40 
Sir Arthur P. Phayre— On the History of Pegu. 
[No. 1, 
the attempted introduction of a form of worship antagonistic to both. 
Punnarika, or “ brahman-heart,” sufficiently indicates the influence during 
one period ; while the name Tiktha, or Tishza, identical with that of the 
brother of Asoka, points to a corrupt Budhism, and the re-establishment 
of that worship. This is typified in the pleasing legend of Badra Devi, 
and Budhism has been the cherished religion of the people from that time 
until now. 
From the time of Anaurahta the history of Pegu becomes clearer. The 
measures of his successors in that country are constantly referred to in 
Burmese history. His son and successor Tsau-lii appointed his foster- 
brother Ba-man Kan governor of Pegu. But he ungratefully rebelled, 
and marched with a large army of Talaings against Pugin. At first he 
was successful, but was at length killed. In the reign of A-laung-tsi-thu, 
which extended from A. D. 1085 to 1160, Bassein was the principal port 
of departure for Ceylon, with which island there was much communication. 
This king sent an army of one hundred thousand Talaings, to place the 
exiled son of the king of Arakan on the throne of his ancestors. From this 
time until near the final destruction of Pugan about A. D. 1277, or by one 
reckoning 1284, there is ample evidence that the Burmese were supreme 
in Pegu. During this period, the Slians had come down from Zimme, and 
occupied the country east of the Than-lwin (Salwin) Biver. The time was 
at hand when they were to become supreme. With the capture of Pugan 
by the hordes of Kublai Khan, Pegu began to revive. The Burmese king 
called from his flight Taruk-pye Meng, fled from his capital to Bassein, 
ready no doubt to embark for Ceylon if necessary. The Taruk did not 
follow, but left the country, and the king returned to his capital. But the 
Burmese monarchy was now tottering, and in the confusion which arose, the 
Tailing people found the opportunity to recover their independence, though 
under a foreign dynasty of kings. 
The Mun chronicles thus relate the events which led to the re-establish¬ 
ment of the kingdom. 
“ Now at this time, the country of Hanthawati paid tribute to the 
“ king of Pugan, and officers were appointed to rule these, and were relieved 
(e in turn. A youth of Burman race, named Akhamwun, lived with his 
“ father and mother near the city, and was placed for instruction in a 
“ monastery, where he became a probationer. The Abbot soon perceived 
“ that he was a youth of great ability, and judged that from the accumulation 
“ of former merit, he would become a great man. After passing the grade 
“ of a Thamane, he left the monastery, and married into a Tailing family. 
“ Being appointed an officer in one of the royal boats, he in time took his 
“ turn of duty at Pugan, where he attracted the attention of the king by 
“ his zeal and energy, and was promoted to the command of the boat. One 
