Tabinshwehti

Tabinshwehti, born on April sixteenth, fifteen sixteen, emerged as a pivotal figure in Burmese history, creating the largest kingdom in Burma since the fall of the Pagan Empire in twelve eighty-seven. His reign marked the beginning of a new era, although the administrative structure of his kingdom was fragile, setting the stage for his brother-in-law Bayinnaung to eventually reunify the entire country.

In fifteen thirty-four, Tabinshwehti, alongside his deputy Bayinnaung, initiated military campaigns against the Hanthawaddy kingdom. By fifteen forty-one, they had successfully conquered this wealthier yet disunited kingdom. This victory allowed Tabinshwehti to harness the coastal kingdom's resources, manpower, and access to Portuguese mercenaries and firearms, extending his influence to the ancient capital of Pagan (Bagan) by fifteen forty-four.

Despite his ambitions to establish an East-West empire, his efforts in Arakan from fifteen forty-five to fifteen forty-seven and in Siam from fifteen forty-seven to fifteen forty-nine were ultimately unsuccessful. Throughout his reign, he actively sought the support of the ethnic Mons of Lower Burma, appointing many to prominent positions within his government and military. His chief queen and chief primate were also of Mon descent, reflecting his commitment to fostering alliances.

Tragically, Tabinshwehti's life was cut short when he was assassinated on his thirty-fourth birthday, a plot orchestrated by Smim Sawhtut, one of his close advisers. His untimely death led to the disintegration of the kingdom he had built, necessitating Bayinnaung's efforts to restore it in the following two years. This event has been described as one of the great turning points in the history of mainland Southeast Asia, solidifying Tabinshwehti's legacy as one of the most celebrated kings in Burmese history. Today, the Tabinshwehti nat is among the thirty-seven nats worshiped in Myanmar.