The lithic inscriptions of Burma from the thirteenth to the fourteenth century are interspersed with poetry. They are the earliest Burmese poems extant. The motif in the inscriptions is regal-religious; yet the verses are not devoid of expressions of personal emotions. Nature and love, as themes of Burmese poetry, did not emerge into prominence until the fifteenth century when ‘book literature’ written on palm-leaf superseded the lithic inscriptions.

The book literature of Burma originated under the auspices of Buddhist monarchs and flourished in manuscript from the fifteenth century till after printing became widespread in Burma in the second half of the nineteenth century. The authors were Buddhist monks or men who had spent many years in the monastery, and some talented Court-ladies.