 It was also the capital under his son Thibaw (r. 1878–1885) of the Konbaung Dynasty (1752–1885).When the British annexed Upper Burma in 1885 to prevent the French from dominating it, monarchic rule ended.However, veneration of the Mahamuni image has continued, and is visited and idolised by many pilgrims, mainly Rakhine, Mon and Burmans peoples.