Restored Hanthawaddy Kingdom

Origins

In 1740 the Mon of Lower Burma, together with Karen and Burmese allies, rebelled against the weakened Restored Toungoo Kingdom. They chose Smim Htaw, a former monk, as king at Pegu, reviving the name of the old Hanthawaddy Kingdom.

Rule and society

Smim Htaw was replaced in 1747 by Binnya Dala, who with French assistance from Pondicherry built up an army and in 1752 captured Ava, deporting the last Toungoo king. The kingdom's base remained the Mon delta ports, where French and British traders competed for influence.

Decline and legacy

Alaungpaya, a village headman of Moksobo, raised an army in Upper Burma, retook Ava at the start of 1754 and swept south, capturing Syriam and finally Pegu in 1757. The capital was sacked and many Mon fled to Siam. Lower Burma became part of the Konbaung dynasty.