Myanmar's Kingship and Judicial System in Konbaung Period

Myanmar people did not believe in “Divine Right Theory” of the West. In Myanmar Kingship theory, the King was supreme. But at his coronation, he had to undertake to rule his subjects justly and benevolently and is threatened with fearful curse if he failed to do so. Myanmar concepts of Kingship and court and ceremonies were based on Indian tradition, especially the Bhiseka ceremonies. The legal system is the most important component in any administration. According to Myanmar tradition the earliest Dhammathat is Duttaboung Dhammathat mentioned by the chronicle. Myanmar Dhammathats are the highest legislative on which the Myanmar administration depended. During Konbaung period, the Kings relied on the traditional legal system, but additions were occasionally made by Royal Edicts and declarations as circumstance demanded. Moreover, new legal treatises were also written to complement the existing ones.