Kochs are the primitive tribal group of north-eastern India. They live in the states of
Assam and
Tripura. The tribe is believed to be an offshoot of the Garo. They speak a language known as 'Koch,' a Baric language that belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family.
The community members are hard-working and peace-loving people. Traditionally, they practice 'plot rotation' type farming. Kochs are also adept carpenters, blacksmiths and merchants.
Kochs reside in small village settlements, which are divided into clans and castes, and are run by a village chief. Their various geographical groups are known as 'jai'. These groups are divided into several sub-sections that branch into local lineage groups. They allow marriages within the same clan.
Koch sleep in huts made of mud or bamboo with thatched roofs. Kochs practice some type of ethnic religion, which revolves around an extensive number of village and household gods. They worship the gods of fire, water and the forest.
