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Athinkhaya

Athinkhaya was one of the three co-regents and founders of the Myinsaing Kingdom, a polity that emerged in central Burma (now Myanmar) following the collapse of the Pagan Empire in 1287. Athinkhaya, along with his brothers Yazathingyan and Thihathu, played a pivotal role in establishing the Myinsaing Dynasty, which lasted from 1297 to 1313.

Early Life

Athinkhaya was born into a prominent family in Myinsaing, located in Central Burma. His father, Theinkha Bo, was a younger brother of the sawbwa (chief) of Binnaka. Following a dispute, Theinkha Bo fled to Myinsaing, where Athinkhaya and his siblings later rose to power.

The Founding of Myinsaing

In the aftermath of the Mongol invasions of Burma, the Pagan Empire disintegrated, leaving a power vacuum in central Burma. Taking advantage of this situation, Athinkhaya and his brothers seized control of the territory. By 1297, the brothers had established the Myinsaing Kingdom.

Co-Regency

Athinkhaya, along with his brothers, co-ruled the kingdom. This unique form of governance proved to be effective in consolidating their power and defending their territory. Athinkhaya was particularly notable for his military acumen. In 1300, he led Myinsaing forces to attack Mongol garrisons north of Mandalay, including the strategic locations of Nga Singu and Male.

Legacy

Athinkhaya's rule is marked by the initial defense and consolidation of the Myinsaing Kingdom. After his death in 1310, his brother Thihathu pushed aside Yazathingyan and, by 1313, declared himself the sole ruler of the kingdom. Despite the brief duration of the Myinsaing Dynasty, Athinkhaya's role in its establishment laid the groundwork for the subsequent Pinya and Sagaing Kingdoms, both considered extensions or offshoots of the Myinsaing Dynasty.

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The Founders of the Myinsaing Dynasty

The Myinsaing Dynasty was established following the decline of the Pagan Kingdom, a significant period in Burmese history. This dynasty rose to prominence in the late 13th century, marking a pivotal shift in the political landscape of Burma. The founders of this influential dynasty were three brothers: Athinkhaya, Yazathingyan, and Thihathu.

The Founding Brothers

Athinkhaya

Athinkhaya (c. 1261–1310) was one of the key figures in establishing the Myinsaing Dynasty. Born into a distinguished family in Central Burma, his heritage and leadership skills were instrumental in the formation of the dynasty. He, along with his brothers, orchestrated the overthrow of Kyawswa, the last king of the Pagan Kingdom, in 1297. This act was a decisive moment that led to the brothers seizing power and forming a new governing body.

Yazathingyan

Yazathingyan (c. 1263 – c. 1312/13) played a critical role alongside his brothers in the establishment of the Myinsaing Dynasty. His tenure was marked by strategic alliances and military prowess that were crucial in repelling the Mongol invasions which threatened the nascent kingdom. His leadership and tactical acumen were vital to the dynasty's early successes and consolidation of power in the region.

Thihathu

Thihathu (1265–1325) was perhaps the most prominent of the three brothers, eventually becoming the sole ruler after the death of his siblings. His reign saw the further strengthening of the dynasty's hold over central Burma. Thihathu was adept at navigating the complex political landscapes of the time, fostering alliances and consolidating power, which helped transition the Myinsaing Dynasty into what would later become the Pinya Kingdom.

Co-Regency and Governance

The governance model established by the brothers was unique for its time, characterized by co-regency. Each brother held significant authority, and decision-making was a collaborative effort. This system allowed for a dynamic and adaptive approach to governance, which was necessary to navigate the challenges posed by internal and external threats.

The co-regency model also facilitated a balance of power among the brothers, preventing potential power struggles that could destabilize the nascent kingdom. This period of shared rule lasted until the transition to the Pinya Kingdom in 1313, following the death of Yazathingyan and Athinkhaya, leaving Thihathu as the primary ruler.

Legacy

The founding of the Myinsaing Dynasty marked a significant shift in the history of Burma. The dynasty laid the groundwork for future kingdoms, including the Sagaing Kingdom and the aforementioned Pinya Kingdom. The strategic and political acumen of the founding brothers established a legacy that would influence the region for generations to come.

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Founders and Co-Regents of the Myinsaing Dynasty

The Myinsaing Dynasty emerged in the late 13th century, following the collapse of the Pagan Empire. The dynasty was primarily established in the central region of what is now Myanmar, and was foundational in consolidating power after a period of fragmentation and Mongol invasions.

Founders of the Myinsaing Dynasty

The key figures credited with founding the Myinsaing Dynasty were the three brothers: Athinkhaya, Yazathingyan, and Thihathu. These brothers were originally military leaders under the Pagan Empire and played a significant role in resisting the Mongol invasions. In 1297, they took control over central Burma, marking the beginning of the Myinsaing Dynasty.

  • Athinkhaya: Considered the eldest of the brothers, Athinkhaya was a pivotal military strategist during the dynasty's formation. He played a crucial role in defending the nascent kingdom against external threats, particularly from the Mongols.

  • Yazathingyan: As a co-founder, Yazathingyan was responsible for administrative and internal governance, helping to stabilize the region during the dynasty's early years. His leadership ensured the consolidation of power within the newly established kingdom.

  • Thihathu: The youngest of the three, Thihathu eventually became the most prominent figure among the brothers. He later established the Pinya Kingdom in 1313 after the end of their joint rule, indicating his ambition and strategic prowess.

Co-Regency in the Myinsaing Dynasty

The governance of the Myinsaing Dynasty was unique due to its co-regency model, where the three brothers ruled collectively. This tripartite system was unusual for the period and showcased a collaborative approach to leadership, contrasting with the typical singular rule seen in other contemporary kingdoms.

  • Co-regency Dynamics: The three brothers balanced power by dividing responsibilities based on their strengths. Athinkhaya oversaw military affairs, Yazathingyan focused on administration and governance, and Thihathu managed diplomatic relations.

  • Transition to Pinya: The co-regency model persisted until Thihathu's ascension as the sole ruler of the newly formed Pinya Kingdom. This transition marked the end of Myinsaing's co-regency but laid the groundwork for future political structures in the region.

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The founders of the Myinsaing Dynasty and their co-regency model significantly influenced the political landscape of medieval Burma, setting precedents for future governance structures in the region.

Myinsaing Dynasty

The Myinsaing Dynasty was a significant yet short-lived period in Burmese history. It arose during the tumultuous times following the decline of the Pagan Empire, one of the most powerful empires to have existed in Southeast Asia. This dynasty played a crucial role in resisting external invasions and maintaining the cultural and political integrity of the region during the late 13th and early 14th centuries.

Historical Background

Following the collapse of the Pagan Empire in 1287, the region became fragmented into numerous small kingdoms. The Myinsaing Kingdom emerged as a significant power, capitalizing on the weakened state left by the fall of Pagan. The Myinsaing rulers were instrumental in fending off invasions, notably from the Yuan Dynasty of Mongol China. The second Mongol invasion of Burma in 1301 was notably repulsed by the Myinsaing forces, marking a pivotal moment in the kingdom's legacy.

Founding and Leadership

The Myinsaing Dynasty was co-founded by three brothers, notably Thihathu, who was a key figure in the kingdom's administration. His strategic acumen was crucial in establishing Myinsaing's dominance in the region. The brothers hailed from a politically significant family in central Burma, which provided an advantageous foundation for their rise to power.

Political Influence and Achievements

During its short existence, the Myinsaing Dynasty managed to exert considerable influence over the territories that once fell under the Pagan Empire. It played a decisive role in the political realignment of the region and set the stage for the emergence of subsequent states, such as the Kingdom of Ava, founded by Saw Yun, the son of Thihathu.

Decline and Legacy

The Myinsaing Dynasty eventually gave way to other political entities, including the Sagaing Kingdom and the Ava Kingdom. The Sagaing Kingdom was ruled by a junior branch of the Myinsaing dynasty from 1315 to 1365, illustrating the continued influence of Myinsaing's legacy even as the original kingdom waned.

The Myinsaing Dynasty's resistance against foreign invasions and its role in sustaining Burmese culture and governance during a period of fragmentation is a testament to its historical importance. It laid the groundwork for the cultural and political developments in Burma that followed its decline.

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This interconnected web of historical events and figures highlights the Myinsaing Dynasty's role in shaping the trajectory of Burmese history during a crucial transitional period.