Dahar (tribe)

The Dahar are an ethnic group primarily located in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh. They are also known by alternative names such as Daoor, and sometimes considered a subgroup or related group to the larger Marma people.

Language and Culture: The Dahar people speak a dialect closely related to the Marma language, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family. Their culture shares many similarities with other groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, including traditional practices related to agriculture, weaving, and religious beliefs which often incorporate elements of Buddhism and animism.

Social Structure: Like many other hill tribes in the region, traditional Dahar society is structured around village communities often led by a headman. These headmen play a significant role in resolving disputes and maintaining order within the village.

Livelihood: The primary occupation of the Dahar people is agriculture, primarily shifting cultivation (jhum) practiced on the slopes of the hills. They cultivate rice, vegetables, and other crops for sustenance. Weaving is also a significant activity, particularly for women, who produce textiles for clothing and household use.

Challenges: The Dahar, like many other indigenous communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, have faced challenges related to land rights, development, and political marginalization. Competition for resources and displacement due to various factors remain ongoing concerns for the community. Accurate and up-to-date population figures for the Dahar people are often difficult to obtain due to their classification within larger ethnic groups in official census data. Further research is required to fully document the unique aspects of Dahar culture and society.