Kengtung State

Coordinates: 21°17′N 99°36′E / 21.283°N 99.600°E / 21.283; 99.600
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Kengtung
ကျိုင်းတုံ / ᨩ᩠ᨿᨦᨲᩩᨦ
State of the Shan States
c. 1243–1959

Kengtung State in blue in a map of the Shan States
Area 
• 1901
31,079 km2 (12,000 sq mi)
Population 
• 1901
190,698
History 
• Dynasty established by a delegate of King Mangrai
c. 1243
• Abdication of the last Saopha
1959
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Lan Na Kingdom
Wa States
Shan State
Kengtung (Cheing Toong) on a 19th-century map of the Shan States.
Princess Tip Htila of the Kengtung royal house, photographed by J. G. Scott in 1910 or earlier
The Kengtung Palace, a historic landmark with intricate interiors of carved and lacquered teak. It was destroyed in 1991 by the Burmese military regime despite local protests.[1]
Sao Saimong and his wife, Mi Mi Khaing.
Territories annexed by Thailand in the Shan and Karenni States.

Kengtung (Burmese: ကျိုင်းတုံ; Shan: ၵဵင်းတုင် Chiang Tung; Northern Thai: ᨩ᩠ᨿᨦᨲᩩᨦ), known as Menggen Prefecture (Chinese: 孟艮府) or Möng Khün Chiefdom or Mueng Khuen Fu (Tai Khün: ᨾᩮ᩠ᨦᩨᨡ᩠ᨶᩨ) from 1405[2] to 1895, was a Shan state in what is today Burma. The capital and the residence of the ruler was Kengtung (then known as "Tai Khuen City" 歹掯城) in the centre of the state. It was the only urban area in this mountainous state whose landscape is dominated by the Daen Lao Range.

Kengtung was the largest of the states in present-day Shan State and ranked first in the order of precedence at the time of the invasion of the Shan States by the British Empire. It was also the easternmost of the Southern Shan States, lying almost entirely east of the Salween and stretching eastwards to the Mekong. It was separated from the northern Shan state of Manglon by the Hka River.

Most of the early history of Kengtung is made up of myths and legends. At the time of British rule in Burma the Tai Yai people were the majority of the population in Kengtung state with other groups such as Akha and Lahu, forming sizeable communities. According to Wa tradition, in the distant past the territory had belonged to the Wa people who were displaced around 1229 and were later defeated by King Mangrai. The Wa now form a minority of only about 10% in Kengtung State despite having been —according to their myths— the original inhabitants.[3]

History[edit]

Early kingdoms[edit]

According to local tradition, Khemāraṭṭha[4] (ခေမာရဋ္ဌ), the predecessor state, was founded in an unknown date in the distant past. It was ruled by the Tai Khün of the Tai Yai (Shan) ethnic background. The current dynasty has its origins in the kingdom that was founded around 1243 by a prince named Mang Kun, said to be a delegate of King Mangrai.[5][6] Despite the ethnic affinity of the ruling Tai with the Siamese to the south,[7] Kengtung was led by Saopha princes who historically preferred to pay tribute to the Burmese kings to the west. The King of Mandalay restricted himself to exacting a yearly tribute, often in the form of offerings of ritual gold flowers, leaving the Kengtung rulers largely alone. The Salween river also acted as a protective natural border in the West hampering communication with Upper Burma. On the other hand, the kingdoms of Lanna and Ayutthaya, as well as the Chinese to the northeast, were closer, more bellicose and had easier access to the territory.

Modern history[edit]

In 1760, following conflicting claims of political influence over Kengtung State, there was a war between the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty and the King of Burma, Hsinbyushin. In 1802 Kengtung came under the rule of Chiang Mai,[citation needed] but with the help of the Burmese the former ruling dynasty was reinstated in 1814 and Mongyawng (Möngyawng) state was annexed.[8]

Kengtung was historically located at the crossroads of the trade between China and Siam and 19th century sources talk about caravans crossing Kengtung on their way to Chiang Mai totaling yearly 8,000 mules loaded with goods from China.[3] During British rule in Burma the eastern border was demarcated by the colonial powers and the western part of Kengcheng was merged with Kengtung.[9] Historically Kengtung also included the substates of Hsenyawt, Hsenmawng, Monghsat and Mongpu.[8][10] Between 1849 and 1854, Siam invaded Kengtung thrice; the invasions were repulsed with Burmese and Shan military assistance.[11]

On 27 May 1942, during World War II, Kengtung State was invaded and its capital captured by the Thai Phayap Army.[12] Following a previous agreement between Thai Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram and the Japanese Empire, in December the same year the Thai administration occupied Kengtung and four districts of Möngpan. The annexation of the trans-Salween territories historically claimed by Thailand was formalised on 1 August 1943 and the northern province of Saharat Thai Doem was established.[13] Thailand left the territory in 1945, but officially relinquished its claim over Kengtung State only in 1946 as part of the condition for admission to the United Nations and the withdrawal of all wartime sanctions for having sided with the Axis powers.[14]

The last ruler of Kengtung abdicated in 1959. The state became then part of Shan State and, despite the independence struggle of the latter, eventually part of Burma. After the 1962 military coup by General Ne Win all the privileges of the saophas were abolished.[15]

Rulers[edit]

The rulers of Kengtung bore the title of Saopha; their ritual style was Khemadhipati Rajadhiraja.[16]

The Kengtung Yazawin, also known as 'Padaeng Chronicle' and 'Jengtung State Chronicle,' is a history of the rulers of Kengtung written in the 19th century in Burmese language. It was translated into English by Sao Saimong Mangrai.

The family tree of Kengtung's rulers.
# Rulers Enthrone Dethrone Remark
1 Mang Khum 1243 1247 Delegate of Mang Rai, founder of Kengtung State.
2 Mang Khian 1247 1253
3 Sao Nam Tuam 1253 1264
4 Sao Nam Nan 1264 1317
5 Sao Hsam Muen Hwe 1317 1324
6 Sao Ai Lok 1324 1336
1336 1342
7 Sao Hsai Nan 1342 1350
8 Sao Hsai Yu 1349 1366
1366 1379
9 Sao Sit Pan Tu 1379 1387
10 Sao Ai Awn 1387 1390
11 Ai Wu Hsa 1390 1403
12 Yi Hkam Hka 1403 1460
13 Sao Hsam (I) 1416 1441
14 Sao Hsam Si-li 1441 1456
15 Ai Lao Hkam Ta 1456 1474
16 Hpaya Lao 1474 1501
17 Sao Naw Kiao Son of Ai Lao Hkam.
18 Hsai Hkaw Son of Ai Lao Hkam.
19 Hsai Hpom Son of Ai Lao Hkam.
20 Sao Hsam (II) Son of Ai Lao Hkam.
21 Sao Hkam Son of Ai Lao Hkam.
22 Hpaya Kiao (Sao Town Fu) 1523 1560 A monk called to rule.
23 Sao Kiao Bun Nam 1560 1598
24 Sao Hkam Town 1598 1620
25 Sao Mong Khet (Mang Kyin Hpa) 1620 1637
26 Sao On 1638 1661
27 Sao In Hkam 1662 1678
28 Sao Ram Muen (Sao Ok Sighn) 1678 1686
29 Sao Mong Saik (Hsa Le Mang) 1686 1703
30 Sao Hsam Hpi 1703 1710
31 Sao Mong Chuen 1710 1728
1728 1730
32 Maung Myo 1730 1737 Yawnghwe Shan, sent from Ava (then was a royal court of Toungoo dynasty).
33 Sao Mong Phi 1737 1738
1738 1740
34 Sao Mong Hsam (1st) 1740 1744
35 Sao Karng 1744 1747
34 Sao Mong Hsam (2nd) 1747 1787
36 Sao Kawng Tai 1787 1802
37 Sao Maha Hkanan (Sao Dong Hseng) 1813 1857
38 Sao Maha Hpom 1857 1876
39 Sao Hseng Hkam 1876 1881
40 Sao Kawng Tai (I) 1881 1886
41 Sao Kawng Hkam Fu 1886 1897
42 Sao Kawng Kiao Intaleng 1895 1935
43 Sao Kawng Tai (II) 1935 1937
44 Sao Sai Long 1937 1959

There is another version of Kentung chronicle which was recorded in Khün language and then translated into Thai by Thawi Sawangpanyangkun.[17]

# Rulers Enthrone Dethrone Thai Name Remark
1,2 Mang Khum 1243 1247 มังคุ่ม Commoner, appointed by King Mang Rai of Lanna, ruled together with Mang Khian.
Mang Khian 1243 1253 มังเคียน Commoner, appointed by King Mang Rai of Lanna, ruled together with Mang Khum until Mang Khum died.
3 Chao Nam Thuam 1253 1264 เจ้าน้ำท่วม A son of King Chai Songkhram of Lanna.
4 Chao Nam Nan 1264 1317 เจ้าน้ำน่าน A close relative of King Chai Songkhram of Lanna.
5 Chao Sam Muen Huai 1317 1324 เจ้าสามหมื่นห้วย A member of the royal family of Lanna.
6 Chao Ai Lok 1324 1342 เจ้าอ้ายลก A member of the royal family of Lanna.
7 Chao Sai Nan 1342 ? เจ้าใส่น่าน A member of the royal family of Lanna.
? 1350 Kengtung (Chiang Tung) was abandoned.
8 Chao Chet Phan Tu 1350 1377 เจ้าเจ็ดพันตู A son of King Pha Yu of Lanna.
9 Chao Ai On 1377 ? เจ้าอ้ายอ่อน A son of Chao Chet Phan Tu.
10 Chao Bun Chu 1390 1403 เจ้าบุญชู A close relative of Chao Chet Phan Tu. (Likely to be an uncle of Chao Ai On)
11 Chao Yi Kham Kha 1403 1416 เจ้ายี่คำขา A younger brother of Chao Bun Chu.
1416 1419 No detail.
12 Chao Sam I 1419 1443 เจ้าสาม ที่ ๑ A younger brother of Chao Yi Kham Kha.
13 Chao Sam Seri 1443 ? เจ้าสามเสรี A son of Chao Sam.
14 Chao Ai Lao Kham Tha 1456 1460 เจ้าอ้ายเลาคำทา A close relative of Chao Chet Phan Tu
1460 1474 No detail.
15 Chao Lao 1474 1519 เจ้าเลา A son of Chao Ai Lao Kham Tha.
16 Chao No Kaeo 1519 1523 เจ้าหน่อแก้ว A younger brother of Chao Lao.
17 Chao Sai Kho 1521 1523 เจ้าสายคอ A son of Chao Lao. Declared independence from Chao No Kaeo.
18 Chao Sai Phrom 1523 1523 เจ้าใส่พรหม A younger brother of Chao Sai Kho. Reigned for about 1 month.
19 Chao Sam Chiang Khong 1523 1523 เจ้าสามเชียงคง A younger brother of Chao Sai Phrom. Reigned for days.
20 Chao Kham Mu 1523 1523 เจ้าคำหมู่ A younger brother of Chao Sam Chiang Khong. Reigned for 1 month and 7 days.
21 Chao Kham Fu (Phraya Kaeo Yod Fa Narit) 1523 1560 เจ้าคำฟู (พระญาแก้วยอดฟ้านริท) A younger brother of Chao Kham Mu.
22 Chao Kaeo Bun Nam 1560 1596 เจ้าแก้วบุญนำ A son of Chao Kham Fu.
23 Chao Kham Thao 1596 1620 เจ้าคำท้าว A son of Chao Kaeo Bun Nam.
24 Chao Kiang Kham (Chao Mueang Khak) 1620 1637 เจ้าเกี๋ยงคำ (เจ้าเมืองขาก) A younger brother of Chao Kham Thao. Previously ruled Mong Khet (Mueang Khak).
25 Chao Un 1638 1660 เจ้าอุ่น A son of Chao Kiang Kham.
26 Chao In Kham 1661 ? เจ้าอินคำ A maternal grandson of Chao Kaeo Bun Nam.
27 Chao Ram Muen (Chao Ok Singha) 1678 1686 เจ้ารามหมื่น (เจ้าอกสิงห์) A younger brother of Chao In Kham.
28 Chao Kaeo Bun Ma (Chao Cha Le Mang) 1686 1703 เจ้าแก้วบุญมา (เจ้าชะเหล่มาง) A son of Chao Ram Muen.
29 Chao Sam II ? ? เจ้าสาม ที่ ๒ A close relative of Chao Kaeo Bun Ma.
30 Chao Mueang Chuen ? 1728 เจ้าเมืองชื่น A close relative of Chao Kaeo Bun Ma.
31 Chao Mong Mio 1729 1737 เจ้าหม่องมิ้ว A paternal half-brother of Chao Mueng Chuen.
32 Chao Tittha Nantharacha (Chao Mueng Phi) 1737 1740 เจ้าติถนันทราชา (เจ้าเมืองพี) A brother of Chao Mong Mio. Previously ruled Mong Phi (Mueang Phi).
33 Chao Mueang Sam (1st reigning) 1740 1766 เจ้าเมืองสาม (ครั้งที่ 1) A son of Chao Tittha Nantharacha.
34 Chao Kang 1766 1769 เจ้ากาง A son of Chao Mong Mio.
33 Chao Mueang Sam (2nd reigning) 1769 1786 เจ้าเมืองสาม (ครั้งที่ 2)
35 Chao Kong Thai 1786 1802 เจ้ากองไท A son of Chao Mueang Sam.
1802 1814 Kengtung (Chiang Tung) was abandoned after the second invasion by Chiang Mai, to which Chao Kong Thai and many other people were taken.
36 Chao Maha Khanan Duang Saeng 1814 1857 เจ้ามหาขนานดวงแสง A younger brother of Chao Kong Thai. He fled to Mong Yang between Chiang Mai's invasion, and standing there until he was appointed by Burmese to rule Kengtung.
37 Chao Maha Phrom 1858 1876 เจ้ามหาพรหม A son of Chao Maha Khanan Duang Saeng.
38 Chao Kham Saeng 1877 1880 เจ้าคำแสง A younger brother of Chao Maha Phrom.
39 Chao Chot Kong Thai (Chao Chiang Khaeng) 1880 1886 เจ้าโชติกองไท (เจ้าเชียงแขง) A younger brother of Chao Kham Saeng.
40 Chao Kong Kham Fu 1886 1896 เจ้ากองคำฟู A son of Chao Chot Kong Thai.
Chao Nang Thip Thida 1896 1897 เจ้านางทิพย์ธิดา A younger sister of Chao Kong Kham Fu. She temporarily ruled over Kengtung while her younger brother, Chao Kon Kaeo In Thalaeng, was too young to be Saopha. She was the only female ruler of Kengtung.
41 Chao Kon Kaeo In Thalaeng 1897 1935 เจ้าก้อนแก้วอินแถลง A younger paternal half-brother of Chao Kong Kham Fu.
42 Chao Kong Thai 1937 1937 เจ้ากองไท A son of Chao Kon Kaeo In Thalaeng. Reigned for 162 days.
1937 1943 Vacant. The British Empire did not appoint anyone to rule Kengtung during the time when Chao Phrom Lue was being prosecuted as a suspect who was involved in the murder of Chao Kong Tai. Chao Phrom Lue was later found innocent.
Chao Phrom Lue 1943 1945 เจ้าพรหมลือ An elder paternal half-brother of Chao Kong Thai, appointed by Siam between its occupation.
43 Chao Chai Luang 1947 1959 เจ้าชายหลวง A son of Chao Kong Thai.

Saophas[edit]

Chinese records

Mang Kun and Mang Kyin were Yonnaka governors sent by Mang Lai. Marquess of Kengtung refers to a son of Mang Lai.

Saopha Khuen name Enthrone Dethrone Chinese name
Mang Kun 1263 1267
Mang Kyin 1267 1273
Marquess of Kengtung 1273 1284
Sao Nannan 1284 1317
Sao Shanmuwei 1317 1324
Sao Lai 1324 1342
Sao Sainan 1342 1360
Sao Yu 1360 1370
Sao Xipantu 1379 1387
Sao Ai'ao 1387 1390
艾乌萨 1390 1403
伊康伽 1403 1416 Dao Ai[18]
Sao Shan 1416 1441 Dao Jiao[19]

Dao GUang[20]

Sao Shan Sili (Sri?) 1441 1456 庆马辣[21]
艾劳康 1456 1474
Ai Lao (艾劳) 1474 1501 招禄[22]
Sao Naojiang 1501 1503 招帕雅?[23]
赛考 1503
赛蓬
绍山
绍康木 1523
比亚江 1523 1560
绍蒙卡 1560 1598
绍康陶 1598 1600
绍蒙伽 1620 1637
绍温 1637 1650
绍因康 1650 1659
Sao Ao 1659
Sao Mengsai 1682
Sao Shanpi 1682 1721
Sao Mangxin 1721 1739
Sao Maung Nyo 1739 1749
Sao Mangshan 1750 1787
Sao Kaotai 1787 1813
绍摩诃加那 1813 1857
绍摩诃蓬 1857 1876
绍康胜 1876 1881
绍考泰 1881 1886
绍考康 1886 1897
绍考江因塔楞 1895 1935
绍考泰 1935 1937
绍赛隆 1937 1959
Burmese records
  • 1243–1247: Man Kun (1st Saopha) (?–1247)
  • ?–?: Sao Awk (28th Saopha)
  • ?–1730: Sao Möng Lek (1646–1730)
  • 1730–c.1735: Sao Maung Hkawn (1st time) (1706–17??)
  • c.1735–1739: (vancant)
  • 1739–1742: Sao Maung Hkawn (2nd time) (s.a.)
  • 1742–1786: Sao Möng Hsam (1744–1786)
  • 1787–1802: Sao Kawng Tai I (1st time) (1769–1813)
  • 1814–1815: Sao Kawng Tai I (2nd time) (s.a.)
  • 1815–1857: Sao Maha Hkanan (1781–1857)
  • 1857–1876: Sao Maha Pawn (1814–1876)
  • 1877–1881: Sao Hseng (1818–1881)
  • 1881–1885: Sao Kawng Tai II (1829–1885)
  • 1886–1895: Sao Kawn Kham Hpu (1874–1895)
  • 7 May 1895 – 21 July 1935 Sao Kawng Kiao Intaleng: (b. 1874–1935) (administrator to 9 Feb 1897)
  • 21 July 1935 – August 1935: Sao Kaung Tai (1899–1935)
  • 1935–1942: British administration
  • 1942–1945: annexed by Thailand
  • 1945–1962: Sao Sai Long (1927–1997)

Thai Military governor[edit]

Following the Thai occupation, a military governor was appointed for the administration of the annexed territories of Kengtung and Möngpan by Thailand.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Mi Mi Khaing, Kanbawsa - A Modern Review
  2. ^ The seventh month of 1405 (Datong calendar). Chapter 313: Liezhuan CCI - Tusi of Yunnan I § Menghen of History of Ming
  3. ^ a b Donald M. Seekins, Historical Dictionary of Burma (Myanmar), p. 251
  4. ^ Society, Royal Geographical (1857). The Journal of the Royal Geographical Society: JRGS. Murray.
  5. ^ Keng Tung Royal
  6. ^ Kengtung (Kyaington) (Shan State)
  7. ^ "The Migration and History of Tai Yai". Archived from the original on 2015-03-24. Retrieved 2014-09-11.
  8. ^ a b Imperial Gazetteer of India, v. 15, p. 200.
  9. ^ "The Tai Of The Shan State". Archived from the original on 2013-11-27. Retrieved 2014-09-08.
  10. ^ Sir Charles Crosthwaite "The pacification of Burma"
  11. ^ Klemens, Karlsson (2007). "Tai Khun Buddhism and Ethnic-Religious Identity". SOAS Research Online. Retrieved 2018-10-22.
  12. ^ "Thailand and the Second World War". Archived from the original on October 27, 2009. Retrieved 2009-10-27.
  13. ^ Shan and Karenni States of Burma
  14. ^ David Porter Chandler & David Joel Steinberg eds. In Search of Southeast Asia: A Modern History. p. 388
  15. ^ "WHKMLA : History of the Shan States". 18 May 2010. Retrieved 21 December 2010.
  16. ^ Ben Cahoon (2000). "World Statesmen.org: Shan and Karenni States of Burma". Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  17. ^ สว่างปัญญางกูร, ทวี (1990). พงศาวดารเมืองเชียงตุง (in Thai). Chaing Mai. pp. 33–62.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  18. ^ Ming Shilu·Taizong Shilu》Chapter 44:(永乐三年秋七月)癸丑,设孟艮府,隶云南都司,以歹掯土官刀哀为知府,给印诰及赐冠带。时刀哀遣人来朝,请设治所,故有是命。
  19. ^ Ming Shilu·Taizong Shilu》Chapter 182:(永乐十四年十一月)丙辰,云南老挝宣慰使司宣慰使刀线歹、孟艮府土官知府刀交各遣头目贡马及方物,赐赉有差。
  20. ^ Ming Shilu·Xuanzong Shilu》Chapter 77:(宣德六年三月)壬辰,云南孟艮府土官知府刀光遣头目招板陆等贡马及金银器皿方物。
  21. ^ 《明实录·大明英宗睿皇帝实录·废帝郕戾王附录》卷一百八十四载:(正统十四年冬十月辛未)云南孟艮府故土官知府舍人庆马辣遣头目孟赛等来朝贡马及银器方物,赐宴并彩币表里等物有差。
  22. ^ 《明实录·大明宪宗纯皇帝实录》卷九十五载:(成化七年九月壬申)云南孟艮府土官舍人招禄遣头目板新等来朝贡马及方物,赐衣服彩叚等物有差。
  23. ^ 《明实录·大明孝宗敬皇帝实录》卷八十三载:(弘治六年十二月辛未)云南孟艮府署府事舍人招帕雅......遣头目猛笼等来朝贡方物,赐彩叚衣服等物有差。

Bibliography[edit]

External links[edit]

21°17′N 99°36′E / 21.283°N 99.600°E / 21.283; 99.600