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Military conflict in present-day Myanmar (1385–1431) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Datec. December 1385 – c. February 1431[a]
Location
Result Hanthawaddy victory
Territorial
changes
Quick facts Forty Years' War, Date ...
Forty Years' War
Part of Ava–Hanthawaddy Wars
Datec. December 1385 – c. February 1431[a]
Location
Result Hanthawaddy victory
Territorial
changes
Belligerents

Ava

  • Myaungmya (1385–1390)
  • Launggyet (1406–1408; 1408–1409; 1411–1412)
  • Dala (1422)

Hanthawaddy Pegu

  • Launggyet (1408; 1409–1411; 1412–1421)
  • Toungoo (1426–1431)

China (1412–1415)

Commanders and leaders
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Military

The Forty Years' War provides a relatively in-depth look at warfare in the late 14th and early 15th centuries in Myanmar.

Mobilizations

Ava

Throughout the Forty Years' War, Ava operated on two active fronts: the primary southern theater against Hanthawaddy, and a secondary northern theater against Maw (Mong Mao) and various Chinese-vassal Shan states. Although Hanthawaddy and the Shan states were not formal allies—except briefly during the 1410s—Ava was forced to maintain a defensive posture against a simultaneous two-front war. As a result, the Ava military was organized into two distinct forces, which historian Michael Aung-Thwin termed the "Northern Division" and the "Southern Division".[2]

The Ava command prioritized the southern front, which was the primary theater of conflict. To bolster these forces, Ava regularly deployed troops from its vassal Shan states to the south. These Shan contingents often formed the core of elite infantry regiments and cavalry battalions. The following table shows frontline expeditionary forces and generally exclude allied/vassal contingents (Myaungmya and Launggyet), logistical supply line guards, and the Ava Capital Defense Corps.

More information Ava Southern and Western Front Mobilizations, 1385–1431, Campaign ...
Ava Southern and Western Front Mobilizations, 1385–1431
Campaign Total Strength[note 1] Land Force (Regiments) Troops / Cavalry / Elephants[note 1] Naval Force (Regiments) Troops / War / Transport+Cargo[note 1] Notes References
1385–1386 13,000 18 13,000 / 1000 / 40 — — / — / — Excludes Myaungmya forces [note 2]
1386–1387 29,000 11 12,000 / 600 / 40 9 17,000 / 120 / 100 Excludes Myaungmya forces (unspecified troops, 75 war boats) [note 3]
1390–1391 29,000 12 12,000 / 1000 / 40 9 17,000 / 80 / 200 [note 4]
1402–1403 17,000+ 17 17,000 / 1000 / 50 ? ? / ? / ? Excludes unspecified naval forces [note 5]
1408 26,000 26 26,000 / 2200 / 100 — — / — / — Excludes Ava Capital Corps and Prome Corps as well as Supply Corps [note 6]
1409–1410 14,000 14 14,000 / 1400 / 100 — — / — / — Excludes Ava Capital Corps and Supply Corps [note 7]
1410–1411 14,000 15 7,000 / 600 / 40 8 7000 / 90+ / 50 [note 8]
1411–1412 8000 7 8000 / 400 / 30 — — / — / — Arakan campaign; Excludes Launggyet Corps [note 9]
1412–1413 13,000+ 7 7000+ / 600 / 40 ? 6000 / 40 / 80 [note 10]
1414–1415 22,000+ 13 9000+ / 650+ / 45+ 6 13000 / 100 / 50 Includes only the reduced strength of Thihathu's army [note 11]
1416 8000 8 8000 / 400 / 30 — — / — / — [note 12]
1417–1418 16,000 7 7000 / 700 / 40 7 9000 / 43 / 120 [note 13]
1422 2000 — — / — / — 2 2000 / 20 / ? [note 14]
1422–1423 14,000 8 8000 / 500 / 30 5 6000 / 50 / 100 Excludes Thihathu's naval force that came down after the ceasefire [note 15]
1430–1431 13,000+ 8 5000 / 800 / 30 8 8000 / 50 / 80 Excludes Prome Corps [note 16]
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Chronicles provide only limited data regarding Ava's campaigns against the Shan states. Based on the reported mobilization data, the northern forces were generally one third to one-half of the size of the southern expeditionary forces.

More information Ava Northern Front Mobilizations, 1387–1415, Campaign ...
Ava Northern Front Mobilizations, 1387–1415
Campaign Total Strength[note 1] Land Force (Regiments) Troops / Cavalry / Elephants[note 1] Naval Force (Regiments) Troops / War / Transport+Cargo[note 1] Notes References
1387–1389 ? ? ? / ? / ? — — / — / — Campaign against Maw [note 17]
1392–1393 ? 10+ ? / ? / ? ? ? / 100 / 80 Campaign against Maw; Includes fleet that sailed up to Tagaung [note 18]
1412 7000 7 7000 / 400 / 20 — — / — / — Hsenwi–Chinese invasion [note 19]
1413–1414 8000 11 8000 / 400 / 30 — — / — / — Maw–Chinese invasion [note 20]
1414–1415 ? ? ? / ? / ? — — / — / — Chinese invasion [note 21]
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Hanthawaddy Pegu

Throughout the Forty Years' War, Hanthawaddy Pegu operated primarily on its northern front against Ava. Between 1408 and 1418, Hanthawaddy expanded its operations to a northwestern front in Arakan. Unlike the land-heavy forces of Ava, Hanthawaddy's military power was centered in its naval armada, which leveraged the complex waterway networks of the Irrawaddy Delta. Additionally, the kingdom maintained defensive forces on its eastern and southern frontiers bordering Ayutthaya Siam and Lan Na, notably repelling a Siamese invasion in 1412–1413.

The following table details the mobilization of frontline forces against Ava. Unlike Ava's records, Hanthawaddy's mobilization data in the chronicles are far less detailed and often incomplete as seen below.

More information Pegu Northern and Western Front Mobilizations, 1385–1431, Campaign ...
Pegu Northern and Western Front Mobilizations, 1385–1431
Campaign Total Strength[note 1] Land Force (Regiments) Troops / Cavalry / Elephants[note 1] Naval Force (Regiments) Troops / War / Transport[note 1] Notes References
1385–1386 ? 8+ ? / ? / ? — — / — / — No specific numerical figures provided in chronicles [note 22]
1386–1387 6500+ 9 6500+ / ? / 20+ — — / — / — Partial data; Troop figures from Dala, Dagon and Hmawbi regiments not included [note 23]
1389–1390 1700+ 4+ 1700+ / ? / 10+ ? ? / 20+ / ? Myaungmya campaign; Partial data [note 24]
1390–1391 13,000 8 8000 / ? / 40 5 5000 / 150 / ? [note 25]
1401–1402 10,000 3 3000 / 150 / 50 13 7000 / 300 / 100+ Excludes Pegu Capital Corps [note 26]
1402–1403 10,000 4 3000 / 80 / 10 8 7000 / 200 / ? [note 27]
1408 4000+ ? 4000+ / ? / 20 — — / — / — 1st Arakan campaign; excludes Arakanese militias [note 28]
1408 8000 9 8000 / 300 / 20 — — / — / — Excludes Pegu Capital Corps [note 29]
1409–1410 8000 8 8000 / 400 / 90 — — / — / — Excludes Pegu Capital Corps [note 30]
1410–1411 ? 3+ ? / ? / ? 2 ? / ? / ? Partial data [note 31]
1411–1412 5000 ? 5000 / 200 / 50 — — / — / — 2nd Arakan campaign [note 32]
1412–1413 12,000 8 ? / 800 / 30 12 ? / 170+ / 80+ Partial naval data; Reflects reduced naval strength as of March 1413 [note 33]
1414–1415 6500+ 10+ 6500+ / ? / ? ? ? / ? / ? Partial data; Strength figures for the battles of Dala and Sayat only [note 34]
1416 7000 7 7000 / 500 / 30+ — — / — / — Toungoo campaign [note 35]
1417–1418 ? 4+ ? / ? / ? ? ? / ? / ? Partial data [note 36]
1422 ? 2+ ? / ? / ? ? ? / ? / ? Partial data; Battle of Dala only [note 37]
1422–1423 ? 4 ? / ? / ? ? ? / ? / ? Partial data [note 38]
1430–1431 10,000 ? 5000 / 100 / 30 ? 5000 / 50 / 20 Excludes allied Toungoo forces [note 39]
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More information Pegu Eastern and Southeastern Front Mobilizations, 1410–1413, Campaign ...
Pegu Eastern and Southeastern Front Mobilizations, 1410–1413
Campaign Total Strength[note 1] Land Force (Regiments) Troops / Cavalry / Elephants[note 1] Naval Force (Regiments) Troops / War / Transport[note 1] Notes References
1410 ? ? ? / ? / ? — — / — / — Hlaingbwe campaign
1412–1413 ~7000 ? ? / ? / ? ? ? / ? / ? Response to the Siamese invasion of Martaban province
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Ava

The Royal Ava Navy employed a structured hierarchy of vessels, ranging from specialized ironclads to heavy combat craft.

More information Ava naval vessel types, Vessel Type ...
Ava naval vessel types
Vessel Type Translation Length Notes References
Ye Hlay (Nge) (Small) War Boat
  • 31–36.6 m
  • (17–20 lan)
 Highly maneuverable standard war boat used for skirmishing and riverine patrols. [102]
Than Hlay Ironclad War Boat not mentioned[i] Armored combat vessel with protective iron plating for enhanced durability [24]
Ye Hlay Gyi Large War Boat
  • 45.7–47.5 m
  • (25–26 lan)
 Heavy combat vessel reserved the elite; typically deployed in limited numbers [103][24]
Migyaung Hlay "Crocodile" War Boat
  • 45.7–71.1 m
  • (25–39 lan)
 Large combat and transport vessel with a distinct crocodile-inspired hull [102]
Yeikkha-tin Kon Hlay Cargo Boat not mentioned Vessel carrying rations and military supplies [24]
Hlawga Hlay Transport Boat not mentioned General purpose transport for troops and equipment; featured a command chair with an umbrella and moonroof [24][104]
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Inventory of royal war boats (1421)

The following vessels were part of the royal inventory at the time of King Minkhaung I's death in 1421. The Pa Me and Pa Phyu were also notably used by Crown Prince Minye Kyawswa during his campaigns.[102]

More information Inventory of royal war boats (1421), War Boat Name(s) ...
Inventory of royal war boats (1421)
War Boat Name(s) Type Count Length Beam Freeboard References
Pa Me & Pa Phyu Ye Hlay 2
  • 31 m
  • (17 lan)
  • 4.1 m
  • (9 taung)
[102]
Nawarat Ye Hlay 1
  • 31 m
  • (17 lan)
  • 5.3 m
  • (11 taung 2 maik)
  • 1.7 m
  • (3 taung 2 maik)
Pegu Naing[j] Ye Hlay 1
  • 36.6 m
  • (20 lan)
  • 5 m
  • (11 taung)
  • 1.2 m
  • (2 taung 2 maik)
Shwe Laung Ye Hlay 1 not mentioned
  • 5.5 m
  • (12 taung)
  • 1 m
  • (2 taung 1 maik)
Myay Myat Hpwa & Shwe Pan Taga Ye Hlay 2
  • 36.6 m
  • (20 lan)
  • 5.6–6.86 m
  • (12 taung 1 maik to 15 taung)
  • 1.2 m
  • (2 taung 2 maik)
Anzaya Ye Hlay Gyi 1
  • 45.7 m
  • (25 lan)
  • 6.93 m
  • (15 taung 4 thit)
 not mentioned
Nga Hsin Ye Hlay Gyi 1
  • 54.9 m
  • (30 lan)
  • 7.8 m
  • (17 taung)
  • 1.4 m
  • (3 taung)
Yan Aungmyin Migyaung Hlay 1
  • 45.7 m
  • (25 lan)
  • 7.2 m
  • (15 taung 2 maik)
  • 1.7 m
  • (3 taung 2 maik)
"Migyaung Hlay" [sic] Migyaung Hlay 1
  • 71.1 m
  • (39 lan)
  • 9.6 m
  • (21 taung)
  • 1.7 m
  • (3 taung 2 maik)
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Defensive warfare

Fortifications

Wall guns


Supply lines

Ava

Hanthawaddy Pegu

Notes

  1. [a]
    also c. February 1423
  2. [b]
    Though Maw became part of China's coalition only in 1411,[1] the Shan state had gone to war with Ava on its own several times: 1371–1373, 1387–1389 and 1392–1393.
  3. [c]
    Defected to Pegu in 1407; executed by Razadarit in 1408
  4. [d]
    by 1415–1423
  5. [e]
    allied with Ava for ~2 months in 1422
  6. [f]
    to 1414; from 1423
  7. [g]
    Hanthawaddy vassal, 1408–1421
  8. [h]
    1426–1431
  9. [i]
    presumably the same measurements as the Ye Hlay-style boats
  10. [j]
    "Pegu Naing" literally means 'Victory over Pegu'.
  1. [1]
    Unless otherwise stated, the military mobilization figures in this article are reduced by an order of magnitude from those reported in the royal chronicles, per G.E. Harvey's analysis in his History of Burma (1925) in the section Numerical Note (pp. 333–335).
  2. [2]
    2 armies (18 regiments, 130,000 troops, 10,000 cavalry, 400 elephants)[3][4][5]
  3. [3]
    20 regiments (290,000 troops, 6000 cavalry, 400 elephants, 1200 war boats, 1000 transport/cargo boats)[6][7][8]
  4. [4]
    21 regiments (290,000 troops, 10,000 cavalry, 400 elephants, 800 war boats, 2000 transport/cargo boats)[9][10][11]
  5. [5]
    • Vanguard Army: 5 regiments (5000 troops, 300 cavalry, 20 war elephants)[12][13][14]
    • Royal Main Army: 12,000 troops, 700 cavalry, 30 war elephants, unspecified war and transport boats[15][16]
  6. [6]
    • Vanguard regiments
      • Maha Yazawin: 22 regiments (200,000 troops, 20,000 cavalry, 800 elephants).[17]
      • Yazawin Thit: 21 regiments (220,000 troops, 20,000 cavalry, 800 elephants).[18]
      • Hmannan Yazawin: 22 regiments (220,000 troops, 20,000 cavalry, 800 elephants)[19]
    • Royal Main Army: 4 regiments (40,000 troops, 2000 cavalry and 200 elephants)[17][18][19]
    • Ava Capital Corps: 4 regiments (unspecified strength)
    • Prome Corps: 12 battalions (unspecified strength)
  7. [7]
    Maha Yazawin, Yazawin Thit and Hmannan Yazawin:[20][21][22]
    • Vanguard Army: 10 regiments (100,000 troops, 10,000 cavalry, 800 elephants)
    • Royal Main Army: 4 regiments (40,000 troops, 4000 cavalry, 200 elephants)
    • Supply Corps: unspecified strength
    • Ava Capital Corps: unspecified strength
  8. [8]
    Maha Yazawin, Yazawin Thit and Hmannan Yazawin:[23][24][25]
    • Army: 7 regiments (70,000 troops, 6000 cavalry, 400 elephants)
    • Navy: 8 regiments (7 large war boats, 700 war boats, 200 ironclad war boats, 200 hlawga transport boats, 300 cargo boats)
  9. [9]
    Maha Yazawin, Yazawin Thit and Hmannan: 7 regiments (80,000 troops, 3000 cavalry, 300 elephants)[26][27][28]
  10. [10]
    • Royal Main Army:
      • Maha Yazawin: 7 regiments (20,000 troops, 6000 cavalry, 400 elephants)[29]
      • Yazawin Thit: 120,000 troops, 6000 cavalry, 400 elephants[30]
      • Hmannan: 7 regiments (120,000 troops, 6000 cavalry, 100 elephants)[31]
      • Razadarit: 7 regiments (70,000 troops, 6000 cavalry, 400 elephants)[32]
    • Navy:
      • Razadarit: 60,000 troops, 40 war boats, 800 transport and cargo boats[32]
      • Yazawin Thit and Hmannan: Minye Kyawswa's northern army [what remained of the original 70,000 troops] transported by regular and ironclad war boats and transport and cargo boats.[33][31]
  11. [11]
    Overall invasion force: 220,000+ troops, 6500+ cavalry, 450+ elephants
    • Main Army:
      • Maha Yazawin, and Yazawin Thit: 8 regiments (80,000 troops, 6000 cavalry, 400 elephants)[34][35]
      • Hmannan Yazawin: 8 regiments (80,000 troops, 2000 cavalry, 800 elephants)[36]
    • Main Navy:
      • Maha Yazawin: 6 flotillas (130,000 troops, 12 large war boats, 500 war boats, 800 ironclad war boats, 500 cargo boats)[37]
      • Yazawin Thit: 130,000 troops, 12 large war boats, 500 war boats, 500 ironclad war boats, 500 cargo boats[35]
      • Hmannan Yazawin: 130,000 troops, 18 large war boats, 500 war boats, 800 ironclad war boats, 500 cargo boats[36]
    • 2nd Army: 5 regiments in October 1414, down to 3 regiments (10,000 troops, 500 cavalry, 50 elephants) by early 1415.[38][39][40]
  12. [12]
    Maha Yazawin, Yazawin Thit and Hmannan: 8 regiments (80,000 troops, 4000 cavalry, 300 elephants)[41][42][43]
  13. [13]
    Maha Yazawin, Yazawin Thit and Hmannan:[41][44][45]
    • Army: 7 regiments (70,000 troops, 7000 cavalry, 400 elephants)
    • Navy: 7 flotillas (9000 troops, 30 large war boats, 400 small war boats, 500 ironclad transport hlawga boats, 700 cargo boats)
  14. [14]
    • Maha Yazawin and Hmannan: 10,000 troops, 200 war boats[46][47]
    • Yazawin Thit: 20,000 troops, 200 war boats[48]
  15. [15]
    • Army: Maha Yazawin, Yazawin Thit and Hmannan: 8 regiments (80,000 troops, 5000 cavalry, 300 elephants)[49][50][51]
    • Navy:
      • Maha Yazawin, Hmannan: 5 regiments (60,000 troops, 500 war boats, 200 ironclad hlawga transport boats, 200 cargo boats)[49][51]
      • Yazawin Thit: 6 regiments (60,000 troops, 500 war boats, 500 ironclad hlawga transport boats, 500 cargo boats)[50]
  16. [16]
    • Army:
      • Maha Yazawin and Hmannan: 8 regiments (50,000 troops, 8000 cavalry, 500 elephants)[52][53]
      • Yazawin Thit: no regiments mentioned (50,000 troops, 8000 cavalry, 200 elephants)[54]
    • Navy:
      • Maha Yazawin, Hmannan: 8 regiments (80,000 troops, 500 war boats, 300 ironclad hlawga transport boats, 500 cargo boats)[52][53]
      • Yazawin Thit: no regiments mentioned (80,000 troops, 500 war boats, 300 ironclad hlawga transport boats, 500 cargo boats)[54]
  17. [17]
    Only the army of unspecified strength; No naval forces mentioned.[55]
  18. [18]
    Maha Yazawin and Hmannan[56][57]
    • Northern Army: 3+ regiments of unspecified strength (consisting of cavalry and elephantry units)
    • Navy: 1000 war boats, 800 hlawga transport boats
    • Southern Army: 7 regiments of unspecified strength
  19. [19]
    Maha Yazawin and Hmannan: 7 regiments (70,000 troops, 4000 cavalry, 200 elephants)[58][59]
  20. [20]
    Maha Yazawin, Yazawin Thit, Hmannan Yazawin: 11 regiments (80,000 troops, 4000 cavalry, 300 elephants)[34][60][61]
  21. [21]
    Chronicles provide only the Chinese army's strength:
    • Maha Yazawin and Hmannan: 40,000 troops, 2000 cavalry, 200 elephants[62][63]
    • Yazawin Thit: 400,000 troops, 20,000 cavalry[64]
  22. [22]
    8+ regiments (no other information given)[4][5]
  23. [23]
    • Royal Main Army: 5 regiments (60,000 troops, 200 elephants)[65][66]
    • Hlaing Regiment (500 troops)[67]
    • Dala, Dagon and Hmawbi Regiments: strength unknown
  24. [24]
    4+ regiments (17,000+ troops, 100 elephants, 200+ war boats)[68][69]
  25. [25]
    • Royal Main Army: 8 regiments (80,000 troops, 400 elephants)[70][9][71]
    • Gu-Htut Corps: 1 regiment and 4 naval squadrons (50,000 troops, 1500 war boats)[11]
  26. [26]
    • Razadarit Ayedawbon:[72]
      • Navy: 13 flotillas (70,000 troops (or 50,000 troops)), including 3 vanguard flotillas (1300 war boats, 300 ironclad war boats, 500 copper-clad war boats, 500 armored war boats)
      • Army: 3 regiments (30,000 troops, 1500 cavalry, 500 elephants)
    • Maha Yazawin and Hmannan Yazawin: 160,000 troops, 3000 boats[73][74]
    • Yazawin Thit: 60,000 troops, 5000 boats[75]
  27. [27]
    Yazawin Thit:[76]
    • Army: 4 regiments (30,000 troops, 100 elephants)
    • Navy: 8 regiments (70,000 troops, 2000 ironclad war boats)
  28. [28]
    Various chronicles report differing figures:
  29. [29]
    • Razadarit Ayedawbon: 9 regiments (80,000 troops, 600+ elephants)[82]
    • Maha Yazawin, Yazawin Thit and Hmannan: 10 regiments (80,000 troops, 3000 cavalry, 200 elephants)[83][18][84]
  30. [30]
    • Royal Main Army: 4 regiments (4000 troops, ? cavalry, 70 elephants)[85]
    • Rearguard Army: 4 regiments (4000 troops, 400 cavalry, 20 elephants)[85]
  31. [31]
    Khebaung Regiment; Bassein Regiment and Navy; Myaungmya Regiment and Navy[86][87][88][89]
  32. [32]
    • Maha Yazawin, Hmannan Yazawin, Razadarit Ayedawbon: 2 divisions (50,000 troops, 200 cavalry, 50 elephants)[26][90][91]
    • Yazawin Thit: 5000 (not 50,000) troops, 200 elephants[27]
  33. [33]
    • Maha Yazawin, Yazawin Thit, Hmannan: 8 regiments (120,000 troops, 8000 cavalry, 300 elephants); 12 naval flotillas[92][30][93]
    • Razadarit Ayedawbon for the battle of Talezi (March 1413): 100,000 troops, 20,000 cavalry, 1000 elephants; 2500 boats (1700 war boats, 800 transport boats)[94]
  34. [34]
    Battle of Dala:
    • Maha Yazawin, Yazawin Thit, and Hmannan: 7 regiments (6000+ troops)[95][96][97]
    • Razadarit Ayedawbon: 7 regiments[98]
    • Pak Lat: 6 regiments led by Binnya Kyan, Binnya Ran, Dein Mani-Yut, Maha Thamun, Smin Awa Naing and Razadarit.[98]
    Siege of Fort Sayat:
    • Maha Yazawin: 20,000 troops, 30 cavalry, 5 elephants[38]
    • Yazawin Thit: 5,000 troops, 30 cavalry, 5 elephants[39]
    • Hmannan: 2,000 troops, 30 cavalry, 5 elephants[40]
  35. [35]
    • Maha Yazawin and Hmannan: 7 regiments (70,000 troops, 1000 cavalry, 350 elephants)[41][43]
    • Yazawin Thit: 7 regiments (70,000 troops, 5000 cavalry, 300 elephants)[42]
  36. [36]
    4+ regiments of unspecified strength[99][44][45]
  37. [37]
    2 regiments for the initial battle of Dala; relief army of unspecified strength[46][48][47]
  38. [38]
    4 regiments of unspecified strength[49][50][51]
  39. [39]
    Army strength:
    • Maha Yazawin and Yazawin Thit: 50,000 troops, 1000 cavalry, 300 war elephants, 200 pack elephants[100][54]
    • Hmannan Yazawin: 50,000 troops, 1000 cavalry, 300 elephants[101]
    Naval strength: Maha Yazawin, Yazawin Thit and Hmannan Yazawin: 50,000 troops, 500 war boats, 200 ironclad hlawga transport boats[100][54][101]

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