The Shan State of Myanmar (also known as Burma) was once made up of a large number of traditional monarchies or fiefdoms. Three ranks of chiefs where recognized by the Burmese king and later by the British administration. These ranks were Saopha or Chaofa (Shan for king or chieftain) or Sawbwa in Burmese, Myosa ("duke" or chief of town), and Ngwegunhmu (silver revenue chief).