A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar last month, resulting in the tragic loss of over 3,000 lives and injuring more than 4,500, has also unveiled a remarkable piece of history. Near Inwa—an ancient royal city formerly known as Ratnapura—archaeologists discovered long-buried ruins believed to be remnants of a water-related royal structure.
The newly exposed site, located close to Tada-U in central Myanmar, has revealed foundational remains, staircases, and traces of pavilions. These findings closely align with illustrations found in ancient palm-leaf manuscripts known as Pura-Pike, which describe a ceremonial site featuring five grand staircases and nearly 20 dormitories nestled among mango trees.
Initially discovered in part by locals in 2009, including the well-preserved Thayetkin staircase, the site has now yielded much more after the earthquake-induced geological shifts. Experts from the Department of Archaeology and National Museum suggest the structure may date back to the Konbaung Dynasty (1752–1885), the last royal dynasty of Burma before British annexation.
While some believe the ruins were part of a majestic water palace used for royal rituals—water being a sacred symbol in Myanmar’s culture—others propose the site might have been a large wooden residence, comparable in design to the Shwenandaw Monastery in Mandalay.
With Inwa once serving as a capital for Burmese kingdoms between the 14th and 19th centuries, the significance of this find is immense. Authorities plan to excavate and preserve the site for public education, turning a tragedy into a bridge to the past.