Khyang people
| Total population | |
|---|---|
|
2,345 (In Bangladesh) according to the 1991 Bangladesh census | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
|
Majority populations in Bangladesh. In Bangladesh the Khyangs reside in Rangamati Hill District of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. | |
| Religion | |
| Majority confess to Theravada Buddhism and also to Christianity |
The Khyangs (Bengali: খিয়াং), are a community inhabiting in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. The Khyangs are one of smallest ethnic groups in Bangladesh with a population of only 2,345 according to the 1991 census. They live in a few villages near Kaptai and Chandraghona in Rangamati Hill District. Some Khyangs also live in Bandarban District.[1] .
History
According to Khyang Chronicles, the Khyangs with their King entered Chittagong Hill Tracts when their kingdom in Burma was overrun by the Burmese. But afterwards the King decided to go back to Burma. But his younger queen being pregnant could not accompany him. Hence she was left behind with some followers and kinsmen. The present Khyangs are the descendants of this queen and her retinue. The Khyangs are Buddhists but some of them converted to Christianity during the British period.
References
- ↑ Saradindu Shekhar Chakma. Ethnic Cleansing in Chittagong Hill Tracts. p. 39.
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