Natshinnaung

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Natshinnaung (Burmese: နတ်သျှင်နောင်, [naʔ ʃɪ̀ɰ̃ nàʊɰ̃]; 1579–1613) was a Toungoo prince and poet known for leading a rebellion in Thanlyin (Syriam) alongside the Portuguese mercenary Filipe de Brito.

Biography

A grandson of King Bayinnaung and the eldest son of Minye Thihathu, Viceroy of Toungoo, Natshinnaung participated in King Nanda Bayin's campaigns to reconquer Siam in the early 1590s, and took part in the sacking of Nanda's capital Pegu in 1599.[1] On 21 March [O.S. 11 March] 1603,[2] he married his lifelong love, Princess Yaza Datu Kalaya, for whom his famous poems were written. The marriage was cut short, however, as the princess died only seven months later.

When Natshinnaung succeeded his father on 11 August 1609,[3] much of the country had been reunited under the leadership of his cousin Anaukpetlun, who attacked Toungoo in 1610.[4] Although Natshinnaung was made viceroy of Toungoo as the city surrendered on 4 September that same year (2nd waning of Tawthalin 972 ME), he was deeply dissatisfied with his reduced status and allied with Filipe de Brito to commence a counter-offensive that ultimately failed. Both were executed upon the fall of Thanlyin, de Brito's domain, to Anaukpetlun's forces.[1]

Family

Natshinnaung had six sons and three daughters from five concubines, but no children came from his marriage with Yaza Datu Kalaya.

NameMotherBrief
1. Minye Thing TheinMin Nara Sit daughter of Minye NarathuSon married to his half-sister Khin Nè Gyi
2. Khin Nè GyiKhin Lat daughter of a younger sister of Ne Myo Kyawhtin's wifeDaughter married to her half-brother Minye Thing Thein
3. Minye NaraKhin Lat daughter of a younger sister of Ne Myo Kyawhtin's wifeSon
4. Minye ThihaKhin Lat daughter of a younger sister of Ne Myo Kyawhtin's wifeSon
5. Khin Myat TheikKhin Mya Nè daughter of Theik Taw ShiDaughter married to Mintha Thing Thikyawsan Gov.of Myinsaing son of Nanda Bayin
6. Ne Myo KhaingKhin Mya Nè daughter of Theik Taw ShiDaughter
7. Minye Hpone KhaingKhin Mya Nè daughter of Theik Taw ShiSon
8. Mintha PhyuKhin Myo TawSon
9. Minye KyawswaWezayanthaSon

Poet

Natshinnaung is considered by many to be the greatest yadu (Burmese: ရတု) (a classical genre of poetry) poet in Burmese history. Many of his works are dedicated to Princess Yaza Datu Kalyani. The themes of his poetry were often love, nature, and war. Natshinnaung employed the use of vocabulary and rhymes in his works. In addition, he was a warrior, who advanced many military strategies and tactics of Burma. Some of his yadu poems describe the infantry and the elephant troops. It has been claimed that Natshinnaung sent his poems to Yaza Datu Kalyani using a parrot.

Later in life, Natshinnaung focused on obtaining power for his kingdom. His poems on war are said to have been based on his experiences as a young prince.

Ancestry

References

  1. 1.[1.2]Htin Aung 1967: 137–140
  2. 2.(Hmannan Vol. 3 2003: 110): Friday, 10th waxing of Late Tagu 964 ME = 21 March 1603 NS
  3. 3.Chronicles (Maha Yazawin Vol. 3 2006: 108) and (Hmannan Vol. 3 2003: 114) say that Minye Thihathu died on Tuesday, 15th waxing of Wagaung 971 ME, which translates to Saturday, 15 August 1609. But 15th waxing is a typographical error. First, it is uncommon to state "15th waxing" instead of "full moon". Secondly, the chronicles say that Natshinnaung's coronation ceremony was held on Friday, 6th waning of Wagaung 971 ME, which translates to Friday, 21 August 1609. It means the last possible Tuesday in the waxing part of the month the king could have died on was 11th waxing, which was Tuesday, 11 August 1609 NS. The Burmese numerals 1 (၁) and 5 (၅) are similar when written in longhand.
  4. 4.Hmannan Vol. 3 2003: 159