Burmese forces occupy Shalpuri Island near Chittagong, which is claimed by the East India Company, on September 23, providing the casus belli for the First Anglo-Burmese War.

Burmese expansion into Manipur and Assam has created a long border between British India and the Burmese Empire.

The British, based in Calcutta, support rebels from Manipur, Assam and Arakan fleeing into British territory.

Calcutta had unilaterally declared Cachar and Jaintia British protectorates, and sent in troops.

Cross border raids into these newly acquired territories from British territories and spheres of influence vex the Burmese.

Convinced that war was inevitable, Burmese commander-in-chief, Maha Bandula, has become a main proponent of offensive policy against the British.

Bandula is part of the war party at Bagyidaw's court, which also includes Queen Me Nu and her brother, the Lord of Salin.

Bandula believes that a decisive victory will allow Ava to consolidate its gains in its new western empire in Arakan, Manipur, Assam, Cachar and Jaintia, as well as take over eastern Bengal.