Burma State Bank Ba Maw 100 Kyat Banknote

Explore the rare Burma State Bank Ba Maw 100 Kyat banknote, a fascinating piece of WWII paper money from Burma's Japanese occupation era. This unique banknote, featuring a striking portrait of Dr. Ba Maw, marks a pivotal moment in Burmese history. While our previous article delved into the First Series issued by the Burma State Bank, commonly known as the Peacock Issues, this piece focuses on the subsequent challenges. As World War II drew to a close, Japan's difficulties in supplying these notes compelled Dr. Ba Maw's Burmese government to produce this new series locally in Rangoon. Here, we'll uncover its intricate design, compelling history, and profound significance during a period defined by the nation's struggle for independence and complex wartime governance

Ba Maw's Life and History

Ba Maw, a mixed Mon-Burman, was born on 8 February 1893, in Maubin. He was educated in law at Rangoon College, the University of Calcutta, the University of Cambridge, received a law degree from Gray's Inn, and earned a Doctorate in Laws from the University of Bordeaux. Ba Maw's early political career took off in the 1920s when he became involved in Burma's nationalist movement. In 1931, he gained national prominence by defending Saya San, a monk who led a rebellion against British rule.

In 1937, Ba Maw became the first Premier of Burma under the Government of Burma Act of 1935, which provided Burma with limited self-governance. His tenure was short-lived, but he remained a key political figure. Under British rule, he refused to participate in the war as long as the Burmese were refused freedom. He was arrested and jailed in Mandalay but then somehow escaped and made contact with the Japanese.

Believing that Japanese support would lead to Burmese independence, Ba Maw collaborated with them. The Japanese first made Ba Maw the Chief Civilian Administrator. When the Japanese-controlled State of Burma was established in August 1943, he became the head of state assuming the title "Naingandaw Adipadi" as well as prime minister.

Despite being head of the puppet government, Ba Maw's position wasn't smooth. The Japanese tried to persuade U Nu to replace Ba Maw but he refused and informed Ba Maw. With such refusal, the Japanese planned to get rid of Ba Maw's government by changing the regime and installing Taw Payagi, the eldest grandson of King Thibaw (the last Burmese king) and Queen Supayalat, as the new puppet ruler. Incidentally, his wife was Ba Maw's niece. Taw Payagi was deeply attached to Ba Maw and had no political ambitions or desire to be the puppet ruler. The attempt failed, and Ba Maw was the head of state until April 1945.

After the British had recaptured Upper Burma, Ba Maw fled the advancing British forces from Rangoon to Mudon, near Moulmein. On 16 August 1945, he left Burma by the Thai-Burma railway to seek refuge in Japan. From Bangkok, he went to Saigon, then flew to Taiwan and then to Japan. According to Ba Maw, in his book, Breakthrough in Burma: Memoirs of a Revolution, 1939–1946, he surrendered to Colonel Figesse of the British Occupation Forces and was then made over to the American intelligence section and sent to Sugamo prison.

Ba Maw, pardoned by the British government, landed back in Rangoon in August 1946. After Ba Maw's return, despite not taking up any key posts, he continued to remain active in politics. He was jailed and soon released on suspicion of involvement in the assassination of Aung San. After Ne Win's coup in 1962, he was again imprisoned without charge from about 1965 to 1968. He died on 28 May 1977, at age 84.

he was arrested by the British and imprisoned in Tokyo until 1946. Following his release, he returned to Burma, which gained independence in 1948. Ba Maw continued to influence Burmese politics and historical thought until his death on May 29, 1977. His legacy is marked by his efforts for Burmese nationalism and the complex decisions he made during the wartime occupation.

1945 Ba Maw Banknote Issue

As the end of World War II neared, the Japanese could not adequately supply the Burmese government with the 1944 Peacock Issues that were printed in Japan. In 1945, the Burma State Bank arranged for a printer in Rangoon to print a 100 Kyat emergency issue. It is widely mentioned that the Japanese would not permit their issuance and use. Therefore, it is likely that the banknote was never issued. However, due to their availability and importance especially being the the first series of Burmese paper money to feature a Burmese on the banknote, we will look at the design of the banknote.

The Ba Maw 100 Kyat banknote measures 155 x 95 mm. Its color scheme is predominantly blue and green.

Obverse side of Ba Maw Banknote

The name of the note issuer “bama naing ngan daw,” the Burma State, is written in Burmese script at the top center.

The obverse side of the Ba Maw 100 Kyat banknote prominently features a portrait of Dr. Ba Maw. This choice of imagery underscores his importance and authority during the Japanese occupation. Dr. Ba Maw is depicted in traditional Burmese attire, including the gaung baung (headgear) and a formal jacket, signifying his connection to Burmese culture and his role as a national leader. The meticulous detailing in the portrait, from the texture of the clothing to the features of Ba Maw's face, reflects a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Above Ba Maw is a drawing of two dragons.

The stylized peacock, which is considered as the state seal of the Burma State is at the lower left. Surrounding the portrait is a decorative border composed of traditional Burmese motifs. These intricate patterns include floral designs and geometric shapes that are characteristic of classical Burmese art. The border not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the banknote but also serves to reinforce a sense of continuity and cultural resilience amid the turmoil of war. The incorporation of these traditional elements into the banknote's design is a deliberate effort to evoke national pride and cultural identity.

Reverse side of Ba Maw Banknote

The reverse side of the banknote features an elaborate depiction of Mandalay Palace with its surrounding moat, symbolizing Burmese royalty and historical significance. The Mandalay Palace, with its majestic architecture and rich cultural heritage, is rendered with precision and care, highlighting its importance as a symbol of Burmese sovereignty and identity.

Additionally, the reverse side includes dragons and the state seal featuring a peacock, which is a traditional symbol of Burma and represents grace, beauty, and sovereignty. The inclusion of the State seal further embeds national pride and cultural heritage into the banknote’s design.

Denomination and Additional Script

The denomination of the note is shown in Burmese script “kyat ta ya” at the center. The note also contains the text "Legal tender in Burma only, guaranteed by the Burmese Government" in Burmese script. The note is signed by Hla Shein, Secretary of the Finance Department, Burma State Bank.

On the front top left, there is the Burmese numeral "100" and on the front bottom right, there is the Roman numeral "100". On the rear side, the numerals in Burmese and Roman are displayed at various positions.

Key Features of Ba Maw Banknote

Denomination: 100 Kyat
Issuer: Burma State Bank
Size: 155 x 95 mm
Color: Blue and light green
Obverse Design: Seal of Burma State; Ba Maw
Reverse Design: Mandalay Palace with moat; Dragons; Seal of Burma State
Date: None
Signature: Hla Shein
Material: Paper
Security Thread: None
Watermark: None
Printer: Unknown printer in Rangoon

Known Varieties of Ba Maw Banknote

There are two known varieties of the Ba Maw 100 Kyat banknote:

Variety 1: With the Burmese serial number in the box below the signature
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B405a; Pick 22a

Variety 2: No serial number
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B405ar; Pick 22b

Additionally, uncut sheets of four banknotes are known to exist. These sheets are mentioned in the Krause catalog (Pick 22c). While they are not considered a separate variety, they represent the way the banknotes were produced before being cut into individual notes. In addition, an uncut sheet of two notes has also been seen. Collectors often find these uncut sheets to be of particular interest due to their uniqueness and historical significance.

Cultural and Political Significance

The design of the Ba Maw 100 Kyat banknote is laden with cultural and political significance. During the Japanese occupation, the use of Ba Maw’s image and the Mandalay Palace served to legitimize the puppet government established by the Japanese and to foster a sense of nationalism among the Burmese people. The banknote's design was a tool of propaganda, aiming to unify the population under the leadership of Ba Maw and to promote the cultural heritage of Burma.

The Ba Maw 100 Kyat banknote is a compelling artifact of Burmese history, reflecting the interplay between culture, politics, and art. Its design, featuring a portrait of Dr. Ba Maw, the State Seal, traditional Burmese motifs, and the Mandalay Palace, serves as a testament to the efforts to maintain national identity and pride during the Japanese occupation. The banknote not only facilitated economic transactions but also played a crucial role in the cultural and political landscape of wartime Burma.

Conclusion

The Ba Maw 100 Kyat banknote stands as a poignant emblem of Burma's complex wartime history, marked by Japanese occupation and the quest for national identity amidst foreign control. Its intricate design, featuring Ba Maw and symbols of Burmese heritage, underscores a period where cultural pride was leveraged for political legitimacy. As the war drew to a close, the British retook control of Burma, establishing the Military Administration of Burma, which led to the issuance of banknotes overprinted with the text "Military Administration of Burma." This transition not only marked the end of Japanese influence but also set the stage for the next chapter in Burma's monetary history, which will be discussed in our forthcoming article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Burma State Bank Ba Maw 100 Kyat banknote?

A: The Ba Maw 100 Kyat banknote is an emergency issue from 1945 by the Burma State Bank, arranged during the Japanese occupation. It is notable as the first Burmese banknote to feature a portrait of a Burmese national, Dr. Ba Maw, the head of the Japanese-backed State of Burma.

Q: Why was the Ba Maw 100 Kyat banknote issued, and why is it considered rare?

A: This banknote was produced locally in Rangoon due to Japan's inability to supply the Burmese government with the previous "Peacock Issues" as World War II neared its end. It is widely believed that the Japanese did not permit its official issuance and use, making it a very rare and significant piece of Burmese monetary history.

Q: What are the key design features of the Ba Maw 100 Kyat banknote?

A: The obverse prominently features a portrait of Dr. Ba Maw in traditional Burmese attire, flanked by two dragons, with the stylized peacock (State Seal) at the lower left. The reverse displays the Mandalay Palace with its moat, also flanked by dragons and the State Seal. The note uses only Burmese and Roman numerals, with no English text.

Q: Who signed the Ba Maw 100 Kyat banknote?

A: The Ba Maw 100 Kyat banknote is signed by Hla Shein, who served as the Secretary of the Finance Department of the Burma State Bank.

Q: What is the cultural and political significance of the Ba Maw 100 Kyat banknote?

A: The banknote's design, featuring Dr. Ba Maw's portrait and national symbols like the peacock and Mandalay Palace, served as a propaganda tool by the Japanese-backed government. It aimed to legitimize their rule, foster nationalism, and unify the Burmese population during a complex period of occupation and the quest for independence.