Pegu

Pegu, also known as Bago, is a city in the Bago Region of Myanmar, located on the Bago River about 80 kilometers northeast of Yangon. It serves as the regional administrative center and is one of the oldest urban settlements in the area, with a history tied to the Mon kingdoms and successive Burmese states. In historical sources, the city is often associated with the broader region of Lower Burma and its riverine networks.

From the 14th to the 16th centuries, Pegu was the capital of Hanthawaddy, a powerful Mon kingdom that dominated much of lower Burma. The city later came under the rule of various Burmese dynasties and remained an important regional center for trade, religion, and culture. Its economy has long depended on rice production, riverine commerce, and related crafts.

Prominent landmarks in Pegu include Shwemawdaw Pagoda, one of Myanmar’s tallest stupas, and Shwethalyaung Buddha, a well-preserved reclining statue dating to the 16th century. The nearby Kyaik Pun Pagoda complex features four colossal Buddha statues perched on a hill and is a major pilgrimage site. The city’s Buddhist temples and monasteries reflect centuries of religious and architectural development.

In modern usage, the name Pegu persists in historical and colonial contexts, while the Burmese name for the city is Bago and is used in official administration as part of the Bago Region. The city remains a regional hub for agriculture, tourism, and local commerce.