Socio-economic and cultural status of the Deshi Muslim community of Assam: A study based in Kokrajhar district
Author(s): Anowarul Islam
Abstract: Introduction: Deshi Muslims are primarily descendants of indigenous converts to Islam from various ethnic groups such as Koch, Mech, Rabha, Kalita, and Bodo. They predominantly inhabit the western districts of Assam, including Kokrajhar, and communicate mainly in Goalpariya (Ujani) and Rajbanshi language with relatively slightly separate food. Although there is a confusion among the common people of Assam about the separate identity features of the Deshi people, who are almost 25 lakhs scattered in the districts of lower Assam.
Objective: To identify the distinctive socio-cultural features of Deshi Community and highlighting the socio-economic conditions of Deshi people of the study area.
Research problem: Despite sufficient historical documents, this community is facing many difficulties in terms of socio-cultural aspects and identity issues. The study is aimed at exploring the distinctive socio-cultural features of the Deshi community and economic conditions of Deshi people of the study area.
Method and data: The study is carried out on the basis of secondary and primary data and is based in the Kokrajhar district of Assam. The primary data has been collected from 20 educated elderly persons of the community, and it was based on the interview method with a structured schedule. The secondary data that has been used here in the article is selected from different government reports, statistical surveys, and internet sources.
Results: The Deshi community is presently a very socio-economically and culturally backward community which is because of their educational backwardness and unconsciousness. The lack of proper socio-economic survey of the recent status is found one of the prominent causes of marginalization and assimilation of their socio-cultural identities.
DOI: 10.33545/26646021.2025.v7.i1c.440Pages: 158-161 | Views: 158 | Downloads: 16Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Anowarul Islam.
Socio-economic and cultural status of the Deshi Muslim community of Assam: A study based in Kokrajhar district. Int J Political Sci Governance 2025;7(1):158-161. DOI:
10.33545/26646021.2025.v7.i1c.440
