 Mandalay
Mandalay, dominated by its royal palace, has great cultural
importance to the Burmese being the last capital of the country
before the British took control of Myanmar.
Founded by King Mindon of Amarapura, who had dethroned his elder
brother King Bagan, Mandalay was seen, among other things, as
strategically secure. King Mindon also believed that the founding of
the new city would draw his people's attention away from the pain
and humiliation of the British occupation of Lower Burma.
Situated on the banks of the Ayerwaddy, Dohtawaddy and Madayar
rivers Mandalay lies on a plain between the Shan plateau to the East
and the Ayerwaddy to the West. So in 1857 the first of the palace
foundations were laid and 150,000 people prepared to leave their
homes in Amarapura and resettle in what was still a bare city.
Mandalay derives its name from Mandalay Hill which over looks this
sprawling city at a height of 230 metres. It is seen by the locals
as an Eiffel Tower like natural structure over looking their city.
As a kingdom Mandalay's glory was very short lived for King Mindon
was succeeded by King Thibaw who was sent, along with his queen,
into exile in 1885 by the British who by that time had taken control
of all of Myanmar.
During WW 2 the palace site became one of a battle field when the
British, who had occupied the palace, were bombed by the Japanese.
The palace was almost completely destroyed. In 1989 the palace was
reconstructed by the Myanmar Government.
|
24 hours emergency client support phone
number 095131926
