Book Review: A History of Rohingyas to 1948 by Aman Ullah

2nd edition of A History of Rohingyas to 1948 by Aman Ullah published by Rohingyatographer, August 2024.

The Rohingya crisis has become one of the most disheartening and complex issues. The Rohingya ethnic minority group consists of approximately 4 million people, with around 3.5 million displaced outside the country and the remaining individuals living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, in Myanmar, Arakan State. For several decades, the Myanmar government has been erasing their history, restricting cultural and religious practices, and denying them national rights.

In these dark times, where Rohingya people of all ages are struggling to survive and lose everything, Master Aman Ullah has written A History of Rohingyas to 1948. His book offers a meticulously researched and deeply moving account of the Rohingya’s historical journey, providing proof of their existence with a rich narrative and clear explanations. Rohingya history remains highly controversial and is often debated, additionally, these people are facing accusations of illegal immigration and being at risk of ongoing genocide.

Aman Ullah's book stands out for its thorough documentation and urgent relevance. The Rohingya have faced severe marginalisation and denial of their national, human, and social rights since Myanmar's independence. Despite global progress in human rights post-World War II, the Rohingya remain a tragic exception, their plight marked by displacement, statelessness, and ongoing genocide. Aman Ullah's work brings this often overlooked narrative to the forefront, demanding global attention and action.

View of Arrakan. Engraving by Coenraet Decker in Schouten Wouter’s 'East Indian Voyages' (1676). Click on the image to view the source courtesy of the Atlas of Mutual Heritage.

Through detailed research, Ullah provides compelling evidence that the Rohingya have been integral to Arakan’s history. He highlights how early Arab Muslim settlers, shipwrecked in the region, formed the nucleus of the Rohingya community, which later grew with additional settlers from Arabia, Persia, and beyond. This thorough examination is supported by historical sources, including the observations of Francis Buchanan-Hamilton (1762-1829), who noted the presence of the Rohingya in Arakan long before the British colonial period:

“I shall now add three dialects, spoken in the Burma Empire, but evidently derived from the language of the Hindu nation. The first is that spoken by the Mohammedans, who have long settled in Arakan, and who call themselves Rooinga, or natives of Arakan.”

Francis Buchanan in Southeast Bengal (1798). His journey to Chittagong, the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Noakhali, and Comilla by Francis Hamilton and Willem Van Schendel (University Press, 1992)

Aman Ullah’s narrative is a testament to the Rohingya’s enduring legacy and their ongoing struggle for recognition and rights. It serves as a crucial resource for understanding the historical context of the Rohingya's current plight. The book delves into various aspects of Rohingya history, from the development of their language and cultural richness to their diverse physical characteristics. Ullah's meticulous account challenges the deceptive claims and policies enacted by Myanmar.

The book also sheds light on the broader socio-political landscape of Arakan, illustrating how shifting boundaries and diverse populations have shaped the region’s history. Ullah provides a detailed account of the British colonial period, the impact of World War II, and the political changes leading up to Myanmar's independence. These insights are crucial for understanding the complex dynamics that have contributed to the Rohingya's marginalisation.

Chart of the river of Arakan (1690 - 1743) by Isaac de Graaff in the Leupe catalogue, Netherlands. Public domain. Click in image to see the source in Pycril.

A History of Rohingyas to 1948 is not just a historical account but also a call to action. Ullah urges readers to acknowledge and address the injustices faced by the Rohingya. His work is a vital contribution to the literature on the Rohingya, providing a robust map of their history and demanding recognition and justice for this marginalised community.

This 2nd edition published by Rohingyatographer, is essential for anyone seeking to understand the roots of one of the world’s most persecuted minorities. Ullah traces the origins of the Rohingya back to early Muslim settlers in Arakan, highlighting their significant contributions to the region and countering the narrative that they are recent illegal immigrants.

This book is a very potential and recommended for readers who are seeking to enrich their knowledge and understanding of Rohingya history. It provides a comprehensive and compelling narrative that not only informs but also inspires action towards justice for the Rohingya people. This work is an important step towards ensuring that the history and legacy of the Rohingya are preserved and recognised.