The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c29.s3.47

v3.c29.s3.47

Conceivably the continuance of Chinese interest in Burma is due to the fact that after Kubla Khan's dynasty (1206–1368) had passed away, China lost control of the route across Asia to Europe. She had to look for other outlets, and the trade route down the Irrawaddy was perhaps one of them². Chinese porcelain³ of the fifteenth century had been found in the bed of the Bassein river near Negrais, and it is recorded⁴ that in 1450 the chief of Ava gave to a favourite 'the Chinese customs revenue,' probably Yünnan frontier tolls.