Meiktila

Town in Mandalay division of Myanmar; population (2001 est) 151,900. It is situated on the banks of Lake Meiktila, an ancient irrigation and drinking water reservoir, and at the junction of the Bagan–Taunggyi and Yangon–Mandalay roads. The district around Meiktila consists chiefly of a dry level plain, and large numbers of cattle are raised. Agricultural products include rice, cotton, millet, and sesame, and industries include textiles and the manufacture of bamboo and wood products. Minerals mined nearby include limestone, lead, silver, zinc, and antimony.

Meiktila is reputed to have been established by the grandfather of the Buddha.