Htamaraphwe(ထာမာရာဖွေ့)

Htamaraphwe is the greatest work of classical Arakanese literature of all time. Believed to have been composed in the 17th century by an unknown Arakanese poet, it stands as a luminous example of Arakan’s rich cultural and literary heritage. Although the original manuscript was lost within Arakan centuries ago, the poem survived through oral tradition. But some of the manuscripts of ancient Arakanese poems are still preserved in the hands of Arakanese descendants such as the Mogs of Tripura, India, and the Marmas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh. This Htamaraphwe is one of them. This epic narrative poem recounts the heroic story of Prince Htamara, who seeks to reclaim his rightful throne from the general Moung Khoung who forcefully dethroned and killed his father Ugga. With the steadfast support of his two brothers, Panmara and Dhamara, the prince wages a just and noble war to restore the honor of his lineage and become a Great king. Composed in rhythmic verse and lyrical beauty, Htamaraphwe unites legend, heroism, and destiny. Apart from the poetic elements, Arakanese identity such as Mrauk U period’s Arakanese styles, clothes and class of people are vividly seen. Htamaraphwe is revival of centuries lost Arakanese poem with new interpretations and commentary notes for modern Arakanese readers. Htamaraphwe remains a timeless testament to rich culture, literary tradition and identity of the Arakanese nation — a living echo of its glorious past.