Kagyin (poetic form)
# Kagyin (poetic form)

A kagyin (Burmese: ကာချင်း; pronounced) is a form of Burmese martial song performed during a shield dance (Burmese: ကာက; pronounced). Its purpose is to inspire both the singer and their audience with national spirit and patriotism. A kagyin is sung while performing systematic defensive footwork, a sword in the right hand and a ka in the left.

Kagyins were first performed in 1312 during the reign of Thihathu. The form further developed in the Pinya Kingdom under Kyawswa I.

## Format

A kagyin does not use four syllables in each line, unlike the classical Burmese verse from which it is derived.

As a yadu is sometimes written between the verses of luta poetry, a thanbauk can be written into a kagyin.

### Subject

Most kagyin describe the beauty of the three seasons, seasonal flowers, and the development of the state, as in egyin and angyin.

## Notable composers and works

The Myinsaing Shwepyi Kagyin of Kyawswa I is most well-known today. It is assigned to 11th graders studying Burmese literature and poetry.

