Meza Hill
"Meza Hill," also known as the "Foot of Meza Hill", is a yadu composed in 1764 by court minister Letwe Thondara during his exile from court to Meza area. During his time of hardship in the Meza area, he composed a yadu poem, expressing his unwavering loyalty to the royal capital. The "Meza Hill" yadu stands out for its vivid portrayal of personal experiences, refined structure, and impactful use of language. Letwe Thondara's heartfelt expressions resonated deeply, prompting King Hsinbyushin to grant him a pardon and summon him back to the royal court.
History
Letwe Thondara was a court minister and poet. He served as secretary for the council, with the title of Let-wè Thon-dara, under the first seven kings of the succeeding Konbaung dynasty, eventually becoming a judge of the supreme court. He was exiled by the third king, Hsinbyushin, to the penal colony of Meza Hill area, in a valley over a hundred miles north of the capital Shwebo, for lèse-majesté.Meza area was a remote area surrounded by vast forests and mountains, which made it rarely visited. It was also known for its extremely cold climate and the prevalence of malaria. While there, he wrote his two famous poems, both yadu, which described his grief at being exiled. The poems moved the king to recall him after two months and restore him to the court.