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History of Rakhine State and Arakan People
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Publication: Saturday, December 21, 2024
history of Rakhine State

Rakhine State, formerly known as Arakan, is a historically significant region located on the western coast of Myanmar, along the Bay of Bengal. This region boasts a rich history and cultural heritage that is deeply intertwined with the story of the Arakan people, who have preserved their distinct traditions over centuries.

Ancient History

The history of Rakhine State dates back to the 3rd century BCE. It is believed that the region was initially settled by the Mon and Tibeto-Burman groups. The first notable kingdom in the area was Dhanyawadi, which flourished from the 4th to the 6th century CE. Later, the cities of Vesali and the Arakanese dynasties established their dominance in the region.

Classical Arakan was heavily influenced by Indian culture. Hinduism and Buddhism played significant roles in shaping the lifestyle and customs of the people.

Medieval Arakan

During the medieval period, Arakan emerged as a prominent maritime hub. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it was an independent kingdom. The Arakanese rulers adopted the title “Arakaneshwar,” similar to Bengali kings, and actively patronized Bengali literature and culture.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Arakan was its capital city, Mrauk U. Known for its unique blend of Buddhist and Islamic architecture, Mrauk U served as a thriving trade center that connected Arakan with India, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

Colonial Rule

In 1784, the Burmese King Bodawpaya invaded and annexed Arakan, forcing many Rakhine people to flee to British Bengal (present-day Bangladesh). After the First Anglo-Burmese War in 1826, the British incorporated Arakan into their colonial territories.

During British rule, Arakan was recognized as an administrative region where agriculture and fishing became the main economic activities.

Modern Rakhine State

After Myanmar’s independence in 1948, Arakan was renamed Rakhine State. The region is now home to Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims. However, the Rohingya community has faced decades of statelessness, discrimination, and persecution.

Despite its turbulent history, Rakhine State remains known for its traditional architecture, rich culture, and historical significance. The ancient ruins and historical landmarks of Mrauk U continue to attract tourists and researchers.

Conclusion

The history of Rakhine State and the Arakan people is not just a chronicle of a geographical region; it is a testament to cultural resilience, political struggles, and human perseverance. Through millennia, the Rakhine and Arakan people have upheld their distinct identity, contributing significantly to the historical tapestry of South Asia.

Arakan people

History of Rakhine State

Arakan, now known as Rakhine, has maintained a deep connection with Chittagong since ancient times. This relationship, rooted in familial ties, trade, and cultural exchange, dates back thousands of years and persisted until the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947.

In addition to Chittagong, the Arakan region had close relations with Arab lands. The Muslim population in Arakan predominantly consisted of descendants of Arab settlers from the 8th century and local converts to Islam. Over time, missionaries and traders from Central Asia, Persia, and India also settled in the region. Many people migrated to Arakan for trade and employment opportunities. Today, the Muslims living in Arakan are commonly referred to as “Rohingya.”

Historical records suggest that from 1430 to 1784, a sovereign Rohingya state existed, covering an area of approximately 22,000 square miles. King Narameikhla (1430–1434) ruled over Arakan during this period. Later, he converted to Islam and expressed gratitude to Bengal by introducing Islamic gold coins in the Bengali language in Arakan.

Rakhine State

In 1433, after the death of Sultan Jalaluddin Muhammad Shah, King Narameikhla’s successors captured Ramu (1437) and Chittagong (1459) from Bengal. Chittagong remained under Arakanese control until 1666. However, this period witnessed several wars between the kings of Arakan and Tripura over the control of Chittagong.

In 1784, the Burmese King Bodawpaya invaded and annexed Arakan, marking the beginning of Buddhist dominance in the region. Despite this, Islamic influences continued to shape Arakanese Buddhist culture. Many Buddhist kings adopted Muslim names and titles and appointed Muslims to royal positions.

During the time of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, his brother Shah Shuja sought refuge in Arakan, where he observed the political and cultural influence of Muslims. Later, under Aurangzeb’s orders, Nawab Shaista Khan reclaimed Chittagong from Arakanese control, bringing it back under Mughal rule. However, the core Arakan region remained independent.

The Burmese invasion of 1784 ushered in a difficult era for Muslims in Arakan. Under Burmese rule, they were often referred to as “Moghs” or barbarians. In 1826, following the First Anglo-Burmese War, the British annexed Burma into British India, making Arakan a province of British India.

The history of Rakhine State is a testament to cultural exchanges, wars, and governance. It represents not just a region but a repository of rich traditions and heritage. Despite undergoing significant changes over time, its history remains vibrant and worthy of exploration.

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