by Naw Liang
in London, UK and Trieste, Italy
Mai soong kha everyone!
Athough this is a shorter posting than usual, it is no less important. As many Shan enthusiasts and productive academics can attest, the expanse of literature on the Shan literature is, though growing daily, lacking. After only a few years of investigation, interested can find that, without becoming multi-lingual or an expert researcher, additional information on the Shan can be difficult to find. So, when a new text focused on the Shan is born, it is bound to garner a wealth and wave of interest.
Such is the case with a recent publication on Shan history by acclaimed historian U Sai Aung Tun.
Published on 25 November 2008 by Silkworm Books, the South East Asian publishing specialist, History of the Shan State: From Its Origins to 1962 by Sai Aung Tun is hot off the presses and ready to impress (and stir up debate) on this latest attempt to package the history of the Shan State and its people. Sai Aung Tun, a noted Professor of History and International Relations at colleges throughout Burma/Myanmar as well as a member of the Myanmar Historical Commission, has published widely on the Shan and the Shan State, though only a few of his works are available in English and online; read his article on Tai Ethnic Migration for "Dynamics of Ethnic Cultures Across National Boundaries in Southwestern China and Mainland Southeast Asia: Relations, Societies, and Languages" edited Hayashi Yukio (Kyoto University's CSEAS) and other works (such as Tun's National Library of Australia profile page here) for some insight.
At the moment, Sai Aung Tun has taken on the task of trying to unravel, understand and express the history of the Shan State until the events of 1962 - the period in modern Shan history. While it is unclear (I haven't been able to get my hands on a copy yet) whether or not his politics, affiliations and supervisors will colour this historical text, I sincerely hope that this, as a native Shan and with unlimited access, Sai Aung Tun had endeavoured to create a brilliant and insightful work for Shan enthusiasts worldwide to devour and debate for some time to come.
For now, best of luck getting your hands on a copy - either through Amazon, other sellers or your local (and well stocked) library - and leave your comments (good and not-so-good) at will. I look forward to hearing what our enlightened community has to say.
Gyan cha tha ba seh.
Naw Liang
