The Social Life of Bagan Period

Bagan, an ancient city with multiple historical names such as 'the City of the Enemy Crusher' or 'the Land of Copper,' served as a crucial crossroads for trade and military movements between South Asia and Southeast Asia. Positioned strategically along the Ayeyarwady River and near the Chindwin tributary, Bagan's significance grew under kings Anawrahta (1044-1077 A.D.) and Kyansitha (1084-1113 A.D.), evolving into a powerful empire. The social life of its inhabitants is vividly documented in the city's extensive temple art, including frescoes, sculptures, stone reliefs, stucco, terracotta plaques, and inscriptions, which reflect a blend of Indian artistic influences and indigenous traditions from pre-Bagan Mon and Pyu kingdoms. This study highlights how Bagan's cultural synthesis, shaped by Brahmanical statecraft and local practices, is preserved in its monumental architecture and visual narratives, offering insights into the social dynamics and artistic expressions of this historic period.

Nyunt Nyunt Shwe. (2019). The Social Life of Bagan Period. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.3542326