Pegus carried their arms
into the heart of the country. The Portuguese, during the era of their
greatness in Asia, gained a temporary establishment in Arakan; but in
1782 the province was finally conquered by the Burmese, from which
period until its cession to the British in 1826, under the treaty of
Yandaboo, its history forms part of that of Burma. The old city of
Arakan, formerly the capital of the province, is situated on an inferior
branch of the Koladaing river. Its remoteness from the ports and
harbours of the country, combined with the extreme unhealthiness of its
situation, have led to its gradual decay subsequently to the formation
of the comparatively recent settlement of Akyab, which place is now the
chief town of the province. The old city (now Myohaung) lies 50 m.
north-east of Akyab. The Maghs, who form nearly the whole population of
the province, follow the Buddhist doctrines, which are universally
professed throughout Burma. The priests are selected from all classes of
men, and one of their chief employments is the education of children.
Instruction is consequently widely diffused, and few persons, it is
said, can be found in the province who are unable to read. The
qualifications for entering into the priestly order are good conduct and
a fair measure of learning--such conduct at least as is good according
to Buddhist tenets, and such learning as is esteemed among their
votaries.

The Arakanese are of Burmese origin, but separated from the parent stock
by the Arakan Yoma mountains, and they have a dialect and customs of
their own. Though conquered by the Burmese, they have remained distinct
from their conquerors.

The Northern Arakan Hill Tracts district is under a superintendent, who
is usually a police officer, with headquarters at Paletwa. The area of
the Hill Tracts is 5233 sq. m.; pop. (1901) 20,682. (J. G. Sc.)

ARAKCHEEV, ALEKSYEI ANDREEVICH, COUNT (1769-1834), Russian soldier and
statesman, was descended from an ancient family of Great Novgorod. From
his mother, Elizabeth Vitlitsaya, he inherited most of his
characteristics, an insatiable love of work, an almost pedantic love of
order and the most rigorous sense of duty. In 1788 he entered the corps
of noble cadets in the artillery and engineering department, where his
ability, especially in mathematics, soon attracted attention. In July
1791 he was made an adjutant on the staff of Count N.I. Saltuikov, who
(September 1792) recomm