Myanmar's Unifying Kingdom | The Mark Of Empire | Bagan

The video script introduces Southeast Asia as a melting pot of diverse cultures and religions, with Peter Lee, a Singaporean scholar of mixed Peranakan descent, as the host. Peter's passion for collecting artifacts and exploring cultural narratives is highlighted. He embarks on a journey to Myanmar to delve into the history of the Bagan Empire, which once dominated the region for over two centuries and left a lasting impact on the nation's identity. The episode begins with Peter experiencing the serene beauty of Bagan from a hot air balloon, reflecting on the region's untouched landscape and the ancient temples that dot the landscape.

This paragraph delves into the reign of King Anawrahta, who unified Bagan and expanded its territory across modern-day Myanmar. Despite the modernization of Myanmar's urban centers, Bagan remains a place where time has stood still, exemplified by its traditional pottery, which has been in use for centuries. The script follows Peter as he attempts to make a water pot with the help of Tin Tin Htet, a local potter. The pottery's unique cooling properties are attributed to the porous nature of the clay when baked. The segment also explores the region's water management systems, crucial for the growth of the Bagan Empire, including an 11th-century reservoir discovered in 2013, which held water in a network that supplied the city.

The script explains how King Anawrahta's dream, in which he was instructed to harness the power of three rivers, led to the construction of weirs and canals that diverted water to irrigate the land. This infrastructure supported the growth of villages and sustained the population, which in turn led to the expansion of the ancient kingdom. Peter visits Kyaukse, where rivers met and were key to the empire's growth. He also experiences the modern use of sluice gates with farmer Tin Aung, illustrating the continued reliance on these ancient water management techniques. The segment underscores the importance of water and fertile soil in producing bountiful crops, which contributed to the kingdom's strength and the growth of its population.

Peter joins archaeologist Gyles Iannone in examining remnants from the early Bagan era, aiming to understand the origins of the civilization that evolved into modern Myanmar. The team's excavations reveal the durability of the clay used in construction and the potential for the site to have been occupied for over 800 years. The script introduces Saw Tun Lin, a researcher working on the first catalogue of Bagan pottery, which is helping to establish a chronology of the region's cultural development. The pottery's significance lies in its reflection of the daily lives of people whose histories have been largely forgotten.

The script recounts the legend of King Anawrahta's conversion to Buddhism and his efforts to make Bagan a Buddhist kingdom. It describes how the king's encounter with the monk Shin Arahan led to the acquisition of Buddhist scriptures from the Mon kingdom of Thaton after a military conquest. The episode also explores the tradition that arose from this event, including a dance that symbolizes the taming of a wild elephant, which Peter experiences firsthand. The narrative highlights the integration of local animist faiths, known as Nats, into Buddhist theology, creating a lasting union of faiths.

Peter visits a monastery to participate in the practice of alms, a tradition dating back to the birth of Buddhism. He discusses the role of monasteries as centers of academia and knowledge with head monk Shin Khay Mein Da. The script also examines the significance of the Ananda Temple, one of the empire's architectural marvels, and its symbolism, including the lotus flower as a symbol of purity and the green glazed tiles depicting scenes from the Buddha's past lives. The temple's design reflects a blend of various cultural influences, highlighting the interconnectedness of the region.

The script explores the rise of Burmese lacquerware during the Bagan era, when the demand for intricate religious goods led to the development of this art form. Peter receives a crash course in making a lacquer bowl from artisan Malar Win Maung, learning about the painstaking process that involves bamboo weaving, clay smoothing, lacquer application, and intricate pattern etching. The segment emphasizes the dedication, skill, and love for heritage required to create these works of art, which can take over a year and a half to complete.

Peter experiences the revival of Bagan's artistic heritage through body painting inspired by ancient motifs, created by artist Chan Myae Ko. The script describes the process of painting and the significance of the designs, which are reminiscent of Bagan's old murals. The episode also touches on the decline of the Bagan Empire due to its overexpansion and the invasion by Mongol forces, leading to the fall of the empire in the late 13th century. However, the legacy of the empire is preserved in the city's monuments, which now stand as a testament to Myanmar's origins.

The script discusses the restoration efforts for the Thatbyinnyu temple, the tallest in Bagan, which was damaged by a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in 2016. The restoration work involves international collaboration and is expected to last nine years. The episode also celebrates Bagan's recognition as a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2019, which has led to the area becoming a protected zone. The narrative concludes with a reflection on the modern interpretations of the Bagan Empire, such as a replica of King Anawaratha's royal palace, and the blending of ancient and modern elements in activities like wedding photography, symbolizing the enduring legacy and evolving identity of Myanmar.