The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c23.s3.35

v4.c23.s3.35

The king of Ayuthia, styled Lord of the White Elephants, had recently possessed no fewer than seven; it was the glory of these elephants which attracted white merchants from the ends of the earth and brought Siam unprecedented prosperity; there could be no other cause, for in the days of his predecessors, who had far fewer, there was less trade and European merchants had not come. He still had four, and Bayinnaung’s soul was stirred to its depths at not having so many himself. He was considering not only his own glory but also the interests of his people; he believed it to be essential to their prosperity that he should acquire these elephants.¹ Therefore he invaded Siam. As he had a much larger area from which to get levies, his task was easier than Tabinshwehti’s.