Jumma (term)

The term Jumma (from Jhum cultivation, Bengali: জুম্ম), also called Pahari (Bengali: পাহাড়ি, lit. 'Hill people') by Bengalis, usually referred to the indigenous tribal peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh. They include the Chakma, Arakanese (Rakhine), Marma, Tripuri, Tanchangya, Chak, Pankho, Mru, Bawm, Lushai, Khyang, and Khumi.

With the exception of the relatively well-integrated Chakma and Tanchangya, most of the peoples referring themselves Jumma are native speakers of Tibeto-Burman languages, unrelated to the Bengali language spoken by ethnic Bengalis. They are religiously and culturally distinct as well, with most being Buddhists, some Hindus, and some being converted Christians and Muslims. In addition, they have retained some traditional religious practices.