This is from a series of films by Global Television shot all over world, giving well photographed introductions to various places, of which we will be focusing on the ones of interest to Buddhists.
The films are quite light introductions to their subjects, mainly good photography, well chosen soundtracks, and a reasonable, but sometimes inaccurate, narration giving a cultural and historical introduction to its subject.
This week the focus is on Mandalay and its surroundings, which include a number of former capital cities. Being Royal cities they were also subject to Royal patronage, and some of the most important pagodas, temples and monasteries in the country are found within its compass.
We first see the Royal Palace, built by King Mindon in the centre of the city before traveling further afield to see the Mahamuni Temple, and then Kuthodaw and Sandamuni Temples, which house the world’s largest books. We also see some of the arts and crafts which are still developed in the region, including metalwork and woodwork.
The film also visits some of the more outlying areas, such as Amarapura, Sagaing and Mingun, all of which were capital cities in their time, and house now some of the finest cultural relics to be found in the country.
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to see an album of stills click here