Hsinbyushin, King

   (r. 1763-1776)

   Third king of the Konbaung Dynasty and son of its founder, Alaungpaya. His reign was marked by military aggression and many victories, including capturing and pillaging the Siamese capital of Ayuthaya in March 1767. Its complete destruction (the ruins of its temples and palaces can still be seen today) inspired a Siamese chronicler to write that, "the King of Hanthawaddy [Bayinnaung] waged war like a monarch; the King of Ava [Hsinbyushin] like a robber." Prior to this conquest, he had subjugated Chiang Mai and Vientiane (Laos). But his expansion into the Shan States aroused China, which launched four unsuccessful punitive campaigns against him between 1766 and 1769, including one led by a son-in-law of the Chinese emperor that got within 48 kilometers (30 miles) of Ava (Inwa) before being routed. Hsinbyushin's commander, General Maha Thiha Thura, signed a treaty with the Chinese in 1770 at Kaungton that stabilized relations but angered the king, who wanted the Chinese force exterminated. He invaded the small state of Manipur in northeastern India, placing his nominee on the throne, but the war in Siam (Thailand) was going badly, and the Mons staged uprisings in Lower Burma. Siam, which grew powerful under the Chakri Dynasty established in 1782, was never again conquered by the Burmese.

   See also Keng Tung.