[3] Maung Pho was born into minor nobility who served in the newly conquered kingdom of Arakan during the reign of King Bodawpaya.

Later he held several positions, such as second-in-command of the military unit for Salin, Saku, Kyapin, and Legaing; governor of Mindon and seven hill districts, commander of the Southern Tavoy Regiment, count of Monglon [my].

[8][9] In return, King Thibaw soon after his accession to the throne appointed him the Thuye Wun [my] (Minister of the Elite Infantry) with the title of Mingyi Minkhaung Maha Kyawhtin on 23 November 1878.

[11] On 23 March 1883,[12] he was promoted to Agga Maha Thenapati Wungyi (Minister of Defense), while also serving as Thamidaw Wun [my] (lit.

However, the British soon detained Taingda, charging him with creating unrest in the country, and exiled him to Cuttack, Odisha State, India.