WETHALI : THE LAND

OF
HISTORIC FINDS

U SHWE ZAN B.Sc, B.C.S

2008 A.D
 COVER STORY

Please See Page 237 to 240

 Author

U Shwe Zan is a native of Rakhine state, Myanmar Naingan. He passed B.Sc from Univer-
sity of Yangon in 1952. Served as Demonstortor in Physics Department of University of Yangon.
Served as Census officer in Census Department, under the Ministry of National Planning of Union
of Myanmar for two years. Joined Burma(Myanmar) civil service (Sr:Br:) in 1954. Served as a
Sr:Br: under training officer, Township Administrative officer, Sub-divisional Administrative of-
ficer. Head quarter's assistant of Katha District under the Ministry of Home Affair. Served as an
Assistant secretary and Deputy Secretary and Assistant controller of State Lottery Department
under the Ministry of the Finance and Revenue.
Served as Additional Deputy Commissioner, Pha Ann District of Karen State. Deputy Com-
missioner of Thandway District, Rakhine Division and Deputy Head of office of Rakhine Divi-
sional Security and Administrative Council.
Elected as a member of Rakhine State People's Council and served as Secretary of State
Council and Chairman of Judges Committee of the Rakhine State People's council respectively for
three successive terms.
During tenure of State Committee services, U Shwe Zan took the responsibility of editorship
and publishers of the Rakhine State Magazine published in commenmoration the 10th anniversary
special issue of the Rakhine State and served as chairman of the publishing committee of Mrauk-
U. Lan Hnyun(a guide to Mrauk-U) in 1988.
Acted also as chairman of the Compilation commite of Rakhine State Gazetteer comprising
(5) volumes (unpublished).
After the retirement from State services he absorbed completely on the research works of
native History and Culture.
Published many articles from regarding History and culture of ancient Rakhine Dynasties in
both English and vernecular mostly in the Magazines of Rakhine cultural and Religious. Associa-
tions in Sittwe, Yangon and Others.
Also published some Historical and cultural books like the Golden Mrauk-U, an ancient
capital of Rakhine and *]]&cdkifordkif;acwfumvydkif;jcm;rIajrMuD;uoufaownfoa&GU}} as well as a book is using
the facts shown in records of anti colonial and Fascist resistance movements of Rakhine people
hand in hand with Myanmar Brethren in the common cause of regainning independence of our
country, Myanmar Naingan. This book was based on the records of late U Ba San's notes of his
diaries, about the anti fascists and anticolonialists.
 FOREWORD

By studying the Rakhine(Arakanese) History, we came to know that there were two eras by the
name of Wethali (Vesali). Tharaban Dynasty and Wethali, popularly, known as “Wethali stone pier”
Dynasty. Now, we are going to present the latter one entitled with Wethali: The Land of Historic finds”
The first Wethali or Wethali Tharaban Dynasty was succeeded by Dhanyawaddy starting from
B.C 3325 and ended in 327A.D. It means founder King Marayu started the first Dhanyawaddy and
successively succeeded by King Kanrazargri or Kammarazar as second Dynasty and founder King
Sandathuria ruled the third Dhanyawaddy and ended in the reign ot Thuria Ketu in 327 A.D.
It also means first Dhanyawaddy started in the year four thousand B.C and the third Dhanyawaddy
ended in fourth century A.D. The length of Canda Thuria reign was 906 years.
Dven Candra in synonymous name Mahataing Candra with other alternate name Thuria Taing
Candra, the son of Thuria Ketu the last ruler of Dhanyawaddy period, founded the new Candra Dynasty
which was named as “Wethali the city of stone pier”. The meaning of Wethali was abundaut of grains
and flourishing of trade and commerce.
Moreever, there were another similar name in neighbouring country India(Mijima). The full name
was Vesali(Wethali) belonging to leiksawi people. In ancient days, that Wethali was very popular, be-
cause a Buddhist synod was held under the sponsership of King Ka Ka after the lapsed of 100 years
from the 1st synod held in Patali Putra under the sponsership of King Azartathet immediate after the
Buddha’s Parinibana.
Again, another interesting event was happened in that leiksawi Wethali. In early 11th century
A.D, the King Ahnawrahta (Anurokda) of Bagan, came to Rakhine during the time of Mong Lahtaw in
Pyinsa period to fatch Pyinsakalayani, the princes of leiksawi. Wethali King to be a Queen of King
Ahnawrahta(Annawrahta) of Bagan. We also learnt that Kyansittha of Bagan was happened to be the
son of King Ahnawrahta and Queen Pyinskalayani.
We also know that trade relationship between Wethali and Pyu kingdom were well established in
those days and pyu kingdom and Wethali, the Rakhine(Arakanese) Kingdom were in good terms. Pyu
people called the Rakhine Wethali as “Sheli” city and it was about 20 days walk from Pyu kingdom and
“Sheli” in the western direction. (Please see P.35,36 of a researched). Specially published by U Yee Sein
of Archaeological Department under the ministry of Culture, Union of Myanmar.
In 1985, we have recovered a hoard of coins. Out of 48 numbers of Wethali coins, surprisingly
Taing Pyu coins, supposed to be Peikthano or Tharekhitara were found in the hoard of Wethali coins. It
shows Wethali and Pyu kingdom were in good relationship of trade and commerce and it was another
indication of good relationship between two kingdoms.

References:
1. Ancient History of Wethali and Lemro Dynasties by U Shwe Zan and U Maung Kyaw (unpub-
lished)
2. P.P 35-36, a book published by Yee Sein, U from Archaeological Department under the minis-
try of Culture, Union of Myanmar.
3. P.53 The Golden Mrauk-U, an ancient Capital of Rakhine, by U Shwe Zan (2004 A.D)
WETHALI ; THE LAND OF HISTORIC FINDS

CONTENTS

PART I Pages
-Foreword
CHAPTER 1 -Introduction 1- 3

CHAPTER II -Recording of Rakhine History

(A) Eras in use in early Rakhine History 4
(B) Alteration or cancellation of those eras 4-7
-Some remarkable occasions to be remembered during the
range of Maha era 7
-Maha Era, Kawza Era and Christian Era 7
-Religious Era and Kawza Era cancellation of aha Era 148 by 8
King Azartathet & King Candathuria

CHAPTRR III-Two different concepts of last cancellation dates corresponding

Christian Era which became conversion factors to both sides. 9
-Cancellation Dates 10
-Supporting evidences of Mrauk-U period 10
-Supporting evidences of Dhanyawaddy period 10-12
-Records made by Dr. Forchhammer 13
-Indirect or special proofs of Wethali dating against Phayre’s
recordings. 13- 14
-Comparison of three consolidated dating of Wethali 15-16
-Important Eras of date to be remembered in Rakhine chronicles 16- 17

Table 1 -Table showing a vision of dating linked of Rakhine Dynasties by

foreign scholars 18

Table II -Comparative statements between Rakhine scholars and Sir Arthur

P. Phayre showing ancient dynasties and different periodisations. 19

Table III -Table showing various periodasations 20

CHAPTER IV-Comparative Dates between chronicle and inscription sides of

Wethali period and review. 21 -22
-Review 23
CHAPTER V -Comments on Dr. Surcar’s tentative assignments 24
U Shwe Zan, B.Sc, B.C.S.

CHAPTER VI Pages
ANALYSIS
-The comparison between two sides of kings and
their reigns. 25 -33

CHAPTER VII Bronze and copper Images of Dhanyawady period

(a) Mahamuni Shrine 34-36
(b) Mahamuni Sculptures 37
Bronze and coppar Images of Dhanyawaddy period 37
(1) The great Mahamuni 37
(b) Shinggyaw Muni 37
(c) Yan Aung Myin Muni 37
(d) Sanda Muni 37-38
(e) Thetkya copper Muni 39-40
(f) Sekkkya Muni Copper Image 41-46

PART II

CHAPTER VIIIScript in the Third Dhanyawaddy Age, B.C. 580-AD 327

-The Age of the Advent of Script in Rakhine 47-49
-”Saccakaparibba” Fat monk Inscription 49
-The Taunpaukkri Inscription 49-50

CHAPTER IX -Script in the Vesali(Wethali) Age(AD 327-AD 818) 51 -54

-Chronological arrangement of the (43) slabs of inscription
of the Wethali period 54 -89
-Review
Comment
-Views of Historians and Rakhine scholars 90 -91
-Important recovery of inscriptions and Literary Heritage 92-97

CHAPTER X Dedicatory inscriptions of Niticandra and Viracandra of Vesali 98-160

Wethali : The Land of Historic finds

PART III Pages

CHAPTER XI Coins belonging to Wethali Age

-Paeleography of coins legend 161-167

CHAPTER XII -Coin types belonging to the fifth-sixth century AD,

total number II 168-178
-Coin types belonging to the sixth-seventh century AD,
total number II 179-180
-Coin types belonging to the seventh- eighth century AD,
total number I 181
-Coin types belonging to the eighth century AD,
total number I 182
-Coin types belonging to the ninth-tenth century AD,
total number I 187-183

CHAPTER XIIIDiscovery of coins

-Un inscribed coins most probably Dhanyawaddy coins and
two types of Raja Candra coins 184
-Three types of Deva Candra coins 185
-Raja Candra and Candra Bhandhu coins 185
-Circulation of coins in different sizes. 185-190
-Some special remarks on Wethali coins. 191
-Sula Maharaza coin. 191-192
-Possessions of Raja Candra coins 193
-Possessions of Wethali coins up to date. 194
-Comments on possession of Wethali coins. 194-195
-The two unclaimed coins of Surya Candra and Dharmarazar. 195

CHAPTER XIV More discussions about Wethali Coins 196-197

-Harikela Coins 198-200
-Dharmaraza Coins 201
-Sula Maharaza Coins 201
-Gold Coins of Priti Candra 202
-A gold coin from Vesali-Myint Aung 203-204
-Auspicious designs of Wethali Coins in summary. 205
-Tentative arrangement of Wethali Coins 206
-Remarks upon Wethali Kings 207-212
-Rakhine Territory in Wethali Period 213
-Appreciations 214-219
U Shwe Zan , B.Sc, B.C.S.

PART IV Pages

CHAPTER XV Specimen of Artifacts made of various metals. 220-222

-Shong Gyaw Shrine 223
-Notable Artifacts 223-226
-Metal vase displayed in Bangladesh 227
-Stone Artifacts 228-247
- Bronze Artifacts 248-253
-Gold Artifacts 254
-Silver Artifacts 255-257
-Copper Artifacts 258-260
-Terracotta Artifacts. 261

PART V

CHAPTER XVI Literary Heritages 262-265

Some justifications about Wethali, a single Rakhine Dynasty
existing between fourth and ninth century Mahamuni sculptures 265-274
Wethali Excavation. 275-278
Appreciation and tragic end of Wethali. 279-280
Maida Pinna Mawkun Linger (ar ynmarmfuGef;vuFm) 281
Theinkanmaintwin Ratu (odefuefrdefwGif&wk) 282
Byee Thonseitthone Hledaw Than (Asnf; 33 vHk;&cdkifvSDawmfoH) 283-284
Synonymous 285
List of illustration 286-297
Biblography 298-299
Glossary 300-304
Clarifications of some relevant topics 304-311
Fundamentals of Theravada Buddhism 311-315
Theravada Buddhism I 316-317
Maps 318
Tables 318
Index 319-322
WETHALI: THE LAND OF HISTORIC FINDS

CONTENTS

PART - I Pages
- FORE WORD
CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION 1- 3

CHAPTER II - Recordings of Rakhine History 4

(A) ERAS in use in early Rakhine History 4
(B) Alteration or cancellation of those Eras 4- 7
- Some remarkable occasions to be remembered during
the range of Maha Era 7
- Maha Era, Kawza Era and Christian Era 7
- Religious Rea & Kawza Era (Cancellation of Maha
148 by Azartathet & Sandathuria) 8

CHAPTER III - Two different concepts of last cancellation dates and

corresponding Christian Era which became conversion
factor to both sides. 9
- Cancellation dates 10
- Supporting evidences of Mrauk-U period 10
- Supporting evidences of Dhanyawaddy period 10-12
- Records made by Dr. Forchhamer 13
- Indirect or special proofs of Wethali datings against
Phayre's recordings 13-14
- Comparison of three consolidated dating of Wethali 15-16
- Important Eras of Dates to be remembered in Rakhine
chronicles 16-17

TABLE 1 - Table showing a vision of dating linked of Rakhine Dynasties by

foreign scholars 18
TABLE II - Comparative statements between Rakhine Scholars and Sr;: Arthur
P.Phayres 19

CHAPTER IV - Comparative dates between chronicles & Inscription sides of

Wethali period 21-22
- Review 23
 Pages
CHAPTER V - Comments on Dr: Sircar's tentative assignment 23-24

CHAPTER VI - ANALYSIS, The comparison between two sides of

kings and their reigns 25-32
Bronze & Copper Images 33

CHAPTER VII - Bronze and Copper Images of Dhanyawady period 34-46

Wethali; The land of Historic finds 1

WETHALI: THE LAND OF HISTORIC FINDS

CHAPTER I PART I
INTRODUCTION
Wethali is one of the most well known periods of ancient Rakhine(Arakan) History. It is
also called in Chronicles of Rakhine(Arakan) as Kyauk-Hle-Ga city because founder king Dven Candra
(a) Ma Ha Taing Sandra son of Thuria Ketu the last king of Third Dhanyawady, build a stone pier, about
one mile in length on the bank of the river Randha Nadi.
The city became a noted trade port to which as many as a thousand ships from abroad came
annually.
Wethali is situated some sixteen miles south of old Dhanyawady site along the downward
course of the Kaladan river. Wethali phase that started from early 4th Century A.D. i.e, about 327 A.D
(revised 364) witnessed all round development including political stability under a long line of kings,
known by the ‘surname’ Candra. Though according to the old glory till about A.D 818, we noticed a
shift of political activities from Wethali on the Kaladan to Pinsa on the river Lemro.
Nine kings are believed to have ruled during this dynasty. According to the Anandacandra
in scriptions and numismatic evidences besides fifteen Candra kings. We came across four more kings
of the same dynasty who denied The Candra surname and four other coming from families other than
Candra.
The monolith, the Anandacandra pillar, contain a verse describing about the king Dven
Candra, founding father of the city that could well laugh at the beauty of the home of celestial beings.
Other 20 kings who ruled between 4th and 8th centuries are also recorded. Wethali thrived with trade
and commerce Gold and silver coins of five denominations were used. Earlier coins had only the King’s
seal but later on the author King’s names were also stamped. Coins bearing the names of fifteen kings
have so far been found.
Although some Razacandra Deva Candra coins were stamped with Conch in obverse side.
Wethali coins are stamped with a sitting bull on obverse side and the crown flanked by two Thazin
orchid stalks on the reverse. The latest collection of Raza Candra coins from Khayine island in Toungoke
township were found in two types 1st with a conch in an obverse side and the crown flanked by two
Thazin. The other types is bull on obverse and the crown on the reverse. Collection of Deva Candra
coins from The Khayine Kyun possess three types firstly with conch/ Thirivetsa, 2nd with Bull left turn/
Thirivetsa and third Bull right turn/ Thrivesta.
People of Wethali City with great efforts built a civilization that bear the name of wethali
up to this day. The abundant findings of inscribed Ye Dhamma verse, which is considered as the es-
sences of Theravadin spirit in nooks and corners of Rakhine(Arakan) land bears testimony to the fact
that Buddhism flourished to an utmost degree. Wethali folks built pagodas stupas and temples. They
cast Buddha images. They established illustrious Buddhist monasteries. They donated lands,
copied old treatises. Pali and Sanscrit were officially used and widely learned. The Ananda
Candra pillar stone inscriptions, Copper plate land grants and bell inscriptions, bear testimony
to the heritage. Besides the prevailing faith of Buddhism, Brahminism and Mahayanic practices also
coexisted.
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 2

The old palace city wall encompassing are area of 2.7 square miles forming an oval shape
can still be traced easily. Pibaungrong village lying west of it served in the outer city. Palace site situated
in the centre of the palace city, serves to day on the settlement ground of Wethali village. Brick rubbles
going hints to what it once was adjacent to the eastern of the palace city is Lat Khatt Gung or Loom
batten hill lock where some Wethali artefact from nearby are displayed. This believed to be the original
site of the Anada Candra pillar now preserved at Shitethoung.
In this period, territory of Wethali extended to the southeastern part of Bengal known as 12
towns of Bengal in Rakhine, we called as 12 Benga provinces. Those 12 Provinces were (1) Mushidabad
(2) Dakha (3) Cambila (4) Shilat (5) Pattikara (6) Gangacara (7) Chittagong (8) Gandawpalin (9) Kansa
(10) Talinga (11) Barisal and (12) Rangpur. In other words the Rakhine territory in Bengal was from the
east bank of Gangues river to the mouth of Naff river.
According to the Sanscrit stone and copper plate inscriptions the possibility of close contact
between the Candra of Wethali(Rakhine) and Candra of Harkela Samatata has been hinted. Both the
groups of rulers were Buddhists.Traditional history of Bengal refers that the Candra dynasty ruled the
Bengal region from 825 to 1035 A.D. Based on the Anadacandra stone inscription , we have known that
Wethali of Rakhine(Arakan) flourished in trade and commerce were from the 4th century to 8th century
A.D.
In Rakhine(Arakan) chronicles the name of the Queen of this founder king Mahataing Candra
was Thupaba Devi , who was happened to be a most pious Queen . When they ascended to the Wethali
throne, they requested to despatch a rear Buddha Image by her father king in India. On the way from
India to (Arakan)Rakhine , that very Buddha Image was lost in the sea near Mrauk-U. It was happened
due to the heavy stormy weather. The Queen became so much grieved for these unfortunate events. To
ease her grief and its substitute the Image the king Mahating Candra planned to exect a new great Image
made of Bronze as a founding Image to commemorate of their completion of the Wethali city. That is
the brief story of the great Image of Wethali which is still seated in Thinlawady village in the old site of
Wethali city. (Please see the picture of great Image of Wethali, Thupaba Devi worshiped and prayed
about this bronze Image that as soon as the Image was recovered from the sea . She should be the first
queen to be worshiped to the Image was the brief of story of Wethali Image.
Wethali; The land of Historic finds
THE GREAT IMAGE OF VESALI & BUD-
DHIST SYNOD HILL
The 17-ft high Great Image of Wethali,
carved of a single block of sandstone, rests
on a hill half a mile north of the palace city.
It was built in 327 AD, the same year that
Wethali was established. Lying east to the
Great Buddha is the 70- ft high Sanghayana
or Buddhist synod hill. A Sanghayana was
3
held by the combined efforts of one thousand Sri
Lankan monks and another one thousand Rakhine
(Arakanese)monks during Thiri Dhamma
Wizaya’s rule in 638AD. The Crown Prince man-
sion lies to the north of the palace. Close to the
western Palace City wall on the Rann-chaung
tributary stood the stone piers that helped earn
the name of the StonePier City.
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 4

CHAPTER II
Recordings of Rakhine(Arakan) History
There are so many essential points to be remembered in Recordings of Rakhine History.
(A) Eras in use in early Rakhine(Arakan) History
(a) Kokethamin Era
(b) Bodaw Einzana Era or Maha Era
(c) Religious or Thathana Era
(d) Kawza Era

(B) Alteration or Cancellation of those Eras

Four times of cancellation or alteration were observed in early periodisations of
Dhanyawaddy and Wethali. First cancellation was taken place in Kanrazagri dynasty. 2nd
and 3rd cancellation in Sandathuria dynasty and 4th and last cancellation in Wethali
period.
4. We learned from his writing that Phayre’s seemed to be ignored such cancellations and
neglect some essential points also in the recordings of Rakhine(Arakan) History. This really is
a weak point of the Brilish Scholar.

5. Cancellation of dates & Eras.

(a) Cancellation of Kokethamin Era 8645 to 2 by Bodaw Einzana as well as
Ralamaru and started a new era of Einzana or Maha.
(b) Cancellation of Bodaw Einzana or Maha Era 148 to 1 by Azartathet of Myitjima as
well as King Sandathuria started a new Religious Era 1 from the date of Buddha’s
Parinibbana. Moreover Sandathuria not only started a Religious Era 1 but also si
multaneously started a new Kawza Era 1. Third, King Thuria Seitara, 16th in the line
after Sanda Thuria altered the Kawza 609 to 2.Fourth and lastly Thiri Sandra , 32nd
King after Sanda Thuria or 9th King after Dven Sandra , erased the Kawza 560 to
0 and started a fresh Era afterwards.
We learned from his writing that Lt. general Sir Arthur P. phayre seemed to be
ignored such cancellations and neglect some essential points also in the recordings
of Rakhine History. Moreover the most unthinkable and unacceptable action done
by Phayre was that he dared to close down or come to end the BC dates without any
reason just after the Ralamaryu’s cancellation dated and started a new Christian AD
era 15 from that same starting point of Maha Era , and also recorded the date of
King Sandathuria as AD146. In this way he continued the dating of the successive kings
with the same trend and the end of 3rd Dhanyawaddy became AD 788.4At the same time
this ending date became starting date of Wethali. From this point , Phayre started to men
tion the Rakhine Era as 150. That means the tried to equate the conversion dates of the two

1. Lt.general Sir Arthur P. phayre auther of book entitled " History of Burma" 1833 AD.
4. Chronological table of the Kings of Rakhine(Arakan).
Comparative dates between chronicle sides of wethali.
Wethali; The land of Historic finds 5

eras by using the conversion factor 638 wrongly. If we count backward from this point it was sure to
reach the Sandathuria’s reign and coincided with the accession date of the same King on AD 146. If we
procceed further backward it will definitely reach the starting christian era AD 15 at the same point of
Ralamaru’s cancellation date which is also the starting date of Maha.Infact this sort of conversion
method applying in the circulations can be done only after the last cancellation date (i.e 560 Kawza) in
Wethali period. That was also the reason why ending date of Wethali became 1018 AD and that was 200
Eras over to the actual ending date 818 AD.
First of all let me show one of the supporting evidences of Inscription records engraved with
Rakhine(Arakan) Kawza era belonging to Wethali period. It is a metal vase inscribed about a land grant
in Harikela kingdom which is now displayed at national museum of Bangladesh in Dakka.5 It is inter-
esting to note that Rakhine(Arakan) Kawza Era dating is engraved as an Era of priority among the
varieties of Eras in existance at that time and two persons by the name of Kula Candra and Ratna.Candra
were included among the donorlists. They were supposed to be the decendents of Candra Kings of
Rakhine(Arakan) Wethali .The Rakhine Kawza Era engraved on the Vase is 77 RE, which was hap-
pened to be coincided with the reign of Theinga Sandra of Rakhine Wethali period recorded in Rakhine
(Arakanese) Chronicles.
By assessing that event, it can be assured to say that the dating with Rakhine(Arakan) Kawza Era
was the indications of faithfulness to their father land as well as the Rakhine(Arakanese) culture and
the strong belief of Buddhism. This remarkable inscription was dated some years after the final cancel-
lation of RE 560 by Thiri Sandra.
In other way it was inscribed some years before the ending date of wethali or starting of Lemro
period.on the contrary we cannot count this date by Phayre’s recording in Wethali period, but in Thuria
Kethi reign of Third Dhanyawaddy period6 only, which is entirely impossible. By judging these
discrepencies it is quite evident to say that it is a strong supporting evidence of Rakhine(Arakanese)
Choniclers dating which is reliably acceptable in contrast to Phayre’s recordings.

5. (a) Chowdhury, Vasent ‘India Museum’ title of Book, Town, press

(b) The picture of metal vase.
(c) Instead of any other method of dating practised there at Vanga and Samatata only
establishes how prevalent the Arakani (Rakhine) cultural penetration was in the Harikila
territory at that point of time.
6. Chronoligical table of the Kings of Rakhine.
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 6

By reviewing the whole records of Phayre, it is crystal clear that Sir Arthur Phayre learned scholar
had never been come across the records of Wethali mentioned in the inscription pillar of Anada Candra
Inscription. In the inscription side, Dven Candra started to rule Wethali in the year AD 370, the date of
Dr. Sircar’s tentative assignment which is different of 6 years to Rakhine(Arakanese) Secholar’s date
mentioned in (A) assignment in Appendix III. Ananda Candra engraved this record in the 9th year of his
reign on which Dr: Sircar’s Tentative date is AD 729.7
From our analytical study of Rakhine(Arakanese) chronicles, many verses like “Thainkanmaintwin”
Retu of Saw Prai Nyo.8 “Thaswalay” poem9 of Lemro period, Adoo minyo’s “Rakhine” minthami
Ayechum10 (Lullaby) and U San Hla’s “Mahamuni” Nigone Ywa verse11 collaborated with Dynastic
records inscribed in the stone pillar we can draw a conclusion that, there were more kings who ruled
Wethali for some extra years that is Ananda Candra still continued to rule 10 years. After his engravement
time of his inscription on the pillar before death and Sula Sandra succeeded to the Wethali thtone for 36
years, after the death of Ananda Candra, who happened to be his own brother. Afterwards, Amratu 7
years, Pe Pru 17 years, reign less 1 year and Ngamin Ngaton, son of Sula Candra and Sandadevi for 24
years successively12. That means there were 95 more years left before the end of Wethali after Ananda
candra.
Therefore the total lifespan of Wethali became 454 years (in contrast to Phayre’s counting of 230
years) or in other words ending date of the dynasty is AD824. But according to (A) assignment of
Appendix III starting date of Wethali is AD 364 and ending date is AD 818, the difference of two
records is only 6 years in both ends again13. Moreover U Nyunt Han of Archaeology Department who
conducted the particular eccavation process, which were taken place between 1981 and 1984 remarked
and supported that Wethali existed in between 4th and 9th century also.13(a)
There are more supporting evidence of inscription records engraved with Kawza or
Rakhine(Arakan) Era dating collected in Lemro period. Likewise, Kawza or Rakhine(Arakan) Era dating
such as 180, 290, 451, 452, 480, 488, 573, 612, 657, 692, 718, 759, 783, 792 which were mentioned in
column (3) of the list coincided with the exact reigns of Khetta Thin, Mong Reng pru, Mong Bon Than,
Mong Pati of Pyinsa period, Kawlia, Datha Raza of Parein period, Kaba Laungnge of Narein sara,
Taungoo period, Alaw Mar Pru, Monghti, Nankyar (Younger), Mong Saw Mon Narameikhla of Loungret
period respectively as mentioned in the column (3) of the list by Rakhine Scholars.

7. Table of comparative Dates between the Chronicles and Inscription of Wethali period.
8. odefuefrdefwGif
9. ompGavuAsm
10. &cdkifrif;orD;{csif;(&rf;NAJuRef;? o&ufacsmif;rl ouú&mZf(821-844) twGif;a&;pyf/
11 r[mrked ed*Hk;&GmuAsm
12. Table of Comparative Dates between the chronicles and Inscription sides of Wethali period.
13. okawoDarmif[ef(OD;ñTefU[ef) a0omvDNrdKUa[mif;wl;azmfawGU&Sdcsufrsm;(1995) &cdkifr*¾Zif;trSwf(17) Re 97-101.
13(a) OD;a&TZH a&; a0omvDacwfya[VdykpämESifh tajz/ &cdkifo[m,toif;r*¾Zif; trSwf 4-1997/
14. List of Inscription records engraved with Kawza or RE datings in Lemro Period.
Wethali; The land of Historic finds 7

Phayre’s recordings as mentioned in column (2) of the list, it can be noticed that the dates were
not tally with the inscription records mentioned in column (3) of the list like Rakhine(Arakanese)
Chronicler's recordings. That sort of things were happened because of unfair adjustments of Lemro
Period done by the British Scholars. So it is clear to say that Phayre’s recording of Periodisation with
adjusted Kawza or RE dating as well as corresponding Christian dating are not acceptable and authentic
as of Rakhine Chronicler's recordings in this case too.
Again the two recording of Rakhine chroniclers & Phayre are seemed to be different in many
ways to each other, because of their two contradicting concepts. As a result, we found many discrepan-
cies between the two recordings especially in Christian era dating.

Some remarkable occasions to be remembered during the range of Maha Era are:-
Maha (Kaliyug) (Vikram Sambat)
1. Buddha’s birth 68 624 BC 578 BC
2. Buddha’s Renunciation 97 595 BC 543 BC
3. Accession of Sanda Thuria 97 595 BC 543 BC
4. Buddha’s Enlightenment 103 589 BC 537 BC
5. Buddha’s Visitation to Dhanyawady 123 569 BC 517 BC
6. Buddha’s Parinibbana 148(1) 544 BC 492 BC
7. King Sandathuria’s death 149(2) 543 BC 491 BC 15

Maha Era, Kawza Era and Christian Era

Present Kawza Era 1370 is the year between post final cancellation date of 560 down to the
present date. In other words, that is the total length between post cancellation date and present date. But,
final cancellation date of Rakhine(Arakan) Chroniclers and Phayre are not coincided to each other.
Rakhine(Arakan) Chroniclers date is in 560 R.E of Thiri Candra of Wethali period where as Phayre’s
cancellation date is in 638 AD (638+10 AD) of Thuria Renu reigns in Third Dhanyawady period.16
Phayre over looked or most probably neglected the first cancellation date of Rala Maru’s reign in
Kokethamin Eras 8645 which was the corresponding Era of BC 638.17 The Maha Era started from 2 at
that point, which was the most important and beginning of this era, Guatama Buddha was born, made
renunciation, attained enlightenment and passed to Nibbana. According to Maydha Pyinnya Mawgun
Linger and Records of Dhanyawady Sandathuria ascended to the throne, met Guatama Buddha, cast
Maha muni Image and other Bronze Images and died in the same Era. The British Scholar had failed to
mention those facts and figures which were the most important to a Buddhist country like Myanmar/
Rakhine(Arakan).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15. OD;a&TZHa&; aqmif;yg;acgif;pOf "n0wDacwf &cdkifacwfOD;? jrwfyef;oZif? &cdkiftrsKd;orD;r*¾Zif;2002 pmrsufESm29-40

16. a&S;acwf&cdkiforkdif; "n0wDacwf OD;a&TZH? OD;armifausmf?
17. BC 638= cancellation date of Kokethamin Era.n 8645(2). clarifications =Buddha attained Nibbana -mMaha
148=BC492=RE1.
Maha (148+492=640) = AD 1 = RE 1 + 492=493
Rakhine Scholars Maha 2= (Ralamaru's first cancellation) = BC638.
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 8

Religious Era & Kawza Era

Cancellation of Maha Era 148 by Azartathet & Sandathuria

We understand from ancient Buddhist records and glass palace chronicle (1992), Azartathet of
Myitjima and Sandathuria of Dhanyawady18 simultaneously cancelled the Maha Era148 after the Buddha's
Parinibbana. A new Eras of Thathana and Kawza started since then. The corresponding chinstian Eras
of Buddha's birth and Parinibbana were in6 7 century BC and 6 century BC respectively. Those Eras of
religious and Kawza are being used in the recordings of Rakhine(Arakan) chronicles till to day.
Thathana Era or religious Era is being used without break since the date of Buddha' sParinibbina.
However, there were two more alteration or cancellation in Kawza Era made by Thuria Seitra 16th in the
line of Sanda thuria and Thiri Sandra of Wethali , the 32nd king after Sanda thuria . The last or final
cancellation date was in 560 Kawza Era, from that date of final cancellation , a fresh Kawza date was
started and 638 AD became the corresponding Christian dates as proved in the following. The last or
final cancellation date was started and 638 AD became the corresponding Christian dates as proved in
the following. The present Kawza became 1370 which is the length of years counted between post
cancellation date of Thiri Sandra and the present date.
Three types of Eras being used at present in Myanmar/Rakhine(Arakan) Calendars are:
1. Religious Era = 2552
2. Kawza Era = 1370
3. Christian Era = 2008 AD
Kawza Era = Christian Era Conversion Factor
1370 = 2008 AD (-) 638
Vice Versa
Christian Era = Kawza Era + Christian factor
2008 AD (-) 1370 + 638
Religious Era (-) Buddha's Parinibbana + Christian Era
2552 (-) BC 544 (Kaliyug) + 2008 AD
Actually, these are established facts in the recordings of Rakhine(Arakan) Chronicles. Without
the knowledge of above mentioned facts it will be very difficult to get a correct and authentic records
of Rakhine(Arakan) chloricles.
Moreover only in coming of British to Rakhine Land which was happen to be forty years
later after the lost of sovereignty of Rakhine(Arakanese) Kingdom, the datings with Christian Eras
were introduced only by British scholars. The British came to Rakhine(Arakan) land only after the
country's experienced 40 years (from 1784 to 1824) of Burmese rule. Hence they cannot form a correct
idea of Rakhine(Arakanese) Kingdom from antiquity. They can only form a superficial idea of Rakhine
(Arakan) by seeing ancient monuments.

18. Azartathet line Sandathuria of Dahnyawady line

Asoka of India Thuria Sakka
Accession Date RE 218 =274 BC Accession Date = RE 214 = 278 BC
Buddha's Death =1 =218 Buddha's Death = 1 = 214
492 BC 492
Buddha's life =80 = 80 Buddha's life = 80 = 80
i.e. Buddha's Birth = =572 BC Buddha's Birth = 572
Reference-U Shwe Zan & U Maung Kyaw's-Ancient Rakhine(Arakan) History Dhanyawady period - PP 157 - 166
(do) and Mahamune Nigone Ywa verse by U San Hla of Mrauk-U reference to Doe Wai's history.
Wethali; The land of Historic finds 9

CHAPTER III
Two different concepts of last cancellation dates and corresponding Christian Eras which
became conversion factor to both sides
(A) Rakhine(Arakan) Chroniclers Counting in reverseorder starting form present day to the post
concellation date in Thiri Sandra reign of Wethali-
1. 2008 AD to 1948 AD - (Independence day) = 60 years
2. 1948 AD to 1824 AD - (British occuptation) = 124 years
3. 1824 AD to 1784 AD - (Myanmar Rule) = 40 years
4. 1784 AD to 1430 AD - (Mrauk - U Period) = 354 years
5. 1430 AD to 818 AD - (Lemro Period) = 612 years
6. 818 AD to 638 AD - (Post concellation date of
Thirisandra and ending date of
Ngaton or Starting date
of Khettathin.) = 180 years
Total years = 1370 years
(B) Phayre's counting in reverse order starting form present day to Thuria Renu of 3rd
Dhanyawaddy period.
1. 2008 AD to 1948 AD - (Independence day) = 60 years
2. 1948 AD to 1824 AD - (British occuptation) = 124 years
3. 1824 AD to 1784 AD - (Myanmar Rule) = 40 years
4. 1784 AD to 1430AD - (Mrauk - U Period) = 380 years
5. 1430 AD to 1401 AD - (Lemro Period) = 386 years
6. 1401 AD to 818 AD - (Wethali Period) = 230 years
7. 788 AD to 638 AD - (Up to Thuria Renu reign
of 3rd Dhanyawaddy) = 150 years
Total years = 1370 years

Rakhine(Arakan) Chroniclers Phayre difference

1. Mrauk - U period - 354 years - 380 years -26 years
2. Lemro Period - 612 years - 386 years +226 years
3. WeThali Period
(Between post cancellation
date and ending date of
Wethali Period) - 180 years - 230 years - 50 years
4. Dhanyawaddy Period - - - 150 years -150 years
Balanced
If we counter checked the difference of two groups, we will difinitely get a balanced sheet as
shown above. Therefore, it is not unjustified to alledge that Phayre's periodisations and datings of
Rakhine(Arakan) Chronicles were not an authentic ones but only an adjusted and make shift documents
of recordings which should be kept aside from the ancient Historical records.

* 20- AMB Irwin 105-author of the book entitled, The Burmese and Arakanese Calender
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 10

Cancellation Dates
According to Rakhine(Arakan) Chroniclers Thiri Sandra of Wethali and Popa Saw Rahan of
Bagan were the contemporary Kings who took the last cancellation of Kawza 560 in Rakhine(Arakan)
and Myanmar respectively. But, in contrast to Rakhine(Arakan) chronicler's concept, Phayre equate
Popa Saw Rahan with Thuria Renu of 3rd Dhanyawaddy20 instead of Thiri Sandra of Wethali. It is also
occured because of adjustments made by Phayre especially in Lemro, Wethali and 3rd Dhanyawaddy
periods. We are very much doubtful to say that, the motive of Phayre is to upset the actual standing
positions of Bagan and Wethali period.

Supporting evidences of Mrauk - U Period

We have already verified the periods of Wethali and Lemro sofar. To complete the whole records
of Rakhine(Arakan) Chronicles, it is better to continue to show more supporting evidences of rest of the
periods of Rakhine(Arakan). In Mrauk - U period we can show at least two types of inscription records
belonging to this period, one is inscription records of inscribed in stone slabs engraved with, Rakhine
(Arakan) Kawza dates and the other is inscription records of coins engraved with Rakhine(Arakan)
Kawza dates on top of both obverse side and reverse side shich is presummably the accession date of a
king who was believed to be ruled Mrauk - U in this particular date. Some powerful kings unusually
issued more than once in some special occassions during rigns. Here, we prefer to present the records of
Mrauk-U coins issued by successive kings of three periods. Out of the collections of Mrauk-U coins we
can show at least 29 types of coins engraved with Rakhine(Arakan) Kawza era starting from the founder
king Narameikhala, an alternate name of Mong Saw Mon up to the ending King Thamada Raza also
called Aggaw Ponya Zaw covering both of periods of Mrauk-U. If we totaling the years between the
coins of successive kings through out the three periods, we get the result figure as 354 which agree with
the total span of Mrauk-U period as recorded by Rakhine chroniclers. But the total length of Mrauk-U
period, as recorded by Phaayre is 380 years, it is also shown that there were also some discrepencies in
the recording even in Mrauk-U period too.
Supporting evidences of Dhanyawaddy Period
Up to the moment, we have clarified Wethali period of Rakhine(Arakanese) chronicles. It is
essencial to contiue to clarify the remaining Dhanyawaddy period, out of which the range starting from
Ralamaryu reign, the 24th in line of Kanrazagri Dynasty, down to Thuria Ketu reign, the last king of
Sanda thuria Dynasty and father of Maha Taing Sandra, the founding king of Wethali period is the most
important to be cleared. Why? and How? The following are some of the reasons to be shown.
If we go back about three millenium years deep into our ancient History, we have noticed some
occassions, out of which, the two events of happenings in the early part of third Dhanyawaddy i.e.in
6BC-4 BC, were the greatest and most interesting of all regarding flourishing of Buddhism in
Rakhine(Arakan).
From the ancient Rakhine(Arakan) historical point of view, Rakhine(Arakanese) King Ralamaryu,
24th in the line of Kanrazagri altered the ancient Kokethamin Era 8645 to 2 as mentioned above and the
outcoming era was happened to be called Maha Era. (Mi Ba Sam Zi)24. In that era as already mentioned
above Guatama Buddha was born in 68 Maha 624 BC Kaliyug 572 BC. Vikram Sambat, renounced the
world in 97 Maha ( 545 BC/543 BC), attained enlightenment in 103 Maha (589 BC/537 BC) and passed
to Nibbana in 148 Maha (544 BC/492 BC).

21. - See Legends of Mrauk-U Coins, by U Sanda muni Beikhhu 127/293.

- U San Tha Aung's Rakhine Dinger.
-ajrmufOD;acwf'*Fg; (odkU) '*Fg;uajymaom ordkif;twGJ 24? &ckdifr*¾Zif; ppfawG/ OD;a&TZH/
22. - Chart Table showing Comparative Dates between Rakhine Chronicle sides and Lt: General Six Arthur P. Phayre.
23. - (a) ar"ynmarmfuGef;? vuFmtydk'f(3)/ APPENDIX VII
- (b) ajrmufOD;NrdKU? ausmuf&pfau&yfrS OD;pHvS\ r[mrkeded*krf;&Gmtydk'f(2) ESifh tydk'f(5)/ APPENDIX VIII
24. - ar"ynmarmfuGef;? vuFmtydk'f(1)/ APPENDIX XII
Wethali; The land of Historic finds 11

Again, we further learned that Sandathuria the founder of 3rd Dhanyawaddy, was also born in 72
Maha (620 BC/563 BC), ascended to the Rakhine(Arakanese) throne in 97 Maha. (548 BC/543 BC)
and died in 149 Maha (543 BC/491 BC). New Religious Era (491 BC) one year after the Guatama
Buddha's parinibbana. In other sense, Guatama Buddha and Sandathuria were contemporary to each
other in the same Maha Era, corresponding, Before Christ range. (6 BC -5 BC)
Moreover, we also learned that Guatama Buddha visited to Dhanyawaddy and preached King
Sandaturia in 123 Maha (569 BC/517 BC) after the 20th monsoon retreat. At the same date King
Sandathuria was allowed to cast a famous bronze image of Mahamuni.
As we all know that for about forty-five years, Buddha and his disciples travelled from place to
place, preaching to people of all works of life and the greatest kings of the time favored the Teacher and
his disciples.25
Indeed! Those were some events happened in Sandathuria reign.
Again, after the lapsed of nearly 300 undered years another important and impressive event was
occurred. This time, it was happened during the reign of Thuria Sakka, a religious King, a great great
great grand son of Sandathuria, the founder of Third Dhanyawady, original donor of famous Mahamuni
Image and 1st Buddhist king and the believer of Buddha Sasana.
Thuria Sakka ruled the Rakhine(Arakanese) Kingdom of 3rd Dhanyawady from 214 to 258
religious era or 278-234 BC with the chief queen Rupita.26 Rakhine(Arkan) Thuria Sakka was contem-
porary with the King Asoka of Pataliputra in Western Majjhima. Emperor, Asoka Descaned to the
Mauria Throne in 218-255 Religious era or 282-252 BC, only difference of four years with the acces-
sion date of Thuria Sakka.27
The King Asoka, conqueror of Mauria Dynasty in India, was reputedly described as courageous,
wise and honorable in world social History. The King sponsored and hold the third Buddhist council led
by venerable monk Muggali Putra Tissa and five hundred senior monks in 235 Buddhist era. The Bud-
dhist synod started on the month of Ngayone with senior monks in 235 Buddhist era. The Buddhist
synod started on the month of Ngayone (June) to the month of Tapotwe (February) last nine months in
the months in 257 BC.28

25. -ar"ynmarmfuGef;? vuFmtydk'f(1)/

26. -ar"ynmarmfuGef;? vuFmtydk'f(3)/
27. -Asoka Reign = 218-258 RE 282-252 BC
-Thuria Sakka Reign = 214-258 RE 272-234 BC
28. -Rakhine ancient History-Dhanyawaddy period Vol:1-P166 SN 435,
-jrwfr*Fvmpmapmif bmoma&;jyóemrsm;? t&Sifb'´EÅudavmuome (1990? arv) pm-26 &SifOy*kwf &[EÅmonf
jrwfpGmbk&m; y&dedAmefpHawmfrlNyD;aemuf omoem 218 ü eef;wufí (235) wGif wwd, o*Fg,emwifcJhaom taomurif;BuD;
vufxufwGifay:xGef;cJhonf/ bDpD (c&pfrzGm;rD) 273-232 cefUwGif jzpfygonf/
-Ak'¨0ifusrf;*efpmay ta&;tom; tukefuvnf; taomu (oD&d"r®maomu yd,'go) rif;eef;wufomoem-218 ck[k wnDw
ñTwfjyqdkMuum yxro*Fg,em tZmwowfESifh &Sifr[muóyrax&f omoem (1)ckwGif &mZN*dKvfjynfüvnf;aumif;? 'kwd,
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 12

Just after the end of the third synod, the Mauria emperor sent religious missions to nine regions
with some of Guatama Buddha's relics which were secretly kept by Azatathet, the King who patronage
the first Buddhist council and simultaneously cancelled Buddha's parinibbana date of 148 Maha era and
started a new religious era(1) as a new starting date which can be equated with 492 BC. Vikram sambat
or 544 BC kaliyug.29
Among those Buddhist missionaries, a group of mission lead by venerable monk Maha Rever
together with four senior monks were assigned to go to Dhanyawady,30 the Rakhine land. Here we
observed that the arrival dates of this mission to Dhanyawady were supposed to be coincided with the
casting times of Sanda muni and four other Images by the King Thuria Sakka. We learned that the
metals used in the casting of these Images were happened to be the same stock of noble alloy (mixture
of gold, sliver, copper, iron and lead) used in the casting of famous Mahamuni Image. Out of these five
images only one by the auspicious title of Sandamuni Image is left today. This image is now resting
magnificently on top of ahillock in the precint of Bandoola monastery at Mrauk-U, the ancient capital
of Rakhine(Arakan).31
Moreover, the Buddhist mission combined together with Rakhine(Arakanese) king and people
built stupas, ceittiyas and pagodas enshrined with Buddha's relics, ranging from Theylagiri Kyauktaw
Hill to U Rait Taung Hill of Ponagyun.32
Infect those are the pagodas Eracted as predicted or foretold by Guatama Buddha, to Ah Nandar,33
the chief disciple when the teacher visited to Dhanyawaddy in 123 Mahar or 595 BC/517 BC.
To support these great occasions as mentioned above we have discovered inscription records
inscribed in Pali Language with Brahmi scripts. First one was called Taung bout kyi inscription (rock
inscription)34 where there inscribed about the aerial visitation of Guatama Buddha with 500 disciples to
Dhanyawaddy. The inscription also revealed about that landing on the Thelagiri Hill in the east of
gissapanadi river. After all that was the supporting evidence of the Guatama Buddha's visitation to
Dhanyawaddy.
The other one is a fat Monk stone Image inscription inscribed at the back of the artefact. The
inscription written in Brahmi can be translated as Saccaka paribajacka(ji) na.35 This is one of the Buddha's
incidence, over Nagran Jina ascetic. In fact incidence in Buddha's life story is one of the indications of
the flourishing time of Buddhism in the area where we collected the artifacts i.e. in Rakhine(Arakan)
land.

29. - Rakhine(Arakan) Ancient History-Dhanyawaddy period, Vol:P166-SN425 U Shwe Zan, U

Maung Kyaw
jrwfr*Fvmbmoma&;jyóemrsm; - t&Sifwdavmuom& (1990?arv)/
30. - ar"ynmarmfuGef;? vuFmtydk'f(3)/
31. Sandamuni Image-Kyaw Zaw Hla (Mrauk-U)
32. - "n0wDacwf &cdkifacwfOD; -OD;a&TZH-jrwfyef;oZifr*¾Zif;? &cdkiftrsKd;orD;(&efukef)? a&;om;ol-OD;a&TZH/ pmrsufESm- 9?10?11/
- The History of Rakhapura as foretold by Guatama Buddha by U Sin Nyo Tun.
33. - "n0wDacwf &cdkifacwfOD; aqmif;yg; pm 8-10? jrwfyef;oZifr*¾Zif;? &cdkiftrsKd;orD;(&efukef)? a&;om;ol-OD;a&TZH/
Wethali; The land of Historic finds 13

Records made by Dr: Forchhammer

Dr.Forchhammer a renowned German Archaeologist also stated, in his topic entitled "Maha Muni
Image", about the importance of Palm leaf Manuscript, by the name of Sappadana pakarana kyan where
there recorded the legend being that of Guatama Buddha with 500 disciples visited to Dhanyawaddy by
aerial journey. While sojourning in Dhanyawaddy during, Sandathuria's reign, the blessed one com-
plied with the King's request for permission of casting an Image, an exactness to the great Teacher.36
We understand that those former two inscriptions are supposed to be engraved with similar lan-
guage and scripts in use in Asokan period of India, where Therawada Buddhism was flourished to the
full bloom. It shows 3rd Dhanyawaddy period of Rakhine(Arakan) and Asokan period of India are
contemporary to each other and existing within the millenium years Before Christ dates.
Recently, we have discovered an eighteen inches sized37 copper image of excellent workmanship
with combine mudras, of Bumisparsa and Dhama cakras on which the date 520 R.E and the name of the
donor King Thuria Kula were inscribed at the back of the image. We can also read Yedhamma verse in
pali with Brahmi scripts were also inscribed at the front of the pedestal. In Rakhine(Arakan) chronicles
we have read that Thuria Kula was the 14th King, the one reigned before Thuria Seitra, the King who
took the 3rd cancellation of Kawza era 609 (116 AD/79 AD) in this period. Surely, it is also another
supporting evidence of the place where Buddhism flourished well.
Indeed! Those happenings and findings are really remarkable records and supporting evidences
of flourishing time of Therawada Buddhism, Before Christ dates in both Mauria India and Rakhine
(Arakan) Dhanyawaddy. Phayre's concept of dating in AD. Era starting from Ralamaryu was quite
contrast to the Rakhine(Arakan) Chronicles which is entirely unacceptable.
To convince the actual positions of periodiations and Dating please see a comparative statement
of dates of Rakhine(Arakanese) chronicles, Phayre and Dr Sircar's Tentative assignment of Table No:1
Appendix II.
Indirect or special proofs of Wethali datings against Phayre's recordings.
There were two types of recordings in Wethali period i.e Chronicle side and Inscritpion side.
Firstly, let us verify the possession of inscribed Wethali coins and Artifacts which were belonging
to the same period and inscribed with the names of Donor Kings or Queen in chronological, order as
listed below.
Coins39 Artifacts40
1. Surya coins 1. Yaksa General Panada inscription of Mahamuni Shrine
2. Raja Candra coin 2. Copper plate land grant of Bhuti Candra,
3. Dedicatory inscription of Niticandra.

36. - Mahamuni Image by Dr:Forchhammer, reknowned German Archeologist.

- The Golden Mrauk-U, an ancient capital of Rakhine by U Shwe Zin.
37. - "n0wDacwf &cdkifacwfOD; -OD;a&TZH-jrwfyef;oZifr*¾Zif;? &cdkiftrsKd;orD;rsm;toif;(&efukef)
38. - Origin and Devolopment of Arakanese (Rakhines) Script volume I Text by U Sandamurn Bhikku. Thesis
submitted
for the Ph.D (Arts) degree of the Culcutta University university Kolkata 2003. Chapter IV. P-138 Palaeography of
Coin legend: cesali period 150 kg. (Vol: II P1XLVI to P1LV III)
-The Golden Mrauk-U an ancient capital of Rakhine by U Shwe Zan 1995,P-55, coins struck by Rajasondra and
varieties of other coins found in Khayinevillage.
Text by U Sandaumi Vol: 1 SN 17 (Vol II PIXIX) SN 36 (Vol:II xxxVIIaxxxVIIb) SN 37(Vol:II Plsxxx 1xa-
xxx1xb)
39. - Vol: II Plate VIIIa-VIIIb Plate XVI Plate xiX platexxx VIIIa-xxxVIIb).
40. - Plate xxx 1xa-xxxixb.Appendix VIII
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 14

3. Deva Candra coin 4. Dedicatory inscription of Vira Candra.

4. Yajana Candra coin 5. A ring belonging to Niti Candra.
5. Candrabandhu coin 6. In scription of Dharmavijaya(Land grant)
6. Bhumicandra coin 7. Ananda candra inscription pillar.(Shitethaung pillar)
7. Bhuticandra coin 8. Dhamavijaya inscription
8. Niti Candra coin
9. Vira Candra coin
10. Priti Candra coin
11. Prithivi Candra coin
12. Dhriti Candra coin
13. Dharmmaraja coin
14. Dharmavijaya coin
15. Dharmma Candra coin
16. Ananda Candra coin
17. Sula Maha raza coin
On the contrary, we haven't collected any artifacts or coins of Wethali kings belonging to the
chronicleside. It shows, there existed no two Wethali but only single Wethali recording in two different
type that is one in chronicle side named with traditional alternate names of kings and other with ancient
nick names of king in the inscription side. Any how it is very fortunateto say that we are able to select
some common kings with alternate names out of those two types of recordings. In fact those Kings are
the most remarkable ones among the Rulers belonging to Wethali.Period. They are-
Insrcription side-Chronicle side Remarks
1. Dven Candra 1.Taing Sandra Founder King (Pl.see V 19,20,31)41 of Annada Candra
Inscription, of Wethali 2nd period
2. Raja Candra 2.Raza Sandra 2nd in line of Wethali period,
3. Kala Candra 3.Kala Candra 3rd in line of Wethali period.
4. Dharma sura 4.Dharmaraja Collected coin no claim of throne to either side. Syn-
onymous names.
5. Dharmavijaya 5.Thiri Sanda Patron of Buddhist synod and the last king who can-
called the Kawza era 560 and started fresh Kawza Devi
6. Dhamma Candra 6.Thinga Sanra Husband of Thwunna Devi
7. Annanda Candra 7.Htula Sandra Saw Prai Nyo and father of Ananda Candra and
Sulasandra.
8.Sula Candra 8.Sula Sandra The King who was drowned in Negiris Bay after
returning from Tagaung expedition.
Moreover, by looking the comparative Table of Appendix I(a), we can equate the two
records of each with only few difference of years which is rather negligible difference of
figurers.

41. - Some Justifications about Wethali a single Rakine Dynasty existing between fourth and Nineth
century by Shwe Zan P.206-P.212. Myat Pan Tha Zin Magazine of Rakhine(Arakanese)
women Association, Yangon.
- Study of ancient Rakhine(Arakanese) History Vol: 2 part 182 Wethali Kyawkhelga period by
Shwe Zan- U & Maung Kyaw-U, (unpublished).
* OD;pHvS\r[mrkede*Hk;&GmuAsm vuFmNrdKUwnfeef;wnfcef; tydk'f(2)pmydk'foHk;wGif xlvpE´&m;wGifjim;wjzmtmeE´m[konmbJGU&
xkdbk&ifrSm[lívnf;aumif;tydk'f(3)wGif pE´&m;ZmwtmeE´mvQif[kvnf;[kazmfjyxm;ygonf/
Wethali; The land of Historic finds 15

Comparison of three consolidated dating of Wethali

Different sides Starting Date Ending Date Span

1. Chronicle side 327 AD 818 AD 491 yrs.
2. Inscription side 370 AD 824 AD 454 yrs.
(Dr Sirear's Tentative assignment)
3. Phayre's recordings of 788 AD 1018 AD 230 yrs.
Chronicle side
By reviewing the above comparisons of datings, it is sure to say that we cannot definitely equate
Phayre's starting dates, ending dates and spans with inscription side datings of Wethali. Surely, it is
another proof of Phayre's unaceptable and unreliable recordings of periodisations and dating of Rakhine
(Arakan) Chronicles. In fact these sort of discrepencies were happened because of unfair and unreason-
able adjustments of reigns by only Whims and fancies of the British Scholars After all these things are
said to be unjustified recordings of Sir Arthur P Phayre by making so much puzzle to the actual and
authentic recordings of Rakhine Chroniclers.
In summary, we have noticed that the whole length of Rakhine(Arakan) Historical periods pre-
pared by Lt. General Sir Arthur P Phayre is 695/621 years shorter than that of lengths counted by
Rakhine(Arakan) Chroniclers. It shows Phayre was a person who adjusted or rearranged the reigns of
each King as well as the length of each period to shorten the whole lifespan of Rakhine(Arakan) Chronicle
starting from Marayu down to Thamada Raza, the last king of Rakhine(Arakanese) Kingdom.
Phayre firstly measured the length of 1st Dhanyawady as in the chronicler's record as 1818 years,
Kyaukpakaung period of Kanrazagri when the king settled there for 24 years before he occupied the
Dhanyawaddy city and from that place downwards to Rala Maryu's reign, is measured as 824 years. The
total addition of three figures became 2666 years.* Phayre counted that numbers as dates, Before Christ
and marked the figures 2666 as BC 2666 as the founding date of first Dhanyawaddy by King Mala Yu.
In the same way the addition of total length between Kanrazagri and 24th King Rala Maryu as 1842.
After deduction of 1842 years from 2666 years, the result is 824 years. Phayre again marked the addi-
tion of 824+one year = 825 as the founding date 825 BC of second Dhanyawaddy by Kanrazagri.*
In this way in downward trend Christian Era BC had said to end in Ralamaryu's reign and it
became the turning point of Before Christ dates into Annodomini dates and Ralamaryu dating became
AD 15 and continuously accession date of Sandathuria became 146 AD. If we proceed further down-
ward, the date of Thuria Ranu, the 19th King of 3re Dhanyawaddy became 638 A.D on which Phayre
counted as contemporary date of conversion factor 638 of Bagan . From that point of Thuria Renu the
christian era 638 became conversion factor of Phayres's recording of Rakhine chronicle and from that
date downward the British scholar counted the christian era in to Rakhine Kawza era,with this trend
Phayre wquate with Popa Saw Rahan as the contemporary King. In this way of calculation, the ending
date of 3rd Dhanyawaddy and starting date of Wethali were counted as 788 AD. If we proceed further
downward, the ending date of Wethali and starting date of Lemro period would become 1018 AD.
Surprisingly phayre failed to count the Rakhine era or Kawza era from Thuria Renu down to Thuria
Ketu, the last king of Third Dhanyawaddy.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Table II - Comparative Datas Between Chronicle and Inscription side Wethali period. Chrological Tables of the Kings of
Arakan(Rakhine) Dynasty of City Wethali Appendix(I).
- History of Burma by Lieut General, Sir Arthur P Phayre -1833.
Chronological Table of the Kings of Arakan(Rakhine), Dynasty of Dhanyawaddy
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 16

Since, there were no Kawza era to be counted, Phayre, using the reign of the king by adding with the
conversion factor 638 to get the Kawza date in improper and twist and turn way. Only in the reign of
Mahataing Sandra, Phayre can show the Kawza dates 150 R.E* abruptly with an unreliable dates in
contrast to the actual date of 249* Kawza Rakhine(Arakan) date accepted by Rakhine(Arakanese)
Chroniclers.*
Due to the Phayre's wrong way of calculations, the end of 3rd Dhanyawaddy and starting date of
wethali are counted as eight century AD. So also, the ending date of Wethali and starting date of Lemro
period are counted as 11 century AD the result is at least 200 years of difference than Rakhine(Arakan)
chroniclers. Moreover the total length of Wetrhali counted by Phayre is 230 years instead of454/491
years by Rakhine Chroniclers. Lemro period was also counted by Phayre as 386 years instead of actual
length 612 years.
By looking the comparative tables I, I(a) (Appedix I) between chronicle side and Inscription side
with De: Zicar's Tntative datings, the two sides can be comparable* to each other where as Phayre
recording and Dr:Sircar's Tentative datings, can not be comparable because of unfair adjustments of
reigns and periods made by the British Scholar.
Therefore, in conclusion we can say that Phayre's recording is an out dated as well as obsolete and
not up to the mark. After all it is not an authentic documents for the Scholars and History students of
today.
Important Eras of Dates to be remembered in Rakhine(Arakanese) Chronicles are: -
1. The founding date of Dhanyawaddy the First is in BC 3325.
2. Founder King of first Dhanyawaddy is Mara Yu.
3. The founding date of second Dhanyawaddy is in BC 1507.
4. Founder King of Second Dhanyawaddy is Kanrazagri@Kamaraza.
5. First Cancellation Date of Maha Era started in 7th century BC after alteration of Ancient Koketha
min Era 8645 to 2.
6. The founding date of 3rd Dhanyawaddy is in 6th century BC.
7. The founder King of 3rd dhanyawaddy is King Sandathuria.
8. Second Cancellation date took place by King Sandathuria is in 6th century BC.
9. King Sandathuria's accession date is in 6th Century BC.
10. New Religious Era started in 5th/6th Century BC after the second cancellation of Maha 148, one
year before the death of King Sanda Thuria of 3rd Dhanyawaddy.
11. Kawza Era started in the same date as above.
12. Third Cancellation date took place in 609kawza by16th King Thuria Seitra of Dhanyawaddy ie.
in AD 79/116.
* It seems the Kawza date 150 R.E which was the same date mentioned in the chronicle of Bago Minkyaung Sayada
Upandi of Dhanyawaddy Razawin Thit. Please see wethali period of Dhanyawaddy Razawin thit which was the
exact copy of the Myanmar Kinwunming yi's palm leaf manuscript copy-please see P.11 footnote of Myanmarsa
Nunt Boung Vol:1
* Please See Appendix III & IV.
It seems the Kawza dates 150 which was the dated mentioned in the chronicle of Bago Minkyaung Sayadaw U
Pandi of Dhanyawaddy Razawinthit which was the true copy of Myanmar Kinwanwin palm leaf maun script copy.
(Myanmar Sar Nyun Baung, Part I) footnote of Thingan maintwin - P.11
(uif;0efrif;MuD;ayrl jzpfaom &ckdif&mZ0ifOD;yPa&;aom "n0wD&mZ0ifopfwdkUwGif nSdEIdif;a&;om;aMumif;awGU&onf/)
* OD;pHvS\r[mrkeded*Hk;&Gm vuFmtydk'f &cdkifou&mZf 1019 ckESpf wpfqifha&;ul;cJhaom ayy&ydkufrS xkwfEIwfí "n0wDjrdKU\
ed*krf;&Gmrsm; orkdif;vuFm (0g) uAsmjrdKUwnfeef;wnf cef;tydk'f(2) ]]uHoHk;qifhü? xD;zGifhrMum? wpfcGifhwmwGif? pGefUcGgjyD;vrf;?
ou&mZfvQif? ESpf&mhav;q,fhudk;ck0,fwGif}}
(uif;0ef;rif;BuD;ayrljzpfaom &cdkif&mZ0ifOD;y@da&;aom "n0wD&mZ0ifopfwdkUwGif ñSdeIdif;a&;om;aMumif;awGU&onf/)
* OD;pHvS\r[mrkeded*Hk;&Gm vuFmtydk'f &cdkifouú&mZf 1019 ckESpf wpfqifha&;ul;cJhaom ayy&ydkufrS xkwfEIwfí"n0wDNrdKU\
ed*krf;&Gmrsm; orkdif; ordkif;vuFm (0g) uAsmNrdKUwnfeef;wnfcef; tydk'f(2) ]uHoHk;qifhü? xD;zGifhrMum? wpfcGifhwmwGif? pGefUcGm
NyD;vrf;? ouú&mZfvQif? ESpf&mUav;q,fudk;ck0,fwGif}
Wethali; The land of Historic finds 17

13. The last King of 3rd Dhanyawaddy is in 249 RE or 856 Religious Era of 4th Century AD (370
AD) (327 AD) (364 AD)
14. The founding date of Wethali is in 4th century AD.
15. The founding King of Wethali is Maha Taing Sandra in Chronicle side.
16. The founder King of Wethali Table II in Inscription side is Dven Candra.
17. The Final Cancellation is taken place in 560 Kawza in Wethali Period by King Thiri Sandra
and coresponding date of Christian Era is 638AD. Fresh Kawza Era is started after the final
cancel lation date. Popa Saw Rahan is a Contemporary King or counterpart King of Bagan,
who Can celled the Kawza 560 in Myanmar Era.
18. The ending date of Wethali is in 9th century AD.
19. The last King of Wethali is Nga Min Nga Ton, son of Sula Sandra and Sandar Devi.
20. Lemro Period is started in 9th century AD.
21. The founder King of Lemro Pyinsa Period is Khetathin.
22. The founder King of Parein Period is Letya - min -nan.
22(a).The founder King of 2nd Parein Period is Daltha Raza.
23. The founding date of Parein is in 12th century AD.
24. The founding date of Khreik is in 12th century AD.
25. The founder King is Mong Phone Sar.
26. The founding date of Sambwak is in 12th century AD.
27. The founder King of Sambwak is Danu Ru Paw.
28. The founding date of Narein Sara Taungoo is in 12th century AD.
29. The founder King of Narein Sara Taungoo is Myitzu Thin.
30. The founding date of Laungret is in 13th century AD.
31. The founder King of Laungret is Ah Law Mar Pru.
32. The ending date of Laungret is in 15th century AD.
33. The last king of Laungret and Lemro period is Mong Saw Mon.
34. The founding date of Mrauk-U is in 15th century AD.
35. The founder king of Mrauk-U Period is Mong Saw Mon (a) Nara Meik Hla.
36. The ending king of 1st Mrauk-U is Mong Khaung Raza.
37. The founder king of 2nd Mrauk-U is Mong Ba Gri.
38. The founder king of 3rd Mrauk-U is Narapadigri.
39. The last king of Mrauk-U & all Dynasties is Thamadaraza (a) Aggaw Ponnya Zaw.
40. The ending date of Mrauk-U or the last date of Rakhine Kingdom is in Kawzar 1146 or 1784
AD or in 18th century AD.
41. The present Religous Era date is 2552.
42. The present Kawza or Rakhine Era is 1370.
43. The present Christian Date is 2008 AD.
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 18

Table showing a vision of dating linked of Rakhine(Arakanese) Dynasties by foreign

Scholars

(Table-I)

Notion of different Scholars Dating Regime [Starting dated, ending date]

1.Hall,European group BC 2666 Starting date of Marayu

2.-do- BC 825 -do-Kan Raza Gri
3.-do-+Dr.Pamela Gutman AD 1 -do-Einzana and Ralamaryu
4.-do-+-do- AD 146 -do-Candathuria
5.Dr.Johnstan AD 350 -do-Dven Candra
6.Dr.sircar-Dr.Pamela Gutman AD 370 -do-Dven Candra
7.Dr.A.M.B .Irwin AD 638 Theara Renu &Popa Saw Rahan
(Common date)
8.Dr.Sirear & Dr.Pemela Gutman AD 729+ 10 Annda Candra-ending date

9.Dr. Pamela Gutman AD +49 unsettled Period

10.Dr.Forchhammer AD 788-9 Starting date of Mahataing Candra
11.-do- AD 810 -do-Thuria Taing Candra
12.-do- AD 935 -do-Taing Candra
13.-do- AD 951 -do-Sula Taing Candra
14.-do- AD 964 -do-Pe Pru
15.-do- AD 994 -do-Ngaton Min
16.-do- AD 24 Ending date of Ngaton Min
17.-do- AD 1018 Ending date of (Wethali)
18.-do- AD 1086 Athinkhayar (Waraung Nghet)
(Usurper)
19.-do- AD 1096 Starting date of Parein Period by
Letyar Minnang, who regined
the Rakhine(Arakan) Throne by the help
of Alaungsithu of Bagan.
20.-do- AD 1153 Starting Date of Datha Raja (2ndParein)
21.-do- AD 1239 Starting date of Alaw Mar Pru
22. Dr. Pamela Gutman AD 1279 Ending date of Wethali
23. Dr. Forchhammer AD 1430 Starting Date of Mrauk-U
24. AD 1785 Min Saw Mon - End of Mrauk-U

AD 4451+621 = 5072 2666+621 = 3287

Wethali; The land of Historic finds 19
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 20
Wethali; The land of Historic finds 21
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 22