Kingdoms of Burma by Amelia Khatri

"Kingdoms of Burma" delves into the captivating history of early Burmese kingdoms and their profound influence on Southeast Asia. It explores how small settlements evolved into influential powers, shaping the region's political and cultural development. The book reveals that these kingdoms actively participated in a network of political and cultural exchange, impacting Southeast Asia's identity, and emphasizes the importance of Burmese history in understanding modern Myanmar. The book chronologically examines key periods, from the Pyu city-states to the Bagan Empire, and the Ava, Taungoo, and Konbaung dynasties. It analyzes these kingdoms' social, economic, and religious underpinnings, relationships with neighbors, and lasting cultural legacies. For example, the rise of Theravada Buddhism during the Bagan Empire significantly impacted the region. By synthesizing scholarship and original research, the book provides a balanced account of Burma's pre-colonial history, emphasizing the agency of the Burmese people. The book progresses through the pre-Bagan era, the rise and fall of the Bagan Empire, the emergence of Ava and Taungoo, and the Konbaung dynasty's expansionist policies. By examining archaeological evidence, inscriptions, chronicles, and scholarly works, the book reconstructs the political, social, and economic dynamics of these kingdoms. This approach offers readers a comprehensive understanding of Burmese history and its place in the broader world.