During British rule in Burma, the pagoda acquired its present-day name, Signal Pagoda (Alanpya Zedi in Burmese), because it was used as a signal station for vessels coming up Yangon River.

[1] In 1452, Queen Shin Sawbu gilded the entire pagoda, which was reconstructed by King Bayinnaung in 1564.

[1] The pagoda was rebuilt yet again in 1775 by Min Letwe, King Hsinbyushin's minister.

[1] The pagoda's site subsequently became a military encampment for British forces following the First Anglo-Burmese War.

[1] The pagoda's present hti (umbrella) was donated in November 1910.