Arakan
/ˈærəkæn/noun
A historical region on the western coast of Myanmar, now largely corresponding to Rakhine State.
Did you know?Arakan was an independent kingdom for centuries, and its court famously blended Buddhist, Muslim, Bengali, and South Asian cultural influences.
Etymological Timeline
Early historical period
Indic traditions
Rakkhapura
“A traditional Pali explanation meaning “land of guardians” or “land of ogres,” though scholars treat this as uncertain rather than proven etymology.”
Medieval period
Local languages
Rakhaing / Rakhine
“Names used for the region’s principal ethnic community and their homeland; the precise ancient derivation remains disputed.”
16th Century
Portuguese
Arracao
“A European rendering of the regional name, recorded by Portuguese travelers and mapmakers.”
17th Century
European usage
Aracan / Arrakan
“Colonial-era spellings used in European accounts and maps for the coastal kingdom.”
18th–19th Century
English
Arakan
“The established English form for the region, especially in British colonial administration.”
Modern English
English
Arakan
“A historical and geographic name, increasingly replaced in official contexts by Rakhine.”