Amarapura

Town and former capital of Myanmar, lying on the south bank of the Irrawaddy River 11 km/7 mi south of Mandalay, of which it is a suburb, known as Taungmyo; population (2007 est) 164,400. The ancient industry of silk weaving in Amarapura is supported by a local weaving school. Other industries include the manufacture of bronzes, including Buddhist statues, gongs, and bells, and the production of pottery, tiles, and baskets.

Amarapura was founded in 1783 by King Bodaw Payä. It remained the capital until 1860 (except for the period 1822–41) when King Mindon moved the court to Mandalay. The old city suffered from a fire in 1810 and an earthquake in 1839; it is now an abandoned site, with only its walls remaining.

To the west of the town is the Bagaya Kyaung, one of the largest wooden monasteries in Myanmar.