 Professor
Than Tun criticized the long-prevailing view of dynastic history in Myanmar,
which had been predominantly based on the glorification of dynasties.
As he worked to develop a historical theory that was both strict and objective,
he was the driving force behind historical studies in Myanmar. Professor
Than Tun broke new ground in the field by casting a totally new light
onto the country's history. He is one of the most distinguished historians
in Asia.
Professor Than Tun
was born in 1923 in the port city of Pathein in southeast Myanmar. After
graduating from the University of Yangon, he obtained his Ph.D. from the
University of London for his studies of the Bagan Dynasty, in which he
examined epigraphs from that period. He returned home to teach and at
the same time extensively traveled round the country to view historical
manuscripts preserved in its provincial areas. Over the years he compiled
critical studies of the historical documents he had collected.
While serving as a
member of the Myanmar Historical Commission affiliated directly with the
Ministry of Education, Professor Than Tun is very active as a leading
figure in the field of history and as the most prominent scholar of pre-modern
history. Among his many significant publications, the most celebrated
both at home and abroad are "History of Buddhism in Burma" and
"The Medieval Myanmar History", both of which richly employ
the epigraphs of the Bagan Dynasty from the 11th to the 13th centuries.
These books are the fruit of hard work into which the professor put his
heart and soul. Another of his publications, "The Royal Orders of
Burma" comprises ten volumes and took him eight years to complete.
In this study, he compared the existing copies of royal orders from the
dynasty period and subjected them to rigorous analysis. This voluminous
work of 7,600 pages includes an abridged English translation, commentaries,
and index, and is the most reliable collection of original historical
documents. This is such an outstanding achievement that it has become
known as the 'Than Tun Text'. All his academic work, including theses
and books, is more than just a clarification of Myanmar history by a Myanmar
native -- it places the country's history and culture into the wider context
of world history, thus contributing greatly to the further development
of the world-wide study of Myanmar history.
Professor Than Tun
has represented his country in many international societies and conferences.
He is known as a Japonophile. When he taught in Japan, he shared with
many Japanese students a fascination with Myanmar studies. He also has
taught at American graduate schools. In addition to being a scholar with
a rich international backgrounds, he is a man of integrity with unshakeable
beliefs. Indeed, he is the most profound man of learning Myanmar has ever
produced. As the study of Myanmar attracts increasing interest throughout
the world, Professor Than Tun's work has become indispensable, and his
role will only continue to grow more important.
In addition to his
significant contribution to the development of Myanmar historical studies
and research into Myanmar that is growing throughout the world, Professor
Than Tun also has demonstrated to the world the significance of Myanmar
historical studies by a Myanmar native. This accomplishment makes him
a truly worthy laureate of the Academic Prize of the Fukuoka Asian Culture
Prizes.
*Due to the restoration of the original names and elimination of externally-assigned
ones in
Myanmar in June, 1989, the above mentioned places and the country, Myanmar
are the
official ones as of June, 1989. Exceptions are the titles of publications.
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