AVA, the ancient capital of the Burman empire, is on the Irrawaddy, on the opposite bank to Sagaing. Amarapura, an other ancient capital, lies 5m. N.E. of Ava, and Mandalay, the present capital, 6m. N. The classical name of Ava is Yadanapura, "the city of precious gems." It was founded by Thadomin Paya in A.D. 1364 as successor to Pagan, and the religious buildings of Pagan were, to a certain extent, reproduced here, although not on the same scale. It remained the seat of government for about four centuries with a succession of 3o kings. In 1783 a new capital, Amarapura (q.v.), was founded by Bodaw Paya, but was de serted again in favour of Ava by King Baggidaw in 1823. On his deposition by King Tharawaddi in 1837, the capital reverted to Amarapura; but finally, in 186o, the last capital, Mandalay, was occupied by King Mindon. Traces of the great council chamber and various portions of the royal palace are still visible, but otherwise the secular buildings are completely destroyed; and most of the religious edifices are also dilapidated.