[5] Rakhine communities also exist in Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts and India's Northeastern states, where they are known as the Marma and Magh peoples respectively.

[7] They have developed their own kingdoms, dynasties, scripts, coins, costumes, culture, and dialects, showcasing a rich and distinct heritage.

[11] U Kala's Maha Yazawin traces the word's etymology to Alaungsithu's conquest of the region during the Pagan era, but epigraphic evidence to support the underlying theory remains scant.

[14] By 1585, European, Persian, and Bengali accounts began describing the Rakhine and Buddhist groups like Barua people as the Magh and its derivatives (e.g., Mogh, Mugh, Mog, etc.).

[citation needed] With the rise of the Shunga dynasty and the decline of Buddhism in Magadha, many local Buddhists are believed to have migrated east, settling between Chittagong and the Arakan Yoma mountains.

Although some of the kings had Muslim titles (nicknames) during the Kingdom of Mrauk U, as it was under Bengal Sultanate influence, none of them adopted the religion; they remained as Buddhists.

A British archaeologist, Emil Forchhammer noted that "in durability, architectural skill, and ornamentation the Mrauk-U temples far surpass those on the banks of Irrawaddy."

Min Bin also led to the Toungoo–Mrauk-U War (1545–1547) which resulted in Mrauk U successfully defending its territory and maintaining independence, deterring further Toungoo invasions for decades.

He survived the invasions and later provided military aid to Ava, hoping to stop Toungoo's advance into Upper Burma.

The British colonial officer of the East India Trading Company, Captain Hiram Cox, was given the task of providing land to the refugees in 1799.

An estimated 100,000 refugees were settled in Cox's Bazar, Chittagong Hill Tracts, and Patuakhali by the East India Company government.

[37] Genetic analysis of the Rakhine population in Bangladesh based on 17 Y-chromosomal STR loci revealed 157 unique haplotypes with a discrimination capacity of 0.723.

Phylogenetic studies show that the Rakhine are genetically closer to East Asian populations, particularly Koreans and Japanese, indicating shared ancestral links.

[38][39] In conclusion, Rakhine population shows some genetic similarities to East Asian groups, especially in terms of certain Y-chromosomal markers, although this does not necessarily reflect all aspects of their physical appearance.

Among these parties, some, like the ANP, AFP, and RNDP, are accused of anti-Rohingya, Islamophobia, and promoting hardline ethnic nationalism and ultranationalism.

[citation needed] Rakhine people share some historical and cultural similarities with several Northeastern Indian and Bangladesh tribes, particularly those in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Mizoram, and Manipur.

Communities like the Marma people of Rakhine have cultural parallels with the Chakma and Tripuri tribes in India, sharing similar traditions in attire, festivals, and cuisine.

Historically, trade and migration between the Rakhine State and northeastern India further strengthened these ties, with exchanges of goods and cultural practices.

[46] Outside of Myanmar, a sizable Rakhine community exists in the southeast districts of Bangladesh, namely in Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban and southern Cox's Bazar, with the Mong circle in Khagrachari having administrative duties.

There is a small community of Rakhine people inhabiting the coastal areas of Patuakhali, Borguna and Cox's Bazar, having migrated to Bangladesh from Myanmar before the formation of these two contemporary countries.

The Barua and Magh communities in India are officially recognized as Scheduled Tribes (ST), and they have integrated into local society while preserving aspects of their distinct identity.

While Mizoram has been supportive of refugees with shared ethnic ties, the influx of Rakhine Buddhists presented a different scenario, highlighting the nuanced nature of Mizo-Rakhine relations.

[51][52] The 150-year old Khaddya Song Chansai Rakhine cemetery in Taltali Upazila, Barguna District of Bangladesh was forcefully taken by local land grabbers in 2017.

Sangrai water sports are performed not only by the Marmas, but also by the Dai tribes of Southeast Asia, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and China in mid-April.

The Rakhine flag features two colors, white and red, with the Shrivatsa symbol placed at the center on a blue circular background.

The cuisine also features a variety of seafood, including prawns, crab, and fish, often prepared in flavorful curries or grilled to perfection.

Another notable dish is Rakhine Moat Te Thoat, a refreshing salad made with rice vermicelli, fish cake, and fried beans.

Rakhine traditional sports are deeply rooted in the region's cultural heritage, with wrestling and boat racing being particularly prominent.

Competitions are often held during major events, such as Rakhine State Day, and feature participants engaging in a display of warming-up dances called "kyin kwin" before the matches commence.

[62] During the event, the groom wears a taungshay paso and gaung baung, while the bride is dressed in an outfit featuring a htaingmathein jacket adorned with celestial beings, birds and a lion.