International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research

Authors
Dipika Paul

Abstract
The long process of assimilation and transformation of tribes in India has made the term tribe and caste contentious. The situation is far more complicated in North-East where several ethnic groups are associated with identity movements, separatist movements and demand for ST status. Koch-Rajbongshis is one of the largest existing community which has been equally trying to mark their presence in the ethnic politics of North-East India and also in Northern part of West Bengal. There is also variation in their official grouping or scheduling in different regions under different categories. In the Central list of Other Backward Classes of Assam, they are mentioned as Koch-Rajbonshis. In West Bengal, Koch and Rajbanshi has been mentioned as two categories separately under the SC list. Moreover, historical studies show that at various historical point of time the community is referred as—Rajbanshi, Kshatriya and Kamatapuri. Such variation in their identity made it to have thorough discussion the community’s identity. Moreover, at present the community in Assam is demanding ST status and also kamatapuri state comprising portions of Assam and northern part of West Bengal. The present paper attempted to understand the socio-historical identity of the community; their process of transformation and also to analyze their movement for separate statehood and their demand for ST status in Assam.