The saophas of Mongnai and Hsenwi
1903
Shan Chiefs at 1903 Delhi Durbar
people Sao Shwe Thaik Saopha of Mongpawn Saopha ofYawnghwe Sao Sam Htun King Edward Queen Alexandra Saopha of Mongnai Saopha of Hsenwi
The Delhi Durbar held in 1903 marked the accession of King Edward and Queen Alexandra as the Emperor and Empress of India. It was a resplendent affair, presided over by the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, and attended by hundreds of Indian princes in all their finery.
The saopha (hereditary ruler) of Mongpawn and the saopha of Yawnghwe are to the left of the top picture. The saopha of Mongpawn, Hkun Ti had been a prime mover behind the Limbin Confederacy (which had rebelled against King Thibaw) and was the father of Sao Sam Htun (Counsellor for the Frontier Areas, assassinated July 1947). The saopha of Yawnghwe, Sir Saw Maung, was a very long serving Shan ruler and uncle of Sao Shwe Thaik, the first President of Burma.