(An overview of Arakanese political history up to 1988)
By Khaing Aung Win
Introduction
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Arakan had been an independent kingdom before it was invaded by the Burmans in 1784. The invasion of the Burmans into Arakan in 1784 led the Burmans into conflict with the British in British-India. The Arakanese people took refuge in chittagong Hill Tracts of British- India and repulsed the Burman invaders to restore their home land .The resistance wars launched by the Arakanese people were misjudged by the Burmans as to be the encouragement of the British. This gave rise to conflict between the British and the Burmans.
After the first Anglo-Burman war in 1826, Arakan was ceded to the British by the Burmans. Instead of ceding Arakan to Arakanese people, the British colonized it and incorporated it into British–India.The British’s rule in Arakan in the 19th century faced numerous pro- independence revolts staged by the Arakanese people. The imposition of the British’s control in Arakan took long time, some areas not being pacified until the early 20th century. In 1852, a second Anglo-Burman war resulted the Burmans to surrender to the British and the remainder of the Burmans territories were incorporated into British-India.
Up to the earliest 20th century , the national liberation movement of Arakan was carried out in isolation having no relation with the neighbouring nationalist movements.
