Mandalay and the Art of Building Cities in Burma

Recent scholarship, mapping, and original Burmese texts and illustrations argue that Mandalay's founding shifted from a "cosmic city" to a sanctuary, using Buddhist narratives as models for action and altering spatial order. This expression of the thrones claim that Burma was a "Buddhist land" was part of the systematic planning and construction of Mandalay's potent landscape.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2021
Publisher: NUS Press

Drawing on original Burmese texts and illustrations, recent scholarship, and mapping, Mandalay and the Art of Building Cities in Burma argues that the founding of Mandalay shifted critically in emphasis and scale during its planning from a protocol that established the royal city as a "cosmic city" to one that viewed the royal capital as a sanctuary. As part of that shift, FranÇois Tainturier shows that the founding protocol used Buddhist narratives as models for action and drastically altered patterns of spatial order that had been prevalent at former royal capitals. The systematic planning of Mandalay and the construction of its potent landscape constituted the expression—formulated not in words but in tangible form—of the thrones claim that Burma was a "Buddhist land," at a time when Lower Burma had been annexed by non-Buddhist believers. Tainturier provides further insight into how rulers articulated their lineage, power, and the promotion of Buddhism by creating potent landscapes.

Mandalay and the Art of Building Cities in Burma renews scholarly discussion on Southeast Asian urban traditions and offers a critical investigation into the "cosmic" dimensions of one of the regions centers of power. Mandalay, the royal capital of Burma, has long been a subject of fascination for scholars and enthusiasts alike. This book delves into the city's founding and development, exploring how it evolved from a small trading post to a bustling metropolis.

The book argues that Mandalay's founding shifted significantly in emphasis and scale during its planning. Initially, the city was established as a "cosmic city," a symbol of the royal power and the Buddhist faith. The protocol used for its founding drew heavily on Buddhist narratives and principles, emphasizing the importance of spatial order and the veneration of sacred sites.

However, as time passed, Mandalay's focus shifted towards becoming a sanctuary. The city was designed to protect and promote Buddhism, with the construction of monasteries, temples, and other religious structures. The landscape of Mandalay was carefully planned to reflect the spiritual significance of the city, with the placement of important landmarks and the use of symbolic imagery.

One of the key aspects of Mandalay's transformation was the use of Buddhist narratives as models for action. The founding protocol sought to emulate the teachings of the Buddha and to create a city that would be a haven for Buddhist practitioners and scholars. This led to the drastic alteration of patterns of spatial order that had been prevalent at former royal capitals.

In previous Burmese cities, the royal palace was typically located at the center of the city, surrounded by administrative and commercial buildings. However, in Mandalay, the palace was placed on the outskirts of the city, with the monasteries and temples taking center stage. This shift in spatial order was intended to create a sense of hierarchy and to emphasize the spiritual significance of the monasteries and temples.

Another significant aspect of Mandalay's transformation was the use of potent landscapes to articulate the thrones claim that Burma was a "Buddhist land." The city was designed to be a visual representation of the Buddhist faith, with the use of symbolic imagery and the incorporation of sacred sites. The most famous landmark of Mandalay is the Shwedagon Pagoda, a towering golden stupa that dominates the city's skyline.

The Shwedagon Pagoda is not only a religious site but also a symbol of the Burmese monarchy's power and legitimacy. The pagoda is believed to contain relics of the Buddha, and its construction was overseen by the king himself. The pagoda's design is intricate and symbolic, with its many layers and spires representing the different stages of the Buddhist path to enlightenment.

In addition to the Shwedagon Pagoda, Mandalay is home to a number of other important religious structures, including the Inwa Pagoda, the Mahamuni Pagoda, and the Uppatana Pagoda. These structures are all designed to reflect the spiritual significance of the city and to promote the teachings of the Buddha.

The systematic planning of Mandalay and the construction of its potent landscape constituted the expression—formulated not in words but in tangible form—of the thrones claim that Burma was a "Buddhist land." At a time when Lower Burma had been annexed by non-Buddhist believers, Mandalay served as a symbol of resistance and resilience against foreign influence. The city's architecture and landscape were designed to evoke the teachings of the Buddha and to promote the spiritual values of the Burmese people.

Mandalay and the Art of Building Cities in Burma offers a critical investigation into the "cosmic" dimensions of one of the regions centers of power. The book explores how Mandalay's founding shifted in emphasis and scale, how it used Buddhist narratives as models for action, and how it articulated the thrones claim that Burma was a "Buddhist land" through the creation of potent landscapes. The book also provides valuable insight into the role of architecture and landscape in shaping Southeast Asian urban traditions and the ways in which they can be used to promote social and political change.

In conclusion, Mandalay and the Art of Building Cities in Burma is a valuable contribution to the field of urban studies and Southeast Asian studies. The book offers a critical investigation into the "cosmic" dimensions of one of the regions centers of power and provides valuable insight into the role of architecture and landscape in shaping urban traditions. Mandalay's transformation from a "cosmic city" to a sanctuary is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Burmese people and their commitment to their religious and cultural heritage.

Weight: 944g
Dimension: 242 x 197 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789814722773