University of Rangoon

university, Rangoon, Myanmar

Also known as: Rangoon College

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July 18, 2026

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The University of Rangoon, established in 1920, was reconstituted as the Arts and Science University in 1964. It was raised to university status by the University Act in 1920, but student protests arose due to perceived elitism and exclusion in its administration and curriculum. This led to a boycott of British goods and a strike by students, supported by the public and clergy. The university became a hub for nationalist sentiment, with students organizing protests and forming the Thakin movement, which advocated for Burmese independence.12

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Myanmar
The emergence of nationalism
Also in 1920 Rangoon College was raised to the status of a full university by the University Act. However, because the accompanying changes in the school’s administration and curriculum were viewed as elitist and exclusionary of the Burmese population, its students went on strike. Younger schoolchildren followed suit,…
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Also in 1920 Rangoon College was raised to the status of a full university by the University Act. However, because the accompanying changes in the school’s administration and curriculum were viewed as elitist and exclusionary of the Burmese population, its students went on strike. Younger schoolchildren followed suit,…
Read More