PA-O COMMUNITY IN THE SOUTHERN SHAN STATE (1886-1962) PhD DISSERTATION NANG AYE AYE CHO DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY UNIVERSITY OF MANDALAY MYANMAR MAY 2014 PA-O COMMUNITY IN THE SOUTHERN SHAN STATE (1886-1962) University of Mandalay PA-O COMMUNITY IN THE SOUTHERN SHAN STATE (1886-1962) A Dissertation Submitted to the University of Mandalay In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in History Department of History Nang Aye Aye Cho 4 PhD-Hist- 18 Mandalay, Myanmar May, 2014 ABSTRACT Pa-O ethnic nationality living in the Union of Myanmar brought forth many interesting aspects of its origin, its successive migrations and settlements beginning from Mongul Hilly Regions to its present settlement in Myanmar. During their earlier migration they settled down in the Lower Regions of Myanmar and from thence they moved out to southern regions of the Shan State, the Kayin State, Kayah State and the Bago Region forming nine sub-ethnic groups. For their last migration, there was no evidence of political and economic related turmoil that they had encountered. Since 1949, the name of Pa-O came into existence by changing the old name of Taungthu. Pa-Os are now found immensely in the southern Shan State. Over one hundred years ago, in about 1901, they migrated in to southern Shan State and lived up with agriculture. The harmonic relations prevails in the Pa-O communities. In their early days, everything including housing, fencing, transplanting and so forth was done collectively. Their economy was simple, based on agriculture. It was done for self-sufficiency alone. Pa-O were very devout Buddhists. They have their own tangible and intangible cultures which are still alive in their daily life. It is an attempt to discuss the Pa-O and their traditions and cultures in historical context. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Abstract iv List of Map vi List of Photographs vii Abbreviations viii Glossary xiv Introduction xvi Chapters 1. The Pa-O Settlement in the Southern Shan State 1 2. Social Life 46 3. Economic Condition 92 4. Cultural Patterns 139 Conclusion 187 Map 193 Photographs 194 Bibliography 199 List of Map Page 1. Map of Pa-O Township 193 List of Photographs Page 1. Pa-O National Costume 194 2. Thanatphet Chan 195 3. Round Bamboo Basket 196 4. Various Kinds of O-zi 197 5. 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