Arakan,
the western most province of Myanmar, for most part
of its history was an independent kingdom. As there
were frequent incursions and attacks from the east as
well as from the west, its central authority sometimes
was weak. For many times Arakanese had to seek help
from Burma proper to maintain stability in their country.
It fell under Burmese (then Ava Kingdom) rule in 1786
and then under British rule in 1826. After Burmese independence
in 1948, it became part of Burmese Dominion again.
Dr. Pamela Gutman says the early history of Arakan has
been generally considered to be that of a province of
India, and hence its study had been neglected by both
Indian and South-east Asian historians.
There always have been a section of people who disfavor
to highlight on any political role played by Muslims
of Arakan. The roles of Muslims or Rohingyas have been
concealed or belittled, in some cases distorted in the
writing of that (said above) circle.
Therefore, an attempt hereby is being made to highlight
on Muslim roles, but not neglecting the abridgement
of Arakan history as a whole. Main sources of reference
here are the works of Arakanese and Burmese writers.
As regard to foreign sources, Dr. Kanungo, Dr. Pamela
Gutman, Moshe Yegar, D. G. E. Hall, G. E. Harvey, Sir
Arthur Phayre and M. Collis are frequently quoted. |
