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Pathein (Bassein), is a city (1983 pop. 144,092) and the capital of Ayeyarwady Division, Myanmar. Lying at the western edge of the Ayeyarwady River delta, on the Pathein (Ngawan) River west of Yangon, Pathein is accessible to large vessels and despite its distance from the ocean, it is the most important delta port outside of Yangon. It is also the terminus of a branch of the main railroad line. The town is a rice-milling and export centre.
The city's name may derive from Pathi (Burmese word for "Muslim"), due to the large population of Arab and Indian traders. The name was corrupted to Bassein during the British colonial period. The British built a fort and established a garrison in 1826, after the First Anglo-Burmese War.
Pathein has a scenic waterfront, many Buddhist temples, and Pathein umbrella workshops. The colourful handmade umbrellas made in Pathein are famous in Myanmar.
Although once part of the Mon kingdom, Pathein has few ethnic Mon residents today. There are sizable minorities of Karen and Rakhine.
The main sight of Pathein is Shwemokhtaw Paya, a Buddhist temple originally founded (according to local legend) by King Asoka of India in 305 BC. Bagan's King Alaungsithu raised the height of the stupa to 11 meters in 1115 AD, and King Samodogossa raised it to in 1263 AD. The stupa is now tall, with the topmost layer made of of solid gold, the middle tier of pure silver, and the third tier of bronze, with some 829 diamonds, 843 rubies, and 1588 semi-precious stones.
The city is home to the Pathein Education College and Pathein University.
See also
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Last updated on Wednesday September 24, 2008 at 03:10:03 PDT (GMT -0700)
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