User:Bishwa Jit Chakma

Chakma Orginity

What is Chakma or Sakya ?

According of chakma history and folk lore, the Chakmas are decendent of Sakyas clan. In Burma ,Chakmas are called "Thak". In Burmese they prounce "S" as " t". For example "Saranam" as Tananam. In Burmese "Ma" means "people". So the word "Chakma" in Burmese means Sakya people. Next the word "Chakma" could have derived from Pali word "Cakkhuma"(cakkhu-eyes) which means endowed with all the foremost; one who transcends all (sabbabibhu ); who have good perception ( sanna), wisdom.

According of Sanskrit Dictionary the "sakya" which means Capable; Able. See the genealogy of Sakya found in Hindu Religious text like Vishnu Purana IV, Bhagavata Purana and in Brahma Purana.

According of Pali -English Dictionary by T.W Rhys Davids, william Stede (page 259-287) the word "Cakkhuma" meant the eyes of the Buddha or complete intuition. Prof A.P Buddhadatta Mahathera mentioned in "Consise Pali English Dictionary as "Cakkhumamantu"(adj) means endowed with eyes (wisdom)... (cakkhuni assabhagavato santiti bhagava cakkhuma ).

Look the Originity of Chakmas or Sakya

In the book called "Wild Races of the Eastern Frontier of India" by Thomas Herbert Lewin (page 165) mentioned ""Chukma" or Thek are decendent of ancient Campa or Campak Nagar (Magadha) the modern Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. It said in Chakma history and folk lore too that Chakma are origin of Campa. Later they went to Aracan, Burma. They lived there in Aracan (Burma) for long which comparatively absorb their dialect little bit. Whatever still language of Chakma are 99% Indo Aryan language of India genetic.

It is also mentioned by famous Chinese pilgrimage "Fa Hian" in Calcutta Review vol. 19-21 (page 257-261) so called "Cakkhuma"or Sakya left Campak Nagar, ancient Magadha due to aggression , massacred by the King Virudhaka (mentioned in Buddhist literature ) 3rd century BC, which is just after the Buddha passed away.

Since the king Virudhaka was powerful, many Cakkhuma (Sakya) left their land ,scattered in many directions, some of them reached to Aracan (Burma) and many settled in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

In the Encyclopedia of Geography ...by Hugh Murray, William Wallace, Robert Jamson- 1837 (page 357-361) mentioned ""CHOOMEAS"" (see map) are live in Chittagong Hill Tracts, they cultivate agriculture and lived in peaceful manner. (See some of the maps in where cakkhuma or sakyas lived in ancient India).

In the ""Wild Races of South-Eastern India" by Thomas Herbert Lewin (page 158-162) mentioned there are tribes called "Chukma" lived in Chittagong Hill Tracts are largest dominant group who are rightful appellation of present Chittagong Hill Tracts. He farther mentioned in Burmese this "Chukma" tribes are known as Thek, Tsakma ,Tsak or Doingnak.

Thomas mentioned the "Chukma" are intelligent and peaceful who are orginally held from Campak nagar situated in the North Western province of Hindustan (India).He even mentioned the ""Chukma" are kshatriya descent from Campa. According of Chinese Pilgrimage Fa Hian who travelled to India in 429 AD, the kingdom of Campa ,situated not far from present Bhagulpore, Assam (please see the maps).

All the above-mentioned facts clearly indicate the Chakmas were living in Campa or Campak nagar in Magodha state of ancient India. They left Magodha due to aggression of King Magodha. Look still the Chakmas narrate unknowingly word Mogodha, which they didn't forget the word Mogodha, why? In every day to day life the Chakmas used word ""Magodha"" for unhappy and in unsual mood, why??? It is because in we Chakmas were in Magodha and had bad times due to King Virudhaka .For survival, the Sakya changed their title to Sak. Later Burmese writers used "Chukma", which means "sakya people". it could have derived from orginal pali word cakkhuma and Chukma, which are very closed to present word "Chakma". All these happened due to mis-spell and wrong listening by past writers.

Language

Modern Chakma language is mixed of Pali and Sanskrit,basically closed of Magadhi bhasa of ancient India.

Some writers say chakmas are origin from Burma.If it is correct then why Chakmas language are not similar to Burmese or other Mongolian languages. The Chakmas language are 100% Indo- aryan languages which strongly support that Chakmas are from Campa, Magodha ancient India.

They do speak Magadhi languages or Tanti bhasa which were spoken in Ancient India.

Origin of Chakma or Sakya

According of Chinese traveler and author Thomas which mentioned above, the Sakya or Chakma are from Campa or Campak Nagar which is in ancient India, the modern Assam, adjoining of Bengal. It is from Campa they migrated to Burma and present CHT.

Look the language of Chakma, if they were from Burma origin then their language should be like Burmese but not. The language of Chakmas are Indo-ariyan which is distinct from other Mongolian tribes. On languagtical background this is proof the origin of Chakmas are not from Burma, it is 100% from Ancient India.

Look the language of Chakma is very closed to ancient Magadhi Bhasa and Sanskrit. On languagetical context the Chakma or Sakya are definitely from ancient India, the place which mentioned by writer called Campa or Campak Nagar is modern Assam, near Bengal.

Some writer say, the Chakmas might from Cambodia or Thailand which I can't agreed base on languagtical background. The Language of Chakma is completely Different from Thailand, Cambodia and other Mongolia tribes...

All these above evidences indicate, Chakma were living in ancient Jumbudeepa ,modern India

Bijok (History)

The “Bijok” is the history in Chakma language. So, the “Chakma Bijok” is the chronological history of the “Chakma Nation”. About hundreds of Chakma history written by different authors and in different languages and experiences. Some of the authors wrote that he/she belong from Chakma Nation or Sakya, but nothing knew about the religious historical background of the Chakmas or Sakyas. Some of the authors (Muslim) wrote about CHAKMAS /Sakya national historical background, religious historical background etc which are not truth.

Some authors wrote an article about chakma originity after few visit in Chakma villages. We don't have wide ranges of resources to discuss about their origin, as well as national historical background about the Sakyas or Chakmas.

Chakma Alphabet In north east India, there is no tribes who got their own written script or letter except the Chakmas who have their own alphabets, literature, scripture. It indicates, in ancient times, so called modern Chakmas had enriched history. Unfortunately all were lost due to political instability and leader-less.

Chakma RAJA

According to the Chakma historians, the rulers of the Royal Chakma Kingdom was most powerful than others Raja (King) in 6th century AD.

As per as Chakma historians and early Buddhist historical evident that the Chakma Raja Bijoygiri, belong from Campa or Champaknagr (now Bhagalpur) used to live in the Kingdom of Anga modern Bengal (now West Bengal and Bihar see map); came and settled down in the present Chittagong Hill Tracts along with his Royal family and large military troops. His father, Raja Samargiri, who was belong from Sakya clan and was most powerful ruler of Kingdom of Anga in the early 6th century. He had two sons, named Prince Bijoygiri and Prince Udaigiri.

The following prominent Chakma Raja's are:

1. Raja Samargiri (6th century) : Chakma Raja Samargiri was the ruler of the Kingdom of Anga now Bihar and West Bengal). Its capital city was Campa or Champaknagar (now Bhagalpur in West Bengal). Some other important cities are Bhaddiya, Assapura, Kacangala, Girivraja, etc. The people are mostly Sakyas in the Kingdom and they are Sakya clan.

Raja Samargiri had two sons, named Prince Bijoygiri and Prince Udaigiri. After his demised, his son Prince Udaigiri became king in the Kingdom of Anga.

2. Raja Udaigiri ( 651 AD-745 AD) :In around 680 AD, Prince Udaigiri became successor of his father. He was ruled the Kingdom of Anga until 745 AD. But the two brothers lost their relationship from centuries to centuries. According to historical, cultural, logistic and linguistics evident that the group who was under the younger brother Raja Udaigiri, the ruler of Anga the people at present living in Nepal, Garo Hills in Meghalaya, Darjeeling in West Bengal. And the group who was under elder brother Raja Bojoygiri, who established Royal Chakma Kingdom modern Chittangong Hill Tracts, they are the Chakmas, Chak, Tanchangya, Dainak, Thek, Tsak living in Tripura State, Jummaland, Mizoram, Arakan State, etc.

3. Raja Bijoygiri ( 605-698 AD): In 630 AD, he was conquered Tamarlipitka countries (now modern Assam, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Arunachal, etc.) and whole region bring under his control. In 645 AD, conquered the Kingdom of Tripura and established “Royal Chakma Kingdom” in the Region permanently.

In around 648-49 AD, build a Royal Buddhist Temple named “Raj Benuvan Buoddha Vihar” at Anguli (now Agartala). After ten years ruled in the Region (645-665 AD), he further decided to march toward the east in order to conquered new territories. When they arrived in the eastern Region (Hill Tracts, Cox's Bazaar, Chittagong, Rangunia, etc.) was “no man land” during that periods. So, without any battles and less effort, Chakma Raja Bijoygiri occupied and captured the whole Regions under his control. The no man land areas became under the Royal Chakma Kingdom. In 666 AD, he was transferred his capital city from Rangamati (now Udaipur) of Tripura to Rangamati of Hill Tracts permanently. In 674 AD, he captured the Kingdom of Kuki and his only son Prince Devagiri has been killed by the Kuki army during the war.

From 645- 680 AD, the areas of Hill Tracts, Cox's Bazaar, Chittagong, Rangunia, Kingdom of Tripura and Kuki Territory was under the Royal Chakma Kingdom control by the Chakma Raja Bijoygiri, than was most powerful King in this Region.

In 682 AD, he further conquered the Kingdom of Roang (now Arakan State of Myanmar). Chakma Raja Bijoygiri became a great powerful King ever had seen in the history of Chakma Dynasty.

In 698 AD, he was died at the old age of 93 years at the capital city of Roang. After he died, his successors gradually lost the whole territories from Roang King, Kuki King and Tripuri King.

4. From 700-1000 AD centuries : No any Chakma Raja's appeared in the Chakma history that the Royal Chakma Kingdom was under the control of Roang Raja's and Tripura Raja's, who was the powerful Kings, ruled for 300 years in this Regions.

5. In 1095-1179 AD, Raja Kamal Chega After 300 years ruled by the Roang and Tripura Raja's; the Chakma Raja Kamal Chega reunified the Chakma Kingdom. He started movement in Roang in 1118 AD. His wife Queen Manikbi also morally supported the movement to unified the Royal Chakma Kingdom. After build his large armies, Raja Kamal Chega fought with Magh King of Roang in 1118 AD. The battle was lasted over a year. He recaptured the Kingdom of Roang and bring the whole Kingdom including Roang, Hill Tracts, Chittagong, Rangunia and Cox's Bazaar under his control in 1119 AD. He established Royal Chakma Kingdom in the Regions.

In 1122 AD, he shifted the Royal capital from Roang to Raja Nagar of Rangunia permanently. Later in 1125 AD, he recaptured the Kingdom of Tripura and some adjacent areas of the Regions. Since than Royal Chakma Dynasty became powerful and existed more than half century. He was established his ruled more than 60 years.

In 1179 AD, at the age of 84, he died at Raja Nagar of Rangunia and his successors lost the Kingdom partly (Feni Valley and Khagrachari division) from the King of Tripura in 1240 AD.

6. Raja Marekyaja (14th century) : Raja Marekyaja recaptured the Regions from the King of Tripura and the Kuki Territory and established his ruled 1400 century AD. The whole Regions was then an independent Buddhist Kingdom ruled by Chakma Raja's until 1575 AD. But, in 1575 AD, the Chakma Raja's lost the Roang Kingdom in the battle from Arakan King and continued possession the Regions till 1666 AD by the Arakan King. In fact this region frequently changed hands between the rulers of Chakmas, Tripuras and Arakanes King from 7th-15th centuries.

7. Raja Julab (1639-1681 AD) : In 1666 AD, Chakma Raja Julab recaptured the Kingdom of Arakan including Chittagong, Hill Tracts and Kuki Territory.

Later in 1671 AD, he captured the Kingdom of Tripura. He was died at the young age of 42 years in 1681 AD in the Royal Palace of Raja Nagar, Rangunia.

8. Raja Sulab (1651-1686 AD): After the Raja Julab died, his son Prince Sulab, became King in the Royal Chakma Kingdom in 1681 AD and he was ruled only for 5 years.

9. Raja Kalu (1662-1700 AD): Raja Kalu became successors of the Royal Chakma Kingdom in 1686 AD. He was ruled for 24 years until 1700 AD.

10. Raja Fateh (1671-1725 AD) : In 1700 AD, he became a successors of the Royal Chakma Kingdom; in 1705 AD, Raja Fateh captured two canons in the battle from the Mughal Empire and in 1713 AD, he was made a “Peace Treaty”.

11. Raja Jalal (1707-1737 AD) : Raja Jalal became a King in the Royal Chakma Kingdom in 1725 AD. He was re-established the treaty with the Mughal Nawab. He was ruled the Kingdom for 12 years.

12. Raja Shermusta (1712-1773 AD): In 1737 AD, Raja Shermusta Khan became Raja in the Kingdom.

On 15 October 1760 AD, the British led several military expeditions against the Chakma Raja Shermusta to establish their colonial footing in the Royal Chakma Kingdom. During the Raja Shermusta ruled, the geographical area was bounded by the Nizampur Road and Bay of Bengal to the west, 1/3rd Kuki Territory to the east, the Feni River to the north and Sangu Rivers to the south. The first battle of the Raja Shermusta with East India Company ensued in 1772 AD and subsequent battles with Raja Sher Dawlat from 1777 to 1780 AD, it was lasted four years.

13. Raja Sher Dawlat Khan (1750-1780 AD) : In 1773 AD, Raja Sher Dawlat Khan became successors of the Royal Chakma Kingdom. He was fought with the British from 1777 to 1780 AD, and lasted for four years.

14. Raja Jan Box (1757-1787 AD): In 1780 AD, Raja Jan Bux, became successors of the Kingdom. In 1782 AD, Raja Jan Bux and his Supreme-General Rono formally battles against the British East India Company. Finally, he was compelled to signed a “Peace Treaty” in 1787 AD, which named as “Cotton Treaty” with the East India Company at Fort William in Calcutta. The war was ended when the British had imposed an economic blockade and forced the Chakma Raja Jan Bux for a negotiation settlement. This was the beginning of the British hegemony over the Royal Chakma Kingdom.

The subject matter of the treaty between the Governor General of British and the Chakma Raja Jan Bux was as follows: (1) The East India Company recognised Jan Bux as the Raja of the Royal Chakma Kingdom; (2) It was agreed that the collection of revenue was the responsibility of Raja; (3) The British government would preserve Chakma Autonomy and migration from the plains; (4) Raja Jan Bux was bound by the treaty to maintain peace in his Royal Chakma Kingsom; (5) British troops would remain in the Royal Chakma Kingdom not to terrify the Chakmas but to protect the land from the inroads of the fierce tribes.

15. Raja Tabur ( 1765-1798 AD) : In 1787 AD, Raja Tabur became King in the Royal Chakma Kingdom.

16. Raja Jabbar (1767-1815 AD): In 1798 AD, he became successors of the Royal Chakma Kingdom.

17. Raja Dharam Bux (1794-1831 AD): In 1815 AD, he became successors of the Kingdom.

18. Raja Shukdev Roy (1810-1851 AD) : In 1831 AD, became successor of the Royal Chakma Kingdom. The Royal Palace was located at Rajanagar of Rangunia. According to archaeological evident that a Royal Buddhist Temple named “Dharma Chakra Vihar” was established in 1750 AD at Rajanagar by the Chakma Raja Shukdev Roy.

19. Queen Kalindi Rani (1830-1873 AD) : In 1851 AD, she became first Chakma Queen in the Royal Chakma Kingdom under the British East India Company. In 1852 AD, she was established Ranir Pond (now Raja Hat) at Rajanagar. During her rule on June 20, 1860 AD, the Royal Chakma Kingdom was divided into two parts as Chadigang (Chittagong) and Chittagong Hill Tracts-CHT or Parbatya Chittagong by the British East India Company without her concerned ( Notification No 3302). Former part is known as “ Chadigang or Chittagong” which was included into Bengal as a regulated district and later part is known as CHT Region, which was retained as non-regulated district with a limited Autonomy under the Governor-General of British India. Since than the Chittagong district separated from the Royal Chakma Kingdom and administration gone from the hand of Chakma Rani Kalindi. Queen Kalindi was strongly resisted against the British decision on the creation of CHT Region. In 1864 AD, she was invited to Venerable Saramitra Mahathera of Arakan to established Bhikkhu Sangha lineage in the Royal Chakma Kingdom. By Royal patronage, Venerable visited along with a group of Sangha member an organised Upasampada ordination at Chadigang and Rangamati. More than 20 Buddhist monks took higher ordination from Chakma and Marma communities. Since than Theravada Buddhism is existed in the Kingdom. According to historical evident that 117 years (1757-1874 AD), Rajanagar of Rangunia was the capital city of the Kingdom and was by the Chakma Raja's independently.

20. Raja Pagla Mama Daroga ( 1834-1874 AD): In 1873 AD, Raja Pagla Mama Daroga became King in the Kingdom for one year.

21. Raja Harish Chandra Roy Bahadur (1853-1876 AD) : In 1874 AD, Raja Harish Chandra Roy Bahadur became successor of the the Kingdom. He was transferred the capital from Rajanagar of Rangunia to Rangamati in 1874 AD.

22. Raja Bhuvan Mohan Roy (1856-1934 AD) : In 1876 AD, Raja Bhuvan Mohan Roy, son of Raja Harish Chandra Roy Bahadur became Raja of the Royal Chakma Kingdom.

23. Raja Nalininako Roy (1902-1952 AD) : In 1934 AD, Raja Nalininako Roy, son of Raja Bhuvan Mohan Roy became Raja in the Kingdom.

24. Raja Tridiv Roy (1933- ) : In 1952 AD, Raja Tridiv Roy, son of Raja Nalininako Roy became Raja in the Royal Chakma Kingdom. In 19 47 AD, he was fled to Pakistan for political reason.

25. Raja Devashis Roy (1959 ):

In 1947 AD after Raja Tridiv Roy fled to Pakistan, his son Devashis Roy became Raja in the Chakma Kingdom. Since 1947 till today, he is the Chakma Raja in the Chakma Kingdom. His son, Prince Tribhuwan Arydev Roy was born in 1990 AD. His wife Rani Tatu Roy was passed away in 1998 AD

Origin of Chakma

Evaluation of word  Chakma:  Sakya,sangma ,Choomea, Tsak, thak and chak-ma.

Region : Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram,Tripura in India ; Chittangong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh, and in Myanmar (Burma)

POPULATION: 650,000+

LANGUAGE : Ancient Magadhi bhasa closed to Indo Aryan dialect, mixed of Pali and Sanskrit

RELIGION and Culture  : Theravada  Buddhism

1 • INTRODUCTION Chakma  Orginity

What is Chakma  ?

According of Chakma history and folk lore, the Chakmas are decendent of Sakyas clan. In Burma ,Chakmas are called "Thak". In Burmese they prounce "S"  as " t". For example "Saranam" as Tananam. In Burmese "Ma" means "people". So the word "Chakma" in Burmese means Sakya people. Next the word "Chakma"  could have derived from Pali word "Cakkhuma"(cakkhu-eyes) which means endowed with all the foremost;  one who transcends all (sabbabibhu ); who have good perception ( sanna), wisdom.

According of Sanskrit Dictionary the "sakya" which means Capable;  Able. See the genealogy of Sakya found in Hindu Religious text like Vishnu Purana IV, Bhagavata Purana and in Brahma Purana.

According of Pali -English Dictionary by T.W Rhys Davids, william Stede (page 259-287) the word "Cakkhuma" meant the eyes of the Buddha or complete intuition. Prof A.P Buddhadatta Mahathera mentioned in "Consise Pali English Dictionary as "Cakkhumamantu"(adj) means endowed with eyes (wisdom)... (cakkhuni assabhagavato santiti bhagava cakkhuma ).

In the book called "Wild Races of the Eastern Frontier of India" by Thomas Herbert Lewin (page 165) mentioned ""Chukma" or Thek  are decendent of ancient Campa or Campak Nagar (Magadha) the modern Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. It said in Chakma history and folk lore too that Chakma are origin of Campa. Later they went to Aracan, Burma. They lived there in Aracan (Burma) for long which comparatively absorb their dialect little bit. Whatever still language of Chakma are 99% Indo Aryan language of India genetic.

It is also mentioned  by famous Chinese pilgrimage "Fa Hian" in Calcutta Review vol. 19-21 (page 257-261) so called "Cakkhuma"or Sakya left Campak Nagar, ancient Magadha due to aggression , massacred by the King Virudhaka (mentioned in Buddhist literature ) 3rd century BC, which is just after the Buddha passed away.

Since the king Virudhaka was powerful,  Cakkhuma (Sakya) left their land ,scattered in many directions, some of them reached to Aracan (Burma) and many settled in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

In the Encyclopedia of Geography ...by Hugh Murray, William Wallace, Robert Jamson- 1837 (page 357-361) mentioned ""CHOOMEAS"" are live in Chittagong Hill Tracts, they cultivate agriculture and lived in peaceful manner.

In the ""Wild Races of South-Eastern India" by Thomas Herbert Lewin (page 158-162) mentioned there are tribes called "Chukma" lived in Chittagong Hill Tracts are largest dominant group who are rightful appellation of present Chittagong Hill Tracts. He farther mentioned in Burmese this "Chukma" tribes are known as Thak, Tsakma ,Tsak or Doingnak.

Thomas mentioned the "Chukma" are intelligent and peaceful who are orginally held from Campa  situated in the North Western province of Hindustan (India).He even mentioned the ""Chukma" are kshatriya descent from Campa. According of Chinese Pilgrimage "Fa Hian" who travelled to India in 429 AD, the kingdom of Campa ,situated not far from present Bhagulpore, Assam.

All the above-mentioned facts clearly indicate the Chakmas were living in Campa or Campak nagar in Magadha state of ancient India. They left Magadha due to  aggression of King Magadha. Still the Chakmas  narrate word "Magadha" on unpleasant occasions. Knowing or  unknowingly word Magadha is used in their slang, it's indicate,they didn't forget the word Magadha, why? In every day to day life the Chakmas used word ""Magadha"" for unhappy and in unsual mood, why??? It is because Chakmas used to lived in Magadha, had bad times due to King Virudhaka .For survival, the Sakya changed their title to Sak. Later Burmese writers used "thakma", which means "sakya  people". Word could have derived from orginal pali word "cakkhuma" and Chukma, which are very closed to present word "Chakma". All these happened due to mis-spell and wrong listening by past writers and author.

Language

Some writers say chakma language is Bengali which is utterly wrong and vague. Some say Chakma language is closed to Burmese .It is incorrect, Chakmas language is not similar to Burmese or other Mongolian tribe languages. The Chakmas language are 100% Indo- aryan, which strongly support that Chakmas are from Campa, Magadha ancient India.

They do speak Magadhi languages or Tanti bhasa which were spoken in Ancient India.

Origin of Chakma or Sakya

According of Chinese traveler and author Thomas mentioned, the Sakya or Chakma are from Campa or Campak Nagar which is in ancient India, the modern Assam, adjoining of Bengal. It is from Campa, they migrated to Burma and present CHT.

Look the language of Chakma, if they were from Burma origin then their language should be like Burmese but not.

Chakma are the largest tribe found in Asia,in India,Burma,and in Bangladesh,  present Chittagong Hill Tracts.

In 1947,  india got partitioned into two countries, Pakistan and India. The people who lived in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region expected to become part of India. Instead, the region was given to Pakistan. This caused resentment from chakmas  Buddhist. Chakma are culturally similar to the Hindu peoples of India.

Pakistan's two regions were known as East Pakistan (present Bangladesh) and West Pakistan. In 1971, East Pakistan fought and win independence from West Pakistan. East Pakistan then became the nation of Bangladesh.Again the Chakma were alienated from the Bangladesh government as they had from Pakistan. In 1973, theShanti Bahini (Peace Force) began to stage violent attacks against Bangladesh  government to win independence for the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Bangladeshi Army responded with attacks on innocent tribes in where over 100000 were killed,women were raped, property were looted and burnt by Muslim settlers back by Bangladesh army and police.

2 • Region chakmas lived

The Chakma population is estimated to be over 650,000+. It is spread over three different countries. The majority (approximately 400,000 people) are located in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. There are also about 90,000 Chakmas in Mizoram,87,000 in Tripura, 65,000 in Arunachal Pradesh, 35,000 in Assam in India, and over 20,000  in Burma (Myanmar).

The Chakmas are a Mongoloid  related to Sakyan peoples of ancient Campa, India. The Chittagong Hills form part of the western fringe of the mountain regions of Burma and eastern India. The region has warm temperatures, monsoon rains, and high humidity.

3 • LANGUAGE The Chakmas speak a dialect  which is closed of ancient dialect of Magadhi ,related to Indo Aryan  and got its own alphabet,script and writting, pronunciation similar to Sanskrit and pali.

4 • FOLKLORE ( pajson va Golpa) Chakma Folklore and Oral traditional Literature are Agartara and Gengkuli The myth that describes the origin of the Sakya, which different  writer mis-spells,Some written as Sak,Choomea,Tsak later Chakma which still existing. CHAKMA tribe belong to the ancient kingdom of Champa or Campak nagar (Nagar means city) of  Magadha of ancient  India.

How Sakya tribe evaluated to present Chakma.

Is is mentioned in Buddhist literature, Sakyas were massacre by King Virudaka of Magadhi. Sakyas who escaped,  left Camps,Magadha. For safety, security reasons, for survival ,they Changed their title to Sak, farther word mis-spell by different writer to Choomea, Sangma now present Chakma. In Burmese "Chak" or "thak" means Sakya and "Ma" means people. So Chakma means Sakya.

After Sakya calamities, left Campa or Campa Nagar ,relocated Burma and  to present Chittangong Hill Tracts.

In where established new kingdom. Later one of Chakma king's sons marched east with a large army in the hope of conquering new lands. He crossed the "sea" of the Meghna River and captured the kingdom of Arakan in Burma, and settled. His people intermarried with the Burmese and gradually adopted its culture and region.

The last king of this dynasty was a ruler named "Sher Daulat". He was credited with supernatural powers and was supposed to purify himself from sin by bringing out his intestines to wash in the river. His wife, out of curiosity, hid herself and watched him. Sher Daulat found her spying on him, in a fit of rage, killed her and his family. His eccentricities and tyranny grew so strong finally his people killed him. Fearing  consequences, subject left the Arakan kingdom, moving north into the area of the Chittagong Hills Tracts which occupy today.

5 • Culture and RELIGION

By birth  Chakmas are Buddhists in culture, follow the Southern or Theravada Buddhism ,some aspects of Hinduism too.

In every Chakma village has a Buddhist temple( vihara or kiyoang). Buddhist monks are called Bhante or Bhikkhu. Bhantes guide and teach Buddhism to villagers  ,even preside at religious festivals and ceremonies. The villagers support their monks with food, along with all essential  gifts for their daily need.

The Chakmas also worship Hindu deity called Lakshmi,  is worshipped as the Goddess of the Luck.

"Tanmana" a sacrificial rites to bring Peace

Some  still practised primitive mystical belief. They offer sacrifice of goats, chickens, or ducks to calm the spirits that are believed to bring fevers, disease and bad omen,which are closed of Hindu religious culture,utterly against the teaching of Buddha.

6 • Important Festivities

Aalpaluni (ploughing Festival )

It is usually held in the month of May. Villager along with its chief, go to field to plough, Buddhist monks are invited to blessed  on the rice ploughing. White oxen pull decorated plough as they are followed by people playing music and bearing banners. The chief of villager start  the Festival in digging,  rice is sown in them.

Purnima (full moon)

Chakmas celebrate various Buddhist festivals. The most important is Full moon of Vesak, the Buddha Purnima. This is the anniversary of three important events in Buddha's life—his birth, attainment of Buddhahood and Mahaparinibbana. It is observed on the full moon day of the month of Vaisakh ( in May) and celebrate all over the world by Buddhist.

Bizu or New Year

Bizu is one of the important festive day, including Phool bizu (Flower Bizu), Mur Bizu (main bizu) and "Nuwa Bojor" (New year).

In Phool Bizu,they put on their best clothes,collect varieties of flowers  and visit the temple. Help elderly to bathe, clean their houses, feed to animals. In temple offer flowers to the image of Buddha, light candles, and listen to sermons from the priests. Alms (offerings) are given to the poor, and special good are  given to Temple.

Mur Bizu Mur Bizu celebrated with much enthusiasm. Houses are decorated with flowers, young children pay special attention to the elderly to win their blessings, and festive dishes are prepared for guests.

Significant  Buddhist New Year ( B.E Buddha Era)

Significant  14 April as New Year can be considered Native original new year of Asia. Most of the Buddhist countries celebrate their new year start from 12th, 13th and 14 April. In opposite, around the world the New Year begins on 31st night of December. However, Buddhist tradition celebrate their New year on 14 April with great respect. Unlike the celebration of the  Gregorian calendar New year at midnight on December 31, the Chakma, Marma, Murung, Sri Lankan,Burmese, Thai, Indian, Bengali, Combodian, Loas and some part of China  celebrate New Year begins at a time determined by astrological calculations unlike 31st night celebrations, where old year ends at midnight and New Year begins immediately afterwards.

The ending of the old year and the beginning of the Buddhist New year occur several hours apart from one another (this span of time is usually 12 hours and 48 minutes, which starts when the sun, as a disk, starts to cross the astrological boundary between ‘House of Pisces’ (Meen Rashi) and ‘House of Aries’ (Mesh Rashi) and ends when the crossing is completed. The halfway point is considered as the dawn of the New Year. This period is, referred to as the  ‘neutral period’ or ‘Auspicious Time’.

The Chakma New Year called  “Nuwa Bojor” or "Gose Posse Din" , in Bengali and Punjabi called “Boisabi”, in Burmese “Thingyan” , in Thai “Songkran”, in Marma “Sangrai”, in Sri Lankan “Aluth Avurudda”, in Assamese “Bihu”, in Telegu and Kanada called "Yugadi", in Hindi called "Naya Varse" or "Naya Saal", it is the New Year of the Buddhist and Hindu.

Nuwa Bojor and BIZU is an important festival celebrated almost in all Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Nepal, Bangladesh, and in some part of China and in India.

The timing of the  New Year coincides with the Bizu celebrations of many traditional calendars of South and Southeast Asia. The festival has closed semblance to the Hindu New year and to a few other nationalities. It is generally celebrated on 12th, 13 April and 14 April.

According to ancient Chakma astrology, NUWA BOJOR (New Year) begins when the Sun moves from Meen Rashi (the house of Pisces) to Mesh Rashi (the house of Aries). It also marks the end of the harvest and spring.

The Sun (Surjo,Beal) played an important role, according of the Chakma ancient history, Chakma are Surya vamsi (solar Clan) which means they are descendent of SUN. In month of April (represents prosperity) in the Chakma Buddhist calendar. When the Sun moves (in an astrological sense) from the Meen Rashipal  (House of Pisces) to the Mesh Rashi (House of Aries) in the celestial sphere; celebration of Bizu and New Year (NUWA BOJOR) begin by the Chakma peoples and Buddhist of south-east Asia.

It marks the end of the harvest season and also coincides with one of two instances when the sun is directly above Asia. The good old traditional things are well respected in Chakma Buddhist tradition.

The Chakma traditional New Year begins at a time determined by astrological calculations.Unlike 31st night celebrations, where old year ends at midnight and new year begins immediately afterwards; The Buddhist New Year begin at the ending of the old year, and the beginning of the new year occur several hours apart from one another (this span of time is usually 12 hours and 48 minutes, which starts when the sun, as a disk, starts to cross the astrological boundary between ‘House of Pisces’ and ‘House of Aries’ and ends when the crossing is complete. The halfway point is considered as the dawn of the New Year). This period is, referred to as the Nonagath ( the ‘neutral period’ or ‘Auspicious Time’).

According to Buddhist tradition, encouraged to refrain from material pursuits, engage solely in either religious activities or traditional games. Cultural rituals begin shortly after the beginning of the Bizu and New Year with the cleaning of the house and lighting of  oil lamp. These kinds of celebrations are still given a prominent place in Buddhist temples in in the world where Chakma peoples and all other Buddhist peoples get together to celebrate New year and Bizu. Celebration of  BIZU Festival

Bizu is generally celebrated on 12th April as Ful Biju, 13th April Mul Bizu and 14 April as NUWA Bojor or New Year also known as “Gosse Posse Din”.

7 • RITES

After birth of a child,the mother and child are bathed and father places some soil near the birth bed and light fire on it. Inbend of 5th days,soil are thrown. Fire  kept burning for five days.

Hajapani

In 7 days child is named by inviting Buddhist monks  or elders in offering gifts and food. New mother is  not allowed to cook food or work till she fully recovered. Children are breastfed for several years by their mothers.

Chakmas cremate their dead. The body is bathed, dressed, and laid out on a bamboo platform. Relatives and villagers visit the body. A drum used only at this time is beaten at intervals. Cremation usually occurs in the afternoon. The ritual is presided over by a priest. Buddists believe in rebirth. This means that they believe that the dead person's  will reborn in one of 31 planes of existence according of kamma. Next morning relatives visit the cremation  to find for footprints or signs. It is believed,departed one leave some signs of his or her new birth .Remains of bones and ashes are collected in an earthen pot to placed in  river.

The mourning period for the family lasts for seven days. No fish or flesh is eaten during this time. On the seventh day,  ritual called "Sath-Dinya"(7 days)  is held. In name of Departed one,  family offers food to their departed ancestors, Buddhist monks  and to other in giving food, gifts etc, offerings are made to  the entire village participates in a communal feast.

Literature

Chakma's have own language and  28 scripts known as "Ojapath" and the language is known as Changmha Vaj or Changmha Khoda. The script is similar to the Burmese scripts. Their literature are called Agar-tara.

Script initials pronounce  as - 'Choozengye haa' 'Goozongye haa' and so on. Script in total  there are some 28 characters. All of them can be considered both vowels and consonants.

Book (Booy) Buddhists books, translated into Chakma and written on palm leaves, are known asAgartara.

Medication and treatment

TheTallik is a detailed account of medicinal plants, methods of their preparation, and their use in the treatment of disease.In chakma tradition have varieties of Talik for different treatment. Bojdoh are people who treat diseases and practice rites and ritual.

Naaj Gaan

Folk music is a major aspect of Chakma tribal culture. It includes romantic love songs known as Ubageet. The Genkhuli ballads relate incidents from the past. There are also epic poems like Radhamon and Dhanapati.

Musical instruments  ( BAAZA JANTORANA)

Henhorong (Jaw Harp made with Bamboo) gogona in  Assamese, is a type of jaw harp, a vibrating reed instrument that is used primarily in the traditional Music. It is made of a piece of bamboo/horn that has a bifurcation on one end. The solid end is gripped with the teeth and the free ends are then struck repeatedly with the fingers to emit the distinctive sound of the Hangorang. It was originally developed by ancient Chakmas and passed on to the Sino-Tibetan tribes who migrated to Assam, chiefly the Sadiyal Kacharis (Chutias, Deoris, Sonowals).

Duduk (bamboo log drumb) in Assamese called Toka‬. Duduk is a popular and easily available musical instrument used in Chakma and Assamese folk Music. Duduk is made of Bamboo, and bamboo being the most common product of the forests for  chakma, it is used abundantly by Chakma and Assamese folk musicians and to chase away animal and birth from paddy field.

Dool tabala (wooden barrel), Dhol-Dhol is a traditional instrument that was commonly used by the Vaishnav’s in their religious ceremonies. However, the dhol is regarded as the most integral part of the Bihu celebrations. It is a two sided instrument that is played either with hands or bamboo sticks. The dhol traditionally is a wooden barrel with both the open ends covered with animal skin. The pitch of the dhol depends on how tightly the skin is fastened on both the end of the instrument. This instrument is used for maintaining the rhythm of the festival.

Tabla is also a percussion instrument and looks very similar to dhol. The instrument is made from clay, with one end having a small head, while the other one having a larger head. It is usually played with both the hands and is strung from the neck using a band.

Wind Instruments- Among the list of wind instruments that play a vital role in the folk culture of Chakma are Hengorang,Bazi, Duduk plays an important role.

Baazi (flute),

Traditional musical instruments include a bugle made from buffalo horn, a circular piece of iron with a string stretched across it that vibrates to produce sound, and a drum. The bamboo flute is played by almost all Chakma youth. Unlike other tribal groups of the eastern hills, dancing is an important part of Chakma life.

Ornaments Haan Pool( ear ornament), Nak Pool(Nose ornament),Teng Haru (leg bangle),Haru(bangle ), Sora (necklace),

"Pharadduri" thread wear on waist

Ancient Chakmas or Sakya  Kshatriya used, used to wear sacred thread. It is said after Sakya were massacre, killed as soon as they were seen wearing a sacred thread. So  to save their lives and keep tradition continues,  they secretly worn the sacred thread in their waists. Although,they forget the meaning of thread, The Chakmas still have been following this tradition of wearing thread called "Pharadduri".

"Pharadduri" is prepared  in chanting Buddhist protection sutta,Mangla Sutta,it is a white thread,adore with "Giley Hojoey"(Drift seed)  and "Haaji Oloat" ( fresh tumeric)

Game (Hara)

Giley Hara (drift seed),Bash Haroam (made with Bamboo use for walk to have fun), Gudu hara (kabadi), Nadeng hara(spinning top),potti hara ( group of 12 peoples play divide 6 teams each both) etc

8 • RELATIONSHIPS

Chakma hospitality is fantastic. Guests are well care  in accommodating and providing good food.

Daba or hukka is a pipe used for smoking tobacco. It has a long flexible tube attached to a water bottle. The smoke is cooled by passing over the water before being inhaled by the smoker.

Chakmas greet each other with folded hand by exchanging word Ju ju ju which means good luck to you and to Traditional cry,Hoya! this exuberant shout is also used to express pleasure at victory in sports such as tug-of-war that accompany the numerous hill festivals held throughout the year.

Craft Tuhloi( big mattress to dry food or use for bed),Baarink,Hurum, Saari,churi,Tagol,

9 • LIVING CONDITIONS

Chakmas build their house (Ghar or Aam ) on slopes near the banks of a river or a stream. A few related families may build on the same plot of land, creating a homestead (aam  or ghar). Ghar cluster together to form hamlets (para) and a number of hamlets make up a village(Aadaam).

The traditional Chakma house is made of bamboo. It is constructed on a bamboo or wooden platform about two meters (six feet) above the ground. The house is built on the rear of the platform. Mat walls divide the house into separate compartments. A porch in the front of the house is divided in two by a mat partition. One area is used by men and boys and the other by women and girls. Small compartments may be built for storage of grain and other possessions. Household objects ranging from baskets to pipes for good storaage are made out of bamboo.

10 • FAMILY LIFE

Chakmas are divided into 46 clans(gojas),which are further subdivided into subclans(guttis).Members of the same subclan are forbidden to marry each other. Parents arrange marriages, although the wishes of sons and daughters are taken into account. A bride price (goods given by groom's family to bride's family) is fixed when the two families negotiate the marriage.

The marriage ceremony is known as Chugulong and is performed by Buddhist priests. If young people elope, the marriage can be formalized on payment of fines. Polygamy (marriage to more than one wife) is acceptable but rare. Divorce and remarriage  allowed after  separation or after death of a spouse.

11 • CLOTHING

Chakma men have given up their traditional clothes for Western-style shirts and trousers. It is the women who maintain the traditional Chakma style of dress, which consists of two pieces of cloth. One is worn as a skirt, wrapped around the lower part of the body and extending from waist to ankle. Its traditional color is black or blue, with a red border at top and bottom called Pinond.

The second piece of cloth is a breast-band, woven with colored designs, that is tightly wrapped around the upper body called Hadi and on head Alaam. Women  worn  variety of necklaces, bracelets, anklets, rings, and other ornaments. Chakma women are skilled weavers and make their own clothes.

12 • FOOD

Main food of Chakmas are cooking rice (baath), supplemented by millet, corn (maize), vegetables, and mustard. Vegetables include yams(Alu), pumpkins(Suguri gulo), long melons(Hudu gulo), and cucumbers(Mambara). Vegetables and fruit gathered from the forest may be added to the diet. Fish, poultry, and meat (even pork) are eaten.

Traditional diets have slowly been abandoned, as the Chakmas have been forced to flee their homeland. Some typical Chakma dishes include fish, vegetables, and spices stuffed into a length of bamboo and cooked in a low fire; foods wrapped in banana leaves and placed beside a fire; and eggs that are aged until they are rotten.

They drink  beverages made from fruit, every household makes its own rice beverages. Alcohol is  not allowed but many consumed at all festivals and social occasions.

13 • EDUCATION In ancient time, young chakma children are taught by Guru (teacher) or by their parents (maa-baap).

They do not have access to Western-style education, no facilities. Literacy (ability to read and write) among men and  very less percent for women.

15 • Haam (work)

Ancient time the Chakmas lead their life mostly  on farming. Chakma custom holds that no one should interfere with other fields that  someone else is farming there. Land is cleared of trees and bushes, and paddy, maize,corn are sown according of season of harvesting. Crops are planted after the first heavy rains. Harvesting usually takes place in October and November.

Some Chakmas have given up their farming lifestyle and have entered into different working market. Those fortunate enough to have the necessary education have gone on to clerical and other white collar jobs. Many, however, work as laborers in the factories and industrial projects that have grown up along the valley of their own villages.

16 • Hara (SPORT

Gudu Hara is a game played throughout the region. Two teams stand on either side of a central line. They take turns sending a player into opposing territory to touch as many people as he or she can during the space of one breath, while at the same time saying "gudu gudu gudu." If the player runs out of breath or is caught by his or her opponents, he or she is out.

On the other hand, if the player successfully returns to his or her own territory, the players he or she has tagged must leave the game.

Gila Hara,a game similar to marbles except that small wooden disks are used instead of marbles; Nadeng Hara  played with a spinning top; and various wrestling games (Boda Bodi).

Girls do have freedom to play  freely unlike in other culture.

17 • RECREATION

Traditional forms of recreation include popular folk songs and music, and jatra,the village opera. Wrestling and other sports held at fairs are popular. In the past, hunting (siger gorana) and fishing (maj togana) were favorite in pastimes.

18 • CRAFTS AND HOBBIES

The Chakma are skilled at making a variety of household goods from bamboo,are Dub, Toba, Hurum, Sei,Bareng,Hallung,Bera,Paadi,Mozara,Doolgiant store),Hulo (use for cleaning rice),

Women are expert weavers and dyers and make their own cloth called Alam. They are skilled in the art of making baskets from bamboo.

Daba

The traditional smoking pipe  called "Daba" in the Chakma language, but "DABA" and it is made out of bamboo.

19 • SOCIAL PROBLEMS

The Chakma people face difficult situations. Their population is larger than that of over sixty independent nations. Yet the tribe is fragmented and scattered over three countries. In each country, Chakmas form a minority and many are refugees from their homeland, living in conditions of squalor.

The most serious problem faced by the Chakmas in Bangladesh are systematic prosecution are masscre, women were raped, property looted etc, in where Chakma are fighting for an independent homeland. Some Chakmas and other tribal peoples have resorted to armed warfare against the government. In turn, has led to reprisals by the police and Bangladeshi Army. Both Amnesty International (the human rights organization) and the United Nation have reported human rights violations by Bangladesh government against  Chakma civilians.

20 • BIBLIOGRAPHY

Brace, Steve.Bangladesh.New York: Thomson Learning, 1995.

Brown, Susan.Pakistan and Bangladesh.Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Silver Burdett Press, 1989.

Chakma, Sugata. "Chakma Culture."Folklore (The Journal of the Folklore Research Institute, Bangladesh)7 (January): 58–75, 1982.

McClure, Vimala Schneider.Bangladesh: Rivers in a Crowded Land.Minneapolis, Minn.: Dillon Press, 1989.

Talukdar, S. P.Chakmas: An Embattled Tribe.New Delhi: Uppal Publishing House, 1994.

WEBSITES Bangladesh Web Ring. [Online] Availablehttp://www.bangla.org, 1997.

Virtual Bangladesh. [Online] Availablehttp://www.virtualbangladesh.com, 1998.