Who Are the Bamar?
The Bamar (Burmese) are the dominant ethnic group of Myanmar (Burma), numbering approximately 38 million (68% of the population). They speak Burmese, a Sino-Tibetan language with its own script. The Bamar created successive kingdoms—Pagan (849-1297), Taungoo (1510-1752), and Konbaung (1752-1885)—building magnificent temples and unifying much of Myanmar. British colonization (1824-1948) ended monarchy; independence brought military dictatorship (1962-2011). Ethnic conflicts between the Bamar-dominated military and minorities (Rohingya, Karen, Kachin, Shan) have plagued Myanmar since independence. The 2021 military coup ended democratic transition, plunging Myanmar into civil war.
Ancient Kingdoms
The Pagan Kingdom (849-1297) was Burma's golden age—King Anawrahta unified Burma and adopted Theravada Buddhism; the Pagan temples (over 2,000 surviving) demonstrate architectural achievement. The Mongol invasion ended Pagan; successor states competed until the Taungoo Dynasty reunified Burma. The Konbaung Dynasty (1752-1885) expanded aggressively, conquering Siam's Ayutthaya (1767), before falling to Britain. These kingdoms established Burmese cultural patterns: Theravada Buddhism, royal patronage of religion, and centralized monarchy. Colonial rule disrupted these structures while creating ethnic administrative divisions that haunt Myanmar today.
Buddhism and Culture
Theravada Buddhism permeates Burmese life—approximately 88% Buddhist. The Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is Buddhism's most sacred Burmese site, gilded with tons of gold. Monasteries provide education; monks (sangha) are deeply respected; most men ordain temporarily. Nat worship (indigenous spirits) coexists with Buddhism. Traditional arts include puppetry, classical dance, and lacquerware. The longyi (sarong) is universal dress. Thingyan (water festival for New Year) is the major celebration. Burmese cuisine features mohinga (fish noodle soup), tea-leaf salad, and distinctive flavors. This rich culture contrasts painfully with contemporary political tragedy.
Military Rule and Ethnic Conflict
Myanmar has spent most of independence under military rule. The Tatmadaw (military) seized power in 1962, ruling until 2011's partial transition. Ethnic minorities—comprising 32% of the population but controlling 50% of territory—have fought for autonomy since 1948. The Karen, Kachin, Shan, and others maintain armed resistance. The Rohingya genocide (2016-2017) killed thousands and expelled 700,000+ to Bangladesh. The 2021 coup overthrew elected government; the Tatmadaw faces unprecedented armed resistance from both ethnic armies and new People's Defense Forces. Myanmar's crisis—combining military brutality, ethnic conflict, and economic collapse—has no clear resolution.
Contemporary Myanmar
Modern Myanmar faces existential crisis. The coup ended democratic hopes; Aung San Suu Kyi and civilian leaders are imprisoned. Resistance—armed and nonviolent—continues across the country. The economy has collapsed; humanitarian crisis affects millions. Ethnic armed organizations control substantial territory; the National Unity Government (shadow government) claims legitimacy. International response is limited; China and Russia support the junta. Whether Myanmar fragments, the military maintains control, or democratic resistance succeeds remains uncertain. The Bamar majority faces its own reckoning—how to build inclusive nation addressing ethnic grievances after decades of Bamar-dominated military rule.
References
- Thant Myint-U (2006). The River of Lost Footsteps: A Personal History of Burma
- Charney, M. W. (2009). A History of Modern Burma
- Callahan, M. (2003). Making Enemies: War and State Building in Burma