Maung Pe Khin (မောင်ဖေခင်) was born on 27 October 1812 in Mingun, near Ava, to the Crown Prince of Sagaing (who later became King Bagyidaw) and Hsinbyume. Miraculous events were reported at his birth and his body was said to bear the signs of a future world emperor. King Bodawpaya, his great grandfather, conferred the title of Thatoe Minhla Shwetaung on him, and gave him the status of Prince of Nyaungyan. His mother died seven days after giving birth. He is recorded as having been very popular with the people and called by them Setkya Min. After Burma's defeat in the First Anglo-Burmese War, it was hoped that he would succeed his father on the throne, drive out the British, and usher in an era of prosperity for Burma and Buddhism.