Khagrachhari District, often called the “hill queen” of Bangladesh, is part of the Chittagong Hill Tracts in southeastern Bangladesh. Known for its rolling hills, rivers, and diverse indigenous culture, Khagrachhari is a region rich in natural beauty and heritage. Its history dates back to ancient times when it was ruled by indigenous communities, followed by various kingdoms, colonial powers, and modern governance. Today, Khagrachhari is a district with a unique cultural identity, significant historical landmarks, and a legacy that reflects the resilience and diversity of its people.
Early History and Indigenous Roots
The ancient history of Khagrachhari is deeply intertwined with its indigenous communities, such as the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, and others who have inhabited the region for centuries. These communities established small chiefdoms and kingdoms, managing their affairs autonomously and thriving in the hill-based agriculture, hunting, and artisanal crafts suited to the mountainous terrain. Each indigenous group brought unique customs, languages, and traditions, shaping Khagrachhari’s cultural landscape.
According to oral histories and some archaeological evidence, the people of Khagrachhari developed intricate social and political structures. The area’s lush forests and rivers provided resources for the communities, while the rugged terrain helped protect them from outside invasions, allowing them to preserve their customs.
Khagrachhari Under the Tripura and Chakma Kingdoms
In the medieval period, Khagrachhari became a part of the larger Tripura and Chakma kingdoms, both of which controlled significant portions of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The Chakma kingdom, in particular, had established its capital in the nearby Rangamati region and exercised control over parts of Khagrachhari through a system of local governance and tribute. These kingdoms maintained trade relations with the surrounding areas, exchanging goods like cotton, bamboo, and handicrafts.
The Tripura kingdom, which had strongholds in what is now India and eastern Bangladesh, also influenced the Khagrachhari area, leaving cultural and architectural traces. The Tripura kings encouraged agriculture, introduced systems for resource sharing, and reinforced traditional indigenous governance, allowing Khagrachhari’s communities to flourish.
The Mughal Period and Early Colonial Encounters
With the expansion of the Mughal Empire into Bengal in the 16th century, Khagrachhari’s independence began to decline. Although the Mughals could not easily penetrate the dense hills of the region, they established formal control over the surrounding Chittagong area. The hill tribes of Khagrachhari managed to retain some autonomy by paying tribute to the Mughals, allowing them to maintain their lifestyle and customs relatively undisturbed.
Following the Mughals, the British East India Company started exerting influence in the 18th century, formally incorporating the Chittagong Hill Tracts as a part of British India by the early 19th century. British authorities saw the Hill Tracts as strategic lands for tea, timber, and other resources, but they recognized the difficulty of direct rule in the challenging terrain and established the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regulation of 1900, which allowed some autonomy for indigenous tribes.
The British Period and Social Changes in Khagrachhari
Under British rule, Khagrachhari and the broader Chittagong Hill Tracts underwent significant changes. The British encouraged migration from the plains to develop the land for agriculture, tea cultivation, and other industries, disrupting traditional lifestyles. The region’s governance was further formalized, but it also experienced social and cultural shifts as indigenous communities began interacting more with migrant populations and adapting to British-imposed legal systems.
Despite these challenges, Khagrachhari’s indigenous communities preserved their identities and resisted attempts at cultural assimilation. Religious practices, such as Buddhism among the Chakmas and Marmas and Hinduism among the Tripuras, remained strong, with monasteries, temples, and cultural centers serving as vital pillars for the communities.
Khagrachhari During the Pakistani Period
Following the partition of British India in 1947, Khagrachhari became part of East Pakistan. This period marked a challenging era for Khagrachhari’s indigenous population, as the government initiated resettlement policies that brought Bengali settlers into the region. These policies caused tensions between the indigenous communities and the newcomers, resulting in cultural and economic strains. The development policies, primarily geared towards industrialization, often overlooked the needs of indigenous communities, leading to rising discontent.
Khagrachhari in the Liberation War of 1971
The Liberation War of 1971, which led to the independence of Bangladesh, was a transformative period for Khagrachhari. While the main conflict focused on the central and western parts of Bangladesh, the war impacted Khagrachhari and the Chittagong Hill Tracts as well. Many indigenous people supported the liberation forces, hoping that an independent Bangladesh would bring about more autonomy and respect for their rights.
After the war, Khagrachhari became part of an independent Bangladesh. However, post-independence policies continued to encourage settlement in the Hill Tracts, which intensified tensions over land and cultural identity.
The Shanti Bahini and the Chittagong Hill Tracts Conflict
In the years following Bangladesh’s independence, Khagrachhari and other parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts became the center of a prolonged conflict between the government and indigenous groups. The Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), an indigenous political organization, formed the Shanti Bahini, an armed group, to demand autonomy and protection for indigenous rights and lands. The conflict, which lasted for over two decades, had a significant impact on Khagrachhari, with many lives lost, villages displaced, and resources diverted.
Efforts to resolve the conflict culminated in the signing of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord in 1997, bringing an end to the insurgency. The Peace Accord granted limited autonomy to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, establishing local councils to oversee governance, with a promise of greater recognition and respect for indigenous rights. For Khagrachhari, the Peace Accord was a new beginning, opening opportunities for reconstruction, cultural preservation, and economic growth.
Post-Accord Development and Modern Khagrachhari
Since the signing of the Peace Accord, Khagrachhari has seen gradual development. The government, non-governmental organizations, and international donors have invested in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and sustainable development projects. Roads have been built, connecting the district to other parts of Bangladesh, boosting trade and tourism. Today, Khagrachhari’s unique culture, natural beauty, and historical significance attract visitors from across the country and beyond.
Efforts are underway to preserve the district’s cultural heritage, with festivals, traditional crafts, and indigenous languages being promoted. Khagrachhari now hosts educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and cultural centers that aim to uplift the local community while respecting their customs and traditions.
Cultural Heritage and Natural Attractions
Khagrachhari is home to several cultural and natural attractions that reflect its historical and environmental heritage. The Alutila Cave, a natural limestone cave, draws visitors with its mysterious beauty, while the Risang Waterfall provides a picturesque view of the district’s rugged landscape. Indigenous villages offer insight into traditional lifestyles, handicrafts, and ceremonies, making Khagrachhari a unique cultural destination within Bangladesh.
The Future of Khagrachhari District
Khagrachhari’s future lies in balancing development with the preservation of its cultural and natural resources. Efforts to promote eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and cultural heritage projects are helping the district to grow while maintaining its unique identity. The challenges posed by economic pressures and modernization are met with community-driven initiatives aimed at protecting Khagrachhari’s heritage.
Conclusion
The history of Khagrachhari District is one of resilience, cultural richness, and adaptation. From its roots as a collection of indigenous chiefdoms to its role in the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, Khagrachhari has undergone significant transformations. Despite historical conflicts and challenges, the district has preserved its cultural identity and continues to thrive. Today, Khagrachhari stands as a testament to the beauty of diversity and the strength of a community determined to protect its heritage. With a blend of natural attractions, rich history, and vibrant cultures, Khagrachhari remains one of Bangladesh’s most captivating regions, drawing visitors to experience its history, landscape, and way of life.