Integrated Risk Management and Heritage Resilience: A Comparative Assessment of the Taungthaman Kyauk Tawgyi Temple, Amarapura

Moe Sat Wathan

This paper originates from collaborative fieldwork with the late Professor Elizabeth H. Moore. It examines the conservation challenges of Amarapura, the Burmese royal capital, established in 1784 CE. Located between the earlier city of Innwa and the later capital Mandalay, Amarapura represents a historically layered cultural landscape shaped by royal planning, religious institutions, and water-based infrastructure. Today, Amarapura’s heritage landscape faces increasing pressure from human misuse and frequent natural disasters, including seasonal flooding and earthquakes. The study focuses on the Taungthaman Kyauk Tawgyi Temple (completed 1847 CE), a significant monument of the late Konbaung period, noted for its innovative architectural layout and unique 19th-century mural painting.

The paper integrates Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA) within a disaster risk management framework. I will discuss critical comparative analysis of the site’s condition before and after the devastating March 2025 earthquake. By synthesizing structural resilience with the art-historical value of the murals, this research proposes a sustainable management model that aligns Amarapura’s needs with broader Southeast Asian heritage protocols, honoring Professor Moore’s legacy through interdisciplinary action.