Bagyidaw, born on 23 July 1784 in Amarapura, was a king of Burma whose reign was defined above all by the First Anglo-Burmese War, recorded as the longest and most expensive war in British Indian history. He died on 15 October 1846 in the same city where he had been born. His Burmese title, meaning “Royal Elder Uncle,” was given to him in relation to his nephew and later king, Mindon Min.
Key facts
- Born: 23 July 1784
- Birthplace: Amarapura
- Died: 15 October 1846
- Place of death: Amarapura
- Country: Myanmar
- Occupation: monarch
Rise to the throne
Before Bagyidaw became king, his elevation to crown prince drew around him a circle of men who would go on to shape Burmese military and cultural life. Among them were Maung Yit, of Dabayin, who rose to become General Maha Bandula, and Maung Sa, of Sagaing, who became the Lord of Myawaddy. Both men entered the orbit of power through their association with the crown prince, and their careers remained bound to his fortunes.
The First Anglo-Burmese War
The defining crisis of Bagyidaw’s reign was the First Anglo-Burmese War, fought between Burma and British India. The war proved to be the longest and most costly in British Indian history, and fifteen thousand European and Indian soldiers died in the course of it. The conflict ended with the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826, which imposed heavy territorial and financial terms on Burma.
Later life
Bagyidaw died on 15 October 1846 in Amarapura, the city of his birth.
Did you know
- Bagyidaw’s Burmese title literally means “Royal Elder Uncle.” The name was given to him in relation to his nephew, Mindon Min, who later became king himself. (newworldencyclopedia.org)
- The First Anglo-Burmese War holds the record as the longest and most expensive war in British Indian history. Fifteen thousand European and Indian soldiers died during the conflict. (abhipedia.abhimanu.com)
Data sources
Data updated: 2026-10-29