Koch Rajbongshis

Context

• The Koch Rajbongshis have come to the light amid the upcoming assembly elections in the states of Assam and W Bengal.

Who are the Koch Rajbangshis?

Background

• They are a community that traces its roots to the Kamata Kingdom, which comprised parts of Assam, West Bengal, and adjoining territories.
• In the medieval period, the community was dominant and ruled their territory of Bangladesh, West Bengal, Bihar, and India’s north-east.

Presence

• Now, Koch Rajbongshis are found in Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, and Bihar, and in Bangladesh, Nepal, and some parts of Bhutan.

Political Significance

• They are present in a significant number over 33 lakh in West Bengal, mostly the northern districts, and a large number in Assam also.

Concerns

• They are demanding a separate Kamatapur state consisting of North Bengal and parts of Assam.
• They have concerns over their culture and identity issues.