Amarapura ancient city and architectural works from the Konbaung era are repaired and maintained annually to facilitate study at the same location, according to U Aye Lwin, Assistance Director of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum.
“The Mandalay Region Archaeology and National Museum Department has been conducting small-scale maintenance annually on the ancient cultural heritage of Konbaung-era architectural buildings. A compilation of historical information and buildings associated with the former capital of Amarapura has been gathered and documented to assist in identifying new destinations for the development of the tourism sector in the area,” U Aye Lwin explained.
Bodaw (King Badon) founded and ruled the first royal city in Amarapura Township, Mandalay Region, in 1144 ME. The cultural heritage of Amarapura Palace, where seven dynasties were enthroned, can be observed on Tamatan Street, adjacent to the Yangon-Mandalay Highway. There, people will be able to learn about an indigo factory with six brick tanks, 20 feet in diameter and 40 feet in depth, and an old furnace, which was the first built by Prince Kanaung in Myanmar.
Near the factory, there is the Nan Myint Tower, approximately six feet long, 40 feet wide, and 45 feet high, believed to have been constructed during the reign of Bodaw (King Badon). Additionally, there is the ancient treasury building, measuring 50 feet in length, 40 feet in width, and 35 feet in height.
Visitors can explore and learn about the cultural treasures of the Tombs of Kings Bodaw (King Badon), King Ba Gyi Daw, King Thayawady, and U Paw Oo Pagoda, as well as the Boe Boe Aung Pagoda, Shwe Sanka Myodaunt Pagoda, and Myapakhet Pagoda around the ancient city. — ASH/KZL
