Joseph Augustus Maung Gyi


Sir Joseph Augustus Maung Gyi was a Burmese barrister, judge, diplomat, politician and administrator who served as the Acting Governor of British Burma during the tenure of Charles Alexander Innes, who was away on sick leave in the United Kingdom. At various other times during the colonial era he served as Minister of Agriculture, Excise and Forestry, of Education and Public Health, of Home Affairs, and as Minister for Transferred Subjects.

Early life and education

Maung Gyi was born on 12 December 1871 in Moulmein, British Burma to ethnic Mon parents U Khin and his wife Daw Yin. After graduating from St. Paul's English High School, he studied law at Rangoon College, and continued his education in England. He was also educated at Oxford University, Brussels College and St. Mary's College in the UK. In 1901, he returned to Burma and worked as a barrister for 11 years. In 1911 he was called to the bar by the Middle Temple.

Life

Maung Gyi is remembered positively for his leading role in establishing Rangoon University, his research on traditional Myanmar drama and his efforts to publish the Tripitaka, or Buddhist scriptures.

Personal life and death

Maung Gyi married Phwar May who lived in Lampang, Thailand. They have only one daughter Khin Myint. He passed away on 9 March 1955 at the age of 83 at his residence in Golden Valley, Rangoon, Burma.