Sanda Thumana

Ngathaukkya was originally a general under the king Apaya. According to arakanese coronicles, Apaya's son, crown prince Ye Baw murdered Ngathaukkya's brother. This enraged Ngathaukkya and he wanted to take revenge against murderer and Apaya. So, he left capital, went to Sittwe island and there he recruited Bengali Muslims in his army. Then his forces matched and set up camp at Urittaung.

Apaya, knowing the enemy forces were stronger than his own, tried to negotiate with Ngathaukkya. However, Ngathaukkya ignored the negotiation and attacked the capital. In 18 January 1774, he occupied the capital, Mrauk U and King Apaya was killed during battle. The next day, Ngathaukkya ascended the throne and became the king of Arakan with the title of Sanda Thumana Raza.

During the reign of King Sanda Thumana, many revolts occurred throughout the kingdom. Some months after his coronation, Ramree island rebelled against him because of heavy taxes and soon Cheduba Island joined in revolt.

In capital Mrauk U, Sanda Thumana murdered ministers he hate and therefore he was seen as a tyrant. Many ministers and nobles hated him and some even tried to assassinate Sanda Thumana but they failed.

In August, 1775, Sanda Thumana held a second coronation ceremony and built the city pillar. In September, Bengali muslims of Sittwe island rebelled and matched towards Mrauk U. They entered the capital, slaughtered the townsfolk and tried to take the palace. At that time, Sanda Thumana didn't have enough men to repel the enemy. So he encouraged the palace maids and monks to fight in battle. Eventually, Bengali Muslims lost the battle and fled to Bengal with their families.

In his late reign, Sanda Thumana depends on his brother-in-law and general, Ananta Thirikyawhtin to suppress the rebellions. However, in April, 1777, Ananta Thirikyawhtin was wounded in a battle against rebels and later he died. After his general died of wounds, Sanda Thumana grew frightened and fled the palace in 22 April.

Then three rebel leaders, Do We, Thar ma, Tone Kyaw Wai marched and took Mrauk U. They enthroned Poe Shwe, who once was the former king's minister, with the title of Sanda Wimala II.

The ex-king, Sanda Thumana tried to flee but people caught and sent him to Sanda Wimala II. Sanda Wimala II made Sanda Thumana forcibly enter monkhood and live in Shite-thaung Temple.

After he became a monk, Sanda Thumana made his daughter, Yet Thae Mae married to Do We, one of three rebel leaders. But this caused other two rebel leaders resentful and in May, 1777, they murdered Sanda Thumana at Min Htwet Hse Wa.

According to Arakanese chronicles, Sanda Thumana had a son named Kyaw San (​ကျော်စံ). When Mrauk U kingdom was annexed by Bodawpaya, Kyaw San (​ကျော်စံ) also was taken captive to Amarapura along with Arakanese royal family.

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