Kanaung Mintha

Kanaung Mintha (Burmese: ကနောင်မင်းသား; 31 January 1820 - 2 August 1866) was a son of King Tharrawaddy and younger brother of King Mindon of Burma.^[1] Towards the end of the Second Anglo-Burmese War, Kanaung and Mindon overthrew their half brother Pagan (1848–1853) and enthroned the latter. Subsequently, Kanaung became the Heir Apparent on July 11, 1853.^[2] He was the fiery "War Prince" and the peoples' idol.^[3] Kanaung attempted to modernize the country by sending scholars to Western countries and by founding an arms industry. However, his efforts were cut short when he was killed by his two nephews. Notwithstanding his short life, he is revered by Burmese nationals for his innovations in modernizing Burma.

Role as a modernizer

King Mindon was dedicated to religion but Kanaung was skillful in administration. Kanaung tried to rebuild the Burmese Army with modern weapons. He sent men to study in Western countries to establish an up-to-date arms industry. His efforts were well depicted in contemporary stories and poems. One story relates to his effort in testing depth charges in order to repulse British troops sailing up the Irrawaddy. Eventually, these testings were thwarted by the head of the Buddhist Sangha who protested against them by asserting their harmful effects on aquatic lives. Another story tells about his visits to the factories on cold early winter mornings while wrapping in a blanket. He was also known for his waywardness as depicted in a famous love song called Seinchu Kya-nyaung bawlè written by his wife, Princess Hlaing Hteik-hkaung Tin.

Assassination

In an unsuccessful palace coup on 2 August 1866 by the princes Myingun and Myinkhondaing (sons of King Mindon), Kanaung was killed, nevertheless, he managed to hold off the assassins to gain enough time for the King's escape.^[3] His body was buried in the grounds of the Sandamuni paya built in his memory at the foot of Mandalay Hill by Mindon.^[4] In 1878, King Mindon died and his son Prince Thibaw acceded to the throne. In November 1885, King Thibaw surrendered to the British after the defeat at Third Anglo-Burmese War. Consequently, Thibaw was sent to exile in India. To this day, Burmese citizens believe that their history would have been considerably different if Kanaung were to survive and accede to the Burmese throne. The loss of Kanaung Mintha has been mourned by the Burmese nearly as much as that of Aung San. In addition, Burmese people believe British officers were behind the assassination plot of Aung San and Kanaung.

Epilogue

June Rose Bellamy, aka Yadana Nat-Me (Precious Angel), a great granddaughter of Ka Naung, daughter of Princess Hteiktin Ma Lat and Herbert Bellamy, an Australian orchid collector long settled in Burma, became the fourth wife of General Ne Win later divorcing him.

References

External links

• Burmese Encyclopedia Vol 1, p-49 printed in 1955
• Seinchu Kya-nyaung by Yadana Oo on the Burmese harp