1859] A Sketch of Toungoo History. 13 



tradition, yet many Burmese say he was a BurmaD, and his name 

 Karen-ba, an epithet and not his proper name. 



When the brothers heard of Karen-ba's proceedings, they com- 

 municated with him, and entered into an agreement to found a city 

 together. After traversiug the whole region in search of a suitable 

 locality, they ultimately determined on the site of old Toungoo 

 some twenty-five miles north-west of the present city, where they 

 founded " Great Toungoo," A. D. 1281. It is said they built mat 

 houses on each of the four sides of the city to the four great guar- 

 dian spirits, or Nats, making offerings to each; which proves they 

 were not pure Buddhists. 



The elder brother was killed by the younger and died A. D. 1317. 

 The younger brother survived seven years dying A. D. 1321* ; aud 

 his widow and son being discovered in a conspiracy to assassinate 

 Karen-ba, they were both put to death. Karen-ba died a natural 

 death A. D. 1342 ; but the next two kings, who succeeded him were 

 murdered after short reigns ; when Thimpanka came to the throne, 

 in whose days the kingdom flourished. He exchanged ambassadors 

 with the Talaings, the Burmans and the Yunes ;* and conquered 

 the five provinces of Tel way .f Associated with the Talaings, he 

 made war on the king of Prome, Tsau yan noung,J took him and 

 put him to death A. D. 1370. Passing over two other kings, we 

 meet with Men Boung,§ who sent presents to the king of Ava 

 Tswatsokav|| to maintain peace, and also to Byanya-oo,^ kiug of 

 Pegu. This king, according to Talaing history, died A. D. 1388, 

 which synchronises with this history. This Men Boung patronised 

 the cultivation of the lauds, it is said, as well as the making of oiler- 



* VQ$ Cochin China," says Judson, but I take them to be Shans. 

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