King Anawarahta who established the 1st Myanmar Empire, king Anawrahta who conveyed the glory of Buddhism to Bagan, king Anawrahta who made utmost efforts in development of economic and social sectors in Bagan reigned Myanmar in 1044-1077 AD. Bagan City was set up in 107 AD and highly developed to a great extent under King Anawrahta’s tutelage.
The excavation work of King Anawrathta’s Palace site was started in April, 2003.
It was estimated and built so that, in the east of the palace ground must be Shwe Gu Gyi Pagoda, in the west Gadawpalin and Pasittuat pagodas, in the South Thatbyinnyu Temple and a stone monument posted by Minister for Stone Inscription Mr. Du Roiselle in 1920 and situated near Maha Zeti and in the north Maha Bodhi Pagoda.
The excavator’s finds included 20-metre long brick building in the east, 19-metre in the west and 13-metre each in south and north. The brick is 1.5-metre thick and 2.5-metre high.
The excavation of two brick walls stretching north to south were assumed that one was in 11 AD and another in 13 AD. They inevitably assist to estimate the history of Bagan Palace. By standing on these brick walls, you can clearly observe the form of underground apartments.
U Aung Kyaing
Deputy Director-General Archaeological Department (upper Myanmar) said, “We can say that the roof of the building might of brick tiles. We can say that roof of the building might be of brick tiles because we can still find each wall has one hole which seems to be linked with a beam.
These holes must be connected by the beam. On the floor a large sag made with sand has been existed. It must be used in supporting the above beam. We assumed there might be another step of wood because we have seen the holes for ledges on the wall. So the smaller sags seed to be provided the beam supporting the wooden ledges. It is possible that the room might be an underground building of State’s treasury.”
It was assumed that niches on the wall of the underground building were for lighting oil-lamps. The niches were systematically arranged in order of interspaced bricks. These niches are so illustrious that such work by people of the time are highly appreciable and really impressive.
At the excavation site, brick steps were also found. Each step is high and made up of large and thick brick layers.
The shape of old palace site has quite appeared after 2 months of excavation. One of the amazing finds is a pit surrounded by piling up in succession of baked earth rings. It is wonderful to find the places where large pillars seemed to have been closely erected.
It is essential to preserve the finds of the excavation. So, on the brick walls and beside them, interspersing with plaster is required. That’s why the walls are strong and will last a long, long time.
