Chao Pha

Chao-Pha (lit. 'lord of the sky'; Tai Ahom: 𑜋𑜧𑜨 𑜇𑜡, Thai: เจ้าฟ้า, Shan: ၸဝ်ႈၾႃႉ, romanized: Sào Fá, Burmese: စော်ဘွား Sawbwa, Chinese: 召法; pinyin: Zhàofǎ) was a royal title used by the hereditary rulers of the Tai peoples of Mong Dun, Mong Shan, Mong Mao, kingdoms of Thai and Tai-Khamti people. According to local chronicles, some fiefdoms of Chao-Pha date from as early as the 2nd century BCE; however, the earlier sections of these chronicles are generally agreed to be legendary.

"Chao Fa" redirects here. For the modern Thai royal title, see Thai royal ranks and titles.
Chao Pha
Sukapha, Chao Pha and Prince of Mong Mao and Mong Kham
Last holderChao Pha Purandar Singha
StatusNot used in Modern days
A Tai Nobility Title used by Ahom Kings, Shan Chiefs, Thai Prince / Princess and Khamti Chief.

Overview

During British colonial rule, there were 14 to 16 Chao-Phas at a time, each ruling a highly autonomous state, until 1922 when the Federated Shan States were formed and the Chao-Phas powers were reduced. However, they nominally kept their positions as well as their courts and still played a role in local administration until they collectively relinquished their titles in favour of the Union of Burma in 1959.[1] Shan is the semi-independent Shan States (Muang, Shan: မိူင်း, pronounced [mə́ŋ]) in what today is Eastern Myanmar (Burma). It may also be used for rulers of similar Tai/Dai states in neighbouring countries, notably including China's Yunnan Province.[1]

Pictures of Chao Pha
  • Two Shan saophas on a visit to Delhi, India in 1903
  • Wife and child of the Saopha of Wuntho, c. 1880
  • Shan saopha in Burmese royal court dress

See also

References
  1. Donald M. Seekins (2006). Historical Dictionary of Burma (Myanmar). Scarecrow Press. entry Sawbwa, p. 391.
  • Media related to Saopha at Wikimedia Commons


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