Chakma – An Ancient Tribe in a

Modern World
The Chakma tribe, also known as Changmas, are considered to be
the largest tribe occupying the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of
Bangladesh, as well as in India, where they have been settled for
many generations. They have their own unique historical traditions,
culture, folklore and language of Eastern Indo-Aryian origin, with the
vast majority of Chakmas being followers of the Hinayana sect of
Theravada Buddhism. Traditionally ruled by a king, these days the
position of Chakma king – currently Devasish Roy – is more of a
symbolic nature.

In keeping with their ancient traditions, Chakma women wear an

ankle-length cloth, known as a phinon, around their waists, while
being covered above the waist with a wrapped cloth known as a
hadi. Both these garments are colorfully hand woven with a variety
of intricate designs. Although Chakmas distinguish themselves from
surrounding groups by their language, the majority are bilingual,
speaking Chakma and Bengali, with many being conversant in other
regional languages of Bangladesh. The script of the Chakma
language is seldom used, with Bengali script being used instead.
Many members of the Chakma tribe are accomplished writers,
poets and artists.

The first historical written reference to Chakma settlements in the

Chittagong Hill Tracts dates right back to around 1550 AD. The
Portuguese explorer and cartographer, Lavanha, indicated on the
earliest surviving map of Bengal that a tribe known as Chakma was
living in a settlement of the Karnafuli River. Conflicting theories
abound as to the origin of the Chakmas, with the most popular and

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 convincing theory linking Chakmas with central Myanmar
(previously Burma) and Arakan, a state of Myanmar. It is believed
that they were taken captive by the Arakan king after a conflict with
the Chakma king. The Chakma tribe adapted to their new
circumstances and settled down to cultivate the land.

Although the Chakmas are intensely protective of their ancient

traditions and culture, in recent years they have found that the
outside world has begun to encroach on their land as well as their
heritage. In an effort to preserve their way of life and to secure the
right to participate in any governmental decision making processes
that affect them, the Chakmas have been outspoken and active in
the international arena, but only time will tell whether the Chakma
tribe will succeed in holding on to the way of life which makes them
unique.

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