COOCH BEHAR ISSUES - UNFINISHED AGENDA

                     COOCH BEHAR ISSUES – THE UNFINISHED AGENDA

Demand for separate statehood for Greater Cooch Behar or Kamatapur for Rajbanshi speaking people is an old issue. During pre-independence days, furor was created in Bengal's literary circle when eminent Rajbanshi Kshatriya leader Thakur Panchanan Burma talked in favour of Rajbanshi or Kamtapuri language in third general meeting of 'Uttar Banga Sahitya Parishad' held at Rangpur (now Bangladesh), which was the beginning of a feeling like a nationalism for the Rajbanshis but it was not the separate statehood. However, the issue was raised during pre-independence days. During pre-independence days 'Hita Sadhini Sabha', an organisation that included local Muslim leaders also fought against separate state for the erstwhile Cooch Behar kingdom. According to Sujata D. Hazarika (‘Unrest and Displacement: Rajbanshis in North Bengal’-South Asia Forum for Human Rights) - Jogendra Nath Mondal leading the movement for up-lift of backward classes mooted idea and pressed for a separate state for Rajbanshis called ‘Rajar-Sthan’ meaning abode of king. He had apprehension that if Bengal were divided, a section of backward class would be dominated by the upper caste Hindu Bengalis and the other be dominated by majority Muslims. In 1969, an organisation named Uttar Khanda Dal (UKD) demanded a separate state for Rajbanshis in the name of Uttar Khanda. In the same year, 'Uttar Banga Sanskritik Parishad' raised the issue for recognition of Kamta language and measures for its development. Similar organisation named Kamta Rajya Sangram Parishad (KRSP) was formed by the Koch Rajbanshis in Goalpara district in Assam in 1969 demanding a separate state named Kamta state. In 1987, UKD was changed its name to Kamtapur Gana Parishad. Again, it was replaced by Kamtapur Peoples Party (KPP) in 1996. In 1998, Greater Cooch Behar Peoples Association(GCPA), a non-political organization was formed in Cooch Behar for welfare of these people and demanding separate statehood of Greater Cooch Behar. A faction of this party formed another party named 'Kamtapur Pragatishil Party', which participated in the Assembly elections of 2000.  Off late, the demand for separate statehood has been given further momentum by some Koch-Rajbanshi political organisations and regional political parties like Kamatapuri Peoples Party, Greater Cooch Behar Democratic Front, and Kamtapuri Progressive Party etc. So called militant Rajbanshi organisation named Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) came into being on 28^th December 1995. The West Bengal Government for their militant activities has banned this organization.
The demand for separate State was also earlier raised by Uttarkhanda Dal in the seventies but did not pick up much momentum and died down due to lack of leadership and it remained confined within a group of few literate people only. For reasons unknown to many, the name of Uttaranchal State has been renamed as Uttarakhand. It seems that the name has been hijacked from North Bengal, which was mooted by Rajbanshi leaders long back for their homeland now has been permanently missed. In Assam, demand is slightly variable - while, All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Students Union, a student organisation demands Scheduled Tribe status for the Koch Rajbanshis in Assam; they too, ask for separate Kamtapur state if former demand is not made.

1. AIM AND OBJECTIVE

Rajbanshi speaking people are the most tolerant aboriginal group of communities of India, having a population of more than a crore who reside from the earliest times of India’s existence in strategically located areas of whole of North Bengal (barring its hilly terrains), lower Assam, western part of Meghalaya, Purnia and Kishanganj districts of eastern Bihar, two districts of eastern Nepal, northern Bangladesh and their adjoining regions.

These people of this vast region have a brilliant historical past but for socio-economic, linguistic and political reasons they are now on the brink of loosing their identity, facing eviction from own homeland and leading a life of neglect. These hapless people also are known as Koch-Rajbongshi in Assam and Rajbanshi Kshatriya in North Bengal, Bihar and Rajbanshi in Nepal. Apart from Hindu Rajbanshis who are majority, ethnic Muslims who are known as Rajbanshi Musalman or Nashya Sheikh and some tribal groups also speak the Rajbanshi language. Political dominance of the culturally rich mainstream Bengalis of West Bengal and Assamese in Assam are the main reasons that has never allowed these people to rise; thus, illustrious history of Rajbanshi remained obscure.

            Today, their social standing is denigrated and these people are burdened with critical issues relating to their linguistic alienation, cultural under-development, economic downfall and socio-political deprivation. Since these unfortunate people need urgent care both socially and politically, this paper aims to apprise the national leaders, leaders at state and local level politics, social workers, intellectuals, administrators, media persons, the modern youth and all those who matter in the civil society about these people hitherto unknown to most of the Indians, so that a viable political solution can be found out for their betterment. It seeks to provide a roadmap to the top leadership of the nation to guide them so that their socio-economic, linguistic, cultural and political aberrations are rectified and their political aspirations are fulfilled.

            With this backdrop, we now, proceed to discuss the issues and reasons for creation of a separate state for people of erstwhile Cooch Behar State as given in succeeding paragraphs.

2. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF COOCH BEHAR

The historical facts relating to eventful and glorious Cooch Behar people are being erased from the pages of history day by day mainly for the political gain for the mainstream people of the respective States of West Bengal, Assam and Bihar. In Assam, to some extend, mention of Pragjyotishpur, Barman dynasty, Kamrup kingdom and Koch king Nara Narayan was made in their history books. Although, history of Kamta-Koch kingdom was an integral part of history in Assam and was taught in schools and colleges till few years back; now, it is being slowly done away with. In West Bengal, such a powerful and significant aspect of Indian History is not taught in Schools.

            We can substantiate the historical facts of ancient North Bengal by going back to the much older days of nascent Indian civilization in post-Mohenjodaro Harappa era. The civilization grew basically out of four streams of human races viz. ‘Adivasis’ like Munda, Santals etc. who were aboriginals and lived in difficult terrains, Mongoloids who came from east(Thailand, China, Vietnam), Dravidians who came west around 3000 B.C. followed by Aryans whom also came west Asia around 1500 B.C. Mongoloid stream of people came to India much earlier than Dravidians. In fact, Dravidians could hardly reach to the northeastern India; at the most their culture touched the borders of ancient Kingdom of Kamrup/Pragjyotishpur i.e. present North Bengal and Assam. Aryan culture, which came from central Asia via Punjab, came into contact with Mongoloid culture in North Bengal region. One stream of already amalgamated culture of Aryans and Dravidians of southern heartland of India flowed into North Bengal when there were conflicts between Aryans and non-Aryans of the region. Thus, we say that North Bengal was the confluence of three streams of culture i.e. Mongoloids, Dravidians and Aryans. This is the holy land of mythological importance and a land that was the sacred meeting place of all cultures brought with them by aforesaid human streams from different directions of this country and outside as well. 

Rajbanshi speaking people or ‘Kuvach’ people were pure Mongoloid, who came into contact with the Aryan culture much later. This particular group of people played a pivotal role in the great social assimilation in the ancient northeastern India for a longer historical period right from inflow of Dravidian culture to advent of Aryan culture. During the process of acculturation,  Prakrit, Magadhi  or Maithili and Tibeto-Burman languages got intermixed that resulted into a new generation of mixed Indo-Aryan languages led by Magadhi Apabhramsa, which had much influence of Sanskrit and became lingua-franca of the whole region. While Tibeto-Burman languages remained in tact in the difficult and hilly areas of North East India, Magadhi Apabhramsa gave birth to number of languages, which can be termed as Indo-Aryan languages because all these languages do bear testimony of similar scripts and vocabulary. In Anga and Kalinga (present day Orissa), the language become famous as Oriya. In Banga and Samatata (present day South Bengal and mainland Bangladesh), this language came to known as Bangla or Bengali, which began to develop enormously from seventeenth century onwards after the advent of Europeans in and around Kolkata in South Bengal. In Pundra, Barindra and Kamrup (present day North Bengal, North Eastern Bihar, Assam and Northern districts of Bangladesh), the language came to be known as Kamrupi, later as Deshi Rajbanshi.  In modern Assam the language also developed, albeit in lesser pace than its counterpart Bengali in Bengal province, and got its name changed to modern Asomiya or Assamese.

            As per ‘Akbarnama’, during the reign of great Koch king Nara Narayan(1553-1587 A.D.) aided by his warrior brother, Chilarai, Koch army consisted of 4000 horses, 2,00,000 infantry soldiers, 700 elephants and 1000 war boats. As per Sir, E.A. Gaits, the British administrator and a great historian, there were around 52,25,000 able Rajbanshi and tribal youth volunteers to serve the Koch army. Because of the heroic deeds of the soldiers under able command of Chilarai, the Koch kingdom could defeat all northeastern oriental kingdoms and unified whole of the Northeast. Undoubtedly, credit of uniting Northeastern India must go to the Koch army, who were better known as ‘Narayani Sena’.

            The people were ancient but the term ‘Rajbanshi’ came in use in recent historical period. After the arrival of Aryan culture in the region, a new civilized culture developed in the plains and semi-hilly terrains of the whole of Northeast India. The Mongoloid stock of people from the plains started mixing up with the culturally more developed people of the region. The region adopted a common language, which was either a kind of ‘Apabhramsa’ or ‘Prakrit’, both being highbred offspring of ‘Sanskrit’ a language of the civilized people of Aryan culture. In later ages, people of this vast region came to be known in different names such as ‘Kuvach’, ‘Kirata’ or 'China'. Majority of plains dwelling Kuvach people of tribal origin who accepted Dravidian culture partially and later Vedic or Aryan culture wholeheartedly inherited appellation of Rajbanshi during medieval period.

Wrongful and Hasty Merger of Cooch Behar State with West Bengal on January 1, 1950: When the freedom struggle engulfed whole of India by turn of nineteenth century, Rajbanshi speaking people belonging to erstwhile Cooch Behar state jumped into it. Many Rajbanshis made their supreme sacrifices for freedom. On 18^th July 1947, Indian Independence Act was passed in British Parliament. India became a free nation on 15^th August 1947. As per Section 7(I) of the said British act, it was stated that British Crown lapsed their paramount hold over the Indian Princely states and these were free to either join any dominion of India and Pakistan or remain sovereign. Soon after India won her independence on the 15^th August, 1947, most of the erstwhile princely states numbering more than five hundred lined up for inclusion either with dominion of India or Pakistan. Except few princely states like Junagarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Hyderabad most of them had no choice but to agree to the instrument of accession. People of erstwhile Cooch Behar State, majority of whom i.e. 89% were Rajbanshis were eager to join the dominion of India and also it was a natural choice. But it was only on the day of the 12^th September 1949; finally the instrument of succession was signed.

            Such a community, who trace their origin in great Kamrup kings like Varman dynasty in ancient period; Kamta-Kamrup kings Baidyadeb, Prithu, Durlabh Narayan, Nilambar et al in early medieval period followed by Koch-Rajbanshi kings Nara Narayan and his warrior and a great military strategist brother Chilarai and their descendants, who carried the prestigious identity of Rajbanshis till recently, today has to struggle, against all odds, to find their true identity and assert themselves for existence.

            Cooch Behar, one of the most important princely state of British India, got merged with Indian Dominion on 12th September 1949 and it was categorized as class 'C' State under an agreement signed by Mr. Vapal Pangunni Menon, then Adviser to the Govt. of India, Ministry of States, New Delhi on behalf of Union Govt. and Lt. Col. his Highness Maharaja Jagaddipendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, last King of Cooch Behar State. Since then, political dominance by mainstream Bengalis and Assamese never allowed Rajbongshi or Kamtapuri people, the majority subjects of the princely state to see the light of development. Despite assurances given by Jawahar Lal Nehru, then Prime Minister and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, then Home Minister, these unfortunate people remained neglected in all aspects of their socio-economic, distinct culture, language and most importantly remained deprived of democratic rights in true sense. They were totally brought under Bengali dominance when Cooch Behar State was hastily and illegally merged with West Bengal on 1st Jan.1950. 

    It is pertinent to mention that Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, then Chief Minister of West Bengal and an influential national ruling party Indian National Congress successfully managed to merge Cooch Behar into the fold of his state. Constitution of India was adopted on 26^th November, 1949 by the Constituent Assembly but was to come into force on 26^th January, 1950. Not waiting for the Constitution of India to come into force, before the Parliament of India to start functioning and before the protesting Cooch Beharis / erstwhile Rajbanshi subjects could stop the proposal, Part ‘C’ state Cooch Behar was merged with the state of West Bengal as a district within on the 1^st January 1950 as per provision under Section 290A of Government of India Act, 1935. Thus, such a hasty merger remained a serious issue hurting the Rajbanshi sentiment. 

            For years now, Bengalis in Bengal, Assamese in Assam and Biharis in Bihar political who are the mainstream people, practically dominates over them in every field and rule these politically weak people in their respective states. Socially, Rajbanshis have not been accepted as mainstream Bengali in West Bengal by the Bengalis, similarly, Assamese in Assam and Biharis in Bihar.

            Today, these hapless people are suffering from acute poverty and loosing lands to outsiders, mostly Hindu Bengalis who have been migrating from Bangladesh ever since the partition of 1947.  They are not able to enjoy the Constitutional rights in right earnest. More importantly, such a resourceful language having a glorious past remained neglected and underdeveloped due to harmful influence of dominant communities of the respective states. They are basically very docile in nature and their mindset should not be seen as separatist as what separatist mindset in real sense may be defined as a common ideological thought among a group of people within a geographical area based on a dissension mood with a view of getting separated from mainland so as to have own sovereign machinery of governance. Also, separatism implies severing all ties from the mainstream governing machinery of the nation and dilution of the sovereignty, which are the keywords of separatist mindset.  In this sense, aspirations of Rajbanshi speaking people should not be termed as having a separatist mindset. The voice raised by these people against their downfall should not be termed as communal; in fact, partisan attitude of the dominant people should actually be termed as communal as they are against the welfare of these people. These people should not be punished for their greatest mistake of putting their loyalty at stake in the hands of then Chief Minister of West Bengal Late Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy who because of his surname was thought to be a Rajbanshi 'Roy' and , actually who was Bengali 'Roy'. Similarly in surnames should not be taken for granted that Rajbanshis are Bengali or Assamese. If we go by the historical facts, this very princely state in its greater size was never a part of Bengal or Assam; hence restoration of its earlier status is the only logical end. 

3. DEMOGRAPHICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL FACTORS

North Bengal has a unique geographical figure having a narrow strip connecting itself with South Bengal, better known as Kolkata; in North Dinajpur and Darjeeling districts the land strip narrows down to less than fifty kilometers at some places near Siliguri, squeezed between Bangladesh in the east and Nepal in the west. Maldah/Dinajpur districts in the southern flank of North Bengal and Kokrajhar-Dhubri-Bongaigaon axis in Assam border creates strategically a vulnerable area having direct threats from China in the north, Nepal in the west and Bangladesh in the east. These areas are traditionally dominated by Rajbanshis.

From practical point of view, geographically, demographically and more so, in social relationship,  South and North Bengal separated by the river Ganga are already two separate identities, whereas from the same point of view, entire North Bengal ,Purnia and Kishanganj districts of Northern Bihar, districts of lower Assam and northern districts of Bangladesh are more contiguous and socially bonded together.

            Therefore, the demand for a creation of separate state for Koch-Rajbanshis is socio-economically viable, geographically contiguous, linguistically and culturally most desirable, and more importantly, politically must for fulfilling their aspirations that were promised by then Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru and the Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel during the merger with Indian Dominion in 1949.

Out of total estimated population of about 100, Rajbanshi people hardly represent in the State Assembly or Parliament, which appears to be unjustifiable in terms of opportunity of equal representation in a democracy. Whatever, in meager in numbers they represent are due to party based political affiliation of the political leaders, who even if they desire cannot raise a voice on behalf of the community as such unless directed to do so by their party high command. This aberration in the parliamentary system of representation needs to be addressed, as Rajbanshis do not have any say in the parliamentary democracy of the nation. This is one of the vital aspects of the dissention among the ranks and files of educated Rajbanshi people who otherwise, do not express their views due to harassment by the state governing machineries.    

             

4. STRATEGIC MILITARY FACTORS

The defile narrow Indian land strip between Nepal, Bhutan in one side and Bangladesh on the other side, at places it is as short as 40 miles in breath, exists near Siliguri in North Bengal, the area which was traditionally belonged to  Rajbanshi speaking people, who are majority rural inhabitants. This defile like narrow geographical strip can be called as ‘Chicken’s Neck’, because if it gets cut off by enemies, north east will be cut off from mainland India.   This area is of immense strategic value which can understand only by the military strategists. Our political leaders at national level may not be aware of ground realities. The Chinese have eyed on it during 1962 war; Bangladesh may be interested in it to allow the misguided elements of ‘Greater Bangla’ or “Bangalistan’ to create trouble in the area or even, so called newly created secular nation of Nepal to eye on it to extend their suzerainty over the area.

            The Rajbanshis, all along the history has defended the area of Chicken’s neck. It can not allowed to go the separatists’ hand or to other nation. Rajbanshi Kshatriyas were the sentinels of the area guiding India’s northeastern border. This was only region that was never got occupied by foreign invaders. Now, these people should not be deprived off their martial status simply due to neglect by mainstream people so that their ulterior motive to hold political power over the areas remain in tact.

5. CONSTITUTIONAL FACTORS

The Constitution of India is like a sacred gift presented to us by the God for all that sacrifices that our forefathers had made during freedom struggle. As such, every citizen has a moral duty to safeguard its well being and promote its success in every aspect. Rajbanshi speaking people are no different than any other Indian citizen for the said purpose or for that matter in every aspect concerning our nation. While every Indian admires the Constitution, the lawmakers of the nation, who are empowered to amend it, too have their moral duty to ensure that all its provisions are properly implemented.

The PREAMBLE to the Constitution of India says:

WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute

India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC

REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:

JUSTICE, social, economic and political;

LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;

EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;

and to promote among them all

FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity

and integrity of the Nation;

IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.

We, the citizens of a great nation cherish the ideals of the Preamble and always endeavour to achieve the goals enshrined in it. While our motto undoubtedly is always in pursuit of its excellence so as to put our nation on top of the world, let us have some introspection relating to unfortunate people of Rajbanshi speaking people, in the lines discussed in succeeding sub-paragraphs, lest we err in harming the Rajbanshi people.

i) All is well with India being a SOVEREIGN, so is it being a SOCIALIST country that is well cherished by Rajbanshis. However, when we say about SECULAR, it comes under scanner both within the country as well as outside. Basic tenets of secularism advocate that nation does not divide people on religious ground and respects all religions in the same eye. When we say about secularism, Rajbanshis would definitely stand tall as this community is one of the most tolerant among all communities in India. But, alas these people have been looser all the way in this matter, to them; brand India secularism comes out with different colours, where all the reasoning defies logic. These are the people who gave their land to the homeless outsiders, mostly the migrated Bengali refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan that later became Bangladesh. It happened not only in North Bengal but both in Assam and Bihar. Giving shelter and settling the refugees was indeed a noble cause, but the game of favouritism played by partisan politics has ruined the Rajbanshis. For gaining political mileage, Bengali refugees coming from across the border always used to be given warm welcome by the ruling party and were wrongfully settled in the areas inhabited by Rajbanshi people. Thus, while mainstream Bengali influence over the region has increased manifold, rate of downfall of Rajbanshis accelerated alarmingly.

ii) Talking about cultural, linguistic, socio-economic and true democratic rights for this hapless community should not be called communal. What could be the communal mindset is that of neglecting Rajbanshi speaking people and subduing them by the ruling mainstream people of Bengal and Assam for their own benefit.  We know that that favouring a particular community for some consideration or political gain means is promoting communalism. In this sense, we know that at least Rajbanshi speaking people can not be called communal. It is not communal to help Rajbanshi people for their rightful aspirations. It is not communal to render a helping hand to this hapless community to save them from extinction.

iii) Ours is a DEMOCRATIC nation as given in very first sentence of the Preamble. Then, first of all, let us ask ourselves ‘What do we mean by Democracy’? Is it just the casting a vote for a candidate of a political party? Does it not mean only the right to equal or proportional representation or get some elected representatives in State Assembly or the Parliament? Naturally these questions arise when total Rajbongshi population of almost 100 million spreading over entire North Bengal, two districts of North Bihar and Assam and their adjoining areas has hardly any elected member to represent them in true sense. Whatever elected Koch Rajbongshi or Rajbanshi members are there in those houses are miniscule in numbers and that too they represent particular political party and even if they desire, due to party compulsions they cannot take care of the interests of Rajbongshi community as such.

iv) Next is ‘JUSTICE, social, economic and political’- when a community is almost becoming non-entity in North Bengal, socially denigrated at its lowest ebb, economically their earlier grandeur and most are below poverty line (BPL) and politically does not have any worth standing at their own, no justice of any kind is clearly visible for the hapless Rajbanshi speaking people.

v) When opportunities are not conducive for someone in taking pride in own identity or social status liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship is meaningless. This situation has really has arisen for this community.

vi) EQUALITY of status and of opportunity appears to have eluded this community for long for host of reasons, major ones being remaining subdued under heavy burden of socio-economic and political problems. More over, near absence of their proportional representation in the corridors of power in the State and the Centre has put them at the receiving end. In the fields of employment opportunities, higher education, trade & industry, business or for the matter large scale farming these people are nowhere and the situation is such that any amount of reservation in any field seems to be ineffective because of acute poverty, high rate of school dropouts and no political hold of their own.

vii) From time immemorial these people remained torchbearers of ancient Indian culture. So, when we discuss about FRATERNITY or the unity and integrity of the Nation, undoubtedly Rajbanshis always comes at the forefront with shinning colours. However, when we discuss about dignity of the individual, these people have been at the receiving end from others and lagging far behind from almost all mainstream communities of Bengal, Assam and Bihar. Their position in the present Indian society is at its lowest ebb because of host of socio-economic and political reasons.

6. LEGAL ANGLE- INCOMPLETE VERDICT AND JUSTICE DENIED

In a case filed by Maharaja Jagaddipendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, the last ruler of Cooch Behar kingdom against the Govt. of West Bengal, following notification issued by the Honourable Calcutta High Court was published by a judicial reporter in a leading daily The Statesman on Thursday, May 15, 1969 under a headline “Rule on Government may be kindly be consulted”: -

“…West Bengal Estate Acquisition Act-1969- This Act in question is not applicable in the Cooch Behar State as it was a sovereign State. The merit of agreement made between the Governor General of India and the His Highness Maharaja of Cooch Behar under D.O. F/5 (19)-P 49 dated 28^th/30^th August 1949 cannot be quashed or void in any way. It is a living record. It is a history. This kind of record can not be died out.”

Questions were naturally raised as to whether firstly, if there was no instrument of merger established by law, as per aforesaid observation of Honourable Calcutta High Court, Cooch Behar State was not lawfully merged with West Bengal. Secondly, whether after over six decades now, is it worth debating that the Government of West Bengal made a severe breach of the orders issued by Honourable Calcutta High Court. Then Maharaja of Cooch Behar is not alive today. As such, some other solution should be searched for or matter may be discussed in the State Assembly or the Parliament.

7. RAJBANSHI - LANGUAGE NOT DIALECT OF BENGALI OR ASSAMESE

Too dear and personal is the mother tongue to talk ill about it. But, for the Rajbanshi speaking people all is not well with their Rajbanshi language, as it faces criticism from other communities and negligence from within the community. This very language that once served as a medium of expression for all the mixed and composite group of people of the entire erstwhile Kamrup-Kamata region well from ancient period. This language is also known as Goalparia in Assam and Deshi or Kamata in North Bengal. This very language is also the mother tongue of indigenous Muslims and some tribal people. While it changed it form to Assamese after the cultural confluence-taking place between Ahoms and Koch Empire in sixteenth century onwards, in North Bengal it came under severe stress due to fast development of Bengali language after the advent of the Europeans in South Bengal due to which this language remained underdeveloped. In North Bengal, this language is in such a precarious state that many a Bengali scholars term it as a mere dialect to utter disregard to its past status. No doubt, millions of people speak this language but nowhere this language has any official recognition; everywhere it is in receiving end.

            If two tribal languages - Bodo and Santhali can find recognition and get included in the eighth schedule of the Indian constitution, then being an old and spoken by over hundred million people, their language deserves much more than constitutional recognition. Actually, it calls for immediate steps from all concerned to develop and promote this language by modernizing its vocabulary, grammar and literary applications wherever necessary so that it can reach the level of contemporary Indian languages.

8. DISTINCT SOCIAL IDENTITY OF RAJBANSHI SPEAKING PEOPLE

In North Bengal, Rajbanshis are given the constitutional status as scheduled caste (SC), in Bihar as other backward class (OBC), in Assam they are fighting for the status of scheduled tribe (ST) and in Nepal they are upper caste Kshatriyas. Thus, there is no set rule on social status for these people. Literate, self-esteemed and well off Rajbanshis  feel ashamed to identify themselves as SC/ST or OBC. In Nepal Rajbanshis are graded as high class Kshatriyas. Due to humiliating social status given to the community most of educated Children of Rajbanshis refuse to apply for caste certificates and avoid describing them as SC, ST or OBC. In Assam, Koch-Rajbongshis were given ST status in 1996 for ten years but was not extended further

Thus, there exists an identity crisis. Going by the historical perspective of these people having anthropological link with the historical Pundra Kshatriyas and legendary Kirata-Kuvach(Koch) background, it is most logical to redefine identity of these people by restoring their prestigious social status. The very idea of granting SC/ST status for protection of certain basic rights of poor communities or tribes was no doubt was noble but over the years, it has acquired a dubious status of disgraced one. It has become an abusive word seldom used by upper caste people to humiliate a fellow person. Noble definition of SC has undergone a sea change over the years. It is no more the same as the fathers of Indian Constitution envisaged during conceptualizing the very idea of writing it where they wanted to uplift the downtrodden, depressed class and the untouchables. Accordingly necessary provisions for their up-lift have been enshrined in the constitution. But now, the very word SC is derogatory meaning a low caste that upper caste people love to hate and politicians play to gain political mileage. SC status to the Rajbanshi Kshatriyas of North Bengal is the single largest humiliating factor for the educated Rajbanshis to conceal their paradoxical caste identity. Moreover, statistics prove that actual benefit of 15% reservation to SCs goes to non-Rajbanshi mainstream Bengalis of North Bengal whereas; in rural areas Rajbanshis form the majority. Since, most Rajbanshis are poor, less educated and not exposed to cutthroat competition of modern India, reservation policy to SC has not helped these people in true sense. Thus, this social aberration needs immediate attention; otherwise, hardly any Rajbanshi will get a job in North Bengal in future. The fact is that equating Rajbanshis with other lower castes to get economic benefits from the government a historic blunder for these people and this social aberration needs to be corrected. Only political empowerment to these people can help their uplift.

            Koch-Rajbanshis are great worshippers of Lord Shiv; mother Goddess Parvati, their sons Lords Kartik and Ganesh, daughters Goddesses Saraswati and Lakshi. Different iconic effigies their favourite deities can be seen engraved in stone sculptures and temples in different parts of the region inhabited by this community. In one such iconic find of twelfth century where Lord Ganesh dancing on the back of His vehicle rat was recovered from North Bengal is now kept in Indian Museum. Similar iconic effigy can be seen engraved in the gate-wall of Kamakhya temple in Guwahati where four handed Lord Ganesh dancing on the back of His vehicle.

Lord Shiv in the form of Nataraj might have performed His unique dance ‘Tandab Nritya’ at no other place than this holy land of Kamata, as there exists the legend. The Lord once befallen for a ‘Koch Ramani’ (Koch-Rajbanshi Damsel of North Bengal-Lower Asom area). Dr. Ashutosh Bhattacharya in his book ‘Bangla Mangal Kavyar Itihas” has mentioned that Saivism took its root in rural Koch society, which is evident from then ancient scriptures of Bengal where Lord Shiv’s attraction towards a Koch women was mentioned.  It was no doubt a legend but faith was already born in the minds of Rajbanshis. If that were so then, either the Lord danced to His glory by seeing the beauty of Her or after danced to His furious height after loosing his beloved ‘Sati’ in the infamous ‘Dakhya Yagna’. Lord Shiv; the most powerful Hindu God was worshipped in the land of Kamata from time immemorial, even in pre-Aryan age. Pundra-Kamta-Kamrup or Pragjyotishpur were the last parts of ancient India whose people were acculturated by the Aryans. Aryans described the inhabitants of Pundra as Kshatryias; probably these people gave them the most resistance and held their further advent for centuries. They worshipped phallus of lord Shiva, the supreme God, the embodiment of undeniable supreme soul, a conglomerate of souls of all living beings as He is invisible but can be felt through deep meditation and our breath. His power cannot be fathomed, His forms are many but He came in a human form to marry mother Goddess Sati from the lands of Koch-Rajbanshis, that is why He is so fond of Goddess Kamakhya or Kamoteswari. It makes a sense when we talk about God. We can indeed feel His existence in the nature and the system of reproduction. He is all pervasive indeed, otherwise how can we explain, to the tiniest minimum, that the way a life is given to an embryo in a mother or to the larger perspective, what is the outer boundary of the space in the above. Lord Shiva and mother Goddess Parvati in different forms became all pervasive God to Rajbanshis from time immemorial. Therefore, in all logical analysis, Hinduism existed prior to the advent of Aryans in these parts of India. Jainism, Buddhism, Muslim, and Christianity- all these religions subsequently made inroads to these areas. In fact, true secularism existed in these parts of India since long.

9. ECONOMIC FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR UNDER DEVELOPMENT OF RAJBANSHI SPEAKING PEOPLE

The dominance of the age-old landlords in rural populace was by and large over by the end of fifties. Ownership of agricultural lands shifted to new hands, who had the purchasing power. Cash rich Hindu Bengali migrants from erstwhile East Pakistan were the most beneficiaries of the new act. Influx of migrants in to North Bengal was a continuous process and their number was so great, they became a major factor of political ‘Vote Bank’ and they were utilised to the fullest. They were mutually benefited too. But, it created lot of pressure on the aboriginal agriculturist Rajbanshis in North Bengal. The demand of land rose. In 1967, leftist Government of West Bengal implemented second phase of land ceiling and distribution to the landless. The backbone of the tenancy system of agriculture was broken once for all. Sharecroppers and the landless wage earners supposedly became new owners of land. But they did not have enough capital or infrastructure to plough the land and sow seeds. Within a short span of time, most of them approached their local political mentors for help, who helped them with money but in return got their lands mortgaged. Lack of funds and pressure of poverty forces the petty landowners to sell their mortgaged land to their mentors. Thus another generation of local power wielding politically affiliated landlords were born, became saved the erstwhile sharecroppers and wag earners for time being. But the problem was far from over.

Changing ownership of Agricultural Lands: Village or Block level political leaders wielding enormous power delegated to them from their ruling political higher ups often act as decision making bodies for the rural Rajbanshis in North Bengal. In the past, small farmers mostly the sharecroppers depended heavily on local leaders for a share of land under land distribution policy of the State Government. Most of the lands distributed to the peasants, who were estimated to be 1.4 crores alone affiliated to ‘Krishak Sabha’ in West Bengal, for last thirty years or so have so far changed hands several times to finally reach to the influential local of the other castes or the local level political leaders. The euphoria of land reforms and abolition of ‘Zamindari’ system, which engulfed in the State long ago, is almost over by now. The cherished dreams of erstwhile sharecroppers under the system of tenancy for becoming owners of lands have not come fully true. Under the land distribution system excess lands owned by the landlords acquired by the government were indeed distributed among the landless people but these poor new owners lacked capital and infrastructure for cultivation in the fields. Soon they started borrowing from their local moneylenders or their local leaders. Once money borrowed could hardly be repaid, in fact their borrowings increased to meet their day-to-day living because they had lost the earlier facility available to them from their landlords. Finally, poor beneficiaries of distributed lands had to hand over their lands to the moneylenders in lieu of some more money. New owners of the agricultural lands were no peasants to cultivate in the fields and in most opportune times they sold their holdings to outsiders at much higher prices. Ultimately, at present, those tenant farmers or the sharecroppers of yesteryears have no worth mentioning existence; what we find today is that land holdings have either got fragmented due to increase in members of the families or changed several hands to rest with a new class of politically affiliated owners.

Displacement of Rajbanshi speaking people from Towns: In modern period, literate and better informed upper caste Bengali gentry migrated from south Bengal for royal jobs or trade actually started putting down this community began in 1908 from the day when Kalika Das Datta, minister of Cooch Behar king Nripendra Narayan colluded with the Company officials to bypass the king to take unilateral decision to secede Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling to the British Empire. In fact, after the sad demise of royal influence, upper caste Hindu Bengalis settled in the kingdom, slowly placed them in the driver’s seat as far as administration of urban centres of erstwhile entire northern Bengal were concerned. It happened in case of very capital town of erstwhile Koch dynasty, Cooch Behar where ethnic Rajbanshis lost their landed properties to caste Hindu Bengalis, most of whom were migrated from south long ago under the patronage of the royal house.  Similar case was seen for Jalpaiguri town too. The royal palace of king of Jalpaiguri is in dilapidated state today and left over ethnic Rajbanshi residents are the unhappiest lot in the town.

            Bengali refugees coming from erstwhile East Pakistan were given warm welcome by the Bengali dominated political parties. In fact, as soon as refugees entered Bengal, they held flags of ruling political party and settled in North Bengal and Assam wherever they found it convenient. Lands were soon transferred on their names leaving the Rajbanshi people high and dry.

Negligible Access to Industrialization and Services Sectors: Industrialization in Rajbanshi inhabited areas has long been neglected. Except, tea, timber and few others agro-based industries such as pineapple, bamboo, cane furniture etc. no worth mentioning industry is available in such areas where Rajbanshis can find some employability. So far these people have not proved to be enterprising, may be because of their nature or for lack of capital and opportunities. Also, they have not developed banking habits. Due to poor financial conditions and inability to pledge collateral security, generally Rajbanshis fail to get Bank loans for setting up any industry. Again, lack of adequate exposure to the modern life this community has negligible presence in the vibrant services sector, which is contributing in the growth of Indian economy. So, unless special economic packages are given to the Rajbanshis, they cannot do business and set up any industry.

10. POLITICAL ASPIRATIONS OF RAJBANSHIS AND ASSURANCES

GIVEN BY PT. JAWAHAR LAL NEHRU AND SARDAR VALLAVBHAI PATEL

People of Cooch Behar gave their full support to freedom struggle. When freedom came to India, people of not only erstwhile Kingdom but whole of North Bengal regardless of their caste and creed were jubilant as they saw a ray of hope in making their homeland into a full-fledged state of Indian Republic. Then Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru and Home Minister Sardar Ballavbhai Patel assured the people of the state that their political and socio-economic aspirations would be fulfilled after joining the union. So it appeared to them as a great occasion for celebration by one and all.

Cooch Behar State formally got merged with Indian Dominion on the 12^th September 1949. Cooch Behar State was placed in the list of ‘C’ category states. On the historic occasion of handing over of power, Honourable Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel sent a message to Sri Nanjappa, Chief Commissioner of Cooch Behar on the eve of formal handing over function. The said message sent in a letter as given in the book, ‘Patel’s Correspondences, 1945-55’ compiled by Durga Das, Vol. No. 7, page 553, is reproduced here:

“From Minister, Home                                                                       Camp, Birla House,

                                                                                                            Malabar Hill,

                                                                                                            Bombay, 11^th Sept. 1949

To,

Sri Nanjappa,

Chief Commissioner of Cooch Behar,

On the handing over of Cooch Behar to Central administration, I send to its people my best wishes and assurance on behalf of the Govt. of India that though far, their interest welfare will claim our close and intimate attention, I am fully aware of the many problems, political and economic, which affect the state and I am confident that with their co-operation and assistance we would succeed in solving them in the best interest of the state and the country for their happiness and prosperity, unity and mutual adjustment between the constituent elements of the population are essential pre-requisites without this such resources and personnel as we may be able to spare for them would avail little.

I hope therefore, that the people of Cooch Behar will work with single mindedness and devotion to duty as a united team for their own betterment and to achieve their due place in the political and administrative set-up of India.

To accept transfer of territory from a ruler is no small responsibility which we feel on this occasion. To give up sovereignty over territory is no mean sacrifice. I am grateful to him for the spirit of accommodation and understanding which he has displayed and the prompt manner which he accepted our advice.

May he and his people be happy, prosperous under the new dispensation which is being inaugurated today.

                                                                                    Sd/-

                                                                        Sardar Vallavbhai Patel

                                                                        Home Minister, India”

More than six decades passed but the Central Government is yet to fulfill the political aspirations of the people of Cooch Behar State.

11. GENESIS OF DEMAND FOR SEPARATE GREATER COOCH BEHAR STATE

Whether the mindset of the Koch-Rajbanshi community is a separatist one or different needs preponderance. What separatist mindset in real sense may be defined as a common ideological thought among a group of people within a geographical area based on a dissension mood with a view of getting separated from mainland so as to have own sovereign machinery of governance. It implies severing all ties from the mainstream governing machinery of the nation and dilution of the sovereignty, which are the keywords of separatist mindset.  In case of Rajbanshis, mindset should not be termed as separatist mindset. The contributions made towards the freedom struggle, not objecting to the Congress Party’s intention merger of Cooch Behar State with West Bengal and remaining loyal to the nation in all respects are the strong superstructure upon which the mindset of this community is standing that appear can never go against the national interests.

Main factors that are responsible for demanding a separate state is to have an identity of their own, safeguard their socio-economic interests, development of their cultural heritage and language and have some say in economic-political fields. Geographically and demographically South and North Bengal separated by the river Ganga, are already two separate identities. Also, entire North Bengal barring its hilly areas, Purnia and Kishanganj districts of Northern Bihar, districts of lower Assam and northern districts of Bangladesh are more contiguous. Demand for a separate state of Cooch Behar is the logical end.   

12. Diminishing Employment Opportunities for Rajbanshis and Rising Employment to Bangladeshi Migrant Bengalis 

While Indian economy is growing and lot of job opportunities are being created Rajbanshi speaking people are lagging behind. The scenario of jobs for the rural Rajbanshis is totally different. Difference between them and the educated mainstream urban communities is so vast that no amount of economic growth can help up lifting of rural Rajbanshis. These unfortunate people, whose number is almost a crore, have to miss the bus of the country's booming employment market for which reasons are mainly two fold - high drop out rate in schools due to poverty and little exposure to urban life. The degree of the worsening situation for job opportunities to the rural Rajbanshis can be gauged when one finds hundreds and thousands of candidates belonging to this community queuing up for only few vacancies of forth grade jobs that too, they fight it out for only 15% seats being SC in case of North Bengal and 7.5 seats being ST in Assam, whereas they are in absolute majority in rural North Bengal and lower Assam.

The situation is such that no amount of reservation can help these people because they have not been able to achieve even the basic educational qualification due to acute poverty and lack of higher education. As there is hardly any scope for them to get jobs in industrial hubs or developed centres of modern technology, rural Rajbanshi youth are now moving towards manual labour like masons, artisans, wage laborers, stone crushers, domestic help etc. This is the bitter truth and the reality happening to these hapless Rajbanshis today. This trend is harming to the community heavily and is a cause of deep concern; unless trend is reversed the community cannot come out from the downslide of their economic conditions. Also, poor economic conditions are one of the major motivating factors for the Rajbanshi youth to rebel against the system.

13. UNDUE FEAR OF FURTHER PARTITION OF BENGAL AND ASSAM

Going by the historical facts, such a large portion of eastern/northeastern India is itself a larger political entity. The British Raj made it a part of Bengal Province for their administrative convenience, otherwise in no sense it was part of West Bengal or Assam or Bihar. Rajbanshi speaking people formed the majority of rural population from time immemorial. Their Rajbanshi language which was state language till beginning of seventeenth century and above all, a distinct Rajbanshi culture bear the testimony for Rajbanshi entity. Like any other state like Bihar, Assam and Orissa, this erstwhile Cooch Behar state only formed part of Bengal province. Therefore, for all practical purposes, the misnomer of this particular state is mere a part of Bengal needs to be cleared off from the minds of national political leadership. Cooch Behar was a flourishing State and its people are competent enough to administer themselves.

            Similar is the case for Assam and ruling them for the sake of maintaining political hegemony over these people is not justified. Present system of ruling majority rural Rajbanshis by mainstream people of respective states appears to be one that is similar to notorious 'Apartheid'. Since, Cooch Behar State was never a part of Bengal, Bihar or Assam, question of partitioning itself does not hold good; in fact, erstwhile Cooch Behar State should get its earlier status back as a separate state. Doing so will be the right political decision otherwise peace may not return in this part of the country and foreign powers will keep taking advantage of the any kind of turmoil. So, logical end is returning separate statehood for erstwhile Cooch Behar state, sooner it is done better it is for the nation.

            Great visionaries like Shyma Prasad Mukherjee, the founder of ‘Jan Sangh’ and father of Indian Constitution, Dr. BR Ambedkar were advocates of smaller States. So, what if we have smaller States in India? For the simple thinking that Bengalis and Assamese would not like to divide Bengal and Assam should not be the reason not to have smaller states. What we need is ‘Unity in Diversity’ where identities of all diverse cultures and communities should be recognized and socio-economic and political aspirations should be fulfilled to cherish the dream of unity in India. So, granting or restoration of statehood to Cooch Behar State is going to be beneficial in the long run.

14. THE HIDDEN AGENDAS OF GREATER BANGLADESH / BANGALISTAN

What is most disturbing development is taking place in eastern part of India is that of a hidden agenda of hardliner Bengalis, most of who are the migrants from Bangladesh and now got settled in North Bengal and Assam. Their main agenda is that of extending hegemony of Bengalis both socio-economically and politically, so that their dream of creation Greater Bangladesh or  a sovereign nation named ‘Bangalistan’ comes true in eastern India. Their proposed territory includes whole of North Bengal, Parts of Assam, whole Bangladesh, Parts of Bihar, Parts of Orissa, whole of Tripura, Parts of Nepal and adjoining areas(copy of a map published by ‘Aamra Bangali’ for Bangalistan is enclosed). Bengalis are already dominating urban areas of North Bengal and making headway towards rural areas too. They have got major share of employment of government sector because being more literate their wards stand better chances. Rajbanshis being dubbed as scheduled caste(SC), get chance to compete only for 15% of vacancies, that too, get shared by mainstream Bengali SC candidates. As a result, Rajbanshis do not share of reservation of mere 5% to 10%, whereas, they have been the majority of population in rural areas.

To finish off Rajbanshis from the pages of history may be other hidden agenda.  In this connection, it is pertinent to mention that Rajbanshi Kshatriya community, the peasant group of Rajbanshi speaking people of North Bengal who form the majority population of the area were cleverly brought under scheduled caste(SC) category on the behest of then Congress led Chief Minister of West Bengal, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy after the partition. To ensure perpetual subjugation of Rajbanshis under mainstream Bengalis in the State, it was his game plan to bring the community in the lower rung of the society just for little cost of 15% reservation and paltry school/college stipends. Once the Rajbanshis become extinct from the society, the hidden agendas of the mainstream Bengalis can only be possible – this is the crux point. Thus, being the majority, Rajbanshis were made to settle for minority benefits. The central government should take of it for the national interest.

15. RAISING OF ‘NARAYANI REGIMENT’ IN THE ARMY

Post-Independence days could not be termed as happier as ought to be for Rajbanshis. The ex-Maharaja Lt. Colonel Jagaddipendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur had been bitterly involved with legal battles with the government of West Bengal for the ownership over royal private properties. The significance of the articles of the agreement for merger signed between the Governor General of India and his highness the Maharaja Jagaddipendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur on 28^th August 1949 was given a simple go by. An assurance was given to ex- Maharaja by V.P. Menon on behalf of the central government vide Ministry of States letter D.O. No.F.15(19)/49 dated the 30^th August 1949(PARA. 14) saying that “The Government will endeavour to associate the name of “Narayan” with the Cooch Behar State Forces even after their absorption in the Indian Army”(Copy enclosed). It is pity that even the Rajbanshis themselves are unaware of many facts. For example the name of 'Narayani Company' in the Rajshahi Regiment is almost a forgotten name. Many assurances given by the central government during merger are yet to fulfill.

Although a young Rajbanshi is free to join any Regiment but it does not give him the honour of being a martial Rajbanshi. Raising a Rajbanshi Regiment will not amount to a feeling of communalism because Rajbanshi speaking people belong to both Hindu and Muslim communities. Also, within the Rajbanshis there are 'Adhikaris' who belong to priest class like Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Kayasthas and Sudras. Thus, raising such a Regiment in the Army, in any means is not going to negate any national policy.

16. RELEASE OF DETAINED RAJBANSHI POLITICAL PRISONERS

 Giving criminal treatment to Rajbanshi detainees, who are arrested for agitation and put in Jails in West Bengal, appears to be high handedness on the part of State governance and pitiable as there is none to protest against it. No one knows the exact number of such detainees and what would be their fate. The charges framed against them are either criminal cases or anti-national activities, whereas they were arrested simply for protesting against the State or demonstrating for legitimate demands. Being poor, relatives of these detainees are unable to fight Court cases. Such detainees should be treated as political prisoners. All those detainees not actually involved in criminal charges should be released as hardly any terror activity is generally observed among docile Rajbanshi speaking people.

17. LACK OF SUPPORT FROM MEDIA

The media appears to be ignorant about the sufferings of the Rajbanshi people. The reasons behind the silence on the part of both print and electronic media are the avoidance of any news concerning problems of these people to be made public by the respective governments of West Bengal, Assam and Bihar. As the state governments are dominated by the mainstream people of the states, it is easier for them to hide facts about Rajbanshis.

           

The flow of information through the media has been knowingly kept suppressed otherwise; weaknesses of the mainstream people will be exposed to the nation. So far, there is hardly any support received by these people from media or any government run broadcasting agency. There is dire need of a television channel for these people whose population is bigger than number of smaller states in India. Socio-economic, cultural, linguistic and political deprivation of the Rajbanshi speaking group of people should be made known to the citizens of the nation

18. CONCLUSION

‘People like to be ruled by themselves’ is as true as democratic values. It has got no alternative except either to destroy them to extinction or delay to some extent.  It does not exclusively mean struggle for self-determination for a separate state sort of thing. By saying so what can be inferred is that original population of the area must have their own recognition and have a say in the corridors of power and a pivotal role to play in the governance of the state. Without giving them their dues, political stability can never be obtained. South Africa is a vivid example where minority whites had to give away political powers to the majority black people to bring an end to the age-old struggle against apartheid and finally bring peace and stability in the country.

Out of total population of more than a crore,  they hardly represent in the State Assembly or Parliament, which appears to be unjustifiable in terms of opportunity of equal representation in a democracy. Whatever, in meager in numbers they represent are due to party based political affiliation of the political leaders, who even if they desire cannot raise a voice on behalf of the community as such unless directed to do so by their party high command. This aberration in the parliamentary system of representation needs to be addressed, as Rajbanshis do not have any say in the parliamentary democracy of the nation. This is one of the vital aspects of the dissention amongst the ranks and files of educated Rajbanshis.    

            However, suggested political power given to the Rajbanshis to have a say in the governance or state’s political establishment should constitute absolute power that can be used to dislodge all other communities settled in the domain. Only new settlers should be avoided and those, who have already settled permanently be treated at par with the indigenous Rajbanshis. Bengali, Assamese and Rajbanshis have to live side-by-side and work for their betterment hand to hand, otherwise there is no hope.

             Since, Rajbanshi people have distinct cultural identity, their very own age-old language, a land which belonged to them from time immemorial, a brilliant history(albeit, kept obscure for vested interest by mainstream people) and more importantly, after independence their political aspirations for a separate State were promised by the national leaders it is highly desired that a separate state from  these people should immediately be granted carving out from West Bengal, Assam and Bihar, as their demand is more genuine and practicable than other similar demands from elsewhere in the country.    

New Delhi,                                                                                                Capt. Nalini Ranjan Ray

Dated: Nov. 06, 2011