Bago, Myanmar

Bago is a significant city located in the Bago Region of Myanmar. It sits north-east of Yangon. The city is situated near the Bago River, which is crossed by seven major bridges.

Historically, the city was a vital capital for several powerful kingdoms. It was once the seat of the Taungoo Dynasty. The city's name has changed over time. It was formerly known as Hanthawaddy, which was the name of a Burmese-Mon kingdom. In English, it was widely known as Pegu. The Burmese government renamed English place names across the country in 1989. The name Bago likely comes from the Mon language. An alternative theory suggests it is a shortening of a phrase meaning "Where the Hinthawan Ducks Graze."

Determining the exact founding date of Bago is a complex task for historians. Various Mon language chronicles provide widely different dates for its establishment. Some records suggest the settlement began as early as 573 CE. Another version of the Slapat chronicle mentions a foundation date of 19 January 573 CE. However, other native records used by researchers suggest a date in 1152 or 1153 CE. The Zabu Kuncha, a 15th-century administrative treatise, claims the city was founded in 1276 or 1277 CE. The earliest physical evidence of the city as a place appears in inscriptions from the late Pagan period. These inscriptions date to 1212 and 1266 and list the location as Pe-Ku.

Bago grew into a major center of power and religion during the 14th century. It became the capital of the Mon-speaking kingdom in 1369 under King Binnya U. During the reign of Queen Shin Sawbu, the city became a center for commerce and Theravada Buddhism. This religious importance continued under the monk Dhammazedi. As a major seaport, Bago attracted international interest. In 1519, Portuguese merchants arrived looking for pepper markets.

European travelers like Gasparo Balbi and Ralph Fitch visited in the late 1500s. They often wrote about the magnificent nature of the city. By 1545, the city had even established maritime links with the Ottoman Empire.

The city reached a peak of imperial power under the Toungoo dynasty. King Bayinnaung took control of Bago in 1553 and proclaimed it his capital. He commissioned the construction of the Kanbawzathadi Palace.

This grand palace complex was officially opened on 16 March 1568. The new capital featured 20 gates, each named after a vassal ruler. Each gate was decorated with gilded wooden doors and a two-tier pyatthat, which is a type of tiered roof.

Under Bayinnaung, Bago became the capital of the largest empire in Indochina. However, this era of greatness faced many challenges. A rebellion in 1565 burned down much of the capital, including the palace. This forced the king to rebuild the entire complex.

Political shifts and natural events eventually changed the city's status. The authority of the Toungoo dynasty crumbled in the late 1500s. The city was looted and burned during conflicts between 1594 and 1605. While some leaders tried to rebuild the glory of the city, the royal capital was moved to Ava in 1634. Later, a Bamar king named Alaungpaya captured the city in 1757. By the time King Bodawpaya rebuilt it, the river had shifted its course. This change cut the city off from the sea. Consequently, Bago never regained its former importance as a major maritime hub. The British annexed the area in 1852 following the Second Anglo-Burmese War.

Today, Bago is a diverse urban center with a population of approximately 179,505 people as of 2019. The population is mostly Bamar, but there are also Karen, Mon, Palaung, and Indian communities. Religion plays a massive role in the city's identity. About 94.2% of the population is Buddhist. The city is home to 749 monasteries and 92 nunneries. It also contains many other religious sites, including 9 churches, 6 mosques, and 16 Hindu temples.

One of the most famous landmarks is the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, which is the tallest pagoda in Myanmar. Visitors can also see the Shwethalyaung Buddha, a massive reclining statue.

The economy of Bago relies on agriculture and the service sector. Many people work in the cultivation of rice. There are also many vegetable and fruit gardens in the region. The city has an industrial zone focused on textiles and shoe-making. Other small factories produce food, plastics, and wood products.

Bago is well-connected by transport networks. Two major railway lines, the Yangon–Mandalay and Yangon–Mawlamyine lines, pass through the city. It is also served by the Yangon–Mandalay Expressway and several bus depots. While there is no local airport, the city is served by the nearby Yangon International Airport. A new international airport for the region has been proposed for the Bago Township area.