The Mongols had conquered Yunnan in 1253,…
1277 CE
The Mongols had conquered Yunnan in 1253, and in 1271 under instructions from Kublai Khan, the new military governors of Yunnan had sent envoys to Pagan demanding tribute.
The Burmese king had refused.
At Beijing, the Mongol emperor again sent another mission on March 3, 1273.
This time the king had ordered the envoys executed.
The Mongols then systematically invaded the country.
Elephant-mounted soldiers of Narathihapate, the Burmese king of Pagan, advance into the Mongol-ruled Yunnan region in southwestern China following successful raids along the border.
Mongol archers on horseback engage the Burmese invaders in 1277 at the Battle of Ngasaunggyan in April 1277.
Dismounting when the elephants frighten their horses, the Mongol soldiers regroup on foot, disperse the elephants, remount, and, although outnumbered three to one, make a victorious charge.
Defeating the Burmese, the Mongols secure their hold of Kanngai (modern-day Yingjiang, Yunnan, one hundred and twelve kilometers north of Bhamo).