Srikitara(Pyay)
The earliest settlers in the country of Myanmar were a race of highly cultured people known as the Pyu, of Tibeto-Burman stock. Archeological findings prove that the Pyu, who were devout Buddhists, first settled in Myanmar in the 2nd century A.D. But the two better known are the cities of Sri Kshetra, close to what is now the town of Pyay by the Ayeyarwady River in central Myanmar, and Beikthano, some 90 miles north of Pyay.
In its day Sri Kshetra was the seat of Pyu power. Legends say that the great King Duttabaung of Sri Kshetra who had supernatural powers to see all things hidden, loved the princess Pantra who ruled Beikthano. But she wanted no man to rule over her or her kingdom. Finally, with his bigger armies, Duttabaung conquered Beikthano and brought the beautiful Princess in all honor to his city. Although he loved her greatly, his love was not returned and the Princess in revenge and by a ruse of magic destroyed his supernatural powers. Consequently his powers declined and the dynasty soon fell to ruin.
That may well be romantic fiction but it is a tragic fact that the Pyu race, which first settled in the 2nd century A.D, disappeared in the 9th century A.D, with their cities abandoned and their old graves deserted. What really happened remains a mystery without documented proof.
The Pyu civilization with their own language and literature, their highly evolved craftsmanship and deep religious beliefs flourished for many centuries, reaching the peak of its power from the 4th to the 9th centuries A.D.
Interesting places in Pyay: Shwesandaw Pagoda, Sehtat-gyi Pagoda, Thaye-khit-taya(old “pyu” capital of Shri Kshetra), Palace, Baw-baw gyi, Hpaya-gyi, Hpaya-ma Pagodas, Be-be Temple, Le-myet-hna Temple, Yahanda-gu Temple, Beikthano, surrounded of Pyay : Shwemyet-hman Pagoda, Shwe-nat-taung Pagoda