Reconstructing the Political History of Chittagong (up to the Sixteenth Century)

This study reconstructs the political history of Chittagong, a region marked by significant natural beauty and strategic geopolitical importance. Known for its natural harbor, which has served as a critical port since the first century CE, Chittagong has attracted attention from neighboring powers, including Arakan, Tripura, and Bengal. These powers frequently sought dominance over the area due to its value as a gateway to Bengal, although none achieved sustained control over the entire region. By analyzing the divisions between northern and southern Chittagong, this research explores the region’s political instability from ancient times to the seventeenth century. Using historical and analytical methods, this work employs a range of primary sources, including coins, inscriptions, and architectural artifacts from Chittagong’s archaeological heritage, alongside contemporary Bengali literature and secondary historical sources. Early human settlements in Chittagong are traced back to the Neolithic period, with the discovery of tools dating from eight to ten thousand years ago. Subsequent periods witnessed the influence of kingdoms like the Kirat, Chandra, and Khadga, with evidence of Chittagong’s integration into the broader geopolitical fabric of Bengal and Arakan by the seventh century. This study aims to address gaps in the current literature and contribute to a more accurate and cohesive understanding of Chittagong’s rich political history from antiquity through the sixteenth century.