The Royal Ruby (Padamyar Ngamauk)

February 28, 2011

BURMA RUBIES

This article was written in 1985, one hundred years after King Thibaw and Queen Supayar Latt were taken to India by the British. Myanmar was well-known for its wealth in gold, gems and other natural resources. So in the king’s treasury there were plenty of jewels, gold, silver, gems and many more. Among these precious treasures, Padamyar Ngamauk or the Royal Ruby was the most famous treasure. Most of the gem merchants and the British colonists were always eager to see the ruby and its beauty. There was no such ruby like the Ngamauk, as spotless as the one in history. So, let’s see what really happened to the Royal Ruby. It was 29th November 1885. The King, the Queen and other royal servants were to be taken to India. In the chamber of the Queen Supayar Latt, all her royal servants and maids were busy packing much of the royal accessories and jewelries. Although everyone was busy packing, the frowns on their faces were clear. The maids were packing different royal accessories in lacquer boxes, teak boxes and gold boxes as necessary. The King and the Queen were sitting and looking around with very little hope for their future. At the time, Col Sladen from the British Army was going from one chamber to another and checking. Finally, he reached the chamber where the King and the Queen were residing. Col Sladen was also telling the maids and servants to take everything the majesties would need and he went out. Soon again he came back to the chamber, and requested the Queen to show him the precious Padamyar Ngamauk with hands folded as paying respect.

Supayalatt

Then Queen Supayar Latt told the maid of chamber, Chuntaung Princess named Thu Thiri Sandar Wadi, who was incharge of these treasures to show Col Sladen the valuable ruby. Chuntaung Princess took out the ruby from one of the cases in the golden box and gave it to Col. Sladen. The ruby was made as a ring, among many of the royal jewelry. Col Sladen stared at the precious stone from all the sides, again in the sunlight and looked at it again and again in many positions. Top Col Sladen then showed it to one of the soldiers who was with him, in amazement. He took out his handkerchief to wipe out his eager sweats. Suddenly, he flipped in his handkerchief together with the royal treasure. The Chuntaung Princess kept looking at him very carefully, not to make any mistakes. She left the golden box open and sat right next to it, and kept watching at Col Sladen. The Queen knew about this event but waited for sometimes until he returns the royal ruby. And after sometimes, the Queen asked the princess why she was not packing up the golden box and what she was waiting for. The princess pointed at Col Sladen and said that the royal ruby was not returned yet. Then, Col Sladen acted as if he was astonished and returned the stone to the princess. Chuntaung Princess took back the royal jewel very carefully and places it in one of the cases inside the golden box, and locked it. When the sunset in the evening, the King, the Queen and the total of seven royal family together with maids and servants went to Gawwin Port for departure to India. Then they went onto the Thuriya Ship at the port. That day, they were taken away from their own land. Many people came to the port to pay respect to their king and queen for the last time. Among the crowd, there was a man called Prince Maung Maung Tin, who was the brother of Chuntaung Princess. He tried to come near the royal family but he was pushed away from the crowd by armed Indian soldiers. So the crowd was in chaos. The royal family on the ship saw the incident was knew nothing about what was going on. There came a great opportunity for Col Sladen to have the jewels, especially the Ngamauk. Immediately, he went to the majesties and told them that there were some robbers trying to rob the royal family. He then requested for the treasure boxes to be kept with him for security. The king and queen had no other choice, so they gave him the royal treasure box to him. He also went to Queen mother Sin Phyu Ma Shin and Supayar Gyi, the queen’s sister, telling them the same event. But they told him that they had very little treasure with them and gave nothing to him. The next morning the ship reached Yangon. Then they boarded another ship called the Clive. Then again to another ship called the Cunning to cross the sea and all the way to India. Top Queen mother Sin Phyu Ma Shin and Supaya Gyi together with their servants, were separated from the family and sent to Dawei. The king and the queen were first sent to Madras and stayed for about six months. Then they were sent to Yadanargiri in Bombay. After being sent to Yadanargiri, King Thibaw asked back for the Royal treasury that was taken by Col. Sladen. But there was no action taken about that letter. The king did not give and tried for another three times resulting with an answer that Col. Sladen went back to England. In the mean time in Myanmar, there were ethnic groups fighting for freedom, including Prince Maung Maung Tin. King Thibaw never gave up on retrieving his treasures. Actually, King Thibaw was never a prisoner, he lived in a palace like house which cost more than six lakhs of Indian Rupees at that time. There were a total of nearly 200 servants. The annual support was about one lakh of Indian Rupees, with beautiful horse carts for transportation. But the royal family was not allowed to go to any other district without any permission. The royal family was always under surveillance. In 1911, King George V was crowned as King of England. After being crowned, the King came to his colony to New Delhi, India. King Thibaw took this chance and sent five copies of his letter about his treasures. But the only thing that returned was that Col. Sladen was dead. This news turned out to be true. Col Sladen took the treasures from King Thibaw in 1885, and he was granted the title ‘Sir’ for his performance. In 1887, he retired and went back to England. Then he died in 1890. [ Note : this fact was taken from 'The Pagoda War', written by A.T.Q Stewart] Top King Thibaw tried again and again but it was clear that the British were never in the interest of returning back the treasures to the owner.

Padamyar Ngamauk (Royal Ruby ) History

Padamyar Ngamauk

Padamyar Ngamauk ( Royal Ruby ) is the very famous in Myanmar History. In 1023 Myanmar Era ( ME ), a man who was the name of Ngamauk Kyi living in Chindwin Village found a Flawless Pigeon Blood Color Ruby with the size of Betel nuts weighing over 90 rati (about 82 carat) . Ngamauk Kyi presented a piece of Ruby to the King of Pyay, younger brother of King Ngahtatgyi Dayaka in the time of King Nyaungyan in Innwa. The name of the giver the King give the Ruby the Name of Ngamauk ( who presented the ruby to the King). Padamyar Ngamauk was kept as a Royal Gem by successive monarchs Late Nyaung Yang to Kone Baung Dynasty .

King Mindon
In the time of King Mindon (1853-1878) a French mission those who would like to buy Moegok gems land get the chance to holding and viewing Padamyar Ngamauk. At that time U Phoe Hlaing ( Ywal A Twin Wun ) show the Ngamauk Ruby to the France Mission and to guess the price . They said the ruby which is worth a country. The Mission give up their plan because they couldn’t afford even a piece of ruby called Padamyar Ngamauk. The problem of Padamyar Ngamauk start when the British seized Mandalay (Myanmar) and taken King Thibaw to the Yadana Giri.
The time of British seized to Mandalay 29th November, 1885 the Ngamauk Ruby was kept in Yadanabon Royal Treasury (With the record of Koung Baung Dynasty Mahar Yazawun Zat Taw Gyi ( Third Series ) and King Thi Baw Fourth Daughter’s Letter to British Government) . That morning Col Sladen ( That time Col Sladen was a political officer of British Army. He had lived in Mandalay for some time in the time of King Mindon. When King Thibaw had been young, he had been familiar with the king ) give a order to Royal Treasurer Paukmyaing Myo sar (Paukmyaing Governor ) Mingyi Minhla Maha Zeya Nanda Thingyan title holder U Hla Bu make a list of the all Royal Utensils and Royal Gems. In the lists of Royal Treasurer , including Padamyar Ngamauk (over 90 rati), Hlawga Tin galay (about 20 rati), Hlawga Tin gyi (about 40 rati), Sinmataw (10 rati), San Kyauktaw (6 rati), Na Ga Bo and a lots of priceless royal Gems . At The same time inside the Royal Palace, people are tumultuous and Royal Apyo Taw (maid of honour) of Queen Su Phaya Latt are collecting and packing of royal untesils.

Col. Sladen (Brithish Army)

With the eye witness and personal experience of Chief Queen Su Phaya Latt’s Royal Apyo Taw (maid of honour) Chuntaung Princess Thu Thiri Sanda Wadi retold Padamyar Ngamauk was a piece of ruby set in a ring. When Colonel Salden came to the chamber of Queen Su Phaya Latt, Apyo Taw are putting Royal Gems to inside the Gold Boxes, Lacquare Boxes and Velvet Bags. Meanwhile Col Salden request to the Queen and he want to see the Padamyar Ngamauk For a while. Queen give order to Chuntaung Princess to show Ngamauk to Col Sladen. Col. Sladen thoroughly looked at the ring against the sun light and show it to two captains near him. Then, he took a handkerchief out of the pocket of his trousers and wiped sweat from his face. Then, he unobtrusively wrapped the ring with his handkerchief and put it into the pocket with it. Chuntaung Princess was looking carefully at the behaviour of Col Sladen and kept the gold box open.
When the chief queen asked the princess why she kept the box open, the latter said that as the ring had not been given back, she had not closed the gold box. At this, Col Sladen gave it back pretending to have a feeling of delicacy about his behaviour. When King Thibaw and Queen Suphayalat boarded Thuriya Ship moored at Gaw wein Port, Sladen came to the ship at the night of 29th November, 1885. He took back the gold box and Royal Treasure , saying that he would keep it for its safety. The next morning, when the ship left Mandalay, Sladen did not come along on board as he was assigned on the Hluttaw administrative committee.

King Thibaw, Suapaylatt ant Supayakyi

The Next morning Thuriya Ship which carried dethroned King Thi Baw , Queen Su Phaya Latt and Royal Family sailed from Mandalay and arrived Yangon 5th December, 1885. And then again sailed with Canning Ship to Madras , arrived at 15th December 1885. King ThiBaw and Royal Family lived in Madras (India) till 9th April 1886.
British moved again King Thibaw, Queen Su Phaya Latt and Royal Family from Madras to Yadana Giri. When arrived to Yadana Giri the King told Political Officer Mr. H. Fanshaw , about Padamyar Ngamauk and all of Royal gems which is keep by Col. Saledan. With the letter heading ” Full Lists of Royal Treasure, Col. Sladen Keep from King Thibaw and Queen Su Phaya Latt ” inside the Lists can find is, 1 Ruby Ring Known by the name of Nagamauk (print error of Ngamauk) { India Foreign Office Records, November 1886, clause E, Page 281} sign by Mr. Fanshaw.

Ratnagiri place

In 9th December 1886 Sir Charles Bernard sent the letter of secret order to the related officers, who searching Padamyar Nagamauk . The letter was reply by Commander in Chief Batt gin Who is taken Security Duty at Mandalay when the time of King Thibaw was dethroned. His reply letter he refer to the officers, Royal property maintainer commander Lambert and Chairman of Royal Property maintain General G.S, they know more about of Padamyar Ngamauk . Then Bernard give this duty to the Political officer Thirkell White from Mandalay to inquiry related officers.

Sir. Charles Bernard

In December 1886, asked by political officer Thakel White according to the instructions of Sir Charles Bernard, Governor of Paukmyaing Ex-treasurer U Hla Bu said that Padamya Ngamauk was set in a ring, that it was included in the list of royal gems, that the list was handed over to Col Sladen through interpreter Nicholas and that Taingta Mingyi was near them at that time. The message from political officer Thakel White , Sir Charles Bernard Know Col. Sladen was the main person. And then he sent letter to Sladen. Sladen reply the letter to Sir Charles Bernard with the date of 25th February 1887.
Salden reply letter mention that ” It’s seen to be true of Royal Treasurer Paukmyaing Myo sar said. That day I met with him but for the lists I didn’t remember at all and no one can made lists of Royal Treasure at that time. King and Queen also grieve of the palace was seized and people are going in and out of Palace. I realized that all the Royal gems are priceless so that I go to the Taga Ni (Red Gate), I gave order to the officers to guard two places, the Royal Treasury Rooms and around the streets. Now I don’t remember the name of that officer. The same day I met with General Prin da gard and i report him what i arrange for the Royal Treasure. Then he establish the Royal Treasure Protect committee and my name was not in the list committee members. That is the end of my duty ” . In the letter of Sladen he didn’t mention even a word of Padamyar Ngamauk.
Col. Sladen retired from service at 14th April, 1887 , one and half month later reply of his mail and died at 4th January 1890. After Sladen dead Padamyar Ngamauk ( Royal Ruby which is worth a country ) problem is fading away. But be in prison dethroned King Thibaw try to get back all Royal Gems including Padamyar Ngamauk.
King George V

While King George V of England was in New Delhi , India 1911, to attend the coronation ceremony, King Thibaw wrote a letter to King George in consultation with his personal assistant U San Shwe. The date of 22nd November,1911 the King made 5 copy and sent it to the King George V, King personal assistant, Upper parliament, Lower parliament and Minister of the interior (India). The original letter of King Thibaw can’t find now and the brief of note can see as in U San Shwe records. According to the records of U San Shwe, King Thibaw was sorry as he was not allowed to meet with King George and talk about the whole matter. Ngamauk ring and two big boxes full of diamond earrings which had been entrusted to the care of Sladen were not returned to him yet. Sladen said that after concluding necessary agreements, they were going back. However, he was then in Yadanagiri, and give permission to him he wished to return to his country.
King Thibaw don’t know Col. Sladen was passed away when he wrote the Letter , the letter also not get by respective persons and concern authories. Later, it was heard the news , the relatives of Sladen presented Padamya Ngamauk to Queen Victoria. About 26 years after the death of Sladen, King Thibaw passed away in 1916. Queen Suphayalat and two daughters returned to Myanmar and resided at No 24, Koemin Koechin Street, Yangon. On 14 September 1924, a reporter from Bandoola Journal went and asked them about Padamyar Ngamauk, the queen replied that Ngamauk ruby was not taken to India but given to Sladen, and she didn’t know who kept it then.
On 24 November 1925, the queen passed away. The fourth daughter of King Thibaw sent to the British government a letter dated 15 December 1931 to the effect that royal gems were to be returned. As the letter was also sent to the then League of Nations (now the United Nations), because of the letter and including historical account of Royal Campaign, she was sent to Mawlamyine and placed under restrictions. On 3 March 1936, she passed away in Mawlamyine. Taw Phaya (U Tun Aung) and Taw Phayagalay (U Aung Zay), sons of the fourth daughter of King Thibaw, continued to ask the British to give back Ngamauk Ruby and royal gems and jewellery on 9 May 1953 and on 16 February 1959 respectively.
But, the then British Ambassador to Myanmar R.H.S Allen replied in the letter dated on 9 May 1959 that he was regret to inform that it was impossible to consider the matter put forward by the relatives of Thibaw under the present circumstance. It had been 74 years long since independence and sovereignty were lost, and nothing about Ngamauk Ruby was heard any more. 

Ref:Myanmar net