|
|
The earliest settlers in the country of Myanmar were a race of highly
cultured people known as the Pyu, of Tibeto-Burman stock. Archeological
findings prove that the Pyu, who were devout Buddhists, first settled
in Myanmar in the 2nd century A.D. But the two better known are the
cities of Sri Kshetra, close to what is now the town of Pyay by the
Ayeyarwady River in central Myanmar, and Beikthano, some 90 miles north
of Pyay.
In its day Sri Kshetra was the seat of Pyu power. Legends say that the
great King Duttabaung of Sri Kshetra who had supernatural powers to
see all things hidden, loved the princess Pantra who ruled Beikthano.
But she wanted no man to rule over her or her kingdom. Finally, with
his bigger armies, Duttabaung conquered Beikthano and brought the beautiful
Princess in all honor to his city. Although he loved her greatly, his
love was not returned and the Princess in revenge and by a ruse of magic
destroyed his supernatural powers. Consequently his powers declined
and the dynasty soon fell to ruin.
That may well be romantic fiction but it is a tragic fact that the Pyu
race, which first settled in the 2nd century A.D, disappeared in the
9th century A.D, with their cities abandoned and their old graves deserted.
What really happened remains a mystery without documented proof.
The Pyu civilization with their own language and literature, their highly
evolved craftsmanship and deep religious beliefs flourished for many
centuries, reaching the peak of its power from the 4th to the 9th centuries
A.D.
Interesting places in Pyay: Shwesandaw Pagoda, Sehtat-gyi Pagoda,
Thaye-khit-taya(old “pyu” capital of Shri Kshetra), Palace,
Baw-baw gyi, Hpaya-gyi, Hpaya-ma Pagodas, Be-be Temple, Le-myet-hna
Temple, Yahanda-gu Temple, Beikthano, surrounded of Pyay : Shwemyet-hman
Pagoda, Shwe-nat-taung Pagoda
 
 
 
|
|
