 In the early 13th century, Pagan, alongside the Khmer Empire, was one of two main empires in mainland Southeast Asia.His reign also saw the rise of Burmese culture which finally emerged from the shadows of Mon and Pyu cultures.With the Burman leadership of the kingdom now unquestioned, the term "Mranma" (Burmans) was openly used in Burmese language inscriptions.