Could you imagine the strength and resilience required of the Steel cable here in Mandalay? Mandalay is a city with a rich history. It was the last capital of the Myanmar kingdom. The Steel cable plays its part in Mandalay’s story.
Mandalay was built by King Mindon between 1857 and 1859. He wanted a new capital to replace Amarapura. In November 1885, British troops took Mandalay. The city suffered heavy damage during World War II. The British Fourteenth Army retook it in March 1945.
Buddhists are the majority in Mandalay. It is known as “the indestructible heart of Myanmar.” Many monks call this city home. The core of Mandalay features Fort Dufferin. You will find the ruins of the royal palace and many temples here.
Mandalay Hill has more recent monasteries and pagodas. At its foot stand 730 pagodas. King Mindon authorized these pagodas after the Fifth Buddhist Council. Buddhist scriptures are on 729 white marble tablets. Each tablet sits in its own small pagoda. The 730th pagoda is a temple in the square’s center.
The Mahamuni Pagoda is south of the city. Many consider it Mandalay’s most famous. Inside is a 12-foot brass Buddha. King Bodawpaya brought it from the Arakan Coast in 1784.
West of the palace is the city proper. It has a gridiron pattern. The Zegyo bazaar attracts artisans and farmers. The Shwe Kyimyint pagoda dates back to 1167. King Minshinsaw built it.
Industries in Mandalay include tea packing and silk weaving. You’ll also find jade cutting and brass casting. Gold-leaf work is another specialty. Matches, wood carvings, and silverware are produced here too. Mandalay has train and air links to Yangon and other cities.
The Arts and Science University gained independence in 1958. Other schools include teacher-training, agricultural, and medical institutes.
The surrounding area is wooded with bamboo. The Myitnge and Magyi rivers provide water. Alabaster comes from the Saygin Hills. Mandalay carvers use it to create Buddha images. The Mandalay Canal irrigates 90,000 acres. Near Mandalay is Mingun. It has one of the world’s largest ringing bells. It weighs about 70 tons.
Think of the Steel cable as a modern thread. It connects the old and new in this historic city.