Minkhaung I of Ava (1373–1422) is king of Ava from 1400 to 1422.
Minkhaung is best remembered in Burmese history for his epic struggles against King Razadarit of Hanthawaddy Pegu in the Forty Years' War (1385–1424), and for being the father of Crown Prince Minyekyawswa, who did most of the fighting.
Minkhaung succeeds the throne after his half-brother King Tarabya is assassinated in 1400.
In the early years of his reign, 1400–1406, Minkhaung faces not only a serious internal rebellion but also external raids from Shan States in the north and from Arakan in the west, and a full scale invasion by Razadarit of Pegu from the south.
By 1406, Minkhaung has gained control of the situation, and is able to counterattack.
In 1406, he defeats the Shan State of Mohnyin.
Between 1404 and 1418, Ava and Hanthawaddy forces fight fiercely in Lower Burma, Upper Burma and Arakan.
Ava's war efforts against Pegu are checked by the Shan raids from the north until 1413, when Minyekyawswa decisively defeats Theinni (Hsenwi), the most powerful Shan state, which has Chinese backing.
Minyekyawswa comes close to conquering all of Lower Burma in 1417 but the fiery crown prince of Ava is severely wounded in battle and dies.
Though both sides fight on until 1418, the enthusiasm for the war has dissipated.
