The Koch dynasty ruled parts of present-day Assam and Bengal in eastern India from 1515 to 1949, emerging from the decaying Kamarupa Kingdom. They established their kingdom by overthrowing the Baro-Bhuyans, who had previously ended the brief rule of Alauddin Hussain Shah. The dynasty eventually split into Koch Bihar and Koch Hajo, with Koch Bihar becoming a princely state under British rule and later joining the Indian Union. Currently the KOCH royal family members are actively working towards the creation of a separate KAMATAPUR state and the inclusion of the KOCH-Rajbongshi community as a Scheduled Tribe(ST), for this the family also pleading support from all the KOCH-Rajbongshi people in the world and also assures that there support will never go in vain.

The Koch Rajbongshi community is an indigenous group with a rich and complex history, primarily residing in the northeastern region of India (Assam, West Bengal, and Meghalaya), parts of neighboring Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. They are believed to have descended from the ancient Koch kingdom, and the term "Rajbongshi" or "Rajbanshi" signifies a connection to the royal lineage. While traditionally considered a tribal society with Mongoloid origins, the community has undergone a process of Sanskritization, adopting aspects of Hindu culture and customs over time. This evolution has led to a degree of identity fluidity, with some identifying as Koch, others as Rajbongshi, and still others embracing the combined Koch-Rajbongshi identity. The community's historical connection to the Kamata kingdom, which once encompassed large parts of their current inhabited territories, is an important aspect of their identity. 

2. Social structure and traditional practices

Historically, Koch Rajbongshi society exhibited characteristics of both patriarchal and matriarchal systems. Though traditionally the father holds the primary role in the family, the mother plays a significant role in managing household affairs. Evidence of a matriarchal lineage can be found in beliefs associated with birth, where the inheritance of wealth is transferred from mother to daughter. However, with the influence of other cultures and modernization, a shift towards a more patriarchal system is noticeable in many areas. Despite these changes, the community maintains a strong sense of collective identity and cultural pride, rooted in their shared heritage and traditions. 

3. Cultural expressions and traditions

The Koch Rajbongshis have a vibrant culture expressed through various forms, particularly in their rich oral traditions. Their folk beliefs, passed down through generations, encompass rituals and customs related to birth, marriage, and death. Agriculture is a central aspect of their lives, and many festivals and rituals are linked to agrarian cycles, reflecting their close connection with nature. Music and dance are integral to their cultural identity. Popular musical forms include Bhawaiyya, Chatka, and Bishohora Pala, performed with a range of instruments like Dotora, Sarindra, and Dhak. Handloom weaving, especially the creation of products like the Gamusa, is another important traditional craft, symbolizing their cultural heritage. 

4. Festivals and religious practices

While largely Hindu, the Koch Rajbongshis have their own deities and unique religious practices intertwined with folk traditions. Nature worship, including prayers to the earth and other natural elements, holds significant importance. One prominent festival is Hudum Puja, a women-only ritual performed to invoke rain and ensure agricultural prosperity. Hudum Puja involves singing songs, some of which are considered explicit in their content, along with dancing, often performed in the nude as a symbolic act to please the rain god. Another significant festival is Maroi Puja, dedicated to the snake goddess Manasa. This puja involves Deodhani dances and Kushan dance, along with songs and enactments of mythological tales like that of Behula and Lakshindar. The community's religious practices reflect a blend of traditional beliefs and adopted Hindu rituals, showcasing their unique cultural syncretism. 

5. Challenges and aspirations

Despite their rich cultural heritage, the Koch Rajbongshi community faces challenges in preserving their traditions amidst the influence of modernization and globalization. The increasing popularity of dominant languages and cultural forms threatens to erode their native Kamtapuri language and traditional practices. Moreover, the community, particularly in Assam, has been engaged in a long-standing movement demanding Scheduled Tribe status to ensure better socio-economic and political representation. The fight for recognition and the reestablishment of the historic Kamatapur State reflects their aspirations for cultural preservation, political autonomy, and social justice.