When the
Mongols first invaded Burma in 1277, the excessive heat forced them to turn back at Htigyaing which was later taken along with
Tagaung in 1283 eventually leading to the fall of the
kingdom of Bagan. The
Saopha of
Wuntho rose up in rebellion in 1891 and attacked
Kawlin forcing the
British to fall back on Htigyaing. On 7 November 2023, the town was attacked by allied anti-junta forces during the country's
ongoing civil war. The fighting continued for over three months, with junta airstrikes destroying over 90% of the town during the battle. ==Transport and economy==