A Study of Siam-Myanmar 18th century relations as reflected in Yodayar Naing Mawgun by Letwe Nawrahta

Abstract

Mawgun is a genre of Myanmar literature which records the memorable events in history. In this thesis, the Mawgun written by Minister-poet Letwe Nawrahta whose endeavor of weaving intricate but vivid episodes of the war of 1767 carrying the reflections of a shared history of Siam and Myanmar is examined in the context of 18th century Siam-Myanmar relations, especially wars between the two countries. This thesis includes many aspects of history in terms of political situations which prevailed in both countries, economic explanations for the conflict, traditions and practices adopted by the kings and the people and so on. Based on the Mawgun, it provides brief sketches of 4 genres of Myanmar literature useful in the study of Siam-Myanmar warfare which cannot be found anywhere in the Thai documents, a detailed study of the Mawgun and a thorough examination of the real happenings of the war and the historical writings of both Siam and Myanmar followed by the far-reaching effects of this war on relations between the two countries. The Mawgun is a rare manuscript which has survived since the time of Myanmar kings. It is a contemporary account useful to understand the context of Siam-Myanmar relations in the 18th century. Posterity can benefit from studying this Mawgun which provides many historical facts and figures. It is unique in a sense that Mawgun, one of the Myanmar literary forms, has been used for the first time in the field of Thai studies.