The Marmas are divided into
several groups. It is believed that the groups were named after the place where
the ancestors of these groups first came and settled. Below is a brief
introduction and list of the groups of Marmas currently found in the CHT:
Rgre-sa/Rege-sa/Khyong-sa, Plaing-sa, Kokdain-sa, Longdung-sa,
Frang-sa/Frangra-sa, Oyoi-sa, Chiring-sa, Marok-sa/Marong-sa, Sbok-sa,
Lemro-sa, Kyakfya-sa, Kronkyong-sa, and Sakpregya-sa.
Rgre-sa/Rege-sa/Khyong-sa: Lives on the banks of "Rugre / Rage Kya" or Sangundi. Rugre
or Rikrai Khang means river of clear water. They are known as Rugresa or
Khangsa as they live on the coast of Rugre Khang. However, there are some
settlements of Khangs in Benchhari, Kalabania and Kwaikhyang and Narachari of
Kaptai upazila of Rangamati hill district.
Plaing-sa; It is said that before
migrating to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the "Plengsa" predecessors
lived on the banks of a mountain river called Peleng Khyang / Pelo Khyong in
northern Arakan. Plainsa lives in the entire Khagrachhari district.
Kokdain-sa; the ancestors of this group
of Marmas, who have passed down the lineage, first came from Arakan and settled
in the "Kakdain Tong" or Kakdain hills. That is why the name of this
group became Kokdainsa. Another explanation is given behind this naming. It is
said that their predecessors were tax (Fainda) collector (Koksa). It is
thought to have originated from Fainda Koksa. The Kakdain-as are scattered in
Raikhali Union of Kaptai Upazila and Slebukkya or Betbunia Union of Kaukhali
Upazila.
Longdung-sa; what the
"Landuksa" say is that they had to push the boat while fleeing
Arakan. The Marma word Long Thosa (Long =
boat in Bengali, Thosa = that which pushes away) has been distorted and
become Longduk-sa. They mainly live in Kaukhali upazila of Rangamati district.
However, they have several settlements in Balukhali, Burighat, Jibatali and
Bilaichhari upazilas of the same district.
Frang-sa/Frangra-sa; the group came to be
known as "Frang-sa" or "Franrasa" from the Marma word
"prang re" ((Brave in Bengali). The "Frangsas" themselves
claim that the "Frangsas" are naturally humble. They have large
settlements in Kaukhali upazila of Rangamati district "Chingangambra"
(Betbunia) and Dong Krong (Dongnala) in Kaptai upazila.
Oyoi-sa; wherever they live, they
first plant fruits, vegetables, etc. around the house and build a garden. The
garden is called "U-yoin" in Marma. The origin of the name "Oyoi-sa"
is from this "U-Yoin". They are settled in Bandeya (Bangalhalia) area
of Rajsthali upazila under Rangamati district.
Chiring-sa; At present they live in
Shilak, Chiring Barkhola of Sarafbhata Union and Pekua in Padua Union of
Rangunia Upazila under Chittagong District.
Marok-sa/Marong-sa; at present they live
in Rajvila, Udalbania (Thaingkhyang) of Rajvila Union in Sadar upazila of
Bandarban district and Khik Phya in Rangamati Sadar.
Sbok-sa, they live on the banks of
the river Sabok. The upper reaches of the Burmese border of the Sangu River (Rugre
Khyang) of Bandarban district are known as "Subok Khyang".
Lemro-sa; the group became known as
the "Lemrosa" after migrating from the "Lemro" region of
Arakan. Their habitat is mainly concentrated in Lama and Naikhyangchhari
upazilas of Bandarban district.
Kyakfya-sa;
the group is known as the "Kyakfyassa" because it comes from
the "Kyak Fru" region of Arakan. They have settlements at Chingmrong,
Wagang (Wagga) and Kamlong in Kaptai upazila.
Kronkyong-sa;
their ancestors lived along the hill rhyme "Krong Khyang".
They are known to live in the Krong Khyang area.
Sakpregya-sa; they live about 10 miles east of Harbang in Chuk Kra or Chakoria upazila of Chittagong district.
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