Having accidentally inherited the Toungoo throne after his father's sudden death, Minkhaung proved an ineffectual ruler of this perpetually unruly frontier vassal state of Ava Kingdom.

He was assassinated in early 1452 by a servant of his cousin Minye Kyawhtin, who went on to seize Toungoo in his rebellion against King Narapati I of Ava.

[1] All royal chronicles starting with the Maha Yazawin chronicle, identify Minkhaung I of Toungoo as an ancestor (paternal great-great grandfather) of King Bayinnaung of Toungoo Dynasty.

Note that at least one writer, Hla Thamein, has identified Minkhaung II of Toungoo, a great-great grandson of Minkhaung I, as the basis for the spirit.

Since death from violent murders is a leitmotif of the Thirty Seven Nats, the spirit is likely based on Minkhaung I instead.