The Ramayana in Myanmar | A Burmese Tapestry (Kalaga/shwe chi doe) | Curator’s Corner S8 Ep10

In 1767, Hsinbyushin, king of the Konbaung dynasty of central Myanmar, launched an attack on the kingdom of Ayutthaya (central Thailand). After Hsinbyushin’s victory, many of Ayutthaya’s people were forcibly moved into the Burmese heartland, but with some continuing to work in their specialist fields. One such group were the Thai theatrical troupes. And they took the Burmese court by storm by giving performances of the Ramayana epic.   Today, curator Alexandra Green looks at a ‘shwe chi doe’ or ‘kalaga’, which is a textile hanging from central Myanmar. The textiles depicts scenes from the ’The Ramayana’, which originated in India, but which was adapted for local use in many parts of Southeast Asia. Although known in Myanmar before 1767, the narrative became particularly popular after the arrival of the Thai troupes. It was performed and adapted in a variety of art forms, showing the lasting impact of Thai theatre in Myanmar. Burma to Myanmar is on until 11 February 2024. Find out more: Supported by Zemen Paulos and Jack Ryan