Ancient Murals Reappear at Maha Yadana Bomsa Pagoda After Mandalay Earthquake

Mandalay, The Gulf Observer: Hidden murals at the Maha Yadana Bomsa Pagoda in the Inwa Cultural Zone have resurfaced following a recent earthquake in the Mandalay Region, according to noted scholar and author U Htoo Thant Myo, also known as Kalan Nge Htoo Thant.

The discovery was shared on his official social media account, where he detailed the unexpected revelation of the historic artwork.

“There are golden and coloured paintings on the interior walls of the gates. Later, an unknown donor seems to have plastered over the original murals and applied a layer of lime. The paintings remained concealed beneath for many years. Thin chiselled lines were visible on the plaster, apparently to preserve it. Some sections of the artwork were revealed after the plaster detached during the earthquake,” he wrote.

While the complete extent of the murals has yet to be uncovered, preliminary analysis suggests that some portions may date back to the Amarapura period.

U Htoo Thant Myo emphasized the cultural importance of this find, noting the scarcity of surviving wall paintings in Inwa despite its historical status as the capital of four dynasties.

“Inwa was once the capital of four dynasties, yet there are very few remaining cave pagodas with mural paintings. Pagodas Nos. 233 and 234, located in the Taungpawtha Monastery, and pagoda No. 193 inside Lawka HtakeOo have all collapsed, destroying their murals. Under such circumstances, the emergence of a new site with surviving wall paintings is highly significant.”

The rediscovery offers a glimmer of hope for historians, archaeologists, and heritage conservationists working to preserve Myanmar’s rich cultural past. Further studies and conservation efforts are expected to follow.