National Seminar on
History, Socio-economic and Political Condition of the Koch-Rajbongshis with Special Reference to the Undivided Goalpara District of Assam
Organised by:
Koch Rajbongshi Citizens’ Forum (KRCF)
Assam.
Concept Note :
The Koch-Rajbongshis are one of the major indigenous communities of Northeast India, with a significant presence in the undivided Goalpara district of Assam. Historically, the region comprised kingdoms and royal territories such as Bijni, Sidli, Bogribari, Lakhipur, Karaibari, and Rupshi. The community boasts a rich history and cultural legacy.
Works such as Physical and Political Geography of Assam (1896), Zamidarkalin Goalpara Zilar Artho-Xamajik Avastha by Amalendu Guha (1984), Prantobashir Jhuli by Niharbala Barua (2016, Tr.), Goalpara Jana Itihax by Santa Barman (2009), and Becoming a Borderland: The Politics of Space and Identity in Colonial Northeastern India by Sanghmitra Mishra (2011) have been instrumental in defining Goalpara in terms of its distinctive cultural and historical identity.
However, in recent decades, the Koch-Rajbongshi community has witnessed a steady decline in its socio-economic and political conditions and prospects, both in general and particularly within the undivided Goalpara district. The community has suffered from land alienation, demographic changes, and economic as well as political marginalization.
Feeling increasingly alienated and insecure in their own homeland, the Koch-Rajbongshis have demanded constitutional protection through recognition as a Scheduled Tribe (ST). In pursuit of this, the community, under the leadership of Raja Ajit Narayan, submitted a memorandum to the then Chief Minister of Assam, Bimala Prasad Chaliha, during his official visit to Kokrajhar on 16 January 1968 (Munindra Das, 2015).
Following a prolonged mass movement, the community was granted ST status through Presidential Ordinances in 1996–1997; however, this recognition was never enacted into law, leading to its subsequent lapse. This has compelled the community to continue its movement amid changing socio-political contexts and new challenges.
Importantly, the movement for ST status has evolved beyond political objectives, emerging as a people’s movement for the protection of identity and preservation of historical and cultural legacy.
The National Seminar seeks to review six decades of the Koch-Rajbongshi movement for ST status, examine the history and culture of the community, and assess the role of its key organizations, challenges, and future prospects — particularly with reference to the undivided Goalpara district, which remains the community’s core cultural and demographic stronghold.
Sub-Themes
1. History of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) demand movement of the Koch-Rajbongshis of Assam with special reference to the undivided Goalpara district.
2. The Koch-Rajbongshis of undivided Goalpara district: Challenges and prospects.
3. Official government records regarding the ST demand and the Presidential Order of 1996.
4. Analysis of the socio-economic and political condition of the Koch-Rajbongshis of undivided Goalpara district.
5. The present status of the Koch-Rajbongshi ST demand movement in undivided Goalpara district.
6. Response of the Central and State governments to the ST demand movement.
7. History of education and the present educational scenario in undivided Goalpara district.
8. Land alienation among the Koch-Rajbongshi community in undivided Goalpara district.
9. Migration and demographic change in undivided Goalpara district.
10. Food, traditional dress, and musical instruments of the Koch-Rajbongshis.
11. Any other related topic.
Seminar Details
Dates: 6th & 7th December 2025
Venue: Bongaigaon University, Bongaigaon, Assam.
Accommodation:
Registration fees do not include accommodation. However, organizers may assist participants in finding suitable lodging upon prior request.
Abstract & Full Paper Submission:
Abstract (200 words): Submit by 15 November 2025 to
ZGloaWRhcmFiaGlqaXQgfCBnbWFpbCAhIGNvbQ==
Full Paper: Submit by 30 November 2025
Format: APA 7th Edition
Papers may be written in any Indian language.
Registration fees
Academicians/ Faculties: 1500
Research scholars: 1000
Participants (without paper): 700
(If there are multiple authors, each must register individually.)
Payment Details:
Deposit the fees to:
Account Name: Abhijit Dihidar
Bank: State Bank of India, Gossaigaon Branch
Account No.: 31183362608
IFSC Code: SBIN0007996
Publication
Selected papers will be published in the Journal of Koch Rajbongshi Studies, an online peer-reviewed journal, following a rigorous review process.
For Queries, Contact:
Dr. Abhijit Dihidar: 9560901268
Mr. Utpal Singha: 9101372491
Mr. Ranjit Adhikary: 7002452157
Mr. David Ray: 8638677312
Also check out other Workshops in Bongaigaon, Business events in Bongaigaon, Arts events in Bongaigaon.
