Forts of Myanmar

Myanmar, also known as Burma, has around 13,000 years of history and fortifications built in different historical eras running across the country from the hills in the north to the coasts in the south. The areas adjacent to the Indian border have forts whose constructions are similar to those of Assam and Manipur, whereas Central and Southern Burma has forts which are similar to those we find in Thailand and Cambodia. Tibetan influence can be seen in the constructions close to the northern borders, and Arakaan coast has defensive structures built with influence of Bengal and early Islamic archaeology. From mud forts through underground and hill forts to river forts, we have unique and beautiful architectural structures from the times of Pagan States, through the times of Ava and Pegu to the great Taungoo Empire which controlled the largest country of South East Asia, all have built interesting forts and castles to protect their regions of control. Due to the complex network of major rivers running across the plains and plateaus of central and southern Myanmar, river forts were an extremely important part of the defense mechanism of Myanmar. After the first two Anglo Burmese Wars the defense mechanism of the kingdom of Burma was strengthened by new constructions of forts with help of the French and other non-British Europeans that played an extremely important part in the defense of Burmese territories in the third Anglo Burmese War of 1885. All these forts, with their unique history and breathtaking landscapes make a very distinct subject of study for tourists as well as students of history and archaeology.