Thiri Maha Thu Dhammayaza (, ; born Myo Tu; c. 1847 – 1879), commonly known as the Prince of Mekkhaya, was a prince of the first rank of the late Konbaung dynasty in 19th-century Burma. He was a senior son of King Mindon and was the Viceroy to Taungdwingyi Province.Khin Khin Lay 2003: 396 He was considered one of the four most skilled sons of King Mindon, alongside the princes of Thonze, Nyaungyan and Myingun.Than Swe: 80
He was called 'the second Prince of Mekkhaya' by historians, not to be confused with the first Prince of Mekkhaya who compiled the first English–Myanmar dictionary.Than Swe: 74
Early life and career Maung Myo Tu, the third of six siblings, was born on 14 July 1847 to the future King Mindon and his consort Nanda Dewi, the first Queen of the Northern Gilded Chamber (later the second Queen of the Northern Apartment).Than Swe: 78 After his father ascended the throne, he received the title of Thado Minhtin and was granted the appanage of MekkhayaKonbaung Set Vol. 3 2004: 121 (a town on the western bank of the mouth of the Zawgyi River in Kyaukse District) on 26 August 1853.Than Swe: 75 At that point he became known as the Prince (or Myoza) of Mekkhaya (an equivalent position to a duke).
He and five other princes were novitiated on 1 July 1860.Konbaung Set Vol. 3 2004: 202
On 15 November 1863, King Mindon married his son to the Pin Princess, but the marriage was not consummated;Konbaung Set Vol. 3 2004: 218 this led to dissatisfaction on her part and a later divorce. The Prince of Mekkhaya had six concubines at the time of his marriage: Maiseit Khin Lay (Khin Nan Yin), Malun Khin Lay (Khin Myo Nwe), Tayoketan Khin Lay, Khin Thit, Khin Mi Mi and Khin Khin, the last being his favourite.Than Swe : 80–81
He led the defense services in their successful suppression of the Myingun Myinkhondaing rebellion. King Mindon praised his actions by saying, "The hti and the throne are yours, my son," leading to widespread expectations that he would be the future crown prince.Konbaung Set Vol. 3 2004: 231 This fell through in 1874 when Amyint administrator Maung Gyi attended on him, breaking the king's rule against relationships between the adult princes and government employees.Konbaung Set Vol. 3 2004: 280
Later life and death In 1872 he was appointed as an administrator of over 50 industrial factories, including the Royal Mint, succeeding Crown Prince Kanaung.Konbaung Set Vol. 3 2004: 266
When King Mindon fell ill in 1878, all potential heirs to the throne were seized and thrown into prison by Hsinbyumashin, who dominated the king's last days.Sein Tin 2005: 59–62Khin Khin Lay 2003: 375–378 The king was informed of the situation within a week; the Prince of Mekkhaya was then released and appointed Viceroy to Taungdwingyi Province, but he was arrested again on the following day.Sein Tin 2005: 63–64Khin Khin Lay 2003: 397–400
He was executed on 17 February 1879 as part of the royal massacre.
See also Prince Phyo, the first Prince of Mekkhaya
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