Maha Thu Thiri Dhammayaza (, ; born Myo Htwe; c. 1842 – 17 February 1879), commonly known as the Prince of Thonze () or Thonze Minthagyi (), was a Burmese first-ranked royal prince of the late Konbaung dynasty. He was a senior son of King Mindon and the Viceroy of Chindwin Province.Khin Khin Lay 2003: 396
Early life and career Maung Myo Htwe, the eldest of 13 siblings, was born in about 1842 to the future King Mindon and his consort, Khonnaywa Mibaya.Konbaung Set Vol. 3 2004: 307 Since his mother was a descendant of Ekkathat, the last king of Ayutthaya, he was a Siamese-Burmese prince. However, there is no direct evidence mentioned of his mother being a descendant of King Ekkathat or King Udumbara in the Burmese Chronicle.
When his father ascended the throne, on 26 August 1853, he received the title of Thado Minsaw, and was granted the appanage of Laungshe.Konbaung Set Vol. 3 2004: 121 On 13 March 1854, he received the appanage of Thonze, and then became known as the Prince (or Myoza) of Thonze (Duke of Thonze).Konbaung Set Vol. 3 2004: 128
In July 1854 when he was 12 years old, he underwent the Yaungdonbwe where he had his hair tied in a topknot and the Shinbyu (Coming of age) ceremonies, together with the princes of Malun, Myingun and Padein.Konbaung Set Vol. 3 2004: 150 On 15 June 1862 when he was 20, he married Yan Aung Myin Princess, a daughter of Kanaung Mintha and his consort, Khin Kye.Konbaung Set Vol. 3 2004: 211
Later years At the Wa-gyut Gadaw ceremony in 1862, he received the title of Maha Thu Thiri Dhammayaza from his father.Konbaung Set Vol. 3 2004: 198 He was promoted to Minthagyi (), and was thereafter known as Thonze Minthagyi.Konbaung Set Vol. 3 2004: 199
He traveled to Pegu and Rangoon on 21 March 1863.Konbaung Set Vol. 3 2004: 213 When he returned to the palace, with the help of his father, he founded the Royal Diocesan High School (present-day No. 10 Basic Education High School, Mandalay) for the royal princes.
When King Mindon fell ill in 1878, he and other senior princes who could potentially be heir to the throne were seized and thrown into prison by Hsinbyumashin who dominated the king's last days.Sein Tin 2005: 59–62Khin Khin Lay 2003: 375–378 The king was informed of the situation within a week; Thonze Prince was released and was appointed as the Viceroy of Chindwin Province. But he was arrested again the following day.Sein Tin 2005: 63–64Khin Khin Lay 2003: 397–400
He was executed on 17 February 1879 as part of the royal massacre and buried in the palace grounds.
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