1. Myanmar Culture & Society
8 July 2011
Presented at KKU
Khon Kaen, Thailand 1 1

2. Outlines of the Presentation
I. Myanmar Geography
II. Symbols of Myanmar
III.Background History of Myanmar
IV. Myanmar People
V. Economy
VI. Myanmar Culture

3. Myanmar Geography Location:
Myanmar (Burma) is located in South East Asia. It is located between latitudes 09 32'N and 28 31'N and longitudes 92 10'E and 'E.
It is bordered to:
the northwest by Chittagong Division of Bangladesh
Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh of India to the northwest
Its north and northeast border straddles the Tibet and Yunnan regions of China
It is bounded by Laos and Thailand to the Southeast
Geography
The country covers an area of 677,000 square kilometers (261,228 square miles) ranging 936 kilometers (581 miles) from the east to west and 2051 kilometers (1275 miles) from north to south.
It is a land of hills and valleys and is rimmed in the north, east and west by mountain ranges forming a giant horseshoe. Enclosed within the mountain barriers are the flat lands of Ayeyarwady, Chindwin and Sittaung River valleys where most of the country's agricultural land and population are concentrated. Burma has 1930 kilometers (1,200 mi) of contiguous coastline along the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea to the Southwest and the South, which forms one quarter of its total perimeter. Myanmar has beaches and a warm climate on the coasts.
The largest rivers are Ayeyarwaddy with its tributary Chindwin, Sittoung and Thanlwin.
With more than 50 percent of the land covered in natural forests, Myanmar draws many guests interested in ecotourism.The country only recently began promoting itself as a vacation destination, which leaves much about the customs of its people for vacationers to discover first-hand.
The Myanmar Standard Time, taken as on East Longitude 97 30', is 6 hours 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich meantime.
[The length of contiguous frontier is 6159 kilometers (3828 miles) and the coastline from the mouth of Naaf River to Kawthaung is 2228 kilometers (1385 miles). The total length of the Myanmar-Bangladesh boundary is 271 kilometers (168.7 miles). It consists of two parts, namely the Naaf River boundary 64 kilometers (39.5 miles) and the land boundary 208 kilometers
(129.2 miles). The total length of Myanmar-China boundary is 2204 kilometers (1370 miles); Myanmar-Thailand 2107 kilometers ( miles); Myanmar-India 1338 kilometers (831.8 miles); and Myanmar-Laos 238 kilometers (147.9 miles).]
Climate
The climate of Myanmar is roughly divided into three seasons: Summer, Rainy Season, and Winter Season. From the end of February to the beginning of May are Summer months, with highest temperatures during March and April in Central Myanmar up to above 110F (43.3C) while in Northern Myanmar it is about 97F (36.1C) and on the Shan Plateau between 85F (29.4C) and 95F (35C). Rainy Season, from mid May to the end of October, with annual rain fall of less than 40 inches in Central Myanmar while the coastal regions of Rakhine and Tanintharyi get about 200 inches. Winter which starts from November and lasts to the end of February with temperature in hilly areas of over 3000 feet drops below 32F (0C).
As a whole, the location and topography of the country generate a diversity of climatic conditions. Seasonal changes in the monsoon wind directions create summer, rainy and winter seasons. Extremes of temperature are rare. The direction of winds and depression bring rain, and although it is always heavy in the coastal areas during Monsoon season, it seldom creates hardships. The Government is giving priority to forest conservation and greening of nine arid districts in central Myanmar.
TimeThe Myanmar standard Time is six and half hours in advance of GMT. 3

4. Rivers in Myanmar 4 Rivers
A = Ayeyarwaddy C = Chindwin M = Mekong S = Sittoung T = Thanlwin
All rivers flow north to south
Rivers of Myanmar
Myanmar is a country full of rivers composing a great delta region. There are four main rivers crossing Myanmar, theses are Ayeyarwaddy, Thanlwin, Chindwin and Sittaung river.
4 main Rivers of Myanmar
Ayeyarwaddy River
The Ayeyarwady River (formerly known as the Irrawaddy River) flows through the centre of Myanmar. It is Myanmar's most important commercial waterway. Its total drainage area is about 158,700 square miles (411,000 square km). It is about 1,550 km (960 miles) long. Temporary farming settlements on islands of Ayeyarwaddy River The Ayeyarwaddy River starts in Kachin State, at the confluence of the Mali Hka and Mai Hka rivers. The western Mali Hka branch arises from the end of the southern Himalayas, north of Putao, and is called Nam Kiu in the Shan language. The Ayeyarwaddy River dissects the country from north to south and empties through a nine armed delta into the Indian Ocean. In colonial times, before railways and automobiles, the river was known as the "Road to Mandalay". Although navigable by large vessels to Myitkyina for a distance over 1600 km from the ocean, the river is also full of sandbanks and islands, making such navigation difficult. For many years, the only bridge built to cross the Ayeyarwaddy River was the Inwa Bridge. The name "Ayeyarwaddy" is believed to have derived from the Sanskrit term "airavati", meaning "elephant river". The Irrawaddy gives its name to a dolphin, the Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevistosus)which is found in the river. Though sometimes called the Irrawaddy River Dolphin, it is not a true river dolphin, since it is also found at sea.
Thanlwin River
The Thanlwin River (formerly named as Salween or Salwin) rises in Tibet, after which it flows through Yunnan, where it is known as the Nujiang river, although either name can be used for the whole river. The river is long 2815 km. It then leaves China and meanders through Myanmar and Thailand on its way to emptying in the Andaman Sea by Mawlamyaing.
Chindwin River
The Chindwin River is a river in Myanmar and the major tributary of the Ayeyarwaddy River. The river flows 840 kilometres to join the Ayeyarwaddy. The Chindwin river is 750 miles from north to south. However, she is the biggest tributary of the mighty Ayeyarwaddy and spills her strength into the longer river at a place not far from Mandalay, an old city that is the heart of Myanmar. It runs through misty-blue mountains and charming towns and villages, proudly running through a region of abundant natural resources and fertile meadows. The Chindwin Valley is a place of deep jungles and lofty mountains. The cultures of the inhabitants are more unspoilt, and the towns and villages lining the river bank. The marvellous Thanboddhay Pagoda of Monywa and the cave pagodas of Hpowintaung and Shwebataung, are in the Chindwin valley. Another natural wonder is an extinct volcano crater producing natural Spirulina. It is grown in many parts of the world but this is a rare natural find, the blue-green algae growing organically in a nature-made lake. Spirulina is rich in protein, minerals, amino acids, iron, beta-carotene, vitamins B and E. International researchers have found that it probably stimulates the immune system, and may have antiviral and anticancer effects. It is widely consumed in Myanmar. No organisms can survive to pollute the waters in which this algae grows, so Spirulina is one of the cleanest, most naturally sterile foods found in nature. Along the Chindwin river bank are Kyaukkar village, producing lacquer ware products, Kani town which has been known as the birthplace of learned nobles and wealthy merchants of the ancient times, Kalewa town, the point where the Myit Thar River joins the Chindwin River. There are also Allaungdaw Katthapa Wild Life Sanctuary, and Pyingago and Padauk wood, and Thanakha wood, forest products. Also to go to Naga New Year festival, one has to travel up the Chindwin river reaching the Homemalin Town. Settlements along the Chindwin River include Shwebo, which was the royal capital from
Sittaung River
Sittaung river lies in east-central Myanmar, rising northeast of Yamethin on the edge of the Shan Plateau and flowing south for 260 miles (420 km) to empty into the Gulf of Martaban of the Andaman Sea. The broad Sittaung River valley lies between the forested Bago Mountains on the west and the steep Shan Plateau on the east and holds the main road and railway from Yangon (Rangoon) to Mandalay as well as the major towns of Bgo, Taungoo, Yamethin, and Pyinmana. The river is navigable for 25 miles (40 km) year-round and for 55 miles (90 km) during three months of the year. The Sittaung is used to float timber, particularly teak, south for export. Its lower course is linked by canal to Bago River. This canal, built to bypass the tidal bore that afflicted the mouth of the Sittaung, once provided the only route from Yangon to Taungoo. 4

5. Adopted a new flag on 21 Oct 2010
Symbols of Myanmar
Adopted a new flag on 21 Oct 2010
Country coat of arms
The Republic of the Union of Myanmar, adopted a new state flag on 21 October The new flag was introduced along with implementing changes to the country's name, which were laid out in the 2008 Constitution. The design of the flag has three horizontal stripes of yellow, green and red with a five-pointed white star in the middle. The three colours of the stripes are meant to symbolise solidarity, peace and tranquility, and courage and decisiveness.
Shwedagon pagoda
Inle Lake 5

6. Etymology Burma (Formerly):
- Derived from the Burmese word “Bamar” which historically referred to the majority “Bamar” or “Burmans”
- Since the time of British colonial rule (1886)
Myanmar:
- In 1989, the military government officially changed “Burma” to “Myanmar”
- The English translations of many colonial-era names 6

7. Background History of Myanmar I. The Early History
Mon : First people settled in Myanmay possibly as early as 3,000 BC. 
- Settled near the mouths of the Thanlwin and Sittaung rivers and established the kingdom called Suvannabhumi, which is mentioned in the early Indian literatures and Chinese records.
- Immigrated from some where in central Asia several centuries before Christ.
- Linguistically, the Mon language belong to the Mon-Khmer family who are still to be found in parts of Thailand and Cambodia today
- Introduced Buddhism and Indian culture to Burma, Besides the religion, the Mons had an advanced knowledge of agriculture. They were experts in irrigation, and turned the river basins in Lower Burma into fertile paddy fields.
Myanmar history dates back to the early 11th Century when King Anawrahta unified the country and founded the first Myanmar Empire in Bagan more than 20 years before the Norman Conquest of England in The Bagan Empire encompassed the areas of the present day Myanmar and the entire Menam Valley in Thailand and lasted two centuries. The second Myanmar Empire was founded in mid 16th Century by King Bayinnaung. King Alaungpaya founded the last Myanmar Dynasty in 1752 and it was during the zenith of this Empire that the British moved into Myanmar. Like India, Myanmar became a British colony but only after three Anglo-Myanmar was in 1825, 1852 and During the Second World War, Myanmar was occupied by the Japanese from 1942 till the return of the Allied Forces in Myanmar has become a  sovereign  independent  state  since  4th  January 1948 after 62 years under the colonial administration. It is remarkable to note that Myanmar is the country that regained here independence first though she was the last country occupied by the British in this region.
The Early History of the Mons
Sudara Suchaxaya
The Mons were one of the earliest peoples settled in Southeast Asia. According to the Brumese chronicles, they were the first people settled in Burma as well,  immigrated from some where in central Asia several centuries before the Christian Era. Linguistically, the Mon language belong to the Mon-Khmer family.
In the beginning they settled in the area between the lower Salween and Sittang rivers, and established the kingdom called Suvannabhumi, which is mentioned in the early Indian literatures and Chinese records. Around this time there was another state called Pyu centered at Sri Ksetra near Prome in central Burma, to the north of the Mon kingdom. The Pyu people ethnically the Tibeto-Burman, constructed Buddhist monuments and made Brahmanic artifacts. Several Arabic geographists called the country of the Mons Ramannadesa, derived from the ancient Mon word Rmen meaning the Mons themselves. In contrast, the Burmese called the Mons Talaings, derived from Talingna, a place name in southeastern India.
According to the chronicles, the Mons were the people who constructed the Swedagon Pagoda in Rangoon about 2,540 years ago. However, what is obvious is that the Mons introduced Buddhism into Burma for the first time. In the third century B.C. according to the chronicles, Suthammavadi or Thaton, the center of the Mons at the time, had close contacts with India particularly during the time of King Asoka, who sent missionaries called Sona and Uttara to Suwannabhumi.
One of the Mon chronicles mentions that the Mon kingdom at Thaton was established in 302 B.C. by two princes of an Indian king called Tissa. This first kingdom of the Mons had 59 kings who succeeded the founders of the dynasty. The Mon kingdom at Thaton actively contacted and traded with India and Lanka, and received Indian civilization in various aspects including language and religion, particularly Hinayana Buddhism. In fact, the Mons played the role of introducing Indian culture to other peoples in southeast Asia, such as the Burmese, the Thais and the Laotians. Besides the religion, the Mons had an advanced knowledge of agriculture. They were experts in irrigation, and turned the river basins in Lower Burma into fertile paddy fields.
In the 8th century, the Pyu's capital was moved to Halin to the north. In 832, Nan Chao from the south eastern part of China invaded north of Burma, and took many Pyus as war-prisoners back to Nan Chao. Those survived Pyus moved south and settled near Pagan in 849, but never again powerful. Their weakness brought about the emergence of another people called Marmma or Burma, who from the 9th century immigrated into Burma from the border area between China and Tibet.
Soon afterwards, they took the initiative over the Pyu's territory, and since then the Pyus never again appeared significantly in the Burmese history. While the Pyus were invaded by Nan Chao, the Mon kingdom at Thaton expanded its power to the Irrawaddy river basin in central Burma. Subjugating the Pyus under their control, the Burmese became powerful and tried to invade the Mons in the south, who pulled back to their original place. This time the Mons founded their capital at Pegu (Hamsawadi) in 825, having two princes called
Samala and Vimala as their chiefs. The chronicles include 17 kings who ruled Pegu from 825 to In the 11th century Thaton became weak caused by invasion conducted by King Anurutha of Pagan. The victorious king brought from Thaton not only the war-prisoners and various treasures, but renowned monks and holy Buddhist scriptures, including the Mon King Manuha. Mon chronicles lamentably record this event that the Great Thaton was totally devastated and left entirely deserted.
King Anurautha's reason to invade Thaton was to have enough monks in his kingdom to reform Buddhism there, which was Tantric with full of declined elements, practiced by the Ari sect followers. The king was very much concerned with the Buddhism in his kingdom and he wanted to convert his people to Hinayana Buddhism, which at that time was prevalent in Thaton. At the beginning King Anurutha asked King Manuha to send him the Tripitaka conserved in Thaton, following the Shin Arahan's advice, who was a Mon monk devoted himself on the Buddhism reform activites in Pagan. King Manuha refused and naturally King Anurutha took the chance to invade Thaton with his powerful army.
Although the Mons lost in the battle, their culture prevailed in their victor's court. For example, the Mon language replaced Pali and Sanskrit which had been the religious languages employed to make inscriptions. Theravada Buddhism from Thaton had the largest followers in Pagan. Thaton continued to have a close religious contact with Lanka which had long been the center of Theravada Buddhism, later spread into all countries in Southeast Asia. To put the Mons under his rule, the following King Kyansittha had one of his daughters marry a Mon prince. Later they had two sons, and one of them became Kyansittha's successor called Alongsitthu, during whose reign Pagan could have the whole control over the Mons.
Besides, during the reign of Kyansittha, inscriptions were made in both Mon and Burmese languages. Some of the inscriptions were also made solely in Mon, freely expressing the superiority of the Mon culture over that of the Burmese. The Mons remained under the Burmese control until 1287, when Pagan was destroyed by the Mongols. The Mon leader called Wareru, a son-in-law of Ramkhamhaeng re-established independent Mon kingdom at Moulmein. Moulmein remained as the capital of the Mon kingdom until 1369, when the capital was moved back to Pegu. Until the reign of King Ratchathirat, Pegu or Hongsawadi was the most important trade center in the Gulf of Bengal. The zenith of the revived Mon kingdom was during the reign of King Thammachedi from1472 to 1492.
In 1551, the Mons again was invaded by the Burmese during the reign of Tabinshweti, and the Tong U dynasty of the Burmese ruled Thaton until 1740, when Sming Tho Phuttiket once again regained independence from the Burmese. This powerful Mon king went to invade Ava with his army, which accelerated the fall of Burma. In 1757, Along Phya regained the Burmese independence, and consequently the Mons came to be under the Burmese. Since then the Mons never again became independent. 7

8. I. The Early History Phyu: arrived Myanmar later in the 1st century BC
- Established several city - kingdoms in the north of Irrawaddy delta.
- Spoke Tibeto-Burman language (acc. to Chinese records from the Tang Dynasty)
- Created new trade routes and build grand Buddhist temples.
- In 832, Nan Chao from Yunnan of China invaded north of Burma, and took many Pyus as war-prisoners back to Nan Chao.
- Their weakness brought about the emergence of another people called Burma, who from the 9th century immigrated into Burma from the border area between China and Tibet.
HISTORY OF THE PYU IN MYANMAR  (BURMA)
There were several early tribes from India, Tibet and China. According to Hindu scholars, the most notable one was the Pyu people who migrated into Burma to escape from numerous wars between various kingdoms in eastern India. They were “Brahman” or from the priestly caste.. The Pyu, whose tradition was deeply rooted in the lifestyle of the eightfold yoga system from Patanjali and the Yoga Sutras,  established a highly peaceful Hindu kingdom in the great Irrawaddy Valley. They were joined by other tribes determined to live a spiritual lifestyle. One of those tribes was from Southern Tibet whose “Ko Gahn” system of zones influenced their yoga practice and refined the Hanthawaddy yoga system.  By the 3rd Century AD, they had built their elegant capital at Sri Ksetra with hundreds of golden stupas, temples and monasteries. Their high cultural ideals embraced spiritual beliefs of Brahmanism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Tantricism, Mysticism, and Shamanism.. They were also known to practice different forms of Yoga such as Raja yoga, Karma yoga, Tantric yoga, Hatha yoga, Dhanda yoga, Letha yoga, Longi yoga and others.
According to Hindu historians, the term “Burma” derives from an Indian word “Brahmin” (or priestly) caste. Around 500 BC, to escape from constant wars, several Brahmin tribes from eastern India migrated to the north central region which, until recently, was known as Burma and established their communities along the Irrawaddy River. Over centuries, the name of the country has taken many forms, such as Bharma, Bhama, Barmar, Bama and then the name Burma. This is the English spelling of the country they ruled for nearly a century from mid 19th Century to the mid 20th Century. Predominantly vegetarian, the Pyu discouraged killing and placed strong emphasis on preserving the lives of all creatures, great or small. They created an agrarian society complete with sophisticated systems of canals, elaborate irrigation devices and advanced methods of animal husbandry. The Pyu kingdom became one of the major trade routes between India and China. Roman embassies traveling from Rome to China from 97 – 121 AD used this peaceful region for their overland journey.
The Roman ambassadors reported that chains, fetters and prisons were unknown in this peaceful society. Harsh punishments and executions were not practiced as in the surrounding kingdoms. Killing for territorial gain, political dominance and vengeance was against the cultural values.
Chinese Buddhist pilgrims who traveled and studied at Sri Ksetra described this kingdom as a “peaceful land,” a “holy land,” and “the land of a thousand temples.” Pilgrims from the surrounding states visited various monasteries of this region. Chinese traders used the region for rest and restocking of goods before they made their rugged journeys to India, Persia and other countries.
The ancient Chinese called the people of this region Mein. Over time, it evolved to Meinma, Mramma, and presently, it is named Myanmar, symbolically, meaning “the first inhabitants of the region.” One of the earliest written records of Chinese emissaries and traders traveling on this route reported (around 500 B.C.) that:
                “Early in the morning with the rising sun, young and old men of villages and towns practiced elaborate sets of exercises using their bamboo and wooden long staff. They performed their vigorous sequence of exercises, standing, sitting, kneeling and squatting. These exercises were supervised by elders.”
The Pyu settled in these delta areas because they were fertile and protected by the mountains. The rivers carry away debris and waste as well as bring in life and fresh nutrients. These river valleys or deltas were known as Waddy. Hantha means peaceful, hence Hanthawaddy (place of peace).This yoga system  developed utilizing the Ko Ghan system with the nine zones, the alignment of the staff (Dhanda) training, and with the controlled breath and energy meditation of Min Zin became known as Hanthawaddy (peaceful place). Our body is the place or temple. Since other streams and rivers join in the valleys there is reference to “joining” of the peaceful place. This is what we should find or establish within our temple.
The ancient history of Myanmar (Burma) is not as well known as that of China or India. As early as 500 BC, Chinese traders were using an overland route from China [Yunnan area] through northern Burma into India through Assam. [NOTE: This ancient route, which dates back to 500 BC, became one of the famous roads during WWII. American engineers in 1940 expanded the road and called it THE BURMA ROAD. The geographical size of present Burma is slightly larger than Germany or France. This country is sandwiched between Tibet to the north, China to the north-east, India to the west, Lao and Thailand to the south-east. Burma has several high mountain ranges coming down from the Himalayas, dense jungles in the east and west, a desert region in the center and the delta region in the south. There are four great rivers: Chindwin, Sittang, Salween and Irrawaddy. These rivers are like 4 long fingers spreading across and dividing the country. The Irrawaddy River is considered to be one of the great rivers of the world. It travels more than 1200 miles from the Tibetan plateau across the middle of Burma to the Indian Ocean. Hundreds of ancient tribes from India, Tibet and China used these rivers in search for food and settlements.
The end of the Pyu Kingdom
Around the 6th Century, the Mons, a fierce warrior people who originated from Eastern India gradually moved down and subdued the Pyu kingdom and settled in the region. The Pyu scattered, many going north.
In the 8th Century, an offshoot of the old  “Ch’iang” Tibetan tribes from the eastern Himalayas, known to western scholars as “Tibeto-Burmans” migrated into the region. After a long and complicated struggle, the Mons were defeated. The Tibeto-Burmese culture merged with the Mon culture.
Burma emerging as a Nation
By the middle of the 11th Century, Burma emerged as a Nation after numerous wars between small and large kingdoms in the region. The Great King Anawrahta [ ] united the country and established his capital at Bagan in the north central Burma along the Irrawaddy River.
During the next century the city of Bagan grew dramatically. There was a great religious surge among the people, initiating extraordinary architectural and artistic activity in the region. More than 10,000 pagodas, temples, shrines and monasteries were built in the region. Today Bagan is the largest archaeological site in all of Asia. (Bagan is near the former site of Sri Ksetra.) Even though Buddhism was adopted by the kings and the people of Burma, remnants of ancient and rituals of Hinduism, Tantricism, and Shamanism are still practiced today.
Revival and Preservation of These Systems
Anant Krishna Vaidya was an internationally renowned Yogi from India. From , he taught the philosophy, principles, and practice of yoga as the foundation for physical health and fitness, physical culture, athletics and sports, and also for emotional and spiritual growth. In 1914, he founded Hanuman Vyayam Prasarak Mandal  at the city of Amravati in India. He also restored, revived, and systemized some of the ancient systems using the staff, rope, and stone: along with various yogic asanas to develop strength, stamina, suppleness, and stability for physical, athletic, and martial training.
Around 1935, Ba Than Gyi, who later became the director of Health and Physical Education, and Sports and Athletics in the Ministry of Education in Burma, became one of the many disciples of Anant Krishna Vaidya. Some of Vaidyas’s yoga exercises and training methods for sports and athletics were incorporated into the curriculum for physical education programs.
During World War II Burma was devastated. Many pre-war programs were phased out including the teaching of Anant Krishna Vaidya. Only a handful of people in Burma continued to practice and teach exercises and drills taught by Vaidya.
After World War II, Ba Than Gyi established the Bando Meditation Center in December 1945 in the city of Maymo in northern Burma. Ba Than Gyi also attempted to integrate some of the teachings of Anant Krishna Vaidya and the ancient Pyu monk’s system, which were still practiced by a handful of Brahmin clans in remote towns such as Homalin, Halin,Tamu, Kalamyo, and Amarapura. With his dedicated staff members, he succeeded in organizing, classifying, and categorizing various yoga postures, exercises and drills. Ba Than Gyi’s son later brought these systems as well as other systems to America 8

9. The Early History Bamar : Appeared in Myanmar in the 9th centurty
- Coming from the China Tibet border area
- Speak Tibeto-Burman language
- Establishd a small kingdom centered in Bangan on the Irrawaddy
river in 849 and became the dominant ethnic group in Myanmar.
Ac.c to the Chinese records from the Tang Dynasty, the Phyu, an ethnic group established city-kingdoms in areas north of the Irrawaddy delta bet. The 1st century B.C and A.D. 800. 9

10. II. Monarchy Era Three Myanmar Empire
First Myanmar Empire
( )
The first Myanmar Empire was founded in 1044 by King Anawrahta
Second Myanmar Empire ( )
The second Myanmar Empire was founded in mid 16th Century by King Bayinnaung.
Third Myanmar Empire
King Alaungpaya founded the last Myanmar Dynasty in 1752 and it was during the zenith of this Empire that the British moved into Myanmar.
In 1044, King Anawrahta, a Myanmar ruler, united the region and founded the First Myanmar Empire, that lasted nearly 250 years. The kingdom's capital, Bagan, lay on the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) River in the central part of the country. The Myanmars adopted features of the Mon and Pyu cultures, including Theravada Buddhism. Mongol invaders led by Kublai Khan captured Bagan in 1287, shattering the kingdom.
A new Myanmar kingdom arose as the Second Myanmar Empire founded by King Bayintnaung at Taungoo during the 1500's. It was brought down by a Mon rebellion in 1752.
The Third and last Myanmar Empire was founded by king Alaungpaya after the Mon rebellion.

11. British Rule War with Britain (1824-1852) (1st Anglo-Burmese War)
British Lower Burma ( )
(2nd Anglo-Burmese War)
British Upper Burma ( ) (3rd Anglo-Burmese War)
British rule in Burma ( ) ( A province of India)
- Japanese occupation of Burma ( ) WW II
Independence from British (Jan 4, 1948)
(Regained her independence first though she was the last country occupied by the British in this region.)
It is remarkable to note that Myanmar is the country that regained here independence first though she was the last country occupied by the British in this region.

12. IV.Post Independence and Military Rule Era
4 Jan. 1948
Independence from the British Gov’t. U Nu, the 1st PM
2 Mar.1962
A Military coup de’tat by Gen Ne Win . Socialist Party Founded
8 August 1988
Student Uprising
18 Sept 1988
A military coup de’tat by Gen. Saw Maung, The State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) formed
Market Oriented Economic Policy
27 May 1990
National election was held.
15 Nov 1997
SLORC to State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)
General Ne Win and his Revolutionary Council of military leaders, who wanted to transform Burma into a socialist nation, founded the Burma Socialist Programme Party and ruled the country until 1988, when large numbers of Burmese demonstrated against the government and called for an end to one-party rule.
The military had to take over the power since the whole country was in turmoil, and established the State Law and Order Restoration Council and allowed multiparty elections to take place in May The Council also changed the official name of the country from the Union of Burma to the Union of Myanmar. The Council opened the doors to the world and followed market-oriented economic policy. The military government was reorganized in 1997 and changed its name to the State Peace and Development Council.

13. Myanmar People Myanmar has a diverse population,
the result of three separate migrations from Central Asia and Tibet.
1st migration group : Mons
2nd migration group: the Tibeto- Myanmar
3rd migration group: Tai Shan people
(for Myanmar people)
The Union of Myanmar is made up of 135 national races, of which the main national races are Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan. Population of the country is estimated at 52.4 million (July, 2003) and the population growth rate is 1.84 percent. (
The State Seal
The distinguishing features of the State Seal are as follows:-
At the center of the State Seal is a pinion with fourteen equal-sized cogs on which the map of Myanmar is superimposed. The pinion and the map are encircled with two ears of paddy.
The ears of paddy are flanked on each side by an artistic Myanmar Lion. The lion on the right side faces towards the right and the one on the left side faces towards the left.
The words "The Union of Myanmar" are inscribed in Myanmar below the lions and the ears of paddy.
At the top of the State Seal is a star with five vertices.
Myanmar floral designs are etched on either side of the ears of paddy and the star. 13

14. Myanmar People Officially 135 ethnic groups comprise Myanmar people
The population of the country is estimated at 55,400,000 (2009)
About 70% of the population is descended from the Barmar.
A part from the Chinese and Indians, most minority ethnic groups live mainly in the hills.
Population number (

15. States and Regions
The country is divided into seven states and seven regions, formally called divisions. The announcement on the renaming of dividion to regions was made on 20 August 2010.
Regions are predominantly Bamar.
States, in essence, are regions which are home to particular ethnic minorities.
The administrative divisions are further subdivided into districts, which are further subdivided into townships, wards, and villages.
States and divisions 1 = Thaninthayi 2 = Mon 3 = Yangon 4 = Ayeyarwaddy 5 = Kayin 6 = Bago 7 = Rakhine 8 = Magwe 9 = Mandalay 10 = Kayah 11 = Shan 12 = Sagaing 13 = Chin 14 = Kachin

16. Eight Major Nationalities of Myanmar
Kachin
Kayah
Kayin
Chin
The peopleMyanmar is a union of 135 ethnic groups with their own languages and dialects. The major races are the Bamar, the Chin, the Kachin, the Shan, the Kayah, the Kayin, the Mon and the Rakhine. The population of Myanmar is estimated at 52.4 million (July, 2003)
ReligionAlthough the main religion, Buddhism is practiced by 89.3 percent of the population, there is full freedom of worship for other religions. Christianity is practiced by 5.6 percent, Islam by 3.8 percent, Hinduism by 0.5 percent and Animism by 0.2 percent respectively.
CultureMyanmar lies on the cross-roads of two of the world’s great civilizations China and India. Its culture is a blend of both interspersed with Myanmar native traits and characteristics. Buddhism has great influence on daily life of the Myanmar. The people have preserved the traditions of close family ties, respect for the elders, reverence for Buddhism and simple native dress. Myanmar is known for their simple hospitality and friendliness.
RaceMyanmar is inhabited by 135 ethnic nationalities, distributed in the different regions. There are eight major national races; Bamar, Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Mon, Rakkhine and Shan races. Most of tribal groups still follow their own traditional customs, costumes and life-style.
Language
The official language is Myanmar. English is widely spoken and understood.
EconomyBase on market oriented economy, private sector has been encouraged to do business in domestic & foreign trade and commerce.

17. Eight Major Nationalities of Myanmar
Bamar
Mon
Rakhine
Shan
Population
The Union of Myanmar is made up of 135 national races, of which the main national races are Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan. Population of the country is estimated at 52.4 million (July, 2003) and the population growth rate is 1.84 percent.
Kachin 12
Kayah 9
Kayin 11
Chin 53
Mon 1
Bamar 9Rakhine 7
Shan 33
Total 135 17

18. Religions Buddhism 89.2% Hinduism 0.5% Christianity 5.0%
Spiritualism Animism
1.2 %
Islam
3.8%
Religion
TourismMyanmar.com says that approximately 80 percent of the people in Myanma practice Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism is the most common religious belief and focuses on karma, or the idea that doing good causes more good and doing evil causes more evil. Most Mayanmarese also believe in reincarnation. The country offers freedom of religion, and some of its population follow the Christian, Muslim and Hindu faiths.
The main religions of the country are Buddhism (89.2%), Christianity (5.0%), Islam (3.8%), Hinduism (0.5%), Spiritualism (1.2%) and others (0.2%). Religious intolerance or discrimination on grounds of religion is nonexistent in the Union of Myanmar throughout its long history.
Superstitions
Rural Myanmarese often have strong superstitions and might use astrology or clairvoyance when facing important decisions. According to common superstitions, bad luck occurs because of leaving a shoe or slipper upside-down, keeping broken glass in the home or washing the hair soon after a funeral. Some believe that walking under a staircase or a clothesline used to dry women’s longyis can cause an individual to lose will power. Others believe that carrying hairs from an elephant’s tail can ward off evil.
Business Culture
Business relationships focus on building trust and friendship. If a business favor is received, the recipient must repay it at a later date. Business topics typically do not come up in conversation when two businessmen meet for the first time, but rather serve as an opportunity to evaluate strengths, weaknesses and personality. World Travel Guide indicates that most commercial business transactions in Myanmar occur in English, but business cards with Burmese translation can facilitate better communication. People in Myanmar have a custom of showing respect to their elders, which can create friction in business situations when a supervisor is younger than a subordinate.
Dress
Typical dress for men in Myanmar is a white shirt with no collar, an overcoat and a longyi, which is a garment made from a long piece of cloth folded and secured at the waist, resembling a sarong. Ladies in Myanmar usually wear dresses, often of silk or cotton, or blouses with a longyi. Both men and women often wear Western tops with the traditional longyi on the bottom. Female visitors should avoid shorts. They also should not wear T-shirts without proper undergarments. 18

19. Language and Literature
Language: belongs to the Sino-Tibetan family of languages.
33 consonants and twelve vowels
Script: originally adapted from the Mon language (derived from Pali, the ancient Indian language of the sacred text of Theravada Buddhism.

20. Myanmar Alphabets and Numbers

21. Economy British Administration
- Myanmar was the 2nd wealthiest country in South East Asia.s
- The world’s largest exporter of rice
- Produced 75% of the world’s teak
- A highly literately population
- The country was believed to be on the fast track to development.
Economy Economically Myanmar is a poor country, and agriculture remains the main sector. Since late 1988, Myanmar has replaced the centrally planned economy with a more liberalized economic policy based on market-oriented system. For the moment Myanmar is the place unlike most other tourist destinations. Travel is sometime unpredictable because the essential infrastructures such as efficient good management, transport, communication and hotels are still far from near complete. However in this age of mass tourism with loss of local cultures in many a thousand locations worldwide (Asia especially), Myanmar people still maintain some of their traditional cultures.
Myanmar's Economy
Almost three quarters of Myanmar's population either grows or processes crops, with roughly only ten percent of of population working in the industrial sector. Myanmar is considered an agricultural country and before World War II, it had been the world's top exporter of rice.  Since the population increased after the war, it decreased the amount of surplus rice on hand for export.
Although there aren't many visitors to Myanmar (in 1996, there were about 185,000), tourism is the leading resource of foreign exchange.  The government had tried to improve the economy by pushing socialism and nationalizing most of the industries, but it was on the whole unsuccessful in its efforts.  In the early 90's, the government tried a different approach, accepting foreign investments, but again, it is not successful.  The most successful economy in Myanmar is the black market, which has little government interference.
Since the late 90's Myanmar's economy has worsened due to U.S. economic sanctions (due to a negative human rights record) and the widespread Asian economic problems.  These issues decreased the amount of foreign investment and increased inflation even more.   21

22. Economy After Independence 1948: - Adopted central planned economy
- Rice exports fell by two thirds and mineral exports by over 96%
1962:
- Coup de’tat was followed by an economic scheme called the Burmese Way to socialism
1987:
UN gave Myanmar Least Develop Country status
Economy Economically Myanmar is a poor country, and agriculture remains the main sector. Since late 1988, Myanmar has replaced the centrally planned economy with a more liberalized economic policy based on market-oriented system. For the moment Myanmar is the place unlike most other tourist destinations. Travel is sometime unpredictable because the essential infrastructures such as efficient good management, transport, communication and hotels are still far from near complete. However in this age of mass tourism with loss of local cultures in many a thousand locations worldwide (Asia especially), Myanmar people still maintain some of their traditional cultures.
Myanmar's Economy
Almost three quarters of Myanmar's population either grows or processes crops, with roughly only ten percent of of population working in the industrial sector. Myanmar is considered an agricultural country and before World War II, it had been the world's top exporter of rice.  Since the population increased after the war, it decreased the amount of surplus rice on hand for export.
Although there aren't many visitors to Myanmar (in 1996, there were about 185,000), tourism is the leading resource of foreign exchange.  The government had tried to improve the economy by pushing socialism and nationalizing most of the industries, but it was on the whole unsuccessful in its efforts.  In the early 90's, the government tried a different approach, accepting foreign investments, but again, it is not successful.  The most successful economy in Myanmar is the black market, which has little government interference.
Since the late 90's Myanmar's economy has worsened due to U.S. economic sanctions (due to a negative human rights record) and the widespread Asian economic problems.  These issues decreased the amount of foreign investment and increased inflation even more.   22

23. Economy After Independence
In recent yrs:
- China and India has established closed ties for economic
US,Canada and EU have imposed investment and trade sanctions on Myanmar
Foreign Invest:
- Primarily comes from China, Singapore, South Korea, India and
Thailand
- Major Agriculture is rice, 60% of cultivated land
- Rubies are the largest earner, 90% of the world’s rubies come from Myanmar (Thaland buy the majority of the country’ gems)
Economy Economically Myanmar is a poor country, and agriculture remains the main sector. Since late 1988, Myanmar has replaced the centrally planned economy with a more liberalized economic policy based on market-oriented system. For the moment Myanmar is the place unlike most other tourist destinations. Travel is sometime unpredictable because the essential infrastructures such as efficient good management, transport, communication and hotels are still far from near complete. However in this age of mass tourism with loss of local cultures in many a thousand locations worldwide (Asia especially), Myanmar people still maintain some of their traditional cultures.
Myanmar's Economy
Almost three quarters of Myanmar's population either grows or processes crops, with roughly only ten percent of of population working in the industrial sector. Myanmar is considered an agricultural country and before World War II, it had been the world's top exporter of rice.  Since the population increased after the war, it decreased the amount of surplus rice on hand for export.
Although there aren't many visitors to Myanmar (in 1996, there were about 185,000), tourism is the leading resource of foreign exchange.  The government had tried to improve the economy by pushing socialism and nationalizing most of the industries, but it was on the whole unsuccessful in its efforts.  In the early 90's, the government tried a different approach, accepting foreign investments, but again, it is not successful.  The most successful economy in Myanmar is the black market, which has little government interference.
Since the late 90's Myanmar's economy has worsened due to U.S. economic sanctions (due to a negative human rights record) and the widespread Asian economic problems.  These issues decreased the amount of foreign investment and increased inflation even more.   23

24. Economy In 1992 - The government has encouraged tourism in the
country , fewer than 750,000 tourists enter the
country annually
GDP 2010 estimated: Total - $ billion, Per capita - $702
Currency: Kyat
Economy Economically Myanmar is a poor country, and agriculture remains the main sector. Since late 1988, Myanmar has replaced the centrally planned economy with a more liberalized economic policy based on market-oriented system. For the moment Myanmar is the place unlike most other tourist destinations. Travel is sometime unpredictable because the essential infrastructures such as efficient good management, transport, communication and hotels are still far from near complete. However in this age of mass tourism with loss of local cultures in many a thousand locations worldwide (Asia especially), Myanmar people still maintain some of their traditional cultures.
Myanmar's Economy
Almost three quarters of Myanmar's population either grows or processes crops, with roughly only ten percent of of population working in the industrial sector. Myanmar is considered an agricultural country and before World War II, it had been the world's top exporter of rice.  Since the population increased after the war, it decreased the amount of surplus rice on hand for export.
Although there aren't many visitors to Myanmar (in 1996, there were about 185,000), tourism is the leading resource of foreign exchange.  The government had tried to improve the economy by pushing socialism and nationalizing most of the industries, but it was on the whole unsuccessful in its efforts.  In the early 90's, the government tried a different approach, accepting foreign investments, but again, it is not successful.  The most successful economy in Myanmar is the black market, which has little government interference.
Since the late 90's Myanmar's economy has worsened due to U.S. economic sanctions (due to a negative human rights record) and the widespread Asian economic problems.  These issues decreased the amount of foreign investment and increased inflation even more.   24

25. Myanmar Culture
Generally, Myanmar culture means Buddhist and Bamar culture
Bamar Culture has been influenced by the cultures of neighbouring countries (its langauge, cuisine, music, dance and theatre,
The arts and literature have been influened by Theravada Buddhism
The national epic of Myanmar , the Yama Zatdaw, an adaption of India’s Ramayana

26. Myanmar Culture In Traditional Village:
- The monastry is the centre of culture life
A novitiation ceremony called Shinbyu (All boys)
Ear-piercing ceremonies (All girls)
- Myanmar culture is most evident in villages where local festivals are held throughout the yaer
British Colonial Rule:
- Myanmar’s educational system is modelled after that of the UK.
- Colonial architectural influences are most evident in major cities
such as Yangoon.
- Many ethnic minorities, particularly Karen, Kachin, and Chin practice
Christianity.

27. Men and Women - Men have a higher status than
In Buddhism,
- Men have a higher status than
women (Buddhists believe in
reincarnation, and a woman has to
hope that, in her next life , she is
reborn as a man.
-The husband considered the spiritual head of the Myanmar household because of his hpon ( Pone) or spiritual status.

28. Men and Women
- In public, women let men take the lead, often walking behind
their husbands or fathers
- At home, however, a husband usually hands his earnings over
to the wife, who manages the family budget and often runs her
own small business, too.
- Women are excluded from certain areas of religious buildings Despite
the hierarchy of Buddhism, however Myanmar women have a quiet
self-confidence that comes from a tradition of independence.
- Women have equal rights of inheritance with men.
- Women dominate the market as traders of goods or food vendors.
- Today, there are many women in professional occupations, working
as doctors, dentists, lawyers, writers, teachers, and scientists
Gender Roles and Statuses
Division of Labor by Gender. Both men and women do agricultural work, but individual tasks are often gender-specific. Men prepare the land for planting and sow seeds, and women transplant rice seedlings. Harvesting is done by both men and women. Men thresh the rice. Most domestic work is done by women. During ceremonies, however, men are involved in food preparation. A variety of traditional handicrafts are made within the household or by specialists. Items of metal, wood, or stone generally are made by men, and weaving usually is done by women. Pottery, basketry, plaiting, making lacquerware, and making umbrellas can be done by men or women. Small-scale market selling and itinerant trading are conducted by both sexes. Transportation of goods or people by animal, carts, boat, or motor vehicle is done mainly by men. Religious specialists and traditional curers generally are male, but sometimes they are female. Spirit mediums can be male or female. Traditional theatrical and musical performances involve both genders. Women work mainly in teaching and nursing.
The Relative Status of Women and Men. Traditional society was known for the relatively high status of women. If a couple divorces, for example, common goods are divided equally and the wife retains her dowry as well as the proceeds from her commercial activities. However, military rule has undermined the status of women, especially at the higher levels of government and commerce. Women, however, play a significant role in the political opposition to the regime. The higher levels of business are in the hands of men, but many medium-size and small businesses are run by women.

29. Myanmar Culture Proper Etiquette
- Excessive emotion, whether prompted anger or by love are frowned upon
- Elders and others of a higher status are treated with courtesy
- Considered rude to pass things over the heads of seated elder
- To show respect to grandparents, parents, and teachers on formal occasions, Kneel down with foreheads and elbows touching the ground
- When passing a pagoda or meeting a monk, they put their palms together in a gesture of reverence.
- Sensitive about imposing on, or inconveniencing, other people. The fear of embarrassing others is called anade (Ah-nar-Deh).

30. Family Tie Myanmar households often consist of three generations
Children:
- learn to share and to participate in the family life at an early age.
Expected to respect parents ,all elders and take care of their aged parents

31. Interesting Myanmar Culture
Thanakha (Burmese Make-up)

32. Thanakha (Burmese Make-up)

33. Myanmar Longyi (Burmese Sarong)

34. Food Curry Mon-hin-ga - Spicy Noodle with Catfish 34
Food in Myanmar represents a mixture of Indian and Chinese cuisines, with local curries and soups adding a Burmese flair to the food. Rice is the staple food in Myanmar, making up approximately 75 percent of the local diet, according to Myanmar.com. Typically, meals are served at a dining table, with the individual pieces laid out so that diners can serve themselves and create their own combinations. A condiment made from preserved fish or prawn and chili powder accompanies most meals.
The regional food is hot and spicy. Fish, rice, noodles and vegetables spiced with onions, ginger, garlic and chillies are the common local ingredients.
Myanmar daily Food Every country has its own customs and traditional food. Myanmar has a variety of traditional food. Our staple food is rice and curry daily. We still serve our dishes the same way our ancestors serve them. In Myanmar, rice, meat, fish and prawn curries are serve as main dishes while fried- vegetables salads, soups, and boiled or raw vegetables eaten with fish sauce are eaten as side-dishes.
Table Manners
When dining in someone’s home in Myanmar, people usually sit on the floor or on a floor mat at low, round tables. Diners do not drink alcoholic beverages with their meals, but rather have juice, tea or water. Eating begins once all of the food is on the table, and diners should handle serving spoons with the left hand, which locals consider the clean hand. Forks and spoons have gained popularity in Myanmar, but many locals still eat with their fingers. Elderly diners and guests serve themselves first. Leaving rice on the plate signals to the host that the diner wants more rice.
Food in Daily Life. Rice is the staple food except among those in highland areas where rice is difficult to grow. In those areas, rice, millet, sorghum, and corn are the staples. Rice is accompanied by a raw salad of leaves, fruit, or vegetables; a soup; and curries of fish, meat, prawns, or eggs. In addition to turmeric and chili, curries are seasoned with fermented fish or shrimp paste. A variety of cultivated vegetables and wild greens are eaten as well as bamboo shoots. Meals often are accompanied by lentils, pickled relishes, and balachaung (made from fried dry prawns). There are a variety of rice-noodle dishes. After a meal, it is common to eat fresh fruit.
Burmese traditionally eat a morning meal and an evening meal that is taken before dark. The meals are served in a large platter or on a low table, with members of the household sitting on mats. Food is eaten with the fingers, although sometimes utensils are used. It is common to drink water and eat fruit after the main meal. Throughout the day people eat betel and smoke tobacco. Burmese not only drink tea made from dried tea leaves but also eat pickled tea as a snack. Other snacks include chappatis, fried insects, and Chinese pastries.
Read more: Culture of Burma - history, people, clothing, traditions, women, beliefs, food, customs, family 34

35. Q&A
How does the poor Myanmar economy and national situation effected the GMS region?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of increase tourism in Myanmar society?
What are the similaraties & difference between Myanmar and other GMS culture?

36. Thank You