Rakhine State

Flag of Arakan state

Arakan is a Burmese state on the western coast of Myanmar. It is next to Bangladesh.

Etymology

Map of Arakan state

The term Rakhine may have come from the Pali word "Rakkhapura" from "Rakkhita" meaning the land of the people of Rakhasa (Rakhasa > Rakkha > Rakkhaing > Rakhaing) who were given this name in honor of their preservation of their national heritage and ethics or morality. The word Rakhine means, "one who maintains his own race." In the Rakhine language, the land is called Rakhinepray, the ethnic Rakhine are called Rakhinetha.

Arakan, used in British colonial times, is believed to be a Portuguese corruption of the word Rakhine that is still popularly used in English. Many English language users no not use the name changes made by the military government.

Rakhine State Media

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  Silver coin of king Nitichandra, Arakan. Brahmi legend "NITI" in front, Shrivatasa symbol on the reverse. 8th century CE.

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  Mrauk U, Rakhine State, Myanmar

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  Rohingya refugees entering Bangladesh after being driven out of Rakhine State, 2017

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  Spatial Illustration of Disenfranchisement of 2020 General Election in Arakan (Rakhine State)

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  Jake Taw Village, Thandwe, Rakhine State

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  Map of the Rakhine (Arakan) State in Myanmar.

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  Clocktower,mainroadandcentralmarket

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  Ngapali Beach, Rakhine state

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  View from Haridaung Pagoda in Mrauk U in the Rakhine State in Myanmar.