Pagan (chancellor)

Pagan was a high-ranking official in the Burmese kingdom of Pagan (present-day Myanmar) during the late 12th and early 13th centuries. He served as the chief minister, a role equivalent to chancellor, during the reigns of King Sithu II (also known as Narapatisithu) and likely into the reign of King Htilominlo.

As chancellor, Pagan wielded significant power and influence in the administration of the kingdom. He was responsible for overseeing the royal treasury, managing the affairs of state, and advising the king on important matters. Historical records suggest he was a capable administrator and a trusted advisor.

While specific details of his policies and actions are limited, his tenure coincided with a period of significant temple construction and artistic flourishing in Pagan. The exact nature and extent of his contribution to these developments remains a subject of scholarly debate due to the scarcity of contemporaneous sources. Mentions of Pagan are largely found in inscriptions related to temple dedications and royal edicts. He appears to have been a patron of religious institutions and played a role in maintaining the stability of the kingdom.

It is important to note that information about Pagan relies heavily on epigraphic evidence and chronicles compiled centuries later. As such, the full scope of his role and influence is still being pieced together by historians.