Konbaung Dynasty

   (1752-1885)

   Sometimes called the "Third Burmese (Myanmar) Empire" because, like the Pagan (Bagan) and Toungoo (Taungoo) Dynasties, it unified the country. Established by Alaungpaya in 1752, it enjoyed a period of military expansion during the reigns of Hsinbyushin (r. 1763-1776) and Bodawpaya (r. 1782-1819): The former conquered Siam (1767) and defeated a Chinese invasion, while the latter subjugated Arakan (Rakhine). But their successors were defeated by the British during the First, Second, and Third Anglo-Burmese Wars. Although King Mindon (r. 1853-1878) implemented limited reforms and sought peaceful relations with the British, the Konbaung Dynasty was extinguished when his successor, Thibaw (r. 1878-1885), was forced to abdicate by the British and was exiled to India following British capture of the royal city of Mandalay in November 1885.

   Monarchs of the Konbaung Dynasty Year of Accession

   • Alaungpaya 1752

   • Naungdawgyi 1760

   • Hsinbyushin 1763

   • Singu Min 1776

   • Maung Maung 1781

   • Bodawpaya 1781 (or 1782)

   • Bagyidaw 1819

   • Tharrawaddy 1838

   • Pagan Min 1846

   • Mindon Min 1853

   • Thibaw 1878 (to 1885)

   ◘ Source: D. G. E. Hall, A History of South-East Asia. London: Macmillan, 1964.