WD540(43)

‘The Kings Palace, Exterior View, from within the Royal grounds.’

THE Palace, or ‘Nan-dau,’ was built by Tharawaddee about the year 1838, and with its grounds is believed to cover a space of about quarter of a mile square. The lower part, an elevated terrace, is of brick; the superstructure entirely of wood, and the elegant pyasath which rears its tapering head precisely over the throne, together with the pillars, — in short, the whole structure, with the exception of the gable roofs, is gilt. The gilding is at present, however, sadly tarnished, and the effect therefore, lost. The length of the terrace or basement is about 260 feet, ‘(Report, page 154)’ and the height of the spire is said to be 101 cubits, or 151 & 1/2 feet. The steps by which the Mission entered the hall of audience are seen, at the near end of the basement. The whole of the buildings, viewed in connection with the principal edifices form part of the Royal residence.

The golden lattice-work observable in the centre of the triple gable on the left, or eastern, side forms the rear of the hall of audience. Beneath, and flanking either side of a flight of steps, and ranged under the wall of the terrace, were about a score of mounted cannon; one of brass of exceeding length; whilst lying in long ranges about the grounds, are a miscellaneous collection of guns and mortars, of every size, calibre, and shape, of English, Burmese and Chinese manufacture. A gigantic piece of ordnance from Arracan, lying near the great entrance, is described in the Report, page 157.