Thudhamma Council During the Reign of King Mindon

This paper is an attempt to examine Buddha Sasana, prevailing during the reign of King Mindon. Buddha Sasana prospered and was propagated because King Mindon had systematically established the Sangha Order. The Thudhamma Council, composed of eight Thudhamma Sayadaws led by Thathanabaing Sayadaw, was established to try religious cases and to propagate the Buddha Sasana with the help of the Thudhamma Sayadaws. The council also took part in secular affairs, such as political and social affairs, at the request of the king. Thathanabaing Sayadaw was an influential monk both over the king and the whole Sangha. This paper also evaluates the history of Buddhism during the reign of King Mindon.