Mindon

ruler of Burma from 1853 to 1878; a member of the Konbaung dynasty.

During the 1850’s and 1860’s, Mindon carried out reforms in administrative structure, taxation, and the judicial system aimed at strengthening the centralized state and reducing the power of the feudal nobility. A skillful diplomat, Mindon concluded a series of agreements with Great Britain and at the same time used Britain’s European rivals, particularly France, in his efforts to oppose Britain’s aggressive ambitions in Burma. During Mindon’s rule, Burmese diplomatic delegations visited many European countries, and attempts were made to establish contacts with Russia and the USA. Mindon encouraged the development of commerce and industry, as well as art and literature. In 1857 he founded the city of Mandalay as Burma’s new capital.