Beikthano Hailed as Cradle of Pyu Civilization

Taungdwingyi Township in Magway Region was once known as Ponnyawady during the Pyu era. About 10 miles west of Taungdwingyi (Ponnyawady) lies the ancient Pyu city of Beikthano, one of Myanmar’s most remarkable archaeological heritage sites, famous for its culture of the Pyu people. The ancient city stretches about three kilometres from north to south and 2.8 kilometres from east to west, covering a total area of about 900 square kilometres in a rectangular shape.
Beikthano was established with three city walls. The surrounding landscape centres around the Yin Creek plain, with Taungdwingyi located to the east, while the Yin, Saton, Yanpal creeks and Taung Oo converge in the west. It is also a city with fertile soil, and there is a grand palace constructed with rectangular-shaped bricks at the centre of the ancient city.
The history of Beikthano ancient city can be seen in the book History of Taungdwingyi by Nay Myo Min Hla Thiri Athinkhaya, title recipient Myay Latt Sit Kae Gyi of the King Mindon term. It reads Maha Thabawa and the ogress Sandamukhi fell in love and had a daughter, who was abandoned by her mother and later adopted by a hermit. As the girl grew up, it was said that in a previous life she had offered palm leaves to the Buddha and made a wish. Because of her devotion, the Beikthano created a royal city and throne for her, and she became known as Princess Panhtwar.
King Duthtaboung of Sri Ksetra attempted to conquer Beikthano, and Princess Panhtwar played the drum given by the King of the Celestial. Meanwhile, the water of Yanpal Creek began to rise, and King Duthtaboung and his soldiers retreated. Later, King Duthtaboung used a strategy to sabotage the drum, won the war and took Princess Panhtwar to Sri Ksetra.

The Beikthano Ancient City was officially recognized as one of the Pyu Ancient Cities on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 22 June 2014, during the 38th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Doha, Qatar.
The Beikthano Archaeological Museum displays a total of 497 artefacts including artefacts of the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age, fossils, models of traditional houses, literary evidence excavated from the site, Pyu inscriptions, Pyu-era bricks, coins, beads, and evidence of ancient Pyu craftsmanship such as goldsmithing, masonry, architecture, carpentry, stone carving, bead making, weaving, and brick production. These findings indicate that the Pyu people had already mastered the traditional “Ten Flowers”, Myanmar traditional arts and crafts and had achieved a high level of civilization in ancient times.
Research findings suggest that Beikthano emerged before the 2nd century BC, making it one of the earliest urban civilizations established in South-East Asia. As a city rich in history and cultural heritage, Beikthano Ancient City in Taungdwingyi Township, Magway Region, stands as an important World Heritage site, inviting visitors to explore the origins and achievements of the Pyu civilization. — Naung Naung (Beikthano Myay)/KTZH

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