Chakma Royal Palace
The Chakmas, the largest ethnic tribe in Bangladesh , have a long history. They were originally residents of upper Burma (now Myanmar) and had their own king. In 1418, Chakma King Mwun Tani was driven out of his kingdom by the Arakanese king. The king entered Chattogram (Chittagong) with all his people. The Muslim ruler of Chattogram allowed them to settle at Alikadam on the bank of Matamuhuri River. Besides, eleven other villages in Ramu and Teknaf were also given to them. The Chakma kingdom was first established at Alikadam in Bandarban district in 1662. In 1737, a city was built at Rajanagar under Rangunia upazila, about 45 km from Chattogram city. Rajanagar served as the capital of the Kingdom for 137 years, from 1737-1874. In his book ‘Chakma Raj Bongsher Itihas’ (History of Chakma Dynasty), King Bhuban Mohan Ray mentions that the royal palace was relocated several times within the Chittagong Hill Tracts between 19th and 20th centuries. The first Chakma royal palace was construc...