Introduction:
The “Pankho” is one of a small hill tribe of Chittagong Hill Tracts(CHT) and considered a sub-branch of the Mongoloid race. The Pankho people are divided into two clans are “Pankho and Bonjoi”. Their languages and social lifestyles t have a lot of similarities with one another. Pankhos and Banjoi are short in height, have brown complexion, flat nose and small eyes. They live in the Bandarban district of CHT. The Chagmas called them as “Pankho Hugi” and “Bonjoi Hugi”. However, many believe that Pankhos and Banjois are two branches of what was once one ethnic group.
Origin:
Both of their original home was in Myanmar. They migrated to CHT about 18th century.
They owed their allegiance to the Bohmong Chief and paid tribute to him through their elected Headman. They believe that they are descendants of the “Shan” nation of Burma (Grierson 1927:144).
Population:
Their population in 1869 was about 3000. The total population of Pankhos is 6,000- 7,000 in 2006 approximately.
Lifestyle:
Formerly they were a ferocious people who built their houses on mountain tops. Their villages were very heavily armed and guarded. In the Pankho and Bonjoi community, the father is the head of a family. After the father's death, his sons inherit his property and riches. Both husband and wife have equal right to make a decision.
Livelihood:
Pankhos and Bonjoi are farmers. The jhum system of farming is still widely practised by them. They produce rice and other crops. But they also do the work of procuring timber by felling trees in the forest. In all these works women take part equally with men. Women also do the marketing. Like Lushai and Kuki tribal women, their women are hard-working and enjoy a special place in the family.
Religion:
Pankhos and Banjois claim to be Buddhists. But like many other aborigine people, they worship nature. The name of their Creator is “Pathian”, who resembles as creator of Lushai. There are many myths in the Pankho society about creation of the Universe. After the Creator, called “Pathian”, the next most important god they worship is called “Khojing”, the Lord of the forest, who controls jhum farming. Consequently, most worship offerings and rites of austerity are dedicated to him. Tiger, the pet animal of Khojing has a high place in the eyes of Pankhos. The tradition of holding a dancing ceremony at the beginning of April-May, the first month of the year is dedicated to Khojing. Pankhos believe that Khojing place is in the deep forest. The main Khojing worship is held in July- August. Khojing festival is considered the biggest festival of the Pankho community.
Languages:
Pankhos have their own language, which is only spoken. The same is true about Bonjois also. There is much similarity between the spoken languages of the two tribes. There is no written form of their tongues. Nevertheless, there is no dearth of songs in their languages, especially love song. Their language has strong resemblance to Lushai. It belongs to the “Kuki-Chin” group.
Culture:
The unique culture of Pankhos and Bonjois has developed through a combination of their religious beliefs, social customs and ceremonies, worships and festivals. Dance and songs have nourished their culture. They are accustomed to bamboo dance, flower dance and some other special kinds of dances and songs.
Food:
Rice is the staple food of Pankhos and wine is their main drink. Meat is their favourite dish. Although they eat the meat of goat, pig, dog, wild bull, wild fowl etc., the flesh of tiger is forbidden for them.
Marriage:
Pankhos allow marriage between persons of different clans. After attainment of maturity young men and women are married with their parents' consent. The rules and rites of marriage are very similar to those of Kukis and Lushais. Pankhos do not practise child marriage. Divorce and remarriage of widows are allowed.
Traditional Dress:
Men wear a piece of cloth similar to the “Dhuti”. Women wear a dress called “Pirhan”, which is similar to the dress of Chagma women. A separate piece of cloth is tied on the upper part of the body. These clothes are all woven at home. They have different styles of hair-dressing, which reveal their distinct identity. Both men and women tie up their hair at the centre of the head. On the other hand tie up their hair at the back of their head (Sattar 1984:312).
Death:
Both Pankhos and Banjois bury their dead. Like Khumis, the Pankhos and Bonjois cremate their dead and then gather the bones and ashes, wrap them with a piece of cloth and keep the pack for a certain period before burying them in the jungle with festive rituals. They preserve the weapons of the dead man in a house built in the place where the corpse is burnt.