1 CKRSD pdf publication.2013 KOCH RAJBANSHI AND KAMTAPURI - THE TRUTH UNVEILED Nalini Ranjan Ray This PDF publication is initiatated by Centre for Koch Rajbanshi Studies and Development (CKRSD), Guwahati. 2013. Hardcopy publication by Vicky Publishers, Guwhati. 2007. Copyright: Author 2 CKRSD pdf publication.2013 CONTENTS Particulars I Acknowledgement I Preface III CHAPTER – I: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF KOCH RAJBANSHI AND KAMTAPURI (a) Need to know the history of Koch Rajbanshi and Kamta-Kamrup (b) Origin and Physiognomy (c) Different Theories on Origin (d) Ancient Demographic Extent of Kamta-Kamrup (e) Mythological Belief (f) Early and Obscure History (g) Known but Obscure History till Rise of Koch Empire (h) History after Rise of Koch Empire till Independence of India in 1947 IV. CHAPTER – II: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES (a) Have Constitutional Provisions really helped Koch Rajbanshi community so far? (b) Actual Population of Koch Rajbanshis (c) Distorted identity of Rajbanshi Kshatriya or Koch Rajbanshi community in North Bengal and Assam (d) Own Misconceptions of Rajbanshis and the Reality (e) Hiding caste identity by elite Rajbanshis (f) Inclusion of Princely state of Cooch Behar with dominion of India and subsequent merger with West Bengal (g) Bengal–Bihar Merger (h) Religious Ethos & Cultural Heritage: Rich or Poor? (i) Social outcast & Exodus of the Elite group (j) Drive for getting Scheduled Tribe status under 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution (k) Reservation and Quota Regime - Any Hidden Agenda? (l) Are Koch and Rajbanshis are same or different? (m)Has the idea of Rajbanshis identifying as Bengali failed? (n) Where do they stand now socially? 3 CKRSD pdf publication.2013 (o) Down sliding Economic Status (p) Language or Dialect-What is the Controversy? (q) Political Turmoil (r) Relevant Case Studies (s) Agitations for separate Statehood (u) Recent Political Developments (v) Rajbanshis and Indian Nationalism V. CHAPTER – III: IN SEARCH OF POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS (a) Need to define identity (b) Need to maintain good relation with mainstream caste Hindu Bengalis (c) Need to Replace Scheduled Caste status with that of Socio-economically weaker section (SEWS) (d) Amend Reservation Policy Based on Equality and Socio-economic Parameters (e) Let sons of soil own their homeland (f) Economic safety net for Rajbanshis living Below poverty line (BPL) (g) Power to the people on the basis of demographically contiguous region (h) Develop Mother Tongue (i) Shun path of violence – Rule firm with a humane touch: Virtues of governance (j) Believe in one God in different manifestation – Religion is Humanity VI. CONCLUSION VII. REFERENCES 4 CKRSD pdf publication.2013 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I shall ever remain indebted to the officials and staff of Central Library, Chandigarh; Panjab University Extension Library, Ludhiana; District Library, Guwahati and the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), North-East Regional Centre, Gauhati University Campus, Guwahati for giving me access to refer to rare books that helped me completing the project, which now has taken the shape of this book. I am thankful to Assam State Museum, Guwahati from where I had an access to closely observe historical collections and relics, which are the testimony of important information on past history of Koch Rajbanshi Kamtapuris that came to my immense help. I am thankful to members of my family for their support and bearing with this writing work of mine that took away most of my time from home. Similarly, I express my sincere gratitude to my near relatives, friends and colleagues of my employer State Bank of India for all help rendered to me whenever I needed them. My special thanks to Udayan Biswas, Saumen Bharatiya, Prasun Barman, Basab Ray, Malek Ali, Pintu Gupta, Sudipta Bhattacharjee and Amaresh Roy of M/s Vicky Publishers in bringing out the book on time. PREFACE Often it appeared as if I was scaling the Mount Everest while writing a project like this one. Then, it was only the training that I had received during my days in the armed forces, made me to get going with the task that started in almost a decade ago finally got accomplished and as a result it took a shape of a book. The military dictum – ‘When going gets tough, the tough gets going’ was often remembered to draw some extra energy when ever I felt like giving up and found no morale boosting support from any corner. Writing on Rajbanshi community or Kamtapuri movement is a dicey composition and people normally avoid it, as subject is politically volatile in nature. I feel honoured to say that keeping in view of the best traditions of my past services in the armed forces as a soldier and my present banking organisation where I am serving, the motive behind writing this book is solely for a social cause and is in no way meaning anything or associating myself in any act, which or that may be prejudicial to the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, friendly relations with foreign state, public order, decency or morality, or which involves contempt of the court, defamation or incitement to an offence. The subject matter of this book is sensitive indeed in the sense that certain debatable issues related to socio-economic and political scenario concerning state machineries of West Bengal, Bihar and Assam have been discussed; but in no way, I intend to hurt the feelings of any person or instigate any person against the any state or the nation. This book is all about an ethnic Indian community, as old as Indian civilisation, which having a glorious past but now is shrouded with an obscure history. Most of these simple, less privileged, socio-economically poor Rajbanshis living for ages in whole of present North Bengal (barring its hilly areas), Northeastern districts of Bihar, eastern Nepal, Assam and their adjoining areas, most of whom are unaware of their past, do not realise harsh realities of caste based politics rampant in the country, do not anticipate the community’s uncertain future. These unfortunate people, also called Deshi and Koch 5 CKRSD pdf publication.2013 Rajbanshi face the most critical period of their existence today. Fallouts of historical aberrations, changes in geographical boundaries, political, socio-economic, cultural and linguistic conflicts have, over the centuries, affected them critically and their very existence is threatened today. Pains of hunger and poverty, inability to meet the basic needs of life, repentance of loosing lands and homes, hopelessness multiply their miseries and emotional feelings not only saddened me but also, enabled me to gain enough strength and courage to take up this project. This community of India appears to be on the verge of extinction not numerically but from social point of view; a peculiar in nature ever came across in any known history of mankind for the reasons attributable to socio-economic and political aberrations. Their history remained in obscurity because they did not write it themselves but allowed others to do so, who could mould it in their favour. These people are in majority in rural North Bengal and third major caste Hindu community in West Bengal and majority in two districts of neighbouring Bihar and almost half of the districts in Assam and few other areas but they do not have their a say in any sphere socially or politically. They identify themselves as Kshatriyas in North Bengal and its adjoining areas but got them denigrated socially by accepting lower social status constitutionally. Their learned and well established lot or the elite group of people are in quandary and to keep away from vortex of identity crisis they always found easier way out, just to get absorbed in the mainstream populace of their respective state wherein they reside to hide their distorted identity. However, a sizable group of the community raises their voice for grant of separate statehood to greater ‘Koch Behar’ to the bitter dislike of many. At times the situation appears to be explosive and dangerous for the nation. Hope the readers from all walks of life including academicians, administrators and political leaders will be immensely benefited by this book and all they will act in a manner that will surely help these unfortunate people, enable them to make progress, prosper and save these people from extinction. Although, an earnest endeavour has been made to give, as much as possible the authenticated or near true facts in this book but I know for sure that there exists enough scope for further improvement. So, I shall look forward for critical analysis, suggestions and valuable guidance from the readers so that together we may educate ourselves more and get to know more about this community. Hope readers will enjoy reading it. Place: Guwahati Ex-Capt. Nalini Ranjan Ray Date: October 2007 6 CKRSD pdf publication.2013 CHAPTER – I HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF KOCH, RAJBANSHI AND KAMTAPURI The Beginning Pristine glories, chivalry of Chilaray and sunshine, Bygone are those olden days of celebration and joys; Time came, heavens fell and destiny played its role, Winds full of uncanny fury blew them up and down, Light was long gone; in darkness they lost their way. Rare are those who dared to walk down their memory lane, Forgotten heroes, obscurity overwhelmed; where are they? Tears of sorrow get dry after a prolonged cry in Her eyes, Saddened, silently weeping motherland, beloved Kamta ‘Ayi’ With inflicted wounds her children in pains gasping for air. Did you ever listen to those blissful songs from deep within? Came from land of rivers, trees, small hills and paddy fields, Dwindling yet melodious, calling her children to rise again; It is little about the Koches or Rajbanshis, before we begin Telling their true story to the nation India, mother divine.