Bengalis in Myanmar

The history of the Bengalis in Myanmar dates back to the Middle Ages and 15th century. During the Mrauk-U Kingdom, which ruled Arakan, the kings had strong ties with the Bengal Sultanate. During this period, Bengali Muslims were brought to Arakan as soldiers, administrators, and artisans. The Arakanese kings also brought Brahmins from Bengal as astrologers and Doms as cleaners of the pagoda compounds in Arakan. After the annexation of Burmese kingdom by the British, the Bengalis arrived in British Burma in various capacities. A large section came as white collared executives in the administration, while a smaller proportion came as labourers in various projects.