Modullah Shah Salingathu (1494-1501), (8) Ili Shah Meng Raza (1501-1523), (9) Ilias Shah Kasabadi (1523-1525), (10) Jalal Shah Meng Saw Oo (1525), (11) Ali Shah Thatasa (1525-1531), (12) Salimshah (1608). (1)

There is no denying the fact that the ancient Arakan was a multicultural society which was inhabited by many communities like the Rakhines, Rohingyas, Chakmas, Hindus, Christians, Mros, Khumis, Kamens and some hill tribes. In the words of Dr Shwe Lu Maung:

"The Rakhaing King was the patron of all religions and culture. Siddikh Khan Mosque was built by the Rakhaing King in 1430 AD. It is the first Mosque in all Burma. (1)

Whilst at present it is difficult to determinate the exact number of Ruhingyas living in Arakan State due to lack on accurate data, it is estimated that of the 5 million people living in Arakan State, 1.5 million of them are Muslims. Nevertheless, it is thought that since Myanmar`s independence in 1948 one million Ruhingyas have left their ancestral hearth and home and are in exile.

Cultural and literary heritage:

The rise and growth of Arab culture and civilization in Arakan during thirteenth century were events of unequalled significance in social development. The rejuvenating currents of the values, thoughts and life pattern of Arabian traders made a far-reaching effect on the socio-cultural structure of Arakan which inevitably infused its people with a new glow of life.

The language of Arakan, known as Arakanese, has profound pronunciation and vocabulary differences from people of other parts of Myanmar. The Ruhingyas have distinct dialect, culture and civilization of their own. They still carried the Arab names, faith, dress, music, and customs. They speak a Bengali dialect, which is similar to what is spoken in Chittagong region of Bangladesh. This is mixed with words from the Urdu, Hindi and Arabic languages, although some words from English languages are also included in the dialect. Religion and its culture are particularly important to the Ruhingyas. There are mosques and religious schools in every quarter and village, and traditionally the men pray in congregation, women pray at home. It is common for Ruhingyas, particularly the elders, to grow beards and for the women to wear hijab. Due to their close proximity, the Ruhingyas have been highly influenced by Bangladesh ethnologically and religiously. The Ruhingyas are not new born racial group of Arakan rather they are nationals as well as indigenous ethnic group of Myanmar.

The kingdom of Arakan had come in close cultural contact with the Muslim Sultanate of Bengal since fifteen century so much so that 18 Buddhist rulers of that country adopted Muslim names for themselves (1430-1637), they appointed Muslim officials in their courts and even issued coins bearing the inscription of the Kalima (the profession of faith in Islam) in Arabic script on their coins. The state emblem was also inscribed Arabic word Aqimuddin (establishment of Allah`s rule over the earth). The Arakanese court also adoption of many Muslim customs and terms were other significant tribute to the influence of Islam. Contact with a modern civilization resulted in a renaissance. From this time onwards the relation of Muslims with the Arakanese became more intimate and for about two centuries Arakan was united in a bond of friendship with Islamic lands. As a result of the impact of the civilization of the Muslims, Arakanese culture also progressed and thus ushered in the 'Golden Age' in the history of Arakan. (2)

The impact of Muslim culture on the life of the people of Arakan had profound effect on the subsequent course of the history of Arakan. Like the Pathan Sultans of Bengal, the kings of Arakan patronized the cultivation of Bengali literature and many talented poets and writers from different regions thronged the court. With the royal support Bengali literature developed; learned men and men of high caliber received patronage from the kings due to liberal policy. Bengali became a favorite language and the Arakan kings encouraged the writing of a number of Puttis (folklore literature), which was then the only form of literature. Some Putti literatures of Arakan are mentioned here: Shah Alaol`s Padmabati, Qazi abdul Karim`s Rahatul Qulub, Qazi Muhammad Hussain`s Amir Hamza, Saiful Mulk Badiujjaman etc. (3)

Human Rights abuses:

Since the establishment of tyrannical rule of Burmese despotic kings, the systematic and calculated policy of persecution on Ruhingyas has been continuing unabated till today. The present junta has been following the policy of extermination on Ruhingyas with a vengeance.

The human rights situation in Arakan is such that there remains no security of life, property, honour, equality, freedom of expression. The nature of human rights violation against Rohingya Muslims minorities has no parallel in the world. The Ruhingya Muslims are deprived of their fundamental religious duties such as Haj (annual pilgrimage to Makkah), Qurbani (sacrifice of animals), religious preaching and holiday of congregation for sermons. Many Madrasahs (religious schools) are occupied turned into army barracks. Waqf property (endowments) of Mosques and Madrasahas are confiscated and distributed among Buddhists. The military Junta seriously restricts the Muslims to renovate, repair and maintain the existing Mosques, religious schools, relics, Muslim archaeological remains and historical places. It is only Ruhingya who are subjected to widespread ethnic cleansing and eviction. Human Rights Watch Asia in its finding has already admitted that the abuses against the Ruhingyas are racially and religiously prejudiced to most inhuman and barbaric form with contempt. They are also