A devastating earthquake in Myanmar reveals royal palace ruins from the Konbaung Dynasty, hidden beneath the ancient city of Inwa. The 7.7-magnitude quake struck near Mandalay, exposing monumental ruins linked to Burmese royalty.
According to ArchaeologyMag, the site features staircases and platforms that may have hosted spiritual rituals and royal ceremonies. Archaeologists began excavations days after the quake, marking a rare historical discovery born from natural disaster.
Hidden Beneath the Earth for Centuries
The earthquake opened fissures near Inwa (also known as Ratnapura Ava), a historic city just 10 kilometers from Mandalay. As the ground cracked, archaeologists and local authorities from the Department of Archaeology and National Museum uncovered parts of what they now believe to be a royal water residence.
Foundations, staircases shaded by mango trees, and brick platforms were exposed—fragments of a site that may have once hosted ceremonial events for Burmese kings.
Some of the ruins had first surfaced in 2009, when locals stumbled upon a moss-covered staircase while making bricks. But it took this natural disaster to unearth the full scope of the site.
The Royal Water Palace Theory
The discovery has sparked fresh interest in ancient Konbaung manuscripts, particularly palm-leaf texts attributed to Minister Letwe Nawrahta, who served under King Hsinbyushin.
These documents describe a lavish water pavilion with multiple teak halls, vast platforms, and religious significance. While current evidence stops short of confirming the site as the mythical pavilion, many architectural parallels have fueled speculation.
Researchers have estimated the residence’s size at around 200–250 feet per side, and its design closely resembles renowned monastic structures like the Bahakara Monastery in Inwa and the Golden Palace Monastery in Mandalay.
A Dynasty Shaken, Then Unearthed
The Konbaung Dynasty ruled from 1752 to 1885, until it was toppled by British colonial forces. The capital city of Inwa itself was abandoned after a series of earthquakes in 1839.
That long history with seismic disasters makes the recent unearthing feel eerily cyclical—yet now, a catastrophe has turned into a cultural rediscovery.
According to the Department of Archaeology, this structure might have hosted traditional Thingyan water festivals and royal hair-washing rituals, underlining its likely function as both a ceremonial and spiritual hub.
The earthquake’s toll has been devastating. With over 1,000 dead and more than 2,000 injured, Myanmar has declared a state of emergency in six regions, including Mandalay and Naypyidaw. Meanwhile, humanitarian relief efforts are underway with support from the United Nations.