Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the initial strategy employed by Maha Bandula for the attack on Calcutta?
What was the initial strategy employed by Maha Bandula for the attack on Calcutta?
What major disadvantage did Bandula face during the confrontation with the British forces?
What major disadvantage did Bandula face during the confrontation with the British forces?
What event led to Maha Bandula's forces retreating from the conflict?
What event led to Maha Bandula's forces retreating from the conflict?
Where was the pivotal battle that Maha Bandula attempted a frontal attack on the British forces?
Where was the pivotal battle that Maha Bandula attempted a frontal attack on the British forces?
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What was the result of the British attack on Yangon in May 1824?
What was the result of the British attack on Yangon in May 1824?
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What significant action did King Bagyidaw take to restore confidence in his reign?
What significant action did King Bagyidaw take to restore confidence in his reign?
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Who were considered the main powers behind the throne during Bagyidaw's reign?
Who were considered the main powers behind the throne during Bagyidaw's reign?
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What was the response of the king of Manipur towards King Bagyidaw's coronation?
What was the response of the king of Manipur towards King Bagyidaw's coronation?
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What were the circumstances leading to the Anglo-Myanmar War in 1824?
What were the circumstances leading to the Anglo-Myanmar War in 1824?
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What happened to the prince of Taungoo during Bagyidaw's rule?
What happened to the prince of Taungoo during Bagyidaw's rule?
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How did the British position themselves in Southeast Asia during Bagyidaw's reign?
How did the British position themselves in Southeast Asia during Bagyidaw's reign?
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What was the public perception of King Bagyidaw during his rule?
What was the public perception of King Bagyidaw during his rule?
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What action did Bagyidaw take against the king of Manipur following his declaration of independence?
What action did Bagyidaw take against the king of Manipur following his declaration of independence?
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Study Notes
King Sagaing (Bagyidaw)
- King Bagyidaw ruled from 1819 to 1837, succeeding his grandfather King Bodawphaya.
- His reign began amidst rumors of imminent war and the kingdom's potential collapse.
- To restore public confidence, he abandoned grand projects initiated by his grandfather and suspended taxes for three years.
- The capital was relocated back to Innwa, reflecting concerns over stability.
- Bagyidaw was viewed as good-natured but ineffectual, allowing royal family members, especially his chief queen, to wield considerable power.
- His queen, Mai Nu, was abusive and of common origin, yet her relatives were appointed to high offices due to their capabilities.
- Tension arose within the military regarding the influence of the queen's family and the king's brother, who were senior commanders.
- People admired Bagyidaw but perceived him as an ineffective ruler lacking decisive action.
British Intrusion in Myanmar
- The British Empire was expanding its colonial territories in Southeast Asia during Bagyidaw's reign, having recently emerged victorious over Napoleon in Europe.
- The king of Manipur attempted to sever ties with Myanmar, signaling independence by not attending Bagyidaw's coronation or sending tribute, which was an obligation for vassal kings.
- Bagyidaw launched a punitive expedition against Manipur in response to the king’s actions, but the king fled to Cachar and managed to rally support against his enemies.
- Ongoing rival claims to the throne in Myanmar led to unrest, including a rebellion by Bagyidaw's uncle, the prince of Taungoo, who was executed after his second attempt.
- In January 1824, Myanmar troops invaded Cachar; shortly after, the British declared war on Myanmar in March.
Warfare and Tactics
- Maha Bandula was appointed commander-in-chief, organizing a two-pronged military strategy from Assam and Manipur, and another from Arakan.
- The Myanmar forces initially achieved success, defeating British Indian army units at the battle of Ramu using guerrilla and frontal tactics.
- Bandula aimed for a strategic wait to invade Calcutta through Cachar, but faced delays due to British reinforcements arriving by sea.
- In May 1824, British naval forces surprised the Myanmar at Yangon, capturing the city with minimal resistance.
- Bagyidaw mobilized two armies to defend Yangon; however, a frontal assault on British positions at the Shwedagon Pagoda failed due to outdated weaponry.
- Bandula was ultimately killed during a battle, leading to a Myanmar retreat under dire circumstances.
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Description
Explore the significant events during the reign of King Bagyidaw, the grandson of King Badon, and learn about the challenges he faced from British intrusion in Myanmar. This quiz delves into his attempts to stabilize the kingdom and the historical context surrounding his rule from 1819 to 1837.
