Amarapura was founded in 1783 by King Bodawpaya of the Konbaung Dynasty. The city became the royal palace twice, first from 1783 to 1823 and then again from 1837 to 1857. Amarapura is located 11 kilometers south of Mandalay and is also known as the city of immortality. Amarapura was a center for Buddhist learning and reforms. In 1800, Buddhist clergy from Sri Lanka established the Amarapura Nikaya (Amarapura sect) in the city. Amarapura is a major center for traditional chaik weaving in Myanmar. However, cheap imitations from China and India have disrupted the traditional cottage industry