Notes on Burmese Cavalry History

Introduction

• The Burmese cavalry, known as "Min", means horse in Burmese.
• Historically significant yet often overlooked.

Origins of the Burmese Cavalry

• May precede known historical kingdoms of Myanmar.
• Theory by Nama Poncho: Min originated from nomadic horsemen of Northern Tibet.
• Mercenary cavalrymen supported the Nanjiao Kingdom, settling in Burma and forming the early Bagan Kingdom.

Social Hierarchy and Role

• Horses were seen as symbols of power, ranking just below elephants in social hierarchy.
• Burmese proverb: "to be paraded on top of an elephant while escorted by horses" illustrates this.
• Cavalry served as guardians accompanying the king.
• The Miensi became a knightly class by the 18th century, with specific privileges and responsibilities.

Structure of Cavalry

• Organized into groups called Minsu and settled in Ninmi (cavalry land).
• Required to serve in wartime and peacetime with regular inspections and training.
• Social structure similar to the Japanese Samurai.

Importance in Warfare

• Cavalry played a supporting but often underappreciated role in pitch battles; elephants served as heavy shock troops instead.
• Cavalry was used for skirmishes, scouting, and as messengers.

Evolution Through Eras

• By the 19th century, the cavalry became increasingly important, especially during the Tangu era.
• Portuguese and Siamese sources noted the effectiveness of the Tangu cavalry.
• Shift towards musketeers after the Second Anglo-Burmese War.

Cavalry Composition and Command Structure

• Cavalry ranks included Mienta (trooper), Niangao (head of horse), and Muncie (squadron leader).
• Senior officers needed to understand both mounted and dismounted warfare.
• The Memeir was the head of all cavalry forces in the kingdom.

Role of Ethnic Groups

• Cavalry included the ethnic Myan, Shan, Mitai, and others, each contributing their horses and skills.
• Mitai horsemen became prominent after the 1730 raids into Northern Burma.

Combat Techniques

• Burmese cavalry primarily engaged in light and medium cavalry roles: reconnaissance, skirmishing, and transporting troops.
• Armed with longer cavalry spears and javelins; competition in mounted combat was common.
• Transitioned to muskets and carbines by the late 18th century.

Decline of Cavalry

• The rise of firearms led to a decline in traditional cavalry effectiveness in battles.
• The first Anglo-Burmese War showed mixed results; some cavalry units excelled while others struggled against British forces.

Modern Perspective

• Today, the role of cavalry is largely forgotten, overshadowed by the cultural significance of elephants.
• Shift in warfare focus towards light infantry in jungle operations.

Conclusion

• Historically, cavalry played a crucial role in Myanmar's military strategies, influencing warfare tactics and social structures.