The city of Pagan (also spelled Bagan), the first capital of the Burman kings, is situated in central Burma (now Myanmar) in a sharp bend of the Irrawaddy River. The city was also known as Arimaddanapura, "the city that is a crusher of enemies," in the Pali language. Containing more than five thousand stupas and temples, the city is evidence of the architectural skill and religious worship of the Burmese. Pagan was founded in 849 BCE and became the capital of the Pagan dynasty (1044–1300) under King Anawrahta (1044–1077), during whose reign most construction took place. Pagan achieved its power by combining Burman military might, Mon architectual and artisan skills, and Indian Brahman political influence and by consolidating Theravada Buddhism with indigenous nat (spirit) worship. The largest and most important structures include the Mingalazedi (Blessing Stupa), Ananda Paya, and the Shwesandaw Paya. The city went into decline around 1234 under a series of weak kings. Mongol invasions from the north around 1287 led to the further decline of the city and its virtual abandonment. An earthquake in 1975 caused major damage to many of Pagan's structures, but restoration work has been largely successful in maintaining the city. Pagan is now the most visited tourist site in Myanmar.
Further Reading
Aung-Thwin, Michael. (1985) Pagan: The Origins of Modern Burma. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.
Htin Aung, Maung. (1967) A History of Burma. New York: Columbia University Press.
Strachan, Paul. (1990) Imperial Pagan: Art and Architecture of Old Burma. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.
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