The Bawm trace their origins to Tiphul village in the Chin State of Myanmar (formerly Burma). Founded by a man named Bawmzo, Tiphul is considered the ancestral home of the Bawmzo people. Historical accounts suggest that the Bawm migrated from the Chin State to the Chittagong Hill Tracts in two significant waves: the first around 1500 AD and the second between 1770 and 1772. These migrations were likely driven by pressures from more dominant tribal forces in their original homeland.[4][unreliable source?]
Settlement in the Chittagong Hill Tracts
Bawm people were among the earlier settlers in the Lushai Hills, along with Tlanglau, Khiang and Chawrai. These groups of people entered Lushai Hills through an area south of Lunglei, passing through Tlabung, and entered an area what would later become Chittagong Hills Tracts of Bangladesh. The period of this migration and a possible brief halt in Lushai Hills is to be roughly between A.D. 900–1500. Though the reason of migration from the Chin Hills to Bangladesh is unknown, the Bawm and other groups of people could have left Myanmar due to pressure from stronger tribal forces.[4]
Upon settling in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the Bawm established villages in the hilly terrains of present-day Bangladesh. They engaged in jhum cultivation, a traditional form of slash-and-burn agriculture suited to the region's topography. Over time, the Bawm developed a distinct cultural identity, emphasizing communal ties and collective activities such as hunting, singing, dancing, and religious observances.[5]
The Bawm language, also known as Bawm Zo or Banjogi, is a member of the Kuki-Chin branch of the Tibeto-Burman language family. It is primarily spoken by the Bawm people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of southeastern Bangladesh, particularly in the Rangamati and Bandarban districts. The Bawm refer to their inhabited area as "Bawmram," meaning a region occupied by the Bawm community.[6]
Beyond Bangladesh, the Bawm language is also spoken in neighboring regions of Northeast India, including the Chhimtuipui, Lunglei, and Aizawl districts of Mizoram, as well as in the states of Tripura and Assam. Additionally, it is present in northern Myanmar.
The language exhibits both tonal and atonal variants, a characteristic feature within the Kuki-Chin language group. This means that in some dialects, pitch or tone can change the meaning of words, while in others, it does not.[7]
In terms of orthography, the Bawm language utilizes the Latin script. Efforts have been made to develop written materials, including translations of the Bible and the composition of hymns, which have been instrumental in preserving and promoting literacy in the Bawm language.[8]
Despite these efforts, the Bawm language faces challenges in terms of vitality. While speaker attitudes towards the language are very positive, there is limited institutional support, and the number of speakers is relatively small. The Endangered Languages Project classifies Bawm as "vulnerable," indicating that while it is currently in use, it is at risk of becoming endangered without continued support and transmission to younger generations.[9]
Culture
Traditionally, the Bawm engaged in jhum cultivation, a form of slash-and-burn shifting agriculture suited to the hilly regions they inhabit. This practice involves clearing a piece of land by burning vegetation and cultivating it for a few years before moving to a new plot, allowing the previous one to regenerate.
A significant element in Bawm culture is the bamboo dance, performed during times of tragedy, especially in cases of unnatural death. This dance serves as a means of consolation for grieving families, highlighting the community's emphasis on solidarity and emotional support.[10]
The Bawm celebrate several traditional festivals that are integral to their cultural identity. One notable festival is the Biju, which marks the beginning of the new year and is celebrated with various cultural activities. The entire Chittagong Hill Tracts region, including the Bawm community, comes alive during this festival, with traditional dances, music, and communal gatherings.[11] Additionally, the Bawm participate in the Raj Punnah Festival, a traditional event celebrated in the Bohmong Circle of Bandarban. This festival includes various cultural performances and communal activities, highlighting the rich traditions of the Bawm community.
Geographical distribution
According to the 2022 Bangladeshi census, there are 13,193 Bom in Bangladesh.[1] Among them, 11,854 (89.85%) Boms live in Bandarban District, constituting 2.46% of district's population. They also live in Belaichhari Upazila of Rangamati District and surrounding areas.
The early 20th century marked a significant transformation for the Bawm community with the introduction of Christianity. Prior to 1918, the Bawm had not been exposed to the Gospel. Missionary efforts led to the widespread adoption of Protestant Christianity, which now plays a central role in Bawm society. Today, 100% of the Bawm identify as Protestant Christians, and the community has developed written materials in their language, including the Bible and hymns.[14] The Bawm have developed written materials in their language, including translations of the Bible and the composition of approximately 1,000 hymns for church services.[15]
