In 1798, the botanist and traveler Francis Buchanan received an assignment to survey the Chittagong region to explore the potential for growing exportable spices and crops. This mission led him to Cox’s Bazar, where his observations and findings remain valuable sources for historians, sociologists, and naturalists studying the area. Here are five highlights from Buchanan’s time in Cox’s Bazar:
April 3, 1798
After crossing the Ramu River estuary, Buchanan started his journey between rivers and hills. He eventually arrived at a village home in the Rakhine and Bengali communities, where he watched people making boats.
April 4, 1798
He journeyed through hill regions, arriving at the Kolatali stream, which he described as a “lake,” then proceeded to the more significant Jirania stream.
April 5, 1798
At dawn, Buchanan crossed the ebbing waters of the Reju River, moving inland before encountering Rakhine huts. He then crossed another branch of the Reju River, reaching Jaliapalong and Ratnapalong.
April 6, 1798
Buchanan explored the southern Palongs, arriving at Hizia along narrow forest paths. He crossed the main branch of the Reju River, which he called Rajapalong, noting its clear water and referring to the area as “Khairati.”
April 7, 1798
He crossed the upper part of the Marichya canal, entered Diglia, and ventured through dense jungles toward Jumkoakhali and Himchari. At Kuirmura, he saw a small stream joining the Bakkhali river. Buchanan remarked on the depth of this river, comparing it to the Mamuri river of Chakaria.
Francis Buchanan’s Travels in Southeast Bengal (1798): Chittagong, Hill Tracts, Noakhali, and Comilla provided these details.
By Rajin Saleh
