International Journal of Research in Social Sciences
Vol. 6 Issue 11, November 2016,
ISSN: 2249-2496 Impact Factor: 6.278
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54
International Journal of Research in Social Sciences
http://www.ijmra.us , Email: editorijmie@gmail.com
Voice of the Indigenous: Perspective of North
Bengal
Dr. Kartik Chandra Sutradhar
Abstract:-
Since the attainment of independence of India in 1947 lot of discontents and grievances were
being accumulated among the indigenous people of North Bengal, particularly, the people of
Northern portion. As a result of the reformative measures taken by the British the socio-
economic and cultural pattern of the people of North Bengal were being changed rapidly. Huge
number of people of different castes, religion and classes immigrated in the region. These
immigrated people including the English people dominated on the illiterate and simple minded
indigenous people capturing the economy of this region. Culturally the immigrated people,
particularly the Varnahindus or the people of „Sanscritic culture‟ and the people belonged to
Western culture dominated and extended their culture on the indigenous people. Needless to say,
as a result of the immigration and their activities the indigenous people of the district were
deprived and oppressed in different ways. It is relevant to mention here that in spite of attaining
the independence on the 15
th
August, 1947 after age- long struggle by the Indians, the
oppressions and depressions of the peasants, workers that were lower class or depressed class
people could have not been ended at all. They were affected socially, economically and
culturally as a result they protested against all sorts of deprivations and negligence in time to
time organizing and conducting socio- political movements such as Uttarakhand- UTJUS,
Kamtapur movement and Greater Cooch Behar movement etc. which has hampered peace and
integrity of North Bengal.
Key words: North Bengal, Indigenous people, Kamtapur movement, Greater Cooch Behar.