Photo 92/11(1)

Genre: Historical Events

Formal group portrait of Shan officials and a few Europeans, posed in front of a large thatched hut. Sir James Scott can be identified in the centre of the group. The gathering is described in Scott's annual report: 'The durbars of the year were the most representative that yet have been held. At Mong Nai on the 6th May there were only two absentees, the chiefs of Thaton and Kyethi Bansan, both of whom were seriously unwell. At Fort Stedman on the 22nd of the same month [see print 17] all attended but the aged Sawbwa of Mong Pai and the Ngwegunhmus of Pinhmi and Loi-e, both unwell. Each Chief brought with him a considerable body of retainers, and the interchange of ideas, the sight of Chiefs who had previously been only a name to the majority, the formation of friendships, and the subsequent exchanging of visits on the way home formed a regular education not merely to the following, but to the Chiefs themselves. The open discussion of matters of general economy and practice was so new to them that it was impossible at a first meeting to come to any definite conclusions. When, however, the Chiefs realized that the matters treated of were for their own benefit, suggestions flowed in and the system, so different from that to which they were accustomed to in Burmese times, met with unanimous approval. In this way arrangements were made for the registration and marking of guns, so that it might be impossible for Shan speculators to sell them to Burman dacoits. All tolls on caravans also were declared abolished, a measure which cannot fail to be a great furtherance to trade and also a general benefit to the population. The establishment of a fixed rate for bullock carriage was another question settled. Such a fixed rate has long been required, but it was impossible to arrive at any definite conclusion except at a meeting of the Chiefs such as these durbars afforded.' ('Report on the Administration of the Shan States for the year 1888-89', p. 23, IOR/V/10/531).

Scott's account in his diary is difficult to read, but does indicate that Muntz took this view: 'All morning arranging speech, etc. Barnard in early to get Sawbwas up in time. Started at two [?]over an hour riding in. Sawbwas late. The guard of honour therefore was rather lost. Gathered about four, all but the [illegible]...Got home after dark. Tonnochy who had used my camera spoilt both durbar views. Muntz got one fairly good one outside...Think the durbar was a success.' (Diary for Feb-Dec 1889, pp. 27-28, Mss Eur F278/4). Duplicate at Photo 92/5 (35). See also other prints of the event in this album and at Photo 92/10 (91).

[Albumen print, 206x145mm].

Subjects = Burmese rulers; durbars; ethnic groups; official events; sawbwas (Shan rulers); Scott (Sir George) Collection; Shans

Location = Burma; Mong Nai; Myanmar; Shan