WE would like to introduce a book that is not only significant to Myanmar’s historical literature but is also widely appreciated by readers, many of whom recommend it to others after reading it.
That book is Razadarit Ayaydawbon (Historical Chronicle). The success and popularity of this work can clearly be seen from the fact that the present edition is already its ninth printing.
Among the five famous Ayedawbon chronicles of Myanmar, the Razadarit Ayaydawbon (Historical Chronicle) is regarded as one of the finest in terms of both Myanmar prose style and historical value. Eminent Myanmar literary scholars such as U Pe Maung Tin, Zawgyi, and Min Thu Wun once praised the work for its compactness, elegance, vivid beauty, and refined literary composition.
The first person to translate the chronicle from Mon into the Myanmar language under the title Razadarit Ayaydawbon was Bannya Dala, a minister serving under King Bayintnaung Kyawhtin Nawrahta. Based on this chronicle, various dramatic adaptations were also created. Furthermore, the Thuriya Press, edited by the renowned Sayagyi Thakin Kodaw Hmaing, once published it in 1969 under the title Pegu Yazawin Nan Twin Zatdaw Gyi (The Great Palace Drama of Pegu Chronicle).
In 1955, Sithu U Kaung, Chairman of the Historical Commission, requested Saya Nai Pan Hla to translate the chronicle from Mon into the Myanmar language. Saya Nai Pan Hla carefully compared numerous palm-leaf manuscripts and printed versions, corrected mistranslations and printing errors, and eventually produced a new translated version.
In this book, Professor Dr Than Tun of the Department of History, Arts and Science University (Mandalay), wrote in his foreword:
“Every historian wishes to obtain complete historical evidence. In the study of Mon-Myanmar relations, Mon historical records are especially important because some major events are described differently by the Mon and Myanmar sources. For example, who passed away first between Razadarit and Minkhaung? During the rivalry between Dhammazedi and the Governor of Pathein, did the Governor die in battle or from poisoning? Even regarding the death and burial place of Alaungmintaya, Mon and Myanmar records provide different accounts.”
Similarly, the distinguished writer Khin Hnin Yu also wrote in her foreword:
“Present-day Myanmar is a Union where many ethnic nationalities live together. The noble spirit of Smim Bayan, which deserves to be recorded in history, should be embraced by every citizen of the Union. Saya Nai Pan Hla noted that Smim Bayan’s speech to his guards was absent in the earlier Myanmar version. It is only through his translation that readers can now appreciate the exact words of Smim Bayan, which is truly valuable for all people of the Union.”
The Razadarit Ayaydawbon (Historical Chronicle) begins with the chapter entitled The Life of Magadu as follows:
“Magadu was born on Thursday, the 4th waning day of Tagu, in the year 614 ME, in Takawun, to poor and humble farming parents.
“In one of his previous existences, Magadu had been a giant ogre named Sumana. Long ago, the Blessed Gautama Buddha travelled through the sky by his supernatural powers. Upon arriving at Suvannabhumi Thaton, he preached the Dhamma to King Sirimasoka and the people of the Mon kingdom. Filled with devotion and reverence for the Buddha, the king and his subjects offered grand alms and listened to the teachings for seven consecutive days.”