704 626 66 Atussa Rj (length of reign 15 years) built
sitting Buddha images on the Bh Taleh and Bh
Manoit mountain, pagodas on Bh Mae Auw,
Bh-Neik, Bh Mae-nge mountains
1263 719 641 81 Anuma Rj (length of reign 12 years) enshrined
33 teeth relic in Kyk Muh-tao pagoda, built
sitting Buddha on Bh Hm-sorn, Bh Cha-nu-
kla, Bh Zue-kreh mountains
1275 731 653 93 Miga-dhipa Dt (length of reign 10 years) built
reclining Buddha in Hasvat
1285 741 663 103 Agga-samanta Rj (length of reign for 12 years)
built pagodas at Grue-bang , Waya-potta, Bh
Choin-phatain, Bh Gatoh, Bh Hongsa, Bh
Bhaluwe-sakt, (7 pagodas and 1 sema)
1324 780 702 142 Tissa (length of reign for 20 years) built Kyk
Klom-Bwo (Klom-bon)
1344 800 722 162 First Hasvat kingdom ended
Hasvat became subject to Burma but Sadhuim
was ruled by the Mon King until Anawratha
(A.D.1010 -1052) attacked Sadhuim and then the
whole of Monland became subject to Burma



1917



1373



735

The Second Hasvat Kingdom

Ba- moved from Mattama to Hasvat as
the capital of kingdom (length of reign 32 years)
1949 1405 767 Rjdhirt (length of reign 38 years)
1987 1443 805 Ba Dhamma-rj (length of reign 3 years)
1990 1446 808 Ba Ramkot (length of reign 32 years)
2022 1478 840 Ba Baru (length of reign 20 years)
2042 1498 860 Ba Kinthier (length of reign 13 years)
2055 1511 873 Ba Dhippa (length of reign 7 months)
2055 1511 873 Ba Htao (Shin Sawbu, length of reign 7 years)
2062 1518 880 Dhammaced (length of reign 14 years)
2076 1532 894 Ba Rm (length of reign 23 years)
2099 1555 917 Dhak-rotpi (length of reign 12 years)

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List of 33 townships in Matama Division
surveyed during the reign of King Badun A.D. 1781-1819
Mon
Burmese
English
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List of 33 townships in Hogsavati Division
surveyed during the reign of King Badun A.D. 1781-1819
Mon
Burmese
Hongsavati
Kyauk-maw
Arn
Dhun-zayit
Kyi-ku
Sittaung
Zinme
Zaywe-Bhum
Katha
Maw-lone
In-tagaw
Arkharein
Ma-oo
Dagon
Mingaladon
Hmaw-bee
Lein
Paung Lin
Htandaw-gyi
Thi-Toot
Zay-Hta
Zaungtu
Baa-Ein
Ye-nwe
Maw-ranya
Tanga-paung
Minye-hla
Kawliya
Paungta
Win-Myain
Honskhin
Dhon-kan
Hintha-zeinkanein
English
~~ ,_ ~ Pa-thein
~ ~ ~ ~ ~._ Myan Aung
~ ~ ~_ ~ ~ ~ ~ ._ ~ Sain-kanaung
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~ ~ ~ .~ Kwin-pauk
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.._ .. Duya
~~ ~ ~ , ~~ Zaluun
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~ ~ ~_ _ ~ .~ . Ta-myin-gon
~ ~ ~, ~ _ . Myaung-mya
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~ ~ _ ~~ . . ~ . Thit-yaung-chaung
~ ~ _ ~~ . ,. Tgaung Phayar
~ ~ _ .~,_~_ Pantaw-yekye
~ ~ _ ~~, ~ ~ Kyon-kyaw
~ ~ ,_ ~ ~ . Htaung-lone
~ ~ ~~_ ~ ~ Athod
~ ~ ~ ~ _ ~ . . ~_ .~ . Htan-bu
~ ~ , ~ ~~ _ ~ . ~ .~ . Zebyu-kwin
~ ~ ~~ ~~_ ~~ ._~ . Kyaukchaung-gyi
~ ~ ~ _ ~ ~ ~~ ._~ .~ ~ Kyaukchaungyi-teik
~ ~ ~~ ~~'_ ~~ ~ ~ ..~ . Kyauktinbaw
~ ~~ , ~._ ~ ~,_ ~ ..~ . Myittaya
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~ ~ ~ _ ~ ~~ . Ngatain-chaunge
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List of 32 townships in Pa-sim Division
surveyed during the reign of King Badun A.D. 1781-1819
Burmese Mon
English
Bibliography
Palm leaf manuscripts (Mon)
Raja-thabut
Gavampat
Mah Weng
Raja Weng Mon
Dha-mong Dhat Done Mon
Books (Mon)
Robert Halliday, Gavampat, 1928,
Venerable Acwo, Raja Wongsa Sangkhep, published by Robert Holliday 1923
Venerable Chanda Kanto, Uppanna Raja Wongsa Gath, Paklat, Bangkok 1910
Venerale Plita, Raja-weng Mon Poi Pwang Done, 1993
Nai Tun Thein, Swak-tem-khoh-sorn Parao Weng Mon,
Books (Burmese)
U Lin, Shwe Dagon Thamine Daw, 1957
Khingyi Phyaw, Kaly-nee Kyauk-s, 1977
Tun Nyo, Mah Yazawin-Thit, 1997
Khin Maung Lay, Tein-myuk-ne-taw Mon Myo-pya-nain-gan-mya, 1999
Books (English)
Sir Arthur P. Phayre, History of Burma, 1883
B.R. Pearn, History of Rangoon, 1939
Paul Mabroise Bigandet, The History of the Catholic Burmese Mission, 1887
Andrew Huxley, Thai Law: Buddhist Law, 1996
Emmanuel Guillon, The Mon, A Civilisation in South East Asia, 1999
Ashley South, Mon Nationalism and Civil War in Burma, 2003