U Ponnya

Ponnya (; 1812 - ), known honorifically as U Ponnya, was one of Burma's most prominent dramatists. Ponnya is considered one of Burma's greatest literary figures, known for his elegant wit and clarity of language.

Biography Ponnya was born in 1812 to the Ponnya Thaman family, a prominent chieftain family in the town of Sale (also spelt Salay), in present-day Magway Region. Ponnya was educated at the Bhamo monastic college in Amarapura. Ponnya also revived a 15th-century genre in Burmese literature, the myittasa , a form of verse letter.

In the historical book Biography of Bo Wazira, which features an interview with , the publisher and editor of Burma's first newspaper Yadanabon, he recounts the story of U Ponnya's death based on his conversation with Count Thar Oe. Bo Wazira had served as a mentor to Count Thar Oe's son. He recalled asking Count Thar Oe, Many say you executed U Ponnya, is that true? Count Thar Oe replied, Umm! I was simply unlucky to be blamed for this. I am the city governor, after all. In truth, the death was carried out by order of Tabe Prince. Knowing that His Majesty would be displeased, they shifted the blame onto me. So, I couldn't dare to accuse the prince and had to endure this situation.

List of works

Wizaya Pyazat Padoma Pyazat Yethe Pyazat Kawthala Pyazat Wathudewa Pyazat