Natshinnaung

Natshinnaung (, ; 1579–1613) was a Toungoo prince and poet known for leading a rebellion in Thanlyin (Syriam) alongside the Portuguese mercenary Filipe de Brito.

Biography A grandson of King Bayinnaung and the eldest son of Minye Thihathu, Viceroy of Toungoo, Natshinnaung participated in King Nanda Bayin's campaigns to reconquer Siam in the early 1590s, and took part in the sacking of Nanda's capital Pegu in 1599. On , he married his lifelong love, Princess Yaza Datu Kalaya, for whom his famous poems were written. The marriage was cut short, however, as the princess died only seven months later.

When Natshinnaung succeeded his father on 11 August 1609, much of the country had been reunited under the leadership of his cousin Anaukpetlun, who attacked Toungoo in 1610. Although Natshinnaung was made viceroy of Toungoo as the city surrendered on 4 September that same year (2nd waning of Tawthalin 972 ME), he was deeply dissatisfied with his reduced status and allied with Filipe de Brito to commence a counter-offensive that ultimately failed. Both were executed upon the fall of Thanlyin, de Brito's domain, to Anaukpetlun's forces.

Family Natshinnaung had six sons and three daughters from five concubines, but no children came from his marriage with Yaza Datu Kalaya.

Name Mother Brief 1. Minye Thing Thein Min Nara Sit daughter of Minye Narathu Son married to his half-sister Khin Nè Gyi 2. Khin Nè Gyi Khin Lat daughter of a younger sister of Ne Myo Kyawhtin's wife Daughter married to her half-brother Minye Thing Thein 3. Minye Nara Khin Lat daughter of a younger sister of Ne Myo Kyawhtin's wife Son 4. Minye Thiha Khin Lat daughter of a younger sister of Ne Myo Kyawhtin's wife Son 5. Khin Myat Theik Khin Mya Nè daughter of Theik Taw Shi Daughter married to Mintha Thing Thikyawsan Gov.of Myinsaing son of Nanda Bayin 6. Ne Myo Khaing Khin Mya Nè daughter of Theik Taw Shi Daughter 7. Minye Hpone Khaing Khin Mya Nè daughter of Theik Taw Shi Son 8. Mintha Phyu Khin Myo Taw Son 9. Minye Kyawswa Wezayantha Son

Poet Natshinnaung is considered by many to be the greatest yadu (a classical genre of poetry) poet in Burmese history. Many of his works are dedicated to Princess Yaza Datu Kalyani. The themes of his poetry were often love, nature, and war. Natshinnaung employed the use of vocabulary and rhymes in his works. In addition, he was a warrior, who advanced many military strategies and tactics of Burma. Some of his yadu poems describe the infantry and the elephant troops. It has been claimed that Natshinnaung sent his poems to Yaza Datu Kalyani using a parrot.

Later in life, Natshinnaung focused on obtaining power for his kingdom. His poems on war are said to have been based on his experiences as a young prince.

Ancestry