The Politicized Coins of Arakan

The ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya, a Muslim minority living in Myanmar's Rakhine State--historically known as Arakan--has prompted widespread scrutiny of the coinage of the former Kingdom of Arakan (circa 1430-1784). Previously obscure and rarely collected, these coins have now emerged as significant artifacts in the ongoing debate about the Rohingya's right to reside in Myanmar. They serve as foundation stones for historical narratives that support the Rohingya and, conversely, for counter narratives that argue Islamic influence on Arakan's last dynasty was inconsequential. As a result, both numismatists and academics need to understand that Arakanese coinage has evolved from a numismatic curiosity into a contentious body of evidence central to a polarized debate. The Politicized Coins of Arakan is the culmination of eight years of research and incorporates the latest academic findings on Arakan. It seeks to reveal which historical narratives the coins uphold and which they challenge. Readers may find the conclusions pleasing, provocative, or even infuriating, but for those unfamiliar with old Arakan, the work will certainly enlighten.