The country of Burma (Myanmar) is one of the countries that practice Theravada Buddhism, and Buddhism has flourished since 1044 C.E. Myanmar is one of the world's most deeply Buddhist countries. Therefore, the religion of Buddhism in Myanmar reflected almost all of its arts. We can describe the art of Buddhism in Myanmar by dynasty.There were several dynasties in Myanmar. Some of them flourished before Buddhism came to Myanmar and some of them disappeared under the ground. In this essay, I will present Buddhist Art in three dynasties - Bagan, Bago, and Mandalay, especially the Bagan Dynasty.

Bagan is the most famous ancient city in Myanmar and it has many Buddhist arts. It is on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River and it is also known as one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia. Bagan city covers an area of 42 sq. km. There, one can find over 2000 pagodas, temples and monasteries built during the Bagan Dynasty founded by King Anawrahta in 1044 C.E. It was Buddhism that influenced the rulers of Bagan Dynasty to build innumerable pagodas and temples in and around the city. The endless pagodas stand testimony to the rich cultural heritage of the Burma and also to the beauty and grandeur of ancient pagodas.

There are many arts in Bagan and I'll present some of them. Sarabha gateway, guarded by brother and sister nats, is one of the arts in Bagan. The ruins of the main gate on the east wall, are all that remain of the old 9th century city. Traces of old stucco can still be seen on this gateway. Ananda temple, built in 1091 by Kyanzittha, is one of the famous temples in Bagan, and the temple is said to represent the endless wisdom of the Buddha. The central square has sides of 53 meters (175 feet) and rises in terraces to 51 meters (168 feet) above the ground. In the center if the cube, four standing Buddhas, nine and a half meters (31 feet) high, represent the four Buddhas who have attained Nirvana. Shwezigon Pagoda is one of the ancient pagodas in Bagan. Its golden mass gives it an air of weight and stability, and its name derives from Jeyyabhumi, "Ground of Victory." It was built by Alaunsithu in 1311. This temple is an early example of a transition in architectural styles which resulted in airy, lighter buildings. The temple is also notable for its fine stucco carvings and for the stone in the inner wall which tell its history, including the fact that its construction took seven months. Thatbyinnyut is the highest temple in Bagan, the "Omniscient" temple rises to 61 meters (200 feet) and it was built by Alaungsithu around the mid 12th century. Bupaya is an ancient pagoda that is right on the bank of the Ayeyarwady River, and this pagoda has been claimed to be the oldest in Bagan, dating from the 3rd century C.E.

Mandalay was founded by King Mindon in 1857. Most of the monuments there, including the ancient palace, the ancient city walls, ancient pagodas monasteries, were built in that year or soon after. Moreover, Mandalay is the last dynasty of Burma kings, and it has many ancient arts of Buddhism.

In conclusion, Burma is one of the countries in which flourished Theravada Buddhism and it has many ancient arts. The majesty of Buddhist art is clearly represented in the pagodas, temples and ancient buildings that were built in the three dynasties.