History of Burma: From the Earliest Times to 10 March 1824, The Beginning of the English Conquest

The book is arranged as a chronological history of Burma from the early period to the eve of British conquest. Chapter I, “Burma before 1044,” examines the earliest peoples, Pyu and Mon traditions, Hindu and Buddhist influences, early trade, Mahāyāna elements, spirit worship, and the foundations of Burmese civilization. Chapter II, “The Kingdom of Pagan or the Dynasty of the Temple Builders 1044–1287,” studies the rise of Pagan, the consolidation of royal power, the growth of Buddhist kingship, temple construction, inscriptions, and the formation of a classical Burmese state. Chapter III, “Shan Dominion 1287–1531,” follows the political fragmentation and regional formations of Ava, Pegu, and Toungoo. Chapter IV, “The Overseas Discoveries,” discusses Burma’s wider regional and maritime contacts. Chapter V treats Arakan as a distinctive political and cultural zone. Chapter VI, “The Toungoo Dynasty 1531–1752,” analyzes dynastic expansion, warfare, diplomacy, and state reconstruction. Chapter VII, “The Alaungpaya Dynasty 1752–1824,” traces the rise of the last major Burmese dynasty before British conquest and ends with the historical conditions leading to the Anglo-Burmese conflict.