Minkhaung I

{{Other people|Minkhaung}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}} {{Infobox royalty | type = monarch | name = {{ubl | Minkhaung I | ပထမ မင်းခေါင်}} | image = Rachathirat 2489 illustration (09).jpg | caption = Minkhaung I ordered his army to burn down a Buddhist hall erected by Razadarit. An illustration from ''Rachathirat'', a Thai version of ''Razadarit Ayedawbon'', 1946 printed edition. | reign = by 25 November 1400 – {{circa}} October 1421 | coronation = | succession = King of Ava | predecessor = Tarabya | successor = Thihathu | suc-type = Successor | reg-type = Chief Minister | regent = Min Yaza | reign1 = {{circa}} April 1385 – 25 November 1400 | succession1 = Governor of Pyinzi | predecessor1 = ''new office'' | successor1 = Nandathingyan | spouse = Shin Saw Saw Khway Min Pyan Shin Mi-Nauk Shin Bo-Me | issue = Minye Kyawswa Saw Pyei Chantha Thihathu Minye Kyawhtin Saw Nant-Tha | issue-link = #Family | issue-pipe = among others... | full name = | house = Ava | father = Swa Saw Ke | mother = Saw Beza | birth_date = 13 September 1373 Tuesday, 12th waning of Thadingyut 735 ME | birth_place = Gazun Neint, Ava Kingdom | death_date = {{circa}} October 1421 (aged 48) {{circa}} Nadaw 783 ME | death_place = Ava (Inwa), Ava Kingdom | date of burial = | place of burial = | religion = Theravada Buddhism | signature = }} {{Contains special characters|Burmese}}

'''Minkhaung I of Ava''' ({{langx|my|ပထမ မင်းခေါင်}} {{IPA|my|pətʰəma̰ mɪ́ɰ̃ɡàʊɰ̃|}}; also spelled '''Mingaung'''; 1373–1421) was king of Ava from 1400 to 1421. He is best remembered in Burmese history for his epic struggles against King Razadarit of Hanthawaddy Pegu in the Forty Years' War (1385–1424). As king, Minkhaung continued his father Swa Saw Ke's policy to restore the Pagan Empire. Under the military leadership of his eldest son Minye Kyawswa, Ava nearly succeeded. While he ultimately failed to conquer Hanthawaddy and Launggyet Arakan, he was able to bring in most of cis-Salween Shan states to the Ava orbit.

==Early life== [[File:Mintara Nat.jpg|thumb|left|Swe's childhood rival Tarabya portrayed as Mintara ''nat'']]

The future king was born in a small village called Gazun-Nyeint (present-day northern Sagaing Region) on 13 September 1373.{{refn|group=note|name=birth|Tuesday, 12th waning of Thadingyut 735 ME (Tuesday, 13 September 1373). Some scholars such as the editors of the 2006 edition of the ''Maha Yazawin''<ref name=my-2-55>Maha Yazawin Vol. 2 2006: 55</ref> translate the date as 13 October 1373, which is problematic since 13 October 1373 was a Thursday whereas Minkhaung was a Tuesday born per all the main chronicles. This discrepancy apparently is due to treating 735 ME as a leap year (which JC Eades' Southeast Asian Emphemeris also does.<ref name=jce-112>Eades 1989: 112</ref>) If 735 ME is treated as a regular year, the resulting date falls on a Tuesday (on 13 September 1373).}} His father King Swa Saw Ke of Ava had met his commoner mother Saw Beza earlier in the year during a military campaign against Mohnyin.<ref name=my-1-285>Maha Yazawin Vol. 1 2006: 285</ref><ref name=hy-1-410>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 410</ref> Chronicles say that after giving birth to the child, Beza showed up at the Ava palace to present the male son, as instructed to by the king. The child was named '''Min Swe''' ({{lang|my|မင်းဆွေ}} {{IPA|my|mɪ́ɴ sʰwè|}}). The king made Beza a junior queen, and had two more children with her: Theiddat and Thupaba Dewi.<ref name=my-1-285/><ref name=hy-1-410/>

Min Swe grew up in Ava (Inwa) until he was eight. His life at the palace was not all well. Their older half-brother Tarabya, who was born to a senior queen, constantly bullied both Swe and Theiddat. The bullying became a serious problem, and in 1381/82, the king had to send away Swe and Theiddat to a small monastery near Pinle to study under the chief primate (''Thinga-Yaza''). The two princes studied under the learned monk, and traveled around the region, including Taungdwingyi, Minbu, Ngape and Padein, with their attendants.<ref name=hy-1-439-440>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 439–440</ref>

==Governor of Pyinzi== Circa April 1385, Swa appointed Tarabya his heir-apparent.<ref name=hy-1-435>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 435</ref> The king kept Swe out of Tarabya's reach, and appointed his 11-year-old son governor of Pyinzi, a small town about 85 km southwest of Ava. He also gave Swe command of the 33-member Pyinzi cavalry.<ref name=hy-1-439-440/> Swe would rule Pyinzi for the next 15 years. Chronicles have little information about Swe's period as governor except that his rivalry with Tarabya continued, and that the rivalry may have cost Ava's best chance of defeating Hanthawaddy Pegu.

[[File:Ava-Pegu War 1385–1391.png|thumb|300px|Key locations in the Ava–Hanthawaddy War (1385–1391)]]

In 1385, the king ordered his two eldest sons to lead a two-pronged invasion of the southern kingdom in what would become known as the Forty Years' War. Tarabya commanded the First Army (7000 infantry, 500 cavalry, 20 elephants) while Swe led the Second Army (6000 infantry, 500 cavalry, 20 elephants).<ref name=hy-1-418>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 418</ref> The two princes were advised by Ava's best commanders, including Thilawa of Yamethin and Theinkhathu Saw Hnaung.<ref name=hy-1-418-435>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 418, 435</ref> The Ava command expected an easy victory over an overpowered opponent. But Ava forces could not break through well-organized Peguan defenses for five months. Then, King Razadarit of Hanthawaddy made a tactical error by coming out of his fortified capital to attack Ava positions near Pankyaw. Tarabya's army pounced, driving back and pursuing Razadarit's army. Meanwhile Swe's army had positioned in the path of retreat of the Hanthawaddy army. Tarabya, the overall commander-in-chief, sent a messenger, ordering Swe to hold his position and not to engage Razadarit until his army could reach the scene. But Swe ignored the order and the advice of his seasoned commanders, and ordered his troops to engage. Razadarit's army defeated Swe's premature attack, and got back inside Pegu. Five days later, with the rainy season approaching, the invasion was called off.<ref name=my-1-293>Maha Yazawin Vol. 1 2006: 293</ref>

Ava would come to rue the missed opportunity. Swa kept Swe from the next invasion in the following dry season. Swe was assigned to guard the capital while Swa and Tarabya invaded the southern country again.<ref name=my-1-295>Maha Yazawin Vol. 1 2006: 295</ref> The second invasion fared no better. Razadarit committed no more errors, and hunkered down. Ava troops could not break through Pegu's defenses and had to retreat before the rainy season arrived.<ref name=my-1-296>Maha Yazawin Vol. 1 2006: 296</ref><ref name=hy-1-424>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 424</ref> Swe was to get his chance again to go to the front in the 1390–91 campaign. But this time, he commanded just a regiment, and was directly under the command of Tarabya. At any rate, their army could not break through the Pegu defenses at Pankyaw although the campaign ended in a truce.<ref name=hy-1-429-431>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 429–431</ref>

==Marriage== [[File:Anauk Mibaya Nat.jpg|thumb|Shin Mi-Nauk portrayed as the Anauk Mibaya ''nat'']]

In 1389/90, Swe was married to Princess Shin Mi-Nauk, daughter of the chief of Mohnyin, in a marriage of state.<ref name=hy-1-424/> The marriage was part of the effort by Ava and Mohnyin to mend their fences after the 1387–88 war between the two states.<ref name=yt-1-199-200>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 199–200</ref> On the advice of Chief Minister Min Yaza, King Swa selected Swe to marry Mi-Nauk.<ref name=hy-1-424/> While the peace with Mohnyin did not last—Ava and Mohnyin were to fight another war just three years later<ref name=hy-1-432-433>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 432–433</ref>—the marriage between Swe and Mi-Nauk lasted. The couple had four children at Pyinzi: Minye Kyawswa, Saw Pyei Chantha, Minye Thihathu and Minye Kyawhtin.<ref name=hy-1-441>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 441</ref>

==Accession== In April 1400, King Swa Saw Ke died and Tarabya ascended the throne. The new king kept his two half brothers at an arm's length. Neither Swe nor Theiddat controlled a sizable army. When Tarabya became mentally unstable about five months into his reign, and other pretenders began circling the throne, Swe was not in a strong-enough position to challenge them. Soon after, Gov. Thihapate of Tagaung assassinated Tarabya, and tried to seize the throne. But the court executed the usurper, and offered the throne to Min Swe.<ref name=hy-1-438>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 438</ref> But Swe was concerned about Gov. Maha Pyauk of Yamethin, who controlled a sizable army, and told the court to offer the throne to Pyauk instead. Theiddat implored Swe to reconsider. When his brother still refused, Theiddat took matters into his own hand. Theiddat and his small band of men ambushed Pyauk's much bigger army near Ava while Pyauk was not expecting. Pyauk was killed.<ref name=hy-1-439>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 439</ref> Min Swe had been proclaimed king by 25 November 1400 (or 26 October 1400).{{refn|group=note|name=accession|Minkhaung's accession date is conventionally translated as 25 November 1400.<ref name=tt-128>Than Tun 1959: 128</ref><ref name=mat-71>Aung-Thwin 2017: 71</ref> According to Michael Aung-Thwin following (Tin Hla Thaw, History of Burma, 1959: 136), the inscription on which Minkhaung's accession date was found is recorded in the volume 4 of ''Shay-haung Myanmar Kyauk-sa-mya [SMK]'' (Ancient Stone Inscriptions of Myanmar, Vol. 4, p. 221).<ref name=mat-321>Aung-Thwin 2017: 321</ref> According to (SMK Vol. 4 1998: 220–221, lines 7, 12), the inscription—founded in 762 ME at the Yan Aung-Myin Pagoda, in Tada-U Township—states that the Great Lord Anawrahta Saw [Minkhaung] in his 28th year [aged 27] ascended the throne on the ''tha-tin'' (သတင်) day in the waxing half of the month of Nadaw in the Arthat (Ashadha) year of 762 [ME].<ref name=smk-4-220-221>SMK Vol. 4 1998: 220–221, lines 7, 12</ref> Than Tun translated the date as 25 November 1400,<ref name=tt-128/> which would be the 9th waxing of Nadaw 762 ME, apparently treating 762 ME as a great leap year. If 762 ME were a regular year, the 9th waxing of Nadaw 762 ME would translate to Tuesday, 26 October 1400.}} He assumed the title of Minkhaung (မင်းခေါင်; "Foremost Lord" or "Paramount Lord").<ref name=hy-1-440>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 440</ref>

==Early reign== ===Consolidation of power=== Minkhaung spent his first year consolidating his power. He kept Min Yaza as chief minister, and appointed Yaza's son Pauk Hla governor Yamethin, and Yaza's son-in-law Thado Theinkhathu governor of Badon and Tabayin.<ref name=hy-1-441-443>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 441–443</ref> He also appointed Theiddat governor of Sagaing with the title of Thiri Zeya Thura but stopped short of declaring him his heir-apparent.<ref name=hy-1-441-443/> While Sagaing was a sizable province that used to be an independent kingdom, the younger brother was never satisfied with the reward, and held a "lingering resentment that would later rear its ugly head".<ref name=jf-s2006-10>Fernquest Spring 2006: 10</ref>

===Invasion by Pegu (1401–03)=== {{main|Ava–Hanthawaddy War (1401–1403)}}

thumb |Hanthawaddy forces attacked Ava territories from Tharrawaddy to Tagaung in 1401–1402, and up to Prome in 1402–1403.

The succession crisis at Ava did not go unnoticed. The Arakanese raided western Irrawaddy towns. In Pegu, King Razadarit assessed that Minkhaung's hold on power was still weak, and planned to place a nominee of his own. It would be payback for Ava's attempts to dislodge him early in his reign. Throughout 1401, Razadarit prepared an invasion river-borne fleet that could transport not only troops but even horses and elephants.<ref name=jf-s2006-10/> When the dry season began, Hanthawaddy forces invaded by the Irrawaddy river, attacking all the riverside towns and cities, including their main targets, Prome (Pyay) and Ava (Inwa).

The Forty Year's War had resumed after a 10-year hiatus. Initially, Hanthawaddy held the advantage. Ava did not have a navy that could challenge Pegu's massive flotilla. Ava forces had to defend inside the fortified towns along the river: Prome, Myede, Sagu, Salin, Pakhan Nge, Salay, Pagan (Bagan), Talok, Pakhan Gyi, Sagaing and Ava.<ref name=hy-1-446-447>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 446–447</ref> The Pegu navy held complete control of the Irrawaddy (as far north as Tagaung) but the blockades were not enough to force a surrender. Minkhaung bought time by sending a delegation led by a learned Buddhist monk, Shin Zawtayanta, to broker a truce.<ref name=hy-1-447-455>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 447–455</ref> The monk delivered a sermon that Razadarit used as a pretense to withdraw from Ava.<ref name=app-71>Phayre 1967: 71</ref> Minkhaung's vassals now rallied around him. He was able to assemble a sizable force, which he sent after the rainy season to relieve Prome. The Ava army decisively defeated the invaders south of Prome on 26 December 1402, forcing Pegu to ask for terms about ten days after the battle.<ref name=yt-1-219-221>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 219–221</ref>

Minkhaung sent an embassy led by Min Yaza to Pegu to negotiate a treaty. He wanted to exact a price from Pegu. After five months of negotiations, the two sides signed a peace treaty. The boundary of their kingdoms was fixed a little to the south of Prome. Pegu agreed to share the customs revenue of Bassein (Pathein), and supply 30 elephants annually. In return, Minkhaung sent his only sister Thupaba Dewi to be queen of Razadarit in a marriage alliance.<ref name=hy-1-469-470>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 469–470</ref><ref name=geh-89-90>Harvey 1925: 89–90</ref>

===Expansion=== ====Cis-Salween Shan states (1404–1406)==== Minkhaung had come out far stronger from the war. What began as an existential threat to his rule had turned to an agreement that was largely in his favor. In the following years, the king, with the advice of Min Yaza, resumed the expansionist policy of his father in order to restore the Pagan Empire. His first targets were the nearer (cis-Salween) Shan states. According to the Burmese chronicles, the acquisition drive was largely peaceful, and accomplished through diplomatic missions led by Min Yaza to Onbaung (Hsipaw) in 1404/05, Nyaungshwe in 1405/06 and Mohnyin in 1406.<ref group=note>Chronicles (Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 224–225) and (Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 445–446, 467) say that Nyaungshwe and Mohnyin submitted in 767 ME (1405/06) and 768 ME (1406/07) respectively. According to Ming records, per (Fernquest Autumn 2006: 51), Ava had acquired Bhamo, Mohnyin, and Kalay by 25 August 1406.</ref> But the Ming records say that Ava's missions were in fact military expeditions, and that the Ming court became especially concerned after Ava's capture of Mohnyin in 1406 that killed the ''sawbwa'' of Mohnyin and his son. On 25 August 1406, the Ming court sent an embassy to Ava to end the "aggression" against the Shan states.<ref name=jf-a-51>Fernquest autumn 2006: 51</ref>

Minkhaung initially brushed off the Chinese concerns. It was not until 1408 when he was about to resume the war with Pegu that he sent an embassy to Nanjing. The Ming records say that the Ava representative offered a formal apology to the emperor for "having occupied" the Ming vassals "without authority" on 28 May 1408; but despite the promise, Ava was encouraging Hsenwi to rebel against the Ming in 1408–1409. By September 1409, the Ming court was considering a punitive action against Ava.<ref name=jf-a-51-52>Fernquest autumn 2006: 51–52</ref> The simmering tensions would lead to war between Ava and Ming China between 1412 and 1415.

====Arakan (1406)==== Despite Chinese concerns, by August 1406, Ava had gained allegiance of all of its surrounding Shan states. Minkhaung now eyed Arakan. The western kingdom was a tributary of Ava between 1373/74 and 1385/86 during his father's reign but escaped Ava's orbit at the start of the Forty Years' War. Using alleged Arakanese raids on Ava's western districts, he sent a 10,000-strong army led by his eldest son Minye Kyawswa to Arakan. On 29 November 1406,<ref group=note>(RRT Vol. 2 1999: 9): Monday, 5th waning of Nadaw 768 ME = Monday, 29 November 1406.</ref> Ava forces took the Arakanese capital Launggyet, and Min Saw Mon fled to Bengal.<ref name=rrt-2-9>RRT Vol. 2 1999: 9</ref> Minkhaung appointed Gov. Anawrahta of Kalay king of Arakan.<ref name=hy-1-445>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 445</ref>

===Heir-apparent selection and its fallout=== After Arakan, Minkhaung was riding high. He was greatly impressed by his son's performance, and wanted to make him his heir apparent. With the advice of Min Yaza, he sent away Tarabya's eldest son and potential rival to the throne Prince Min Nyo to Kalay, a frontier state by the Manipur border, as governor. He tried to appease his brother Theiddat, governor of Sagaing, by giving him command of the Northern Cavalry.<ref name=yt-1-225>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 225</ref> The king then appointed Minye Kyawswa his heir apparent,<ref group=note>Chronicles do not agree on when Minye Kyawswa became crown prince. (Maha Yazawin Vol. 2 2006: 33–34) says he was appointed crown prince in late 773 ME (early 1412) after the second Arakan campaign of 1411–1412. But (Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 225–226) and (Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 471) say the appointment came after the first Arakan campaign, in 768 ME (1406/07).</ref> and married him to Saw Min Hla, a cousin of the groom.<ref name=hy-2-21>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 21</ref>

Theiddat felt totally betrayed. The younger brother bitterly complained that Minkhaung would not have become king were it not for him. Min Yaza tried to but could not mollify Theiddat. Minkhaung had Theiddat arrested but later released him after Min Yaza intervened. Shortly after, Theiddat fled to Pegu in 1407.<ref name=hy-1-473-474>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 473–474</ref><ref name=yt-1-227>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 227</ref>

==Middle reign== thumb|Political map of Burma in the 15th century

===Deterioration of relations with Pegu=== Far more than Ming China, Pegu viewed Ava's acquisition spree with great alarm. Realizing that Pegu was now Ava's only remaining target, Razadarit decided to act. He readily gave shelter to Theiddat although he knew such an action would be regarded as a declaration of war against Ava.<ref name=mha-91>Htin Aung 1967: 91</ref> He broke the 1403 agreement: Pegu stopped sending the annual shipment of 30 elephants and Ava's share of customs revenue of the Bassein port.<ref name=hy-1-473-474/>

Meanwhile, Minkhaung tried to solidify his hold over Arakan by sending his eldest daughter Saw Pyei Chantha to be the wife of Anawrahta as well as a senior minister to aid the vassal king.<ref name=yt-1-226>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 226</ref> He also sent an embassy to Chiang Mai,<ref name=ra-237-238>Razadarit Ayedawbon 2005: 237–238</ref> and a long overdue mission to China in early 1408.<ref name=jf-a-51-52/> According to the ''Razadarit Ayedawbon'' chronicle, Razadarit viewed Ava's mission to Chiang Mai as an attempt by Ava to secure its rear, and decided that war was inevitable.<ref name=ra-237-238/>

===Resumption of war with Pegu (1408–1410)===

In March 1408,<ref group=note>(Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 228, 235): Late Tagu 769 ME = 25 February 1408 to 24 March 1408</ref> Razadarit sent in an invasion force to Arakan, catching Ava completely by surprise. Its forces had been deployed in the north. The Ava court had not expected Pegu to act first, or an attack on Arakan. Before Ava could send any help, Pegu forces took Launggyet by late March/early April 1408.<ref group=note>Chronicles reports slightly different dates for Pegu's takeover of Launggyet. (Maha Yazawin Vol. 1 2006: 334) says Pegu forces had taken Arakan by Kason 770 ME (29 March 1408 to 23 April 1408); (Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 228) gives Late Tagu 969 ME (25 February 1408 to 24 March 1408); (Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 477) gives Late Kason 769 ME (25 to 28 March 1408).</ref> Razadarit had Minkhaung's son-in-law Anawrahta executed, and raised Minkhaung's daughter Pyei Chantha as his queen. Minkhaung was furious. Although the rainy season was just a month away, the king ordered an immediate invasion of the south, overruling his ministers' suggestion to wait until the dry season.<ref name=yt-1-229>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 229</ref>

In May 1408, Minkhaung himself led two armies (26,000 men, 2200 horses, 100 elephants), and invaded the southern country.<ref name=hy-1-476-477>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 476–477</ref> What ensued was a complete disaster. Predictably, Ava forces got bogged down in the swamps of Lower Burma. Three months into the invasion, Ava's troops were running out of supplies due to bad weather as well as Hanthawaddy ambushes on supply lines.<ref name=hy-1-476-477/> For his part, Razadarit could not match Ava's manpower, and ordered two attempts on Minkhaung's life. The first attempt by Hanthawaddy special forces to ambush Minkhaung's small contingent was broken up on the warning by Theiddat who was with the Peguan forces. It turned out that Theiddat could not betray his elder brother. Razadarit had Theiddat executed for the warning.<ref name=hy-1-481-483>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 481–483</ref> The second attempt nearly succeeded. Razadarit sent a team of commandos led by his top general Lagun Ein to infiltrate the enemy camp. Lagun Ein got inside Minkhaung's tent but refused to kill a sleeping Minkhaung.<ref name=hy-1-481-483/>

At any rate, Ava forces retreated {{circa}} August 1408. Razadarit came out and attacked the retreating troops. Ava forces were routed, and Minkhaung's queen Mi-Nauk was captured. Razadarit now had both the mother and the daughter in his harem.<ref name=hy-1-484-485>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 484–485</ref> Razadarit attempted to pick off Prome by launching an attack on the city on 22 November 1408 but the attack faltered.<ref name=ra-278-1>(Razadarit Ayedawbon 2005: 278): 5th waxing of Nadaw 770 ME = 22 November 1408</ref>

Minkhaung was forced to regroup. In December 1409, he again invaded with two armies (14,000 men, 1400 horses, 100 elephants). His armies again could not break through. Five months into the invasion {{circa}} May 1410, Razadarit counterattacked. Near Tharrawaddy, Razadarit and Minkhaung faced in battle over elephants, and the Hanthawaddy king drove back Minkhaung. The remaining Ava army was routed; several infantry, cavalry and elephants were captured.<ref name=hy-2-2-3>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 2–3</ref>

===Multi-front war (1410–1415)=== After the two consecutive disastrous defeats, a dejected Minkhaung handed over the military leadership to Minye Kyawswa. His eldest son was eager to have a chance to take on Razadarit who held both his mother and sister in his harem. Over the next five years, Minkhaung would call on Minye Kyawswa to wage war against his enemies on multiple fronts: against Hanthawaddy in both Lower Burma and Arakan, and against Ming China and its vassal states in the north. His son proved a gifted commander, and Ava would come closest to reassembling the Pagan Empire.

====Lower Burma and Arakan (1410–1412)==== Minye Kyawswa brought a fresh thinking to Ava's battle plan. Instead of directly attacking the well-defended Pegu capital region, he would attack what he believed were less defended regions. In late 1410, the prince invaded the Irrawaddy delta by river and land with an army (7000 men, 600 horses, and 40 elephants) and a navy that transported 7000 men. Combined Ava forces proceeded to attack the key delta cities of Myaungmya and Bassein (Pathein). But the prince found that the key delta cities were well fortified and prepared for long sieges.<ref name=yt-1-237>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 237</ref> He pulled back his forces to Prome, and invaded Arakan in early 1411. There, he successfully drove out Pegu-installed vassals, and appointed Ava's commanders as governor-generals.<ref name=my-2-29>Maha Yazawin Vol. 2 2006: 29</ref><ref name=yt-1-238>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 238</ref>

Meanwhile, Razadarit sought an alliance with Hsenwi in an attempt to open a second front. After the rainy season of 1411, the Hanthawaddy king sent two armies to Arakan.<ref name=my-2-30>Maha Yazawin Vol. 2 2006: 30</ref><ref name=ra-274>Razadarit Ayedawbon 2005: 274</ref> The Ava garrison at Sandoway fell before Ava reinforcements (8000 troops, 300 horses, 30 elephants) led by Minye Kyawswa arrived. Ava forces laid siege to the city for the next three months. But Hsenwi opened a new front by invading Ava territory in the north. The invasion was considered serious enough that Minkhaung recalled Minye Kyawswa from Arakan.<ref name=hy-2-7-8>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 7–8</ref> After the withdrawal, reinforced Hanthawaddy troops went on to drive out the Ava garrison at Launggyet in 1412.<ref name=hy-2-7-8/> (According to the Arakanese chronicle ''Rakhine Razawin Thit'', Ava retained a toehold at the Khway-thin-taung garrison in northern Arakan until 1416/17.<ref name=rrt-2-10>RRT Vol. 2 1999: 10</ref> But Ava would not send a major force to Arakan, and the western state would remain a Hanthawaddy vassal at least until Razadarit's death.)

====Hsenwi (1412)==== Hsenwi's invasion was not just due to Hanthawaddy's urging. The powerful Shan state had been ordered by the Ming court to retaliate against Ava's annexation of Mohnyin six years earlier.<ref name=jf-a2006-53-54>Fernquest Autumn 2006: 53–54</ref> It is unclear if Minkhaung and his court realized the gravity of the situation. Even if they did, their actions show they were not concerned about an escalating war against Ming-backed states in their northern border. Minkhaung was determined to teach Hsenwi a lesson. After Minye Kyawswa decisively defeated the Hsenwi force near Wetwin (present-day Pyin Oo Lwin), the king agreed to a plan to attack Hsenwi itself.<ref name=jf-a2006-53-54/><ref name=hy-2-9>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 9</ref>

Minye Kyawswa went on to lay siege to the city of Hsenwi throughout the rainy season of 1412. The Yunnan government sent an army (20,000 men and 2000 cavalry) to relieve the siege. The Ava army then ambushed the larger Chinese army as they came out of the forest. The Chinese army was driven back. Five Chinese commanders, 2000 troops and 1000 horses were taken prisoner.<ref name=hy-2-9/><ref name=ggy>Goh 2009: 24</ref> Ava wanted to finish off Hsenwi and the siege went on for one more month until {{circa}} November 1412. But Pegu came to Hsenwi's aid this time by launching a massive attack on Prome after the rainy season. The attack was serious enough that Minkhaung himself marched with his army to relieve Prome, and ordered Minye Kyawswa to join him on the southern front.{{refn|group=note|In Binnya Dala's Burmese language version of the ''Razadarit Ayedawbon'' chronicle, Razadarit marched to Prome on the 5th waxing of Nadaw 770 ME (27 November 1408).<ref name=nph-278>Pan Hla 2005: 278</ref> The 770 ME is an error. According to the main chronicles, the invasion of the south after Hsenwi was in 774 ME.<ref name=hy-2-9/><ref name=yt-1-239>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 239</ref>}}

====Lower Burma (1412–1413)==== Over the next four months the father-son team tried to break the Hanthawaddy siege of Prome. They made no meaningful progress until when the Hanthawaddy command suddenly lost its two most senior generals: Gen. Byat Za (natural causes)<ref name=hy-2-12>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 12</ref> and Gen. Lagun Ein (KIA).<ref name=yt-1-242>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 242</ref> Shaken by the deaths, Razadarit hastily retreated.<ref name=hy-2-13-14>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 13–14</ref> Minye Kyawswa proposed an immediate invasion of the south. Minkhaung was weary but allowed his son to carry out the plan. In April 1413, Minye Kyawswa took eastern delta towns of Dala–Twante and Dagon. But the Ava advance was halted at the battle of Hmawbi in which Gen. Letya Pyanchi of Prome was mortally wounded. Minkhaung ordered a pause as it was just a month away from the rainy season and the army did not have enough strength.<ref name=yt-1-244>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 244</ref><ref name=hy-2-15-16>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 15–16</ref> The crown prince ignored his father's order, and resumed the march to Pegu in May 1413.<ref group=note>(Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 244–245): Nayon 775 ME (30 April 1413 to 28 May 1413).</ref> But the Hanthawaddy defenses stopped Ava forces outside Dala and at Syriam.<ref name=yt-1-244-245>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 244–245</ref> The fighting paused during the rainy season of 1413.<ref name=yt-1-246>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 246</ref> Razadarit again sent emissaries to northern Shan states and Lan Na in search of alliances.<ref name=hy-2-16>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 16</ref>

====Northern Burma and Maw (1413–1414)==== Ava's northern front was never quiet after the siege of Hsenwi. According to the ''Ming Shilu'', the Yongle Emperor ordered another attack on Ava. In 1413, while the main Ava armies were in the south, Chinese-backed Hsenwi forces raided Ava's northern territories, destroying "over 20 cities and stockades". The captured elephants, horses, and other goods were presented at the Chinese capital in September 1413.<ref name=jf-a2006-53-54/> According to the Burmese chronicles, the attack on Myedu was carried out by another Shan state, Maw (Mong Mao/Mawdon Mawke).<ref name=yt-1-246/> As usual, Minkhaung recalled Minye Kyawswa to Ava, and sent his middle son Minye Thihathu to Prome to take over the southern command.<ref name=yt-1-246/> At Ava, Minye Kyawswa marched north to take on the Maw forces. His forces defeated Maw forces at Myedu, and chased the enemy to the Chinese border.<ref name=hy-2-21>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 21</ref><ref name=yt-1-247>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 247</ref>

====Lower Burma (1414–1415)==== The Ava command apparently considered the victory in the north decisive. Although the Chinese would be back later, Minkhaung and the court now blithely planned a full scale invasion of the south.<ref name=yt-1-247/><ref name=hy-2-21-22>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 21–22</ref> Ava had collected a large invasion force: an army consisted of 8000 men, 200 horses and 80 elephants, and a navy consisting of 13,000 men, and over 1800 ships of all sizes.<ref name=hy-2-22>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 22</ref> In October 1414, Minye Kyawswa launched the invasion of the western Irrawaddy delta. Although Hanthawaddy forces put up a spirited defense, Ava forces had gained complete control of the delta by the end of December.<ref name=hy-2-27>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 27</ref> Razadarit evacuated Pegu, and moved to Martaban (Mottama). The Ava command planned a pincer movement on Pegu from Toungoo and from Dala.<ref name=hy-2-27/> But the attack on Pegu would be delayed as the Chinese forces invaded from the north. Minkhaung managed to send an army which forced the Chinese army to retreat.<ref group=note>(Fernquest Autumn 2006: 53–54): Ming records do not provide any details about the expedition. The Burmese chronicles (Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 28–29) say that when the Ava army and the Chinese army met, both sides agreed to a duel on horseback. Smin Bayan, who had entered Ava's service, defeated the Chinese commander, after which the Chinese army retreated.</ref>

The Chinese attack provided a much-needed breathing room for Razadarit. He was back in Pegu and planning counterattack by February 1415.<ref group=note>(Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 253): Tabodwe 776 ME = 10 January 1415 to 7 February 1415</ref> On 2 March 1415, Razadarit himself led the army to the Dala front.<ref group=note>(Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 256): Full moon of Tabaung 776 ME = 22 February 1415; 8th waning of Tabaung 776 ME = 2 March 1415</ref> On 13 March 1415, the two armies fought at Dala–Twante in one of the most famous battles in Burmese military history. Minye Kyawswa was mortally wounded in the battle.<ref name=hy-2-42-43>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 42–43</ref> Minkhaung immediately came down with an army, and exhumed his son's body from where Razadarit had given it honorable burial. The remains were solemnly dropped into the waters near Twante.<ref name=hy-2-48-49>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 48–49</ref> After rampaging through the delta, Minkhaung called off the invasion and left.<ref name=hy-2-48-49/>

==Late reign== Minkhaung was totally heartbroken by his eldest son's death. He recalled Thihathu from Prome, and appointed him heir apparent.<ref name=hy-2-50>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 50</ref> The war went on languidly for two more campaigns. In 1416–1417, Razadarit tried to pick off Toungoo (Taungoo) but was defeated. In the following dry season, Minkhaung ordered a retaliatory invasion. Ava forces led by Thihathu took the delta, and again forced Razadarit to move to Martaban. They remained in the south for nearly a year. But they could not break through towards Pegu, and had to retreat.<ref name=yt-1-264>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 264</ref><ref name=hy-2-51>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 51</ref> It was the last campaign during Minkhaung's reign.

The king spent his last years in piety. He died {{circa}} October 1421.<ref group=note>The approximate date of death based on ''Yazawin Thit'' and ''Razadarit Ayedawbon'' chronicles. (Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 264–265) says that Minkhaung died in his 49th year (at age 48) in 783 ME (30 March 1421 to 29 March 1422), and that Razadarit died about two months after Minkhaung in the same calendar year (783 ME). This means Minkhaung died between his 48th birthday on the 12th waning of Thadingyut 783 ME (22 September 1421) and the last day of 783 ME (29 March 1422). ''Razadarit Ayedawbon'' (Pan Hla 2005: 356) says Razadarit died in 783 ME in his 54th year. This means Razadarit died before his 54th birthday on 8th waxing of Tabodwe 783 ME (30 December 1421). Because Minkhaung died about two months before Razadarit, he most probably had died by October 1421 and Razadarit about December 1421.</ref> His nemesis Razadarit is said to have lamented when he heard the news of Minkhaung's death. Razadarit died about two months later.<ref name=yt-1-265/>

==Administration== Minkhaung heavily relied on the advice of his court led by Chief Minister Min Yaza. He continued to employ Pagan's administrative model of solar polities<ref name=atat-109>Aung-Thwin and Aung-Thwin 2012: 109</ref> in which the high king ruled the core while semi-independent tributaries, autonomous viceroys, and governors actually controlled day-to-day administration and manpower.<ref name=vbl-35>Lieberman 2003: 35</ref><ref name=mat-1985-99-101>Aung-Thwin 1985: 99–101</ref>

{| class="wikitable collapsible" style="min-width:60em; margin:0.3em auto; font-size:88%;" ! colspan=4 | {{resize|116%|Rulers of Key Vassal States}} |- ! width="10%" | Vassal state ! width="10%" | Region ! width="20%" | Ruler (duration in office) ! width="20%" | Notes |- | Pagan (Bagan) | Core | {{ubl | Uzana III (by 1380/81–1413) | Tarabya I (1413–{{circa|1433}})<ref name=yt-1-246/> }} | |- | Myinsaing | Core | Thray Sithu ({{circa}} 1386–1426) | |- | Mekkhaya | Core | ? | |- | Pinle | Core | Thray Thinkhaya (1386?<ref name=hy-1-429>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 429</ref>–1427<ref name=hy-2-66>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 66</ref>) | Thray Thinkhaya was still in office in 1423<ref name=hy-2-56>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 56</ref> |- | Pyinzi | Core | {{ubl | Nandathingyan ({{circa}} 1401–1411/12) | Letya Zeya Thingyan (1412–1426)}} | |- | Pakhan | Core | {{ubl | Tarabya I (by 1390–1413)<ref name=yt-1-246/> | Tarabya II (Minye Kyawhtin) (1413–1426)}} | |- | Paukmyaing | Core | Sithu (1400<ref name=yt-1-212/>−?) | |- | Talok | Core | Yazathu of Talok ({{circa|1383/84}}–1413 or later) | |- | Wadi | Core | Thinkhaya | |- | Sagaing | North | {{ubl | Theiddat (1400–1407) | Thihathu (1408–1413) | Yazathingyan (1413–1450)}} | |- | Amyint | North | {{ubl | Tuyin Theinzi? ({{circa|1380}}–1400s?)<ref name=hy-1-414>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 414</ref> | Yazathingyan (1408–1413)}} | |- | Singu | North | {{ubl | Letwe?<ref name=hy-1-476-477>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 476–477</ref> | Baya Gamani (1401–1426, 1427–{{circa|1450}})}} | |- | Kale (Kalay) | North | {{ubl | Min Chay-To (1400–{{circa}} 1406)<ref name=yt-1-225-fn3>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 225 footnote 3</ref> | Anawrahta (1406) | Min Nyo (1406–1425)}} | |- | Mohnyin | North | {{ubl | vacant (1406–1410) | Thado (1410–1427)}} | |- | Myedu | North | {{ubl | Thettawshay (by 1413–1415) | Ottama Thiri Zeya Nawrahta (1415?–?)<ref name=yt-1-266>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 266</ref>}} | Ottama Thiri Zeya Nawrahta was governor by 1421.<ref name=yt-1-266/> |- | Onbaung | Northeast | {{ubl | Tho Kyaung Bwa (1404/05–1420s?) | Le Than Bwa (1420s?–1459/60)}} | |- | Nyaungshwe | East | Htaw Hmaing Gyi (1405/06–?)<ref name=yt-1-225>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 225</ref> | |- | Yamethin | Mid | {{ubl | Sithu (1400–1413)<ref name=yt-1-212-247>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 212, 247</ref> | Sithu Thihapate (1413–?)<ref name=yt-1-247/>}} | {{ubl | Son of Min Yaza of Wun Zin | Also known as Sithu the Younger}} |- | Taungdwin | Mid | {{ubl | Thihapate II ("Thettawshay Thihapate") (by 1364–{{circa|1401}})<ref name=hy-1-398-400>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 398, 400</ref><ref name=hy-2-62-63>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 62–63</ref><ref name=yt-1-212>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 212</ref> | Thihapate III ({{circa|1401}}–1441)<ref name=hy-2-79>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 79</ref>}} | |- | Nyaungyan | Mid | {{ubl | Tuyin Ponnya (by 1390<ref name=hy-1-429>Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 429</ref>–1408?) | Baya Kyawhtin II (by 1408<ref name=hy-1-476-477/>–1423 or later<ref name=hy-2-56/>)}} | {{ubl | Tuyin Ponnya reappointed to office in 1400<ref name=yt-1-212>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 212</ref> | Baya Kyawhtin was still governor in 1423.}} |- | Sagu | Mid | {{ubl | Theinkhathu II (?–1402 or later) | Thiri Zeya Kyawhtin (after 1402–1412) | Khin Ba (1413–?)<ref name=hy-2-20>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 20</ref>}} | |- | Salin | Mid | Nawrahta (1390–1426)<ref name=hy-2-61>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 61</ref> | |- | Prome (Pyay) | South | {{ubl | Letya Pyanchi (1390–1413) | Sokkate (1413) | Minye Kyawswa (1413) | Thihathu (1413–1416)}} | |- | Toungoo (Taungoo) | South | {{ubl | Min Nemi (1399–1408/09) | Letya Zeya Thingyan (1408/09–1411/12) | Thinkhaya I (1411/12–1415) | Thinkhaya II (1415–1418/19) | Pantaung (1419–1420) | Thinkhaya III (1420–1435)}} | |- | Launggyet (Arakan) | West | {{ubl | Anawrahta (1406–1408) | Thray Sithu (1408–1409) | Letya Zeya Thingyan (North Arakan) (1411–1412) | Sokkate (South Arakan) (1411)}} | {{ubl | Minkhaung's son-in-law | Viceroy for a few months in 1408–1409 | Governor of North Arakan (Launggyet) | Governor of South Arakan (Sandoway)}} |}

==Family== Chronicles state that Minkhaung had five senior queens.<ref name=hy-1-440/>

{| class="wikitable collapsible" style="min-width:60em; margin:0.3em auto; font-size:88%;" ! colspan=4 | {{resize|116%|Family of King Minkhaung}} |- |- ! style="background-color:#B9D1FF" | Queen ! style="background-color:#B9D1FF" | Rank ! style="background-color:#B9D1FF" | Issue ! style="background-color:#B9D1FF" | Reference |- | Shin Saw of Ava | Chief queen | ''unknown'' | <ref name=tt-125-126>Than Tun 1959: 125–126</ref> |- | Saw Khway | Queen of the Northern Palace | ''unknown'' | <ref name=tt-125-126/> |- | Min Pyan | Queen of the Middle Palace | ''unknown'' | <ref name=tt-125-126/> |- | Shin Mi-Nauk | Queen of the Western Palace (r. 1400−1408) | Minye Kyawswa Saw Pyei Chantha Thihathu Minye Kyawhtin | <ref name=yt-1-265>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 265</ref> |- | Shin Bo-Me | Queen of the Western Palace (r. 1408−1421?) Queen of Southern Palace? | ''none'' | <ref group=note>(Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 265) says Bo-Me was Queen of the Southern Palace. However, a 1409 stone inscription donated by Shin Saw of Ava states that Shin Saw was the chief queen and her two other sisters Saw Khway and Min Pyan were principal queens. If Bo-Me did become the chief queen, it must be later than 1409.</ref> |- | Min Hla Myat | Junior queen wife of Tarabya of Ava | ''none'' | <ref name=yt-1-265/> |- | Shin Myat Hla | Junior queen married only for five months (1409–10) | ''none'' | <ref name=hy-2-81>Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 81</ref> |}

One of his concubines, Saw Pan-Gon, gave birth to a daughter named Saw Nant-Tha, who was later married to his nephew Prince Min Nyo of Kale Kye-Taung.<ref name=yt-1-265/>

==Historiography==

{| class="wikitable collapsible" style="min-width:60em; margin:0.3em auto; font-size:88%;" ! colspan=6 | {{resize|116%|Historiography}} |- |- ! style="background-color:#B9D1FF" width=15% | Source ! style="background-color:#B9D1FF" width=15% | Birth–Death ! style="background-color:#B9D1FF" width=5% | Age ! style="background-color:#B9D1FF" width=15% | Reign ! style="background-color:#B9D1FF" width=5% | Length of reign ! style="background-color:#B9D1FF" width=5% | Reference |- | ''Zatadawbon Yazawin'' (List of Kings of Ava Section) | {{circa}} 16 October 1369 – 1423 Tuesday born | rowspan=2 | 53 (54th year) | 1401 – 1423 | 22 | {{refn|group=note|(Zata 1960: 46): Tuesday, 8th month (Tazaungmon) of 731 ME (1 to 30 October 1369)}} |- | ''Zatadawbon Yazawin'' (Horoscopes Section) | {{circa}} 23 September 1382 [sic] – early 1422 Tuesday born | 1401 – early 1422 | 22 [sic] | {{refn|group=note|(Zata 1960: 73): Minkhaung was born on Tuesday, 15th nekkhat of 7th month (Thadingyut) of 744 ME [sic]. Minkhaung's reign is derived from the horoscope for Tarabya per (Zata 1960: 73), which says Tarabya died in 1401, and that for Thihathu per (Zata 1960: 74) which says Thihathu came to power in 783 ME (1421/22).}} |- | ''Maha Yazawin'' | {{circa}} 1373 – 1422/23 Tuesday born | 49 (50th year) | June 1401 – 1422/23 | 21 | {{refn|group=note|(Maha Yazawin Vol. 1 2006: 305) and (Maha Yazawin Vol. 2 2006: 55)}} |- | ''Mani Yadanabon'' | {{circa}} 1369 – 1422/23 | 53 (54th year) | 1400/01 – 1422/23 | 22 | {{refn|group=note|(Mani Yadanabon 2009: 65): King Tarabya ascended the throne in 762 ME (29 March 1400 to 28 March 1401), and was assassinated 5 months and 7 days later. (Mani Yadanabon 2009: 67): King Minkhaung became king, also in 762 ME, (implying sometime between August 1400 and March 1401). (Mani Yadanabon 2009: 181): Minkhaung died in 784 ME (1422/23) in his 54th year (at age 53), having reigned 22 years.}} |- | ''Yazawin Thit'' | rowspan=2 | {{circa}} 1373 – 1421/22 Tuesday born | rowspan=2 | 48 (49th year) | in or after September 1400 – 1421/22 | 21 | {{refn|group=note|Tarabya became king in 762 ME (29 March 1400 to 28 March 1401), and was assassinated after 5 months. Minkhaung ascended the throne after a brief period of power struggle,<ref name=yt-1-207-208-210>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 207–208, 210</ref> meaning Minkhaung came to power in or after September 1400. Minkhaung became king in his 28th year (aged 27), reigned 21 years, and died in his 49th year (aged 48) in 783 ME.<ref name=yt-1-264-266>Yazawin Thit Vol. 1 2012: 264, 266</ref>}} |- | ''Hmannan Yazawin'' | June 1401 – 1421/22 Tuesday born | 21 [sic] | {{refn|group=note|(Hmannan Vol. 1 2003: 436, 439) and (Hmannan Vol. 2 2003: 51–52). Mixing ''Maha Yazawin's'' reign dates with ''Yazawin Thit's'' age of 48 (49th year).}} |- | Inscriptions | 13 September 1373 – ? | ? | by 25 November 1400 – ? | | {{refn|group=note|name=birth}} {{refn|group=note|name=accession}} |}

==Notes== {{Reflist|group=note}} {{notelist}}

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

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{{s-start}} {{s-hou|Ava Kingdom|13 September|1373|{{circa}} October|1421}} {{s-reg}} {{s-bef|before=Tarabya}} {{s-ttl|title=King of Ava|years=by 25 November 1400 – {{circa}} October 1421}} {{s-aft|after=Thihathu}} {{s-roy}} {{s-new}} {{s-ttl|title=Governor of Pyinzi|years={{circa}} April 1385 – 25 November 1400}} {{s-aft|after=Nandathingyan}} {{s-end}}

Category:Ava dynasty Category:1373 births Category:1421 deaths Category:15th-century Burmese monarchs