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Chakma Kingdom

From EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki

This article is about the historical kingdom. For the modern Chakma people, see Chakma. For other uses, see Chakma (disambiguation).

Chakma Kingdom

𑄌𑄋𑄴𑄟𑄳𑄦 𑄢𑄎𑄴
645 AD[1]–1964[2]
Coat of arms
Motto: 𑄥𑄴𑄛𑄴𑄝𑄬 𑄥𑄧𑄖𑄴𑄖 𑄥𑄪𑄈𑄨𑄖 𑄦𑄮𑄚𑄴𑄖𑄪(Chakma)
Sabbe sattā sukhitā hontu
(Well-being for All)[citation needed]
Approximate extent of the Chakma Kingdom
Approximate extent of the Chakma Kingdom
CapitalRangamati[3]
Recognised national languagesChakma language
Religion
Theravāda Buddhism[4]
Demonym(s)Chakma, Shakya,Thek
GovernmentMonarchy
• 645 AD[5]
Vijaygiri (first known Raja)
• 1964
Tridiv Roy (last Raja)
Historical eraMedieval to Modern
• Establishment of the Chakma Kingdom
645 AD[1]
• Permanently established as independent
1118[1]
• Became a vassal of the Mughal Empire
1666[6]
• Recognized as an independent tributary by the British
1760[7]
• Annexed by the Dominion of Pakistan
1947[8]
• Abolished by the Government of Pakistan
1964[2]
Preceded by		 Succeeded by
Kingdom of Mrauk U
Tripura Kingdom
East Bengal
Today part ofBangladesh
Chakma topics

The Chakma Kingdom, was a semi-autonomous polity that ruled in the present-day Chittagong Hill Tracts.[9][10] The polity was variously called as a chiefdom, kingdom or simply by the ruler as the Chakma Raja.[11] The Chakma rulers, known as Chakma Rajas or Deb Rajas paid tribute to these powers in exchange for retaining control over internal governance. The Chakma rajas exercised authority strategically over the significant region, maintaining diplomatic ties with neighboring states while resisting external conquests. Historical records indicate that the Chakmas paid tributes to the Mughal Empire but remained largely autonomous.[12][13][14]

Origin & Early History

The Chakma people trace their origins to the Arakanese Kingdom, with historical records suggesting that they migrated to the Chittagong Hill Tracts in the late medieval period. According to Chakma historians in the chronicle Bijok, the Chakma Kingdom traces to Sambuddha, a 6th century ruler of Anga in modern-day Bihar and West Bengal. After Sambuddha's younger son usurped the throne of Anga, the older son Bijoy Giri (also known as Vijaygiri) conquered parts much of what is now Northeast India, including the Twipra Kingdom. In 645, he would establish the Chakma Kingdom but the rulers of Chakma were based outside of the area. It took until 1118 for Raja Kamal Chega to reunite the Chakma Kingdom and establish it permanently as a polity separate from Tripura and Arakan.[1]

The earliest outside mention of Chakma settlements in Bengal appears in Portuguese and Mughal records from the 16th century, describing them as ‘Joom cultivators’ (shifting agriculturalists) inhabiting the forested highlands between Bengal and Burma. British colonial accounts also indicate that the Chakmas established a structured monarchy by the early 1600s.[15][16]

Timeline (c. 1500–1947)

The Kingdom flourished as a powerful highland polity in the 16th and 17th centuries, maintaining autonomy while engaging in diplomatic relations with neighboring empires. By the mid-1600s, the Chakma Raja Shukdev Roy entered into a formal arrangement with the Mughal Empire, agreeing to pay an annual cotton tribute in exchange for protection and self-rule. During the British expansion in Bengal, the Chakma Raja signed the 1787 Anglo-Chakma Treaty, solidifying Chakma autonomy under British India.[17][18][19]

Mughal Incursions

Before the arrival of the British, the Chakma Kingdom faced continuous invasions from the Mughal Empire during the 17th century. The Mughals, after consolidating their power in Bengal, sought to extend their control into the Chittagong Hill Tracts. In 1666, Mughal Governor Shaista Khan defeated the Arakanese by conquering Chittagong, and renamed it Islamabad. However, Mughal rule was initially limited to the plains, leaving the Chakmas in the hills largely unaffected. A trade dispute later led the Mughals to demand tribute from the Chakmas.[20]

The Chakma kings adopted a dual strategy of military resistance and diplomacy. While some regions saw intense battles, Chakma rulers also engaged in negotiations to ensure their continued autonomy. Eventually, a treaty was reached where the Chakmas agreed to provide gifts and tributes in exchange for being left undisturbed by Mughal forces.[21][22][23]

Anglo-Chakma Conflict (1777–1787)

British administration in the Chittagong District acknowledged the Chakma Raja as an autonomous ruler, historically distinct from Mughal administrations while engaging in tributary relations with the Mughals.[24][25]

In 1777, the British East India Company, having gained control of Bengal, demanded annual revenue payments from the Chakma Kingdom. However, the Chakma Raja, Jan Baksh Khan, refused to comply, considering it an infringement on their sovereignty. This led to a series of conflicts between the Chakmas and British forces, where the Chakmas, despite being outnumbered, used guerrilla warfare tactics and the dense forests of the Chittagong Hill Tracts to their advantage.

After a decade of resistance, the British realized that completely subjugating the Chakmas was neither cost-effective nor feasible. In 1787, a peace settlement was negotiated, wherein the Chakma Raja agreed to pay a nominal tribute while maintaining de facto autonomy. This agreement allowed the Chakmas to continue governing themselves with minimal interference from the British administration.[26][27][28]

Annexation and Decline (1947–1964)

Following Partition in 1947, the Chakma Kingdom was incorporated into East Pakistan, despite efforts by its rulers to align with India. In 1964, the Pakistan government formally abolished the Chakma monarchy, ending centuries of traditional rule.[29][30]

Governance and Society

The Chakma Kingdom operated under a hereditary monarchy, where the Raja governed with the assistance of village chiefs. The economy was based on wet rice cultivation, forest trade, and cotton production, which was a key export commodity during Mughal and British rule. The kingdom was predominantly Buddhist, with cultural influences from Bengal, Northeast India and Burma.[31][32]

List of Rulers

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

Below is the list of rulers of the Chakma Kingdom from its early formation to the present titular heads.[33][34][35][36]

No Portrait Name Reign & Period Life details
File:Chakmaraj.png Shakya
1 File:Chakmaraj.png Sudhanya ?
He was the descendent of Abhiratha, a descendent of Purnajeet, the founder of Shakya kingdom. He ruled the kingdom called Sudhammavati , whose capital was called Kolapnagar.
2 File:Chakmaraj.png Moru Dev ?
He was the son of Sudhanya. He ruled peacefully.
3 File:Chakmaraj.png Champa Kali ?
He was the son of Moru Dev. He conquered new land. He had two wives & three sons. From his first wife, he had one son called Gunodhan who became a sage at his youth. From his second wife he had two sons, Ananda Mohan & Langal Dhan. The elder Ananda Mohan became monk.
4 File:Chakmaraj.png Langal Dhan ?
He had two sons, Kshudrajeet & Samudrajeet.
5 File:Chakmaraj.png Kshudrajeet ?
He took over the kingship from his father. He died young due to mental shock on the sudden death of his son.
6 File:Chakmaraj.png Samudrajeet ?
He was handed kingship by his elder brother. He married a tribal queen, Kalpavati from Himalayas. He was heirless.
7 File:Chakmaraj.png Shyamal ?
He was the son of Subal, the minister of King Kshudrajit.
8 File:Chakmaraj.png Chakmpak Kali ?
He was the son of Chakmpak Kali
9 File:Chakmaraj.png Sandhyasur ?
He succeded his father. He became monk after handing over the kingship to his younger brother Chandrasukh. After becoming a monk, he was disappeared meditating infront of a Buddha idol. From then on the name Sandhyamuni, another name of Buddha came to know to the Chakmas.
10 File:Chakmaraj.png Chandrasukh ?
After getting the charge of Champa kingdom, he ruled peacefully.
11 File:Chakmaraj.png Sadhenggiri He is revered for his deep knowledge in Brahma Yoga. An Agar Tara called Sadhenggiri Tara is said to be based on him and was recited in death rites.
12 File:Chakmaraj.png Dharmasukh ?
No significant event was recored.
13 File:Chakmaraj.png Sudhanya-II ?
No significant event was recored.
14 File:Chakmaraj.png Champasur ?
No significant event was recored.
15 File:Chakmaraj.png Bimbasur-I He died young living the kingdom to his nephew.
16 File:Chakmaraj.png Bimbasur-II 5th century
He had a powerful physique. In his later life he becomes a monk.
17 File:Chakmaraj.png Sangbuddha 6th century
aja Sambuddha ruled Anga in the 6th century (now Bihar & West Bengal). Capital: Champa (Champaknagar), now Bhagalpur. Sons: Prince Bijoygiri & Prince Udaygiri. Udaygiri usurped the throne while Bijoygiri was on an expedition. Other cities: Bhaddiya, Assapura, Kacangala, Girivraja.
18 File:Chakmaraj.png Udaygiri 6th century
He had two sons, Vijaygiri & Samargiri.
19 File:Chakmaraj.png Vijaygiri
𑄤𑄨𑄎𑄠𑄴𑄉𑄨𑄢𑄨 		645-698 AD 605-698 AD
645 AD – Established Chakma Kingdom in Tripura. 666 AD – Moved capital to Rangamati Hill Tracts. 674 AD – Conquered Kuki Kingdom, lost Prince Devagiri.Known as Sirittoma Chak Raja, rode Manidhar.
21 File:Chakmaraj.png Srittoma Sak
22 File:Chakmaraj.png Sarannama
23 File:Chakmaraj.png Ulattnama
24 File:Chakmaraj.png Jamu
(Janu-I)
25 File:Chakmaraj.png Kamaljanu
26 File:Chakmaraj.png Ucchagiri
27 File:Chakmaraj.png Moichsyagiri
(Manikgiri-I)
28 File:Chakmaraj.png Kamalajug
29 File:Chakmaraj.png Madanjug
30 File:Chakmaraj.png Jeevanjug
31 File:Chakmaraj.png Ratnagiri-I
32 File:Chakmaraj.png Dhanagiri
33 File:Chakmaraj.png Svarnagiri
34 File:Chakmaraj.png Buddhanggiri
35 File:Chakmaraj.png Dharmagiri
36 File:Chakmaraj.png Manorath
37 File:Chakmaraj.png Arijit
38 File:Chakmaraj.png Moimangsha
39 File:Chakmaraj.png Kevala
40 File:Chakmaraj.png Boirindam
41 File:Chakmaraj.png Gyananu
42 File:Chakmaraj.png Swetabrataor Chotungsa
43 File:Chakmaraj.png Shakalia
44 File:Chakmaraj.png Bangalisardar
45 File:Chakmaraj.png Manikgiri-II
46 File:Chakmaraj.png Madalia
47 File:Chakmaraj.png Ramtongzha-I
48 File:Chakmaraj.png Kamalchege 1095-1179
49 File:Chakmaraj.png Ratangiri-II
50 File:Chakmaraj.png Kalatongzha
51 File:Chakmaraj.png Chakradhan
52 File:Chakmaraj.png Pheladhavaeng
53 File:Chakmaraj.png Sermattya
54 File:Chakmaraj.png Arunjug
55 File:Chakmaraj.png Surjyojit
56 File:Chakmaraj.png Satrujit
57 File:Chakmaraj.png Ramtongzha-II
58 File:Chakmaraj.png Manikgiri-III 14th century
59 File:Chakmaraj.png Toin Suresvari
60 File:Chakmaraj.png Janu-II
61 File:Chakmaraj.png Sattva
62 File:Chakmaraj.png Kattva Rani
63 File:Chakmaraj.png Dhavana
64 File:Chakmaraj.png Dharammya
65 File:Chakmaraj.png Mogollya
66 File:Chakmaraj.png Subhal Khan
Jubal Khan 		1639-1681
67 File:Chakmaraj.png Jallal Khan d. 1715
68 File:Chakmaraj.png Fateh Khan 1671-1725
69 File:Chakmaraj.png Serjjan Khan
70 File:Chakmaraj.png Shermust Khan 1737-1773
71 File:Chakmaraj.png Sukhdev Roy 1731-1831
72 File:Chakmaraj.png Sher Daulat Khan 1773-1782
73 File:Chakmaraj.png Jannbux Khann 1782-1899
74 File:Chakmaraj.png Tabbar Khan
75 File:Chakmaraj.png Jabbar Khan
76 File:Chakmaraj.png Dharam Bux Khan
77 File:Chakmaraj.png Rani Kalindi
78 File:Chakmaraj.png
79 File:Bhuvan Mohan Roy.jpg Bhuvan Mohan Roy
80 File:Nalinaksha Roy.jpg Nalinakshya Roy
81 File:Tridiv+Roy.jpg Raja Tridev Roy
82 File:Raja Devashis Roy.jpg Raja Devashis Roy

Legacy and Modern Status

Although the Chakma Kingdom ceased to exist in 1964, the Chakma people continue to preserve their distinct cultural identity, with the former royal family playing a symbolic role in their community affairs.[37]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Chakma, Chitta Ranjan (2022). The Chakmas in Southeast Asia (PDF). H.R.S.A Publications. pp. 113–114. "He conquered the Kingdom of Tripura and established Chakma Kingdom in 645 AD." (p. 113) "he captured the kingdom of Roang and brought under his control where he established Chakma kingdom permenantly." (p. 114) Search this book on
  2. ↑ van Schendel, Willem (2000). The Chittagong Hill Tracts: Living in a Borderland. University of Washington Press. pp. 89–91. "The Chakma Kingdom effectively ceased to exist in 1964 when the Pakistan government abolished the Raja’s formal authority, ending centuries of traditional rule." (p. 90) Search this book on
  3. ↑ Lewin, T.H. (1869). The Hill Tracts of Chittagong and the Dwellers Therein. Bengal Printing Company. pp. 45–47. "Rangamati served as the administrative and ceremonial center of the Chakma Rajas, with the Raja’s palace and key government functions located there." (p. 46) Search this book on
  4. ↑ Chakma, B. (2010). Buddhism and Ethnic Conflict in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Routledge. pp. 32–34. ISBN 9780415486164 Check |isbn= value: checksum (help). "The Chakma kingdom was deeply rooted in Theravāda Buddhism, with its rulers patronizing monastic institutions and integrating Buddhist principles into governance." (p. 33) Search this book on
  5. ↑ Lewin, T.H. (1869). The Hill Tracts of Chittagong and the Dwellers Therein (PDF). Bengal Printing Company. pp. 18–20. "The Chakma Rajas, tracing their lineage to a migration from Arakan, established their rule in the hill tracts around the 15th or 16th century, with evidence of a structured monarchy emerging during this period." (p. 19) Search this book on
  6. ↑ Gait, Edward Albert (1906). A History of Assam. Thacker, Spink & Co. pp. 120–122. "In 1666, the Chakma Raja agreed to pay tribute to the Mughals while maintaining internal autonomy, marking the beginning of formal Chakma relations with the imperial administration." (p. 121) Search this book on
  7. ↑ Hutchinson, R.H.W. (1909). Eastern Bengal and Assam District Gazetteers: Chittagong Hill Tracts. Government of Bengal. pp. 35–37. "The Chakma Raja Jan Baksh Khan established diplomatic relations with the British in 1760, which recognized the kingdom as an independent tributary state while keeping it under nominal Mughal suzerainty." (p. 36) Search this book on
  8. ↑ Uddin, S. (2019). The Chittagong Hill Tracts: Living with a Dilemma. Routledge. pp. 75–77. ISBN 9780367279924 Check |isbn= value: checksum (help). "At the time of the 1947 partition, the Chakma leadership initially sought to remain independent or join India. However, the British administration decided to integrate the Chittagong Hill Tracts into East Pakistan." (p. 76) Search this book on
  9. ↑ van Schendel, Willem (2000). The Chittagong Hill Tracts: Living in a Borderland. University of Washington Press. pp. 54–60. doi:10.7312/vans12648 (inactive 1 March 2025). ISBN 978-9840515530. "The Chakma Kingdom was a well-defined entity, recognized by the British and Mughals, yet preserving its indigenous governance structure." (p. 55) Search this book on
  10. ↑ Chakma, Lakshmi Bushan (2022). Bardhan, Susanta Kumar, ed. Chakmas of South-East Asia: Anthropological, Social and Cultural Study. YKING Books. pp. 31–50. ISBN 978-93-92240-27-0. "The Chakma Kingdom was structured with clear administrative divisions, where the Raja had full control over land, taxation, and justice." (p. 31) Search this book on
  11. ↑ Lewin, T.H. (1869). The Hill Tracts of Chittagong and the Dwellers Therein. Bengal Printing Company. pp. 23–30. "The Raja of the Chakmas was an independent chief, ruling over a settled population, with a system of taxation, justice, and governance unique to his people." (p. 23) Search this book on
  12. ↑ Nath, Rajmohan (1948). The Background of Assamese Culture. A.K. Nath. pp. 105–108. "The Chakmas, once rulers of a large hill kingdom, had their influence felt not only in Chittagong but also in Tripura and northern parts of present-day Mizoram." (p. 106) Search this book on
  13. ↑ van Schendel, Willem (2000). The Chittagong Hill Tracts: Living in a Borderland. University of Washington Press. pp. 52–56. ISBN 978-9840515530. "The Chakma Kingdom was not confined to the Chittagong Hill Tracts but stretched into parts of Arakan and Tripura, with historical evidence indicating Chakma settlements and governance structures in these areas." (p. 53) Search this book on
  14. ↑ Lewin, T.H. (1869). The Hill Tracts of Chittagong and the Dwellers Therein. Bengal Printing Company. pp. 26–30. ISBN 978-1120888983. "The Chakma Raja's authority extended beyond the Chittagong Hill Tracts, with historical accounts suggesting influence over regions in Arakan, Tripura, and parts of what is now Mizoram." (p. 27) Search this book on
  15. ↑ Lewin, T. H. (1869). The Hill Tracts of Chittagong and the Dwellers Therein. Calcutta: Bengal Printing Company, pp. 18–22. "The Chakma people appear to have originated from the Burmese territories, gradually moving westward into the hill tracts."
  16. ↑ Gait, E. A. (1906). A History of Assam. Calcutta: Thacker, Spink & Co., pp. 120–122. "The Chakmas, though distinct from the plains tribes of Bengal, have historical connections with Arakan."
  17. ↑ Gait, E. A. (1906). A History of Assam. Calcutta: Thacker, Spink & Co., p. 121.
  18. ↑ Hutchinson, R. H. W. (1909). Eastern Bengal and Assam District Gazetteers: Chittagong Hill Tracts. Allahabad: Pioneer Press, p. 36.
  19. ↑ Chakma, B. (2010). Buddhism and Ethnic Conflict in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. New York: Routledge, pp. 33–34.
  20. ↑ Saradindu Shekhar Chakma. Ethnic Cleansing in Chittagong Hill Tracts. pp. 23–35. Search this book on
  21. ↑ Hutchinson, R. H. W. (1909). Eastern Bengal and Assam District Gazetteers: Chittagong Hill Tracts. Allahabad: Pioneer Press, pp. 40–43. "The Chakmas, though outnumbered, waged strategic defensive campaigns against the Mughals in the dense hill terrain."
  22. ↑ Chakma, B. (2010). Buddhism and Ethnic Conflict in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. New York: Routledge, pp. 45–48. "Despite Mughal advances into Bengal, the Chakma Raja managed to maintain independence through military resistance and diplomacy."
  23. ↑ Gait, E. A. (1906). A History of Assam. Calcutta: Thacker, Spink & Co., p. 125. "The Mughal governors of Bengal faced repeated challenges in subjugating the fiercely independent Chakma rulers."
  24. ↑ Buchanan-Hamilton, Francis (1799). An Account of the District of Chittagong, 1798-99. Government of India Press. pp. 45–50. "The Chakma Raja is acknowledged as an autonomous ruler, distinct from the Mughal administration, yet maintaining relations through tributes of cotton and other resources." (p. 45) Search this book on
  25. ↑ Ahmed, Syed Jafar (2004). Bangladesh: Past and Present. APH Publishing. pp. 112–115. ISBN 978-8176484695. "The Chakma Kingdom was not a vassal state in the conventional sense, as the Mughals never established direct rule but instead accepted tributes in exchange for autonomy." (p. 112) Search this book on
  26. ↑ Lewin, T. H. (1869). The Hill Tracts of Chittagong and the Dwellers Therein. Calcutta: Bengal Printing Company, pp. 55–60. "The Chakma Raja, unwilling to submit to foreign taxation, waged a prolonged guerrilla war against the British forces."
  27. ↑ Uddin, S. (2019). The Chittagong Hill Tracts: Living with a Dilemma. Dhaka: University Press Limited, p. 81. "The British-Chakma conflict was resolved only when Raja Jan Baksh Khan agreed to pay revenue in exchange for semi-autonomy."
  28. ↑ Van Schendel, W. (2000). The Chittagong Hill Tracts: Living in a Borderland. Dhaka: University Press Limited, p. 95. "The war ended with a fragile peace treaty, allowing the Chakmas to retain their self-rule under British suzerainty."
  29. ↑ Uddin, S. (2019). The Chittagong Hill Tracts: Living with a Dilemma. Dhaka: University Press Limited, pp. 76–77.
  30. ↑ Van Schendel, W. (2000). The Chittagong Hill Tracts: Living in a Borderland. Dhaka: University Press Limited, pp. 90–91.
  31. ↑ Lewin, T. H. (1869). The Hill Tracts of Chittagong and the Dwellers Therein. Calcutta: Bengal Printing Company, pp. 45–47.
  32. ↑ Chakma, B. (2010). Buddhism and Ethnic Conflict in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. New York: Routledge, pp. 32–34.
  33. ↑ Lewin, T. H. (1869). The Hill Tracts of Chittagong and the Dwellers Therein. Calcutta: Bengal Printing Company, pp. 75–80. "The Chakma Rajas maintained political independence through a delicate balance of diplomacy and military strategy."
  34. ↑ Hutchinson, R. H. W. (1909). Eastern Bengal and Assam District Gazetteers: Chittagong Hill Tracts. Allahabad: Pioneer Press, pp. 52–55. "Kalindi Rani, the most remarkable of Chakma rulers, resisted colonial pressure while ensuring cultural preservation."
  35. ↑ Khan, A. (1998). The Chakmas: An Ethno-Historical Study. Dhaka: University Press Limited, p. 142. "Despite British oversight, the Chakma rulers continued to maintain significant internal control over their territory."
  36. ↑ Lakshmi Bushan Chakma, Chakmas of Southeast Asia, p. (40-50).
  37. ↑ Van Schendel, W. (2000). The Chittagong Hill Tracts: Living in a Borderland. Dhaka: University Press Limited, pp. 91–93.


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