HOPGLOBE: 2024

State Language - Assamese

State Festival - Bihu

State Dance - Bihu Dance

State Flower - Foxtail Orchids (kopou phul)

State Tree - Dipterocarpus macrocarpus (hollong)

State Animal - One Horned Rhinoceros (gor)

State Bird - White Winged Wood Duck

Foxtail Orchids

Hollong Tree

Gor

Deo Haah

History of Assam

Prehistory to c. 1950

In the earliest recorded times, Assam was part of Kamarupa, a state that had its capital at Pragjyotishapura (now Guwahati). Ancient Kamarupa included roughly the Brahmaputra River valley, Bhutan, the Rangpur region (now in Bangladesh), and Koch Bihar, in West Bengal state. King Narakasura and his son Bhagadatta were famous rulers of Kamarupa in the Mahabharata period (roughly 400 BCE to 200 CE). A Chinese traveler, Xuanzang, left a vivid account of the country and its people about 640 CE. Although information about the following centuries is meagre, clay seals and inscriptions on copper plates and stone that date from the 7th to the mid-12th century indicate that the inhabitants of the region attained considerable power and a fair degree of social, economic, and technological development. The copper plates further provide clues as to the locations of important ancient settlements and the routes connecting them.

Assam was ruled by various dynasties—the Pala, Koch, Kachari, and Chutiya—and there was constant warfare among the princes until the coming of the Ahom people in the 13th century. The Ahom crossed the Patkai Range from Myanmar (Burma) and conquered the local chieftains of the upper Assam plain. In the 15th century the Ahom, who gave their name to the region, were the dominant power in upper Assam. Two centuries later they defeated the Koch, Kachari, and other local rulers to gain control of lower Assam up to Goalpara. Ahom power and prosperity reached a zenith during the rule of King Rudra Singh (reigned 1696–1714), before the kingdom was occupied by warriors from Myanmar in the late 18th century.

Conflict among the princes gradually weakened the central administration until 1786, when the ruling prince, Gaurinath Singh, sought aid from Calcutta (Kolkata), which by that time had become the capital of British India. A British army officer, sent by the British governor-general in India, restored peace and subsequently was recalled, in spite of the protests of the Ahom king. Internal strife then caused one crisis after another until, in 1817, forces from Myanmar entered Assam in response to the appeal of a rebellious governor and ravaged the area.

The British, whose interests were threatened by those developments, ultimately drove out the invaders, and, after the Treaty of Yandabo was concluded with Myanmar in 1826, Assam became a part of British India. A British agent, representing the governor-general, was appointed to administer Assam, and in 1838 the area was incorporated into British-administered Bengal. By 1842 the whole of the Brahmaputra valley of Assam had come under British rule. A separate province of Assam (administered by a chief commissioner) was created in 1874 with its capital at Shillong. In 1905 Bengal was partitioned, and Assam was amalgamated with eastern Bengal; this created such resentment, however, that in 1912 Bengal was reunited, and Assam was once more made a separate province. During World War II, Assam was a major supply route for Allied forces operating in Burma. Several battles fought in the area in 1944 (e.g., at Bishenpur in Manipur and Kohima in Nagaland) were decisive in halting the Japanese advance into India.

Assam since Indian independence

With the partition and independence of India in 1947, the district of Sylhet (excluding the Karimganj subdivision) was ceded to Pakistan (the eastern portion of which later became Bangladesh). Assam became a constituent state of India in 1950. In 1961 and 1962 Chinese armed forces, disputing the McMahon Line as the boundary between India and Tibet, occupied part of the North East Frontier Agency (now Arunachal Pradesh but then part of Assam). In December 1962, however, they voluntarily withdrew to Tibet.

Between the early 1960s and the early 1970s Assam lost much of its territory to new states that emerged from within its borders. In 1963 the Naga Hills district became the 16th state of India under the name of Nagaland. Part of Tuensang, a former territory of the North East Frontier Agency, was also added to Nagaland. In 1970, in response to the demands of the tribal peoples of the Meghalaya Plateau, the districts embracing the Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, and Garo Hills were formed into an autonomous state within Assam, and in 1972 it became a separate state under the name of Meghalaya. Also in 1972 Arunachal Pradesh (the North East Frontier Agency) and Mizoram (from the Mizo Hills in the south) were separated from Assam as union territories; both became states in 1986.

Communal tensions and violence remained a problem in Assam even after the four ethnic-based states were created. In the early 1980s, resentment among the Assamese against “foreigners”—mostly immigrants from Bangladesh—led to widespread violence and considerable loss of life. The antiforeign campaigns were spearheaded by the All Assam Students’ Union, which was led by Prafulla Kumar Mahanta. Subsequently, disaffected Bodo tribal people (in Assam and Meghalaya) agitated for an autonomous state. They were joined by the militant United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), which waged a vigorous guerrilla campaign for the outright secession of Assam from India.

In 1985 Mahanta helped form a new political party, the Assam People’s Council (Asom Gana Parishad; AGP), which won legislative elections in the state that year and formed a government with Mahanta as chief minister (head of government). There followed a period of greatly increased violence, which was attributed to the ULFA. When it was revealed that AGP members had forged direct links with the ULFA, the national government in 1990 dismissed Mahanta’s government. The Indian army subsequently undertook a series of military campaigns against the separatists (1990–91), and membership in the ULFA was made a criminal offense.

The AGP, which had struggled with internal dissension after being ousted from power in 1990, again took control of the state government in 1996. The party had campaigned on a platform calling for greater autonomy and self-determination in Assam, but it came to oppose the ULFA. However, after it was learned that the AGP government had recruited former ULFA members to kill family members of ULFA leaders, the AGP was voted out of office in the 2001 legislative elections. The ULFA and other separatist groups continued guerrilla and terrorist activities into the 21st century, and the government stepped up counterinsurgency operations. The group, however, also engaged in discussions with government officials, which resulted in the signing of a preliminary peace agreement in 2011.

Attacks continued throughout the following decade, especially from an increasingly independent faction within the ULFA that opposed the peace negotiations. In January 2020, meanwhile, government officials signed an agreement with Bodo militants that awarded amnesty, recognized an autonomous Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) within Assam, and offered significant funding for its development. It was hoped that such a favourable agreement would also incentivize the “anti-talk” ULFA faction to join ongoing negotiations for a permanent agreement.

Land

Assam, which is shaped roughly like a Y laid on its side, is a land of plains and river valleys. The state has three principal physical regions: the Brahmaputra River valley in the north, the Barak River (upper Surma River) valley in the south, and the hilly region between Meghalaya (to the west) and Nagaland and Manipur (to the east) in the south-central part of the state. Of those regions, the Brahmaputra River valley is the largest. According to Hindu mythology, the Brahmaputra rises as the son of the god Brahma from a sacred pool known as the Brahmakund, in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh. The river enters Assam near Sadiya in the extreme northeast and runs westward through the length of Assam for nearly 450 miles (725 km) before turning south to enter the plains of Bangladesh. Studded with low, isolated hills and ridges that rise abruptly from the plain, the valley is rarely more than 50 miles (80 km) wide and is surrounded on all sides, except on the west, by mountains. Numerous streams and rivulets that flow from the neighbouring hills empty into the Brahmaputra. Although only a small portion of the Barak River valley lies within Assam’s borders, it nevertheless forms an extensive lowland area that is important for agriculture in the state’s southern region. Geologically, the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys lie on ancient alluvial sediments, which themselves cover a variety of deposits from the Neogene and Paleogene periods (i.e., some 2.6 to 65 million years old). Among those deposits are hard sandstone, soft and loose sand, conglomerates, coal seams, shales, sandy clays, and limestone.

The south-central hills between Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Manipur include the North Cachar Hills and form part of the Meghalaya Plateau, which may have been an extension of Gondwana (an ancient landmass in the Southern Hemisphere that once grouped together South America, Africa, Australia, and part of the Indian subcontinent). Isolated from the main plateau by the embayments of the Kepili River, the upland there displays a rugged topography. It generally has a northerly slope, with average elevations ranging from about 1,500 feet (450 metres) to about 3,300 feet (1,000 metres).

Roughly between the Brahmaputra valley and the south-central hill region are the northern ranges, which extend northeastward from Dabaka (east of Dispur) to Bokakhat in east-central Assam. The Rengma Hills to the south of the ridge average about 3,000 feet (900 metres). Their most prominent peak is Chenghehishon (4,460 feet [1,360 metres]).

Climate

Average temperatures in Assam range from highs in the upper 90s F (about 36 °C) in August to lows in the mid-40s F (about 7 °C) in January. The cool season generally lasts from October to February and is marked by fogs and brief showers. The state escapes the normal Indian hot, dry season. Although some rain occurs from March through May, the heaviest precipitation comes with the southwest monsoon, which arrives in June, stays through September, and often causes widespread and destructive flooding. Annual rainfall in Assam is not only the highest in the country but also ranks among the highest in the world; its annual average varies from about 70 inches (1,800 mm) in the west to more than 120 inches (3,000 mm) in the east.

Plant and animal life

Forests, formerly extending over nearly two-fifths of the state’s area, were reduced by the creation of Meghalaya and Mizoram in the early 1970s. In the early 21st century about one-third of Assam was covered with various types of woodlands, including tropical evergreen and deciduous forests, broad-leaved hill forests, pine forests, and swamp forests, as well as grasslands. Assam is home to some 75 species of trees, many of which have commercial value. Sal (Shorea robusta) and hollong (Dipterocarpus rhetusus) trees are among the most bountiful of the hardwoods. Bamboo, orchids, and ferns also are abundant.

Assam has numerous wildlife sanctuaries, the most prominent of which are two UNESCO World Heritage sites—the Kaziranga National Park (designated in 1985), on the bank of the Brahmaputra River, and the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (designated in 1992), near the border with Bhutan. Both are refuges for the fast-disappearing Indian one-horned rhinoceros, and the sanctuary at Manas is known especially for its tigers and leopards. Among the other notable inhabitants of Assam’s forests are elephants, gaurs (wild oxen), wild pigs, various species of deer, and primates, such as langurs and hoolock gibbons. Common birds include cormorants, herons, ducks, and other water birds, as well as warblers, thrushes, owls, and peacocks. Hornbills are characteristic of Assam, although they are endangered in some areas. The state also has dozens of species of reptiles, including poisonous snakes, such as kraits, cobras, and vipers; an array of lizards, skinks, and geckos; and many types of turtles.

People of Assam

Population composition

The people of the plains of the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys are mainly of Indo-Iranian ancestry. By the time of their arrival in the region, however, the local Aryan peoples had become intermixed with Asiatic peoples. The Ahom people, who arrived in the region from mainland Southeast Asia during the 13th century, ultimately stem from Yunnan province of southern China. A significant minority of the population consists of rural indigenous peoples who fall outside the Indian caste system; as such, they are officially designated as Scheduled Tribes. The Bodo constitute the largest of these groups. Most of the Scheduled Tribes live in the south-central hill region and are of Asiatic descent.

Assamese, an Indo-Aryan language, is the official and principal language of the state, and an unbroken record of Assamese literary history is traceable from the 14th century. Tibeto-Burman languages are spoken by most of the Scheduled Tribes, although the Khasi people speak an Austroasiatic tongue; some groups have adopted Assamese as their first language. The people in the Barak valley in southern Assam mostly speak Bengali (also called Bangla), which, like Assamese, is an Indo-Aryan language.

About three-fifths of the Assamese are Hindus, the majority of whom follow Vaishnavism, which venerates the deity Vishnu. Roughly one-third of the population practices Islam, most Muslims being settlers from Bangladesh or converts from the lower strata of Hindu society. Although many of the Scheduled Tribes have converted to Christianity, some continue to practice traditional local religions; the Mikir and Kachari peoples are mostly Hindus.

Settlement patterns and demographic trends

The great majority of Assam’s people live in rural areas. The distribution of population is uneven, however, reflecting the hilly terrain, the number of rivers, the forests, the small amount of cultivable land, and the lack of industrialization. The agricultural zone of the Barak River valley supports relatively dense settlement.

Since the late 20th century, population growth has been unusually rapid, mostly due to immigration into Assam of tea garden labourers, herders from Nepal, Muslims from West Bengal, and refugees from Bangladesh. Increasing population in the state’s urban areas reflects not only the growth of industries and the expansion of commercial activity but also the tendency of many of the immigrants—particularly those from Bangladesh—to live near towns. In the early 21st century Guwahati had the most significant urban population.

Economy

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing

Agriculture is of basic importance to Assam, engaging about half of the total working population and generating roughly one-third of the state’s gross product. Rice accounts for more than two-thirds of the sown area. Tea and jute, widely cultivated in the Brahmaputra valley, are important foreign-exchange earners. Assam grows a large portion of the country’s tea. Other crops include oilseeds, pulses (legumes, such as peas, beans, or lentils), corn (maize), sugarcane, rape (an oil-yielding plant, the leaves of which are used for fodder), mustard, potatoes, and fruits. Through improved cultivation methods, some farms yield more than one crop per year.

Livestock and dairy farming have shown moderate growth since the late 20th century, largely promoted by the government. Nevertheless, those activities remain but small contributors to the state’s economy. Sericulture (raising of silk worms), on the other hand, is well established, and Assam is a major producer of silk.

In the forestry sector, sal and other tropical hardwoods are highly valued. Depletion of forest resources and increased erosion, however, have led the government to impose logging bans and enact other legislation to reestablish the country’s woodlands. Aside from timber, important forest products include bamboo, firewood, and lac (the source of shellac).

Aquaculture has been a major focus of agricultural development since the mid-1990s, and yields have increased. Overall yield, however, has continued to fall short of domestic demand.

Resources and power

Minerals exploited commercially in the state include petroleum, coal, natural gas, and limestone. Since the late 19th century, extensive oil reserves have been discovered in northeastern Assam. A refinery, built in the region in 1901 at Digboi, was the first in South Asia. Later, another refinery was established in Guwahati in the west-central part of the state. Coal—used locally by the railways, tea estates, and steamships—also is found in northeastern and south-central Assam. Liquefied natural gas is produced in the northeast, and limestone is quarried in the Mikir Hills.

Assam’s energy is provided by thermal and hydroelectric plants. Less than half of the state’s energy is generated locally, however. A significant portion of Assam’s power is purchased from the national government, private sources, and, to a much lesser extent, other state governments.

Manufacturing

Development of the manufacturing sector has been inhibited by the state’s isolation from the rest of India, by an underdeveloped transport system, by a small local market, and by the lack of sufficient capital. Small-scale industrial enterprises produce (or process) fertilizer, jute, paper, silk and textiles, sugar, chemicals, electronics, and cement. Sawmills and plywood and match factories make use of timber resources.

Transportation

Historically, geography has inhibited the growth of efficient transport systems, and underdeveloped transport and communication systems have in turn hindered economic development in Assam. The Brahmaputra, for example, long has been a major barrier to integrating the transportation networks lying north and south of the river. The situation improved, however, with the opening of several rail and road bridges since the late 20th century. With Assam’s abundance of waterways, inland water transport is important. The Brahmaputra and Barak (Surma) rivers are the state’s primary water channels. Numerous passenger ferries operate between various points on the Brahmaputra, and freight service is offered between Guwahati and Kolkata, West Bengal. There is considerable air traffic between Assam and Kolkata. Among the towns with air service are Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Tezpur, and Silchar. The Guwahati airport offers international service.

Cultural life

The cultural life of Assam is interwoven with the activities of a number of cultural institutions and religious centres, such as the satra (seat of a religious head known as the satradhikar) and namghar (prayer hall). Satras in Assam have been looking after the religious and social well-being of the Hindu population since the 15th century. The Assamese people observe all the pan-Indian religious festivals, but their most important celebrations are the three Bihu festivals. Originally agricultural festivals, they are observed with great enthusiasm irrespective of caste, creed, and religious affinity. The Bohag Bihu, celebrated in the spring (usually mid-April), marks the commencement of the new year (first day of the Bohag or Baishakh month). Also known as Rangoli Bihu (from rang, meaning merrymaking and fun), it is accompanied by much dancing and singing. The Magh Bihu, celebrated in mid-January (in the month of Magh), is a harvest festival. Known also as Bhogali Bihu (from bhog, meaning enjoyment and feasting), it is a time of community feasts and bonfires. The third Bihu festival, the Kati Bihu (in mid-October or November), is also called the Kangali Bihu (from kangali, meaning poor), because by this time of year the house of an ordinary family is without food grains, as the stock is usually consumed before the next harvest. Weaving is another important aspect of the cultural life of the people of Assam, particularly the women. Nearly every Assamese household, irrespective of caste, creed, and social status, has at least one loom, and most women are expected to be skilled in producing fine silk and cotton cloths. Assamese cuisine is based on rice, a variety of vegetables and fruits, and fish. Distinctive are its bitter (khar) and sour (tenga) dishes, which are often served at the beginning and end of meals, respectively. A popular tenga dish is a stew made with pieces of fried fish that are then simmered with fenugreek seeds, vegetables, and lemon or lime juice. Khar recipes often achieve their slightly astringent taste by using a sodalike substance made from the ashes of the banana plant.

DISTRICTS OF ASSAM

BAKSA DISTRICT

Baksa was notified as one of the districts of Bodoland Territorial Region in October 2003 while it started functioning from 1 June 2004, when naturalist-bureaucrat Dr Anwaruddin Choudhury of the Assam Civil Service took charge as its founding Deputy Commissioner. It started working from PWD Inspection Bungalow of Barama on the NH 31 until it was shifted to Mushalpur in late 2010

It was created from parts of Barpeta, Nalbari and Kamrup districts.

On 23 January 2022, Tamulpur district was created by separating Tamulpur sub-division of Baksa district.

Geography

This district is bounded by Bhutan in the north, Udalguri district in the east, Barpeta, Nalbari and Kamrup districts in the south and Chirang district in the west. Area of the district is 2,400 km² (930 sq mi).

National protected area: Manas National Park (Part)

Divisions

The district has three sub-divisions: Mushalpur, Salbari and Tamulpur. These sub-divisions are further divided into 13 revenue circles: Baksa, Barama, Tamulpur, Goreswar, Baganpara, Ghograpar, Barnagar, Bajali, Jalah, Patharighat, Rangia, Sarupeta and Tihu.

Three Vidhan Sabha constituencies of this district are Tamulpur, Barama and Chapaguri. All of these are part of Kokrajhar Lok Sabha constituency.

Administration

Mushalpur town is the headquarters of the district.

Video : Maushalpur

Demographics

Hinduism - 81.74%

Islam - 15.20%

Christianity - 2.59%

Others - 0.59%

According to the 2011 census Baksa district has a population of 950,075. This gives it a ranking of 458th in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 475 inhabitants per square kilometre (1,230/sq mi) . Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 11.17%. Baksa has a sex ratio of 967 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 70.53%. The residual Baksa district has a population of 560,925. Scheduled Castes and Tribes made up 30,837 (5.50%) and 209,686 (37.38%) of the population respectively.

Languages of Baksa district (2011)

Assamese (38.34%)

Bodo (36.33%)

Bengali (17.69%)

Nepali (2.42%)

Sadri (1.61%)

Kurukh (1.47%)

Others (2.14%)

Places of Interest

A major part of the world-famous Manas National Park is located in this district. The park is well known for its Wild Water Buffaloes and Golden Langurs.

Video : Manas Tiger Reserve (Courtesy : Tanjil Tamuli & Team)

Bogamati, a famous picnic spot with picturesque beauties is located in Baksa.

Video : Bogamati Picnic Spot (Courtesy : Currently Kabir)

Bhangtar is the other scenic location situated close to Bhutan border.

Famous Personalities

Pulakesh Barua - Pulakesh Barua is an Indian politician from the state of Assam. He had formed the Natun Asom Gana Parishad (NAGP), a regional political party in 1991 along with Dinesh Goswami and Bhrigu Kumar Phukan but merged the party with the AGP in 1994.

Pulakesh Barua was born on 15 October 1948 in Nalbari to Lt. Prof. Ishwar Chandra Barua, founder of Nalbari college, a social worker and a litterateur and Lt. Ambika Barua. His major contribution as a politician is solution of chronic flood problem of Barbhag area in Nalbari district. He started an employment generation scheme, a dairy farm project in Barkhetry constituency in 1988 which has benefitted the local population greatly.

Pulakesh Barua

BARPETA DISTRICT

Barpeta which is known as Land of the Satras, one of the administrative districts of Assam. Barpeta District was carved out of erstwhile Kamrup District of Assam in July 1983. The district derived its name from the head-quarter town of Barpeta. Created as a Civil Sub-Division in 1841 by the British Administration, John Bator was the first administrative Officer of erstwhile Civil Sub-Division.

Divisions

The District consists of two- Civil Sub-Divisions, (1) Barpeta and (2) Bajali. The Barpeta district covers an area of 3245 sq km.

Barpeta is popularly known as the 'Land of the Satras'. These Satras bear the testimony of the great Assamese reformer, saint, Scholar and Cultural exponent Srimanta Sankardeva and his able disciple Shri Madhabdeva who arrived from Upper Assam back in the 16th century to lay down strong foundation of Assamese Culture in the region through his socio-religious Vaishnava-reform movement

He brought about a clutural change in Assam and built lots of Satras in the area. There are lots of Satras in and around Barpeta, that it has got the name Land of Satras. Barpeta has one largest of the largest Satra in the heart of its town. This Satra was found by Shri Madhab Deva one of the Disciples of Srimanta Sankara Deva. This Satra attracts devotees from all over Assam and outside too particularly during the festival of Holi, when Doul festival is organised and held in the satra as the anniversary for the Gurus. This Satra covers an area of 20 bighas and a lot of buildings can be seen inside the area. There are three asanas kept in the prayer room in the honour of Srimanta Sankara Deva, Shri Madhab Deva and Shri Badula Ata. The two Satraadhikars sit behind the asanas and offer prayers or hold Nam Prasangas as they are called. The kirthan ghar is said to be the largest of its kind in Assam.

Manas National Park is another wild life Sanctuary in the Barpeta District. It is a one of the few Tiger Reserves, an Elephant Reserve and a biosphere too. Rare and endangered wild life like Assam roofed turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langour, Pygmy Hog etc are found in this National Park. Manas, a tributary of the river Brahmaputra paases through this National Park giving it its name. This Park was dedicated to the Nation in the year 1928. This Lower Assam District is bounded by international border of Bhutan in the north, Nalbari District in the east, Kamrup and Goalpara districts in the south and Bongaigaon district in the west.

Assam Roofed Turtle

Hispid Hare

Golden Langour

Administration

Barapeta town is the headquarters of the district

Video Link : Barpeta (Land of Satras) (Courtesy : The Incognito)

Places of Interest

1) Barpeta Satra: The Satra located at the heart of the City attracts devotees from all over the State particularly during Hali when Dail festival is organised and annivarsaries of various Vaishnava Gurus, The buildings within the Satra premise are architectural achievements in its own right.The Kirtan Ghar is considered to be the largest in Assam. The Three Guru Asanas are placed in this buildings in honour of Shrimanta Sankardeva, Shri Madhavdeva and Shri Badula Ata. The two Satradhikars sit behind the Asanas to hold Nam-Prasangas regularly. Numerous buildings are located within the premise covering an area of 20 Bighas

Video Link : Barapeta Satra (Courtesy : Sagar Z Kalita)

2) Pari Hareswar Devalaya: This Shiva Temple was founded back in the ancient period.Located at Dubi near Pathsala of Bajali Sub-
Division Ahom King Shiva Singha made land grants measuring about 760 Puras recorded in Copper-Plate inscriptions and donated an image of Goddesses Durga. There is a legend that Queen Fuleswari, wife of Shiva Singha, was instrumental in bringing Devadasis' or Temple dancers from Upper Assam to perform dances for amusement of the deities of this Temple. The famous dance form "Devadasi-Nritya" is said to have originated in this Temple.

Video Link: Parihareshwar Devalaya (Courtesy : M.S.Mixer)

3) Chinpara Vithi: Chinpara-Vithi is the place where Srimanta Sankardeva landed from his boat at Barpeta on banks of Palangdi Bori; which is presently called Palangdihati. The Saint stayed here for six months to propagate his faith. This place is located about 1/2 K.M. North of Barpeta Satra. The Namghar established by the Guru still exist.

4) Dargah Of Syed Shahnur Dewan: A disciple of Muslim Sufi-Saint Ajan Fakir of Upper Assam Syed Shahnur Dewan came and stayed at Bhella region to spread the Sufi Philosophy of Islamic brotherhood back in the medeival period. This mystic is said to have divine healing power and cured a maternity problem of Queen Fuleswari, wife of Ahom King Shiva Singha. On curing the Queen, the King issued land grants and other patronages to the Fakir. Ahom King Chandra Manta Singha also offered land through issue of Copper-Plate inscriptions which has been lost during the Burmese invasions of 1824

5) Sundaridiya Satra: Located near the Barpeta town this is a Satra that played an important role in spreading Vaishnavisim and reformation, Shri Madhabdeva founded the Satra and composed the "Bliakti Ratnakar" and "Namghosan here in the original Vithi of the Satra.The great saint during his sojourn here dug a Well preserved till today and water of the well is considered holy. Three Guru Asanas are placed in the name of Shri Sankardeva,Shri Madhabdeva and Shri Badula Ata.

Sundariya Satra

4) Manas National Park: Situated in the foothills of the Bhutanese Himalayas, is famous for its majestic tigers and the golden leaf monkey. Established in 1923 as a reserve forest, the Manas National Park was designated as a tiger reserve in 1973. Named after the Manas river, which separates Bhutan from India, the park has dense deciduous forests spread over an area of 2840 so km which provide a sanctuary to twenty highly endangered species of birds and animals, including the hispid hare, pygmy hog and the red panda which can be seen occasionally at higher altitudes. The sanctuary is situated in both India and Bhutan, the two parks, both named Manas, being contiguous.

Along the Manas river and its tributaries are spreads of riverine forests as well as tall grasslands on the floodplains. To the south of the border, the Indian part has tropical forests on high ground, and riverine forests and tall grasslands on the lower plains.

5) Gorokhia Gosair Than: Shri Narayan Das Thakur Ata, a disciple of Shrimanta Sankardeva came to offer his devotion that was said to be founded by some cow herds (Gorokhia). The building of this Than has a close resemblance of the Kirtanghar of Barpeta Satra. The Than covers an area of 25 Bighas where Doul festival is organised annually with great pomp and splendour.

Video Link : Gorakhiya Gosair Than (Courtesy : Creative Axomiya)

6) Ganakkuchi Satra: Established by Sri Madhabdeva, the reformer stayed here for more than 18 years. The vithis of Shri Ram Ata and Shri Ram Atoi are also preserved here. A number of Sachipat Puthis composed by Shrimanta Sankardeva is preserved here. This Satra is located within the radius of Barpeta Municipality.

Video Link : Ganakkuchi Satra (Courtesy : Girija Nanda Das)

7) Patbaushi Satra, Patbaushi

8) Baradi Satra, Baradi

Economy Of Barpeta District

Sarthebari town is located in the easternmost corner of the district famous for the household brass metal industry. Large number households carry out this industry that expertises in making Sarais, Bata, Ban-Batis, Thals, glasses etc. that are traditionally used by the Assamese people. These utensils are unique contribution towards Assamese tradition and culture carried for long period of time. Due to increasing cost of raw materials that is to be imported from other state, the artisans are finding it economically difficult to continue the industry. The main raw materials used in the craft is the brass which is an alloy of copper and zinc in the shape of sheets. The workshops where the artisans of Hajo manufacture the products of brass are called "Garshar. There remains a furnace in the middle of the "Garshali" which the local people called ''Affar'. The artisans work for the whole day with their hammers in the "Affar" to manufacture the products out of brass. In old days the ”Garshali" were in the nearby jungle areas away from populated places to avoid day long noises of the hammers from the people.

Barpeta is famous centre for preparation of Traditional Assamese ornaments with Gold. The ornaments are still as popular as during the medieval period among the female community.

Among the various articles preserved in the Satras, the decorative items made out of wood reflects the skilful artistry of the carpenters. The Guru Asana or the pedestal of the guru, various animals and birds figuring in mythology are aesthetically designed by the artisans.

Materials including Ornaments, Toys, images of Gods and Gcddessess, Animals, Comb etc. are made by skilful artisans of Barpeta since the time of Shrimanta Sankardeva.

Major Towns in Barapeta District

1) Barpeta: The headquarter and the second Largest town in the district. It is virtually a noise and pollution free town with Limited number of automobiles. The town is surrounded by rivulets and canals from all directions. The most important centre of attraction is the Barpeta satra established by Great Vaishnavite saint Madhab Dev.

2) Barpeta Road: The largest town of the district. A busy commercial town also known as the business capital. of Lower Assam. Many communities of people live peacefully in and around the town.

Video Link: Barapet Road Rail Station (Courtesy : Travel With Me)

3) Sarbhog: A small town along national highway no.-31 is known for its famous tasty curd made from buffalo’s milk. Many institutions are located in and around the town.

Video Link : Famous Sarbhog Curd (Courtesy : Pratidin Time)

4) Pathsala: A town in the eastern part of the district is also known as the hollywood of mobile theatres of Assam. Basecamps of many famous and old mobile theatre groups of assam are situated in the town. Majority of the people in town are higher educated.

Video Link : Pathsala Song : City of Culture (Courtesy : Partha Entertainment)

5) Howli: A small town situated as a transit point in between Barpeta and Barpeta Road. It is known for its biweekly markets which cater to all the needs of poor and lower middle class people. Howli is also famous for its extravagant annual Ras festival usually held in the month of November. It is also known for its cottage industry of betelnut.

Video Link : Howli Raas Festival (Courtesy : Hrisikesh Barman)

6) Sarthebari: A small town known for its bell-metal works. The bell metal industry in Sarthebari area took a leap forward during the 19th century when the skill of Pushparam Kohar, a master artisan whose creation “Jati Kahi” can still be seen in British museum in London. The Bell Metal industry of Sarthebari, is one of the traditional artisan based industry of Assam, famous for its artistic bell metal products. Historical records indicate that during seventh century A.D. the king of Kamarpua Kumar Bhaskar Barma presented articles made from bell metal from Sarthebari as a gesture of goodwill to King Harshabardhan of Kanauj in present day Uttar Pradesh. This incident finds a mention in History of Assam by Sir Edward Gates. Thus it can be inferred that this craft was flourishing since the seventh century, if not earlier and its products were not only popular amongst the commoners but also equally popular among the royal families.

Web Link : Sarthebari Bell Metal Utensils (Courtesy : D'Source)

Video Link : Sarthebari Bell Metal Store (Courtesy : Vivek Diaries)

ECommerce : Where to Buy?

7) Kalgachia: A town situated in the western part of the district is mainly resided by bengali-speaking Muslim people. It is an important centre of academic and intellectual activities of Bengali speaking Muslim people of Assam.

8) Bhawanipuri A town situated near by NH31 and the center place of Barpeta District. A well educated and well occupied town.

9) Sarupeta: A town situated near Bhawanipur Town. Mainly known as place of Business.

Languages in Barapet District

At the time of the 2011 census in the residual district, 68.89% of the population spoke Bengali, 29.39% Assamese and 1.03% Bodo as their first language

Religions in Barpeta district

In Barpeta district, as per the 2011 Indian census, Islam is most followed religion with 1,117,033 (77.58%) adherents, while Hinduism is followed by 320,578 (22.27%) of the population. Small percentages of followers of Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism are also present. Muslims are mainly rural and form over 83% of the rural population, while Hindus are majority in urban areas.

Famous Personalities

Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (13 May 1905 – 11 February 1977) was an Indian lawyer and politician from the state of Assam who served as a minister in the Government of Assam and the Government of India before being serving as the fifth President of India from 1974 to 1977. He was the second Muslim to become President of India, and also the second President of India to die in office. As President, Ahmed imposed the Emergency in August, 1975 and gave his assent to numerous ordinances and constitutional amendments that severely restricted civil liberties and allowed Indira Gandhi to rule by decree

Sirajuddin Ajmal is an Indian politician and was a member of parliament of the 16th Lok Sabha from Barpeta (Lok Sabha constituency). He is one of the Director of Ajmal Foundation (NGO) which is actively involved in Social Welfare Activities in the state of Assam, India. The major activities of Ajmal Foundation are:

Ajmal Group of Colleges (13 Colleges) National Talent Search Examinations Literacy Programmes Ajmal Computer Education Centres (25 Nos.) Academic and Professional Coaching Programmes Employment Generation Projects Women Empowerment Schemes Merit Scholarships, Medical Aids, Marriage Aids, Safe Drinking Water Schemes, Low Cost House, Appliances to differently abled persons, sanitation scheme and relief distribution. Ajmal Foundation also has future plans of setting up Ajmal University, Ajmal Engineering College, Ajmal College of Education, Ajmal College of Pharmacy for the poor and downtrodden.

Mahendra Mohan Choudhury (12 April 1908 – 27 December 1982) was a freedom fighter and politician from Nagaon, Undivided Kamrup district (now Barpeta district) of Western Assam. He was Chief Minister of Assam from 1970 to 1972. He also served as governor of Punjab. A great persona and a true Gandhian, he fought for the independence of India during freedom movement and went to jail thrice in 1932, 1941 and in 1945 respectively. He wrote books, viz. Mahatma Gandhi and The Philosophy of Binova Bhabe. He was associated with many socio-religious institutions like Sankardev-Kristi Vikash Samiti, Gita Samaj, Madhupur Satra etc. Mahendra Mohan Choudhury was also instrumental in founding the Saint Sankaradeva Chair at Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, which had contributed immensely in acquainting the pan-Indian community of scholars with the Life and Works of the Saint.

archaeology, tribal study, poetry, drama, memoirs, civics, political science, biographies; he also edited books and journals. He pioneered the writing of books on Economics in Assamese. His Assamese book Axomor Arthaneeti was the first ever research-based comprehensive book on Assam Economics, which was published for the first time in 1963. He was conferred with the honorary title of 'Asom Ratna' -- 'Jewel of Assam' by the intellectuals of Assam.

Bhupendra Nath Goswami (born 1950 at Patbaushi, a small village in Barpeta district of the northeast Indian state of Assam) is an Indian meteorologist, climatologist, a former director of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and a Pisharoty Chair Professor at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research. He is known for his researches on the Indian monsoon dynamics and is an elected fellow of all the three major Indian science academies viz. Indian National Science Academy, Indian Academy of Sciences, and the National Academy of Sciences, India as well as The World Academy of Sciences. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, the apex agency of the Government of India for scientific research, awarded him the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology, one of the highest Indian science awards for his contributions to Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary Sciences in 1995. Goswami is known to have been the first to measure the predictability of tropical climate using coupled ocean-atmosphere system and his studies have widened the understanding of the monsoon dynamics. The principal areas of his studies have been geophysical fluid dynamics and tropical air-sea interactions and he identified a radiative-convective-dynamical feedback mechanism for generating the northward propagating 30-50 day mode, reported to be a first time find. He is also credited with the first time discovery that a convectively coupled gravest Rossby wave is responsible for the observed quasi-biweekly oscillation of monsoon. He headed the Monsoon Mission of India project constituted by the Ministry of Earth Sciences for improving the forecast of seasonal and intra-seasonal monsoon.

Achyut Lahkar (9 July 1931 – 12 June 2016) was the father of the Bhryamyman or Mobile theatre and gave birth to mobile theatre in Assam in the 1960s. He founded the popular Natraj Theatre at Pathsala in 1963 which performed across Assam and in other states for nearly 40 years. He was a pioneering dramatist, actor, director and producer and staged numerous memorable plays on the mobile theatre stage. He also published and edited an illustrated magazine called Deepawali for some time. He was awarded the Kamal Kumari National Award in 1997.

Kalpana Patowary is an Indian playback and folk singer from Assam. She sings in 30 languages and has many folk and popular songs to her credit, while Bhojpuri music has been her most dedicated foray. Patowary was born in a Yogi-Nath family of Nath samradaya community in Barpeta district in Assam. A graduate in English literature, Patowary is an alumnus of Cotton College of Guwahati. Trained in Kamrupiya and Goalporiya folk music by her folksinger father Sri Bipin Nath Patowary, Kalpana started to publicly perform at the tender age of 4 with her father and is also trained as Sangeet Visharad in Indian classical music from Bhatkhande Music Institute University, Lucknow. She sings many forms of Bhojpuri folk music including Purvi, Pachra, Kajri, Sohar, Vivaah geet, Chaita, and Nautanki. Patowary is the first Bhojpuri singer to present an age old tradition of Khadi Birha tradition to international platforms. Patowary is the first woman to record and sing in the Chhaprahiya Purvi style

Ambikagiri Raichoudhury (1885–1967, born in the famous Kshatriya Kayastha Raichoudhury family of Barpeta) was an Assamese poet, lyricist, singer, powerful prose writer, news worker, magazine editor, patriotic, social-worker and the leading freedom fighter of India's freedom struggle. He is known as Assam Kesari. He was elected president of the Assam Sahitya Sabha in 1950. Raichoudhury was a poet, playwright and patriot all rolled in one. He took part in the Independence Movement for India and was imprisoned by the British for the same. He was the founder of "Asom Songrokhini Sobhaa" (Assam Preservation Council) and "Axom Jaatiyo Mohasobhaa". In view of the future of Assam and Assamese, Raichoudhury established "Assamese Rights and Interests Conservation Meeting, Assam Jatiya Mahasabha, and "Assam Shiksha Prachar Samiti to protect the dignity of Assamese. Raichoudhury himself took care to show Assamese society the path of self-establishment economically by opening the "Swadeshi Kinok Sangha and establishing a business company called "Mayabini Chemical Works ". He had also published books like 'Deka-Dekarir Veda , 'Ahuti ' to reveal his doctrine among the people. In 1946-47, during the fear of including Assam to Pakistan, 'Assam Self-Defense Force' created by Assamese Hindu-Muslim united efforts, protesting against the formation of constituencies, declared a resolution to go on hunger strike. He discussed in the writings of 'Chetna' the freedom movement, non-cooperation, the place of violence and non-violence in politics, various problems at home and abroad, as well as the national problems of Assam etc. Two main voices are heard in Raichoudhury's poem. One is the sound of visible nationalism and the other is the soft tone of mystery in 'Tumi' and 'the in Beena'. The poem 'Tumi' begins in beloved physical attracting beauty and finally ends in the global beauty and indomitable beauty of the world. His nationalist poems have a sharp protest against the atrocities and atrocities and there are great calls to go ahead with the battle of life. The poet wishes for a life in which human beings can develop by putting away all the hypocrisy, lowness. Raichoudhury is known as "Assam Kesari" (The lion of Assam) because of his firebrand nationalist character.

BISWANATH DISTRICT

Biswanath is an administrative district in the state of Assam in India. It is one of newly created district in the year by 2015, declared by Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on 15 August 2015. The district is created amalgamating Gohpur and most part of Biswanath Sub division on earlier Sonitpur district. The district is bounded by Arunachal Pradesh on north, Golaghat, Brahmaputra river on the south, Lakhimpur district on the east and Sonitpur district on the west. The administrative headquarter is located at Biswanath Chariali.

The major part of Biswanath district formed a part of the Chutiya kingdom until it was annexed in the 16th century by the Ahoms. The western part of the district was under the rule of independent Bhuyan chieftains. The border between the Chutia kingdom and Bhuyan principalities were marked by the Dikarai and the Ghiladhari rivers. The Chutia kings built many forts in the region which included the Buroi fort (near Nyishi hills) and the Pratapgarh fort built by king Pratap Narayan.

Divisions

Biswanath Chariali, Gohpur

Administration

Biswanath Chariali is the administrative headquarters of the district

Video Link: Biswanath Charial Town (Courtesy : Wide Angle Creation)

Economy

This city is surrounded by lush green tea gardens like Monabarie, Pertubghar, Sakomatha, Nilpur, Pavoi, Kalapani, Ginjia, Ketela, Bihali, Helem, Gohpur, Borgong, Dholie, Mijikajan, and Majuliegarh.

Monabarie Tea Estate

Places of Interest

Biswanath Ghat

Beyond Biswanath Chariali, towards south, there is Biswanath Ghat, also called popularly as "Gupta Kashi". The town is named after the ancient Biswanath mandir. It is called Gupta Kashi, in comparison with Kashi during the golden rule of the Guptas apart from this there is one more believe that since Banasur had built this place secretly from Lord Shiva to surprise Him, that is why it is known as Gupta(In Assamese Gupta means secretly) Kashi. Going by popular sayings, Kashi was home to temple of 330 million gods. The ghat has a cluster of temples of different gods. A Siva temple also called Pani Biswanath is located at the confluence of Bridhaganga (Burigonga) river with Brahmaputra. But now what is left is just the stone posts, beams and other ruins. During the summer the temple remains under water. Only in winter worship is done by constructing temporary shed which draws lot of tourists. On the third day of Assamese Bihu a mela is held at a place called Pani Bharal. The deity is taken from Biswnath Ghat to this place for a day and returns to Ghat there. The mela is celebrated to commemorate the Guxai Bihu festival. Another Siva temple was built in higher ground. But it submerged under ground during the great earthquake of 1897. It could only be partly raised by engineers. The current Biswanath temple had been built in lieu of it. One can visit from here the island of Umatumuni, an archaeologically famous place. Then there is the Siva idol in reverence of God Siva, built by Ban, the king of Tezpur of Hari Harar Yudha fame. The problem of infiltration by Bangladeshis is a major concern over here. Most of the villages consists of people belong to scheduled castes. If you plan to visit Gupta Kashi, it is recommended that you stay in Biswanath Chariali city.

Apart from its historical religious importance, Biswanath Ghat was also a river port (Ghat) of inland water transport service started established by the British in the 19th century. Even now Biswanath Ghat is used as a port by various merchant and cargo vessels sailing across river Brahmaputra.

A lamp post was also erected in the river Brahmaputra to serve as a navigational aid for the ferry and vessels. After a glorious existence of around 170 years, this lamp post was washed away by the speedy currents of the river Brahmaputra.

Video Link : Biswanath Ghat (Courtesy : Moonwalk Media)

Nagsankar Mandir

According to one belief, the Nagsankar temple was built by a King called Nag Sankar from Lohitya dynasty in the late 4th century. Nagsankar reigned eastern Kamarupa (ancient name of Assam) in 378 AD. He was a great king and sent his representatives to his contemporary the Great Asoka of Maurya dynasty.

According to another belief, the temple was built by king Nagmatta. Nagmatta is another name of the powerful king of Assam, Arimatta. Arimatta has an important place in mythology too. He is believed to be the son of the river-god Brahmaputra, who blessed the beautiful wife of king Ramchandra with a son.

According to one myth related to Nagshankar temple when Shiva toured the universe taking the body of Sati the naval part fell in the Nagshankar temple.Therefore, the name of this temple was at first Navishankar and later on, it became Nagshankar. Such types of myths along with making more powerful the tradition increase social significance also.

Nagsankar temple premises includes a beautiful pond with tortoises who respond to the name "Mohan". Nag-Sankar Temple consists of a large pond with more than five hundreds of rare variety of soft-shell turtles keep the temple environment always a visitor's attraction.

Nagshankar temple's pond have confirmed the presence of species — Nilssonia gangetica or Indian softshell turtle, classified as Vulnerable and the Chitra indica or South Asian narrow-headed softshell turtle, listed as Endangered by the IUCN.

Video Link: Nagshankar Temple (Courtesy : Bitupon Saikia)

Video Link : Indian Soft Shell Turtle (Courtesy : Anshuman Kartick)

Gang mou than

Another noteworthy place for visit in this town is the "Gang Mou Than". The great vaishnavite scholar Srimanta Sankardeva is believed to have stayed in this place after crossing the Brahmaputra due scare from enemies. For people visiting other archaeological sites of Biswanath and Gohpur area, Biswanath Chariali provides the base.

Gang Mouthan

The Eco-Tourist resort in Biswanth Ghat named after "Green Ashiyana" completed its construction and is a point of attraction in addition with the food facilities. Moreover, one needs to cross the Brahmaputra in order to get access to this resort on the Uma Tumoni Island.

Green Ashiyana Resort

Languages

Languages spoken in Biswanath Chariali (2011)

Assamese (49.57%)

Bengali (26.96%)

Hindi (17.94%)

others (5.53%)

Bongaigaon District

Bongaigaon is an administrative district in the state of Assam in India. The district headquarters are located at Bongaigaon. The district occupies an area of 2510 sq.km and has a population of census. The decision of the Government of Assam in 1989, to create a new District of Bongaigaon curving out some areas of the Goalpara and Kokrajhar District with its headquarter located at Bongaigaon. On 29 September 1989, the creation of Bongaigaon District was declared by the Government of Assam with its headquarter at Bongaigaon.

Bongaigaon district is surrounded by four districts namely Barpeta in the East, Goalpara in the South-East, Kokrajhar in West and Dhubri in the South-East, Bhutan forms an international border with Bongaigaon district in the Northern part which is about 100 km from Bongaigaon HQs.

Administration

Bongaigaon is the administrative headquarters of the district.

It is a major city in the Indian state of Assam. Its urban area spans across Bongaigaon and Chirang district. The city also serves as the gateway of the North-East Frontier Railway Zone with its New Bongaigaon Junction railway station, the second biggest railway station in North-East India. It also acts as the district headquarters of Bongaigaon district and commercial and industrial hub of the west part of the state of Assam. Bongaigaon is one of the most populated urban agglomerations in Assam, alongside Guwahati, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Silchar^.

The city was the last capital of Koch Hajo and is home to many historical monuments of Koch Rajbonsghi and Kamatapuri cultures. The city, divided into two parts – Old Bongaigaon and New Bongaigaon - is situated 180 kilometres north west of Guwahati, the largest city of Assam. To meet the demands of the Bodo people of Assam, Bongaigaon was divided up to create Chirang district. Bongaigaon has a major petrochemical industry, the Indian Oil Corporation Limited.

Video Link : Bongaigaon City Drone View (Courtesy : Ron Singha)

Video Link : Bongaigaon City (Courtesy : The Incognito

Divisions

The district has three subdivisions: Bongaigaon, Bijni, and North Salmara. In 2004, parts of the Bongaigaon district (mainly areas under Bijni subdivision) were given over to form the Chirang district, under the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), with its district headquarters at Kajalgaon.

On naming the district:

According to hearsay (1) in the long past there were plenty of wild (Bon) Cows (Gai) in the surrounding hilly and forest areas. So, the villagers assembled time to time to drive away the wild cows for protecting their crops. Thus this area was popularly known as Bon-Gai-Gaon. (2) In that big village areas there dwelt one nature-poet named 'Bong' (Bang Roy) who could induce laughters to all his bye-standers with his cryptic but harmless oral composition describing the situation on the spot and in return he could collect grains or coins voluntarily offered by the audience. This was his only source of income and profession. Thus his areas was roughly identified as the village of Bong(Ray) i.e. Bong-erGaon=Bongaigaon that is in course of time.

This Bongaigaon village area was famous for orange fruits which were sold inter-alia other agricultural products in the nearest market named Birjhora Bazar located at the heart of present Bongaigaon town. The word Birjhora was derived from air+Jirowa (Jirowa means resting place) of air(hero). It is held that the noble hero Chilarai took here rest for about two months during rainy season at the time of his invading the neighbouring Kingdoms of entire north-east India.

Video Link : Birjora Bazaar (Courtesy : Sanjay Pathak)

The district was part of Kamrup. In the 14th century, its rule was passed onto the Baro-Bhuyans. Later in the 1580s Nara Narayan of the Kamata kingdom conquered the area and it subsequently became the fiefdom of the Bijni family, who were descendants of Nara Narayan. When the Kamata kingdom split into Koch Bihar and Koch Hajo due to rivalry between the king and his nephew Raghu Rai, Bongaigaon became part of Koch Hajo. Soon Koch Hajo and Koch Bihar went to war, and the Mughal Nawab of Dhaka, supporting Koch Bihar, defeated Rai at Dhubri in 1602. Rai's son Parikshit signed a peace treaty, but hostilities resumed in 1614 and Parikshit was driven back to modern-day Guwahati, where he surrendered and soon after died. His son, Bijit Narayan, was made Zamindar of the region between the Manas and Sankosh from him the Bijni family descended. Koch Hajo was tributary to the Mughals, but in the last decades of the 17th century Mughal influence waned significantly due to the Ahom-Mughal wars in which the Ahoms were eventually successful. Koch Hajo, including Bijni Zamindari, fell under Ahom influence.

Print Link : History and Contribution of Bijni Zamindars (Courtesy : Dr. Sekhar Brahma,Rajasree Das of Bodoland University

The People: From the chequered historical background of this district, it can easily be surmised that the entire area was ruled by Kings/Zaminders/Feudal Lords hailing from the Koch-Rajbonshies belonging to Indo-Mongoloid ethnic group of peoples right from 15th century to the end of princely states in 1956 A.D. The kings of this area had their hoary past and can be traced back to the "Kiratees" of epic age (Mahabharata fame) that is pre-vedic age. These Kiratees of the past are also mentioned in Kalika Puran and Jogingi Tantra and also in histories written both by native and foreign schoolers. Naturally Koches alias Koch-Rajbonshies and Kocharies are the original sons of the soil of this new district. Ravas, Gams, Yogis, Kalitas, Kayasthas and older Muslims are also indigenous who settled in this part of land prior to the advent of Britishers in North East Region. After advent of British Govt. in this part of land , a new term named Bodo/Boro was coined deliberately by European historian. According to them the word Bodo/Boro is a generic term and its species are (i) Kocharies (ii) Koches (iii) Rabhas (iv) Garos (v) Lalungs (vi) Hajongs and (vii) Chutiyas.

Attractions: The scenic beauty of Bongaigaon is well preserved. Although, the town is being developed, the natural habitat remains largely untouched. The town park is open for residents as well as tourists and is well located in the heart of the city. Bagheswari Temple and Bagheswari Hill are also two attractions for the visitors. There are other developments such as expansion of roads and improvements in drainage.

Apart from these there is one more tourist spot near Abhayapuri about 15 kilometers from Bongaigaon town well known as 'KAYAKUJIYA HILL' , a project undertaken by Assam tourisiM development corporation. Its scenic beauty is charming and it attracts thousands of local & foreign tourists every season. It's having small islands in a vast waterland with varieties of flower gardens and consist numerous flora & fauna.

1. Bagheswari Temple (Bagheswari Hill, Bongaigaon Town): Bageswari Temple, one of the oldest in Assam, is situated on the top of a hill called Bageswari Hill which is at the center of Bongaigaon town. The history of Bagheswari temple is such that once a priest saw in his dream that Maa Bagheswari asked him to go to a particular place where if he digs out he will find a sword that belonged to Maa Bagheswari. And the next morning when the priest went to dig in the place he saw in his dreams, he found the sword.After that day a temple was built over the place and there they worship the sword. There is no idol inside the temple. The hill also houses an ancient Shiva temple inside a stone cave and Baba Taraknath Temple.

Bhageshwari Temple

Jogighopa and Pancharatna : Jogighopa and Pancharatna are two historic sites situated on either banks of Brahmaputra River, in Assam. Pancharatna lies on the southern bank and is about 16 km west of Guwahati by road and Jogighopa lies on the northern banks and is about 212 km from Guwahati by Northern Highways. Some cubicles which are cut in steep rocks, supposed to have been used by monks for meditation in the medieval period, are found here. Most of the caves found here are very small. Pancharatna boasts some ruins of a post Gupta temple and also some rock-cut ruins including a monolithic Buddhist Stupa.

Video Link : Jogihopa Ancient Caves (Courtesy : Biswajit Ray)

Kachugaon Game Reserve : Kachugaon Game Reserve is located at Kachugaon in Bongaigaon District of Assam. It is a protected area under the forest department of Assam. Kachugaon covers an area of around 214 sq km and has rare and endangered species such as gaur, golden langur, spotted deer and elephant.

Kakoi]ana Reserved Forest (For Golden Langur and Birds) : An ideal spot for eco-tourism, Kakoijana was declared as a reserve forest in April 1966. Located 15 km from Bongaigaon town towards the east, now it has been upgraded as a wildlife sanctuary. Covering an area of around 20 sq km, it is home to rare and endangered species such as binturong, jungle fowl, pangolin, hornbill, leopard, porcupine, python, lesser adjutant, stork, flying squirrel, monitor lizard, barking deer, mongoose, and civets. Kalikapat, a hill spring, flows through this forest. There is an ancient Shiva temple on one of the hills.

Video Link : Kakoijana Reserved Forest (Courtesy: Gitu's Travel & Food)

Lalmati Duramari Ganesh Temple : Lalmati Duramari Ganesh Temple is located in Bongaigaon District and is considered to one of the oldest temples in Assam. The temple lies on the Khagrapar Hill near Abhayapuri. The temple exists in a ruined state and it is believed that earthquakes had destroyed the temple.

Video Link : Lalmati Duramari Ganesh Temple (Courtesy : DD Go)

Rock Cut Caves : Rock Cut Caves at Jogighopa in Bongaigaon District is a testimony to the architectural excellence of the people Assam in the ancient period. There are five caves on the banks of Brahmaputra River dating back to the Salasthambha period. The best preserved cave measures 2.60 m breadth, 1.90 m height and 1.8 m in depth. Flights of steps have been built on either side and a platform of mud masonry is found inside. A chase on the top helps to drain away rain water from the facade.

Video Link : Rock Cut Caves (Courtesy : Manovar Hussein)

Tamranga Lake : Tamranga is a natural lake located in Bongaigaon District of Assam. It lies near Bishnupur in North Salmara. It is also known as Tamranga Beel. The lake is considered as ornithologist''s paradise as a large number of migratory birds visit here during winter. This lake is a combination of two lakes and is fed by the floodwater of Brahmaputra River. Accommodation facilities are available in tourist rest house.

Video Link : Tamranga Beel (Courtesy : DEEP)

Religions

The district religious composition are as follows:

Hindu 359,145 (48.61%)

Muslim 371,033 (50.22%)

Christian 5,924 (0.80%)

Sikh 384

Buddhist 236

Jain 871 as per 2011 census report.

Languages

Assamese (49.00%)

Bengali (43.35%)

Hindi (3.06%)

Rajbongshi (1.45%)

Boro (1.13%)

Others (2.01%)

Famous Personalities

Ambika Charan Choudhury (16 August 1930 – 4 December 2011), popularly known as Kamataratna, was an Indian litterateur, historian and activist, known for his contributions to the Assamese literature. Born on 16 August 1930 to a poor family, Nareshwar Choudhury (father) and Kashiguri Devi (mother), in Borpara village of Bongaigaon. He devoted most of his life towards the development and promotion of Rajbanshi language and culture, also known as Goalpariya. He was also founder of many educational institutions in western Assam. Choudhury was leading the popular demand for Schedule Tribe status to the Koch-Rajbangshi community since 1958. He was actively involved with the Sanmilita Jatiya Abhibartan, which is facilitating the peace process between Government of India and the moderate wing of the rebel group ULFA.

Cachar District

Cachar is an administrative among 27 districts in the state of Assam in India. It comprises only two Subdivision which is also named as Silchar & Lakhipur Sub-Dvn.

The name of the Cachar District was derived from the Kachari kingdom. Initially, Cachar district was a part of this kingdom that included the adjacent Karimganj and Hailakandi districts of Assam. The Cachar District is situated in the southern region of Assam. The District of Cachar is located in the Southernmost part of Assam is one of the oldest district of Assam. It is bounded on the North by Barali and Jayantia hill ranges, on the South by the State Mizoram, on the East by sister district Hailakandi and Karimganj. Cachar is the gateway to Mizoram and Manipur but communication to Cachar is not easy. The district was created in 183D after annexation of Kachari Kingdom by British. In 1854, North Cachar was annexed and tagged to the district. In 1951 erstwhile North Cachar Sub-Division was made a separate district and taken out of CacharIn 1983 erstwhile Karimganj Sub-Division and in 1989, Hailakandi Sub-Division was made a separate District.

The Kacharis (Kachari kingdom) have given their name to the modern district Cachar.

The Kacharis call themselves Barman in Barak valley and Dimasa in the Dima Hasao district. They were known to the Ahoms as Timisa, a corruption of the word "Dimasa". The Kacharis are allied to the Boro, Koches, Chutias, Lalungs (aka Tiwa) and Morans of the Brahmaputra valley and to the Garos and Tripuras of the southern hills. The Kacharis were perhaps the earliest inhabitants of the Brahmaputra valley and Barak valley. They are identical with the people called ‘Mech’ in Goalpara and North Bengal.

History

The region was originally a part of the Tripura Kingdom which was taken over by Koch King (presently known as Koch Rajbongshi, Rajbongshi) Chilarai in 1562. Chilarai gave the charge of the region to his brother Kamalnarayan. The descendants of Kamalnarayan ruled the region till 18th century. After the fall of Koch kingdom (due to no heir) the Dimasa Kingdom took over the charge of the region and ruled most of undivided Cachar district. The Last King of Cachar was Raja Govindrachandradwajanarayana Hasnu. During his period Khaspur was the Capital of Cachar (Kachar). Cachar was another native kingdom that fell victim to the imperialist design of the British. The Kingdom of Cachar was being ruled by two rulers having clearly defined areas of control. In the plains (southern portion of Cachar) Govindrachandradwajanarayana Hasnu was the ruling prince. Immediately after his assassination by Gambhir Singh, then king of Manipur, British annexed it to their dominion in India (1832). Tularam Thaosen was the ruling chief of the hilly tract (northern portion of Cachar or Dima Hasao). His territories were annexed after he died in 1854, and all of Cachar thuscame under the British occupation. While south Cachar was annexed under Robertson, the hilly tract of Cachar came under British occupation when Jenkins was the Commissioner of Assam. In 1916, it was the Commissioner of Pakokku Hill Tracts until 1947.

Video Link : History of Kachari Kingdom (Courtesy : MyNation)

Video Link : History of Kachari Kingdom in Assamese (Courtesy : Ojana Thathya)

Video Link : History of Kachari Kingdom Part 1in Hindi

Video Link : History of Kachari Kingdom In Hindi Part 2 (Courtesy : Dharma Scan)

Administration

The district headquarters are located at Silchar.

Video Link : Silchar City (Courtesy : Debraj Chakraborty Photography)

Video Link : Silchar City (Courtesy : Breathtaking India)

The district occupies an area of 3786 sq.km with a population of 17,36,319 and 80.36% Literacy Rates(2011 Census).

The district has three sub-divisions: Silchar, Lakhipur and Katigorah. There are seven Assembly constituencies in this district, viz. Silchar, Sonai, Dholai, Udharbond, Lakhimpur, Barkhola and Katigorah Assembly constituency. Dholai is designated for scheduled castes. The seven constituencies make up the Silchar Lok Sabha constituency.

Places of Interest:

Shiva Mandir : It is 35 km from the township of Silchar is the famous Shiva Mandir, a.k.a. Bhubaneswar temple, on top of the Bhuvan hills. The temple is a renowned tourist spot of the region, where pilgrims and devotes from all over the state come to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of the Lord. Inside the main sanctum of the temple are the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddesses Parvati. From Silchar it is quite easy to visit the place, as daily buses operate to the base of the hill, from where the remaining distance can be covered on foot.

Video Link : Bhuban Pahar (Courtesy : Debraj Chakraborty Phtography)

Maniharan Tunnel: Around 5 km to the north of Bhubaneswar temple, in the Bhuvan hills, is the famous Maniharan temple. According to the legends, Lord Krishna used this tunnel during His visit to the region. lust underneath this tunnel, the holy river of Tribeni flows and people often come here to bathe in the waters of the river and seek the blessings of the Lord. A number of festivals, like Doljatra, Shivratri and Baruni, are held here every year, where devotees from all over Assam and also the adjacent areas come to offer their prayers. A fun-fair is also held in the grounds of the temple, during Doi Purnima or the Hall festival.

Video Link : Bhuban Pahar Cave (Courtesy : Masti King Raj)

Martyr's Tomb : Located at Gandhi Bag, on the banks of a lake, are the 11 tombs of the martyrs who dedicated their lives fighting for the language movement of Assam, in 1964. This site is a must-visit for the Bengalis, as the language movement was primarily fought to make Bengali the official language of the Cachar district of Assam.

Video Link : Martyr's Tomb Story (Courtesy: Academia Classses)

Paper Mill : The paper mill of the Hindustan Paper Corporation Limited, at Panchgram, is one of the biggest paper mills in Asia and is located a few kilometers from Silchar, en route to Badarpur. This mill was established by late Moinul Hag Choudhury, who was the minister of the region during the 1960s. The entire region is surrounded by lush greenery and people often come here to explore the mill and enjoy the natural scenery.

Video Link : Hindusthan Paper Corporation Inside Story (Courtesy : Bikerved)

Kanchakanti Kali Mandir : 15 km from Silchar, on the way to the Kumbhirgram airport, is situated the famed Kanchakanti Kali temple, which is a union of Goddess Durga and Goddess Kali. Mythology has it the king of the region once had a dream, in which he was asked to build an idol of the four-armed goddess. Following his dreams, he constructed the temple and prepared a gold idol of the Goddess, somewhere during 1806. This temple however, got destroyed due to natural forces and a new one was constructed later. It is often said that one's desires and wishes are fulfilled, if one prays to the Goddess of the temple and as such, the region is always crowded by devotees and worshippers.

Video Link : Kachakanti Kali Temple (Courtesy : Travelling Beats)

Palace of Kachari Kings : The palace of the Kachari kings is situated at a distance of about 10 km from Silchar. The Kachari dynasty was a mighty and powerful dynasty, belonging to the Bodo-Kachari ethnic group. The archeological remnants of this strong and advance kingdom still lie in Khaspur, which was their last capital.

Video Link : Kachari Kingdom Capital Ruins (Courtesy : Travelling Beats)

Video Link : Khaspur Ruins

Economy :

Economy of North Cachar Hills District is not very encouraging. Geographical remoteness, poor communication and lack of proper infrastructural facilities are some of the main factors behind the low level of economic development of this district of Assam. However, in spite of the depressing scenario, prospects of agriculture, horticulture and forestry forming the main sectors of economy of North Cachar Hills District are bright.

Agriculture contributes heavily to the economy of North Cachar Hills District. Majority of the rural people of the district is dependent upon agriculture. A distinctive feature of the agricultural practices of the tribal people in the district is jhum cultivation, which is the traditional way of their life. This shifting process of cultivation is very popular among the people of this district. Near about 70 per cent of the total cultivated area is under jhum cultivation area. This cultivation is done in autumn season either as a single crop or sometimes as mixed crop along with maize, ginger, turmeric, chillies and other vegetables. Some horticultural crops cultivation, such as pineapple, orange, papaya and banana occupy a vital role in the agricultural economy of the district.

Economy of North Cachar Hills District also includes sectors like livestock and poultry. They occupy an important place in the rural economy. Buffalo, pig, etc. are the most common livestock animals while hen and duck comprise the poultry birds. The major forest products consist of timber, cane, bamboo, etc. Boulders and gravels in the river beds along with stones are also available. The major industries constituting the economy of North Cachar Hills District include cement factories; saw-mills, etc. These are basically private sector industries of the district. There are four cement plants in this district.

Education :

1) Assam University : Assam University came into existence through Assam (Central) University Act, 1989 (Act. No. XIII). It was established in 1994, since then the University is steadily becoming an excellent centre of learning. The campus, situated in Dargakona, about 20 kms from Silchar, is set amid sprawling hillocks, a typical landscape in the North East. The campus in an area of 600 acres surrounded by lakes and mountains provides an ideal environment for academic pursuit. The University has nine Schools on major disciplines, They are Social Sciences, Humanities, Languages, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Information Sciences, Management Studies and Technology. There are 29 Departments under these nine Schools, The University has gradually started attracting students from the neighboring states. The University is set to become a full-fledged residential University in near future creating a better environment for learning and research activities.

Video Link: Assam University Silchar Campus (Courtesy : Pranesh Debnath)

2) Silchar Medical College & Hospital : The Silchar Medical College & Hospital remains the only referral hospital in the southern part of Assam and so, is the sole custodian of health care system of the entire Barak Valley. Being situated in a very strategic geographic location, it also renders its services to the ailing community of the neighbouring states like Mizoram, North Tripura, West Manipur and South Meghalaya. The Silchar Medical College and Hospital was established in the year 1968. Since its inception, the SMC Hospital is rendering its services to the suffering community of the entire southern part of Assam and its neighbouring states. In the year 1971, the Civil Hospital of Silchar, situated in the heart of the city about 6 kms away from the permanent college building, was taken over as the teaching hospital of the Silchar Medical College. Thereafter, in 1977-78, the main hospital building complex at its permanent site was commissioned.

3) NIT Silchar : NIT Silchar, an Institute of National Importance under the NIT Act was established in 1967 as Regional Engineering College, Silchar In year 2002, it was upgraded to the status of an NIT from a Regional Engineering College. It is situated on a sprawling campus spread over 60C acres of land on the outskirts of Silchar amid breathtaking scenery. It is surrounded by beautiful lakes and hillocks.

Video Link : NIT Silchar ( Courtesy : Siksha Advisor)

4) Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya : Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya also known as ]NV is situated at Pailapool Village, Cachar . This school is a Central government school following CBSE course. More than 600 students study in this school.

5) Women's College, Silchar : Women's College established in 1963 at Silchar, is a women's higher education institution.

MAJOR TOWNS IN CACHAR

1 Ambikapur Part

2) Lakhipur - Lakhipur is a town and a Municipal Board in Cachar district in the Indian state of Assam. The name Lakhipur is said to be very ancient. Two schools of opinion on the origin of its name exist. According to one school of opinion, the name relates to Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of wealth. Another school of opinion says that the place was named after notable Dimasa King Laxminarayan who ruled this part of the country in ancient times.

Video Link : Lakhipur Pineapple Gardens (Courtesy : Minki Acharjee)

3) Silchar - Being a very peaceful place in the otherwise disturbed North-East earned it the bon mot of "Island of Peace" from India's Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Approximately 90% residents of Silchar are Bengalis Speaking the Sylheti dialect, the rest being Marwaris, Bishnupriya Manipuris, Manipuri-Meiteis and some tribal groups like Naps. Silchar is situated by the banks of the Barak River in what is popularly known as Barak Valley. Rice is the staple cereal.

Video Link: Silchar City (in Assamese) (Courtesy: Dini Media Assam)

4) Durga Nagar - Durga Nagar is a census town in Cachar district.

5) Kanakpur - Kanakpur is a town in Cachar district.

6) Uttar Krishnapur - Uttar Krishnapur is a town in Cachar district

Religions

Hinduism 59.83%

Islam 37.71%

Christianity 2.17%

Others 0.29%

There was a presence of Sikhism in Cachar after Guru Nanak's visit to eastern India in 1508 to spread the religion. Most of these Sikhs, in the early 18th century, were found in the northern part of Cachar where they used to work for the Assam Bengal Railway.

Languages

Bengali (75.14%)

Hindi (8.49%)

Meitei (6.06%)

Bhojpuri (3.32%)

Bishnupuriya Manipuri (1.32%)

Dimasa (1.19%)

Others (4.48%)

Bengali is the official language of the district and is spoken by 75% of the overall population,while English also served as 2nd additional official language of the district. Bengali Hindus and Bengali Muslims forms the overwhelming demographic majority of the population with significant number of indigenous tribals like (Meitei) Manipuri, Bishnupuriya Manipuri, Dimasa (kachari) and Rongmei-Naga. The immigrants from other parts of India constitute the rest of the micro-scopic make up. The main dialect of the region is Sylheti.

Famous Personalities

Kalika Prasad Bhattacharya (11 September 1970 – 7 March 2017) was an Indian folk singer and researcher. He was born and raised in Silchar, Assam. He went on to study comparative literature at Jadavpur University. His musical inspiration was his uncle Ananta Bhattacharya. In 1999, he co-founded the band Dohar with the intent to revive the folk music tradition of Northern and Eastern Bengal. He also contributed music to a number of movies. His last movie was Bhuban Majhi (2017). Bhattacharya was fully devoted towards the songs of soul and heart of rural Bengal. This is reiterated from his most recent occupation as one of the founder-organizers of "Sahaj Parav"- an annual root music festival, one of its kind in India, looking to celebrate the diversity and variety of folk forms of arts and crafts in greater south Asia, with a deliberate focus on Bengal.

Mrinal Datta-Chaudhuri (1934–2015), popularly known as MDC, was an Indian theoretical economist, academic and a professor of the Delhi School of Economics. He was a member of the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton. The Government of India awarded him the third highest civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan, in 2005, for his contributions to literature and education.

Moinul Hoque Choudhury (13 May 1923 – 13 February 1976) was an Indian politician from Assam. A five-time MLA; he was the minister of Industry during Indira Gandhi regime in 1971. He is also known as the Industrial Reformer of the Barak Valley. The improvement of road and communication system, construction of embankments in Cachar to facilitate agriculture, establishment of All India Radio, Silchar Medical College, Veterinary school, Hindustan Paper Mill at Panchgram, Sugar Mill at Anipur, the Regional Engineering College now upgraded as NIT are his achievements. He was the first person in Cachar to forward the proposal for the construction of Barak Dam. He will be remembered in the valley for the noble attempt he made to usher in a green revolution in the valley through the package program in the sixties when advanced technology, high yielding seeds, scientific manure, pesticides were introduced for the first time in Cachar, and many more.

Mahua Moitra (born 12 October 1974, Moitra was born to Dwipendra Lal Moitra and Manjoo Moitra on 12 October 1974 in Labac in the Cachar district of Assam.) is an Indian politician and a Member of parliament in the 17th Lok Sabha from Krishnanagar, West Bengal. She contested and won the seat in the 2019 Indian general election as an All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) party candidate.

Moitra served as a member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly representing Karimpur from 2016 to 2019, and has served as the general secretary and national spokesperson of the AITC for the past few years. She was an investment banker before entering politics. Moitra went to school in Kolkata. She graduated in economics and mathematics in 1998 from Mount Holyoke College South Hadley in Massachusetts, United States. Moitra worked as an investment banker for JPMorgan Chase in New York City and London. She quit her position as vice-president at JPMorgan Chase in London in 2009 to enter Indian politics. Subsequently, she joined the Indian Youth Congress, the youth wing of the Indian National Congress party where she was one of the trusted hands of Rahul Gandhi in the project "Aam Admi Ka Sipahi". In 2010, she moved to the All India Trinamool Congress party. She was elected from the Karimpur constituency in Nadia district, West Bengal in the Legislative Assembly elections held in 2016.

CHARAIDEO DISTRICT

Charaideo district is an administrative district in the state of Assam in India. It was formally declared a new district of the state on 15 August 2015 by then Chief Minister of Assam Tarun Gogoi. It has been carved out of Sivasagar district with Sonari as its administrative headquarter. It comes under Upper Assam division

Charaideo was established by the first Ahom king Chaolung Sukaphaa. The name Charaideo originated from Tai-Ahom word Che Rai Doi or Doi Che Rai which means the shining city on the hills. The Che-Rai-Doi Assamised into Charaideo or Charai-khorong.

History

Before the arrival of Sukaphaa the place was a place of worship for local tribes like Morans, Borahis and Chutias. The site of Charaideo was the capital of the Ahom kingdom established by the first Ahom king Chao Lung Siu-Ka-Pha in 1253. The Maidams (tumulus) of the Ahom kings and queens at Charaideo hillocks resemble the shape of small pyramids. The site has had some archaeological works but also has suffered from robbers. There have been calls for the site to be UNESCO World Heritage listed. During the reign of Sudangphaa (1397-1407), the relatively small Ahom kingdom was attacked by Mong Kwang, a Shan state in what is today Upper Burma. A Mong Kwang army sent under General Ta-chin-Pao advanced upto Tipam but was subsequently defeated and pushed back as far as the Kham Jang territory. The generals of the two armies conducted a peace treaty on the shore of the Nong Jake lake and in accordance with the Tai custom dipped their hands in the lake, fixing the boundary of the two kingdoms at Patkai hills

Video Link : Charaideo District (Courtesy : Sunrise Entertainment)

Administration

The district headquarters is located at Sonari.

Video Link : Sonari Town (Courtesy : Nova Hajong)

The district has three sub-divisions: Sonari, Sapekhati, Mahmora, Nazira (part)

The District consists of two Assembly Constituencies:-

1.Mahmora Assembly Constituency:- It comes under Jorhat Lok Sabha Constituency. It covers Mahmora development block, Lakwa Development block, part of Khelua development block (comes under Sivasagar district) and Kholaighugura and Mahmora Mouzas.

2.Sonari Assembly Constituency:- It comes under Jorhat Lok Sabha Constituency. It covers Sonari, Sapekhati Development Block and Abhoypur, Sapekhati, Baruasali and Silakuti (part) Mouzas.

Economy:

Agriculture is still the main occupation of a large number of the farmers of the CHARAIDEO district. The basic problems for the farmers are that area under irrigation is less and some of the area become waterlogged for whole the year. The main thrust of the district is to increase the profitability of the farmers by way of sustainable agriculture, and by judicious use of water. It is the need of the hour to go for the overall development of the farmers, rural youths and rural women by updating their knowledge level through various extension activities. This district has a wide range of cropping systems like Rice-Potato- Pulses, Rice - Pulses, Rice-Rice, Rice- Vegetables etc.

Majority of the population of Charaideo district depend on Livestock and poultry rearing activity for their livelihood. The Veterinary activities have played a major role in contributing towards the sustainable development of the people through higher production of milk, meat and eggs

Places of Interest

Charaideo Maidam:

The maidams in Charaideo make the neighbourhood a popular tourist attraction. The maidams, which are similar to Egypt’s pyramids, are really burial places for Ahom Kings and Queens. They are wonders viewed through the spectacular architecture and expertise of Assamese artists and masons of the medieval age. The region also has old ruins and antiquities, which contribute to its lustre.

Video link : Charaideo Maidam (Courtesy : Vaskoravo)

Sri Sri Haridev Bornamghar

Haridev Sri Sri Bornamghar was founded in 1662 in honour of Mahapurush Haridev, the Great Saint of Assam who made significant contributions to social upliftment. Throughout the year, many people come to this almost 300-year-old religious institution to pray for their well-being. The Cholapathar Shyam Gaon Buddhist Monastery is Assam’s oldest Buddhist temple. The most lovely time to visit is during the Sangken Poi festival, which takes place in April. The Monastery also has a library with valuable books and antique manuscripts. This museum is a paradise for historians, including literature written in ancient Pali, Tai Ahom, and other languages.

Borhat Bazar

Borhat Bazar was historically recognised as a site to get mineral salt during Ahom reign. Borhat is derived from the words Bor (large) and hat (hatter) (meaning market). There was a market where salt could be purchased. Because Assam lies far from the seas and people had to rely on mineral salts, salt was regarded extremely valuable during Ahom’s reign. Although it is now a regular weekly market, its historical significance persists, making it a prominent tourist site inside the Charaideo region.

Video Link: Borhat Bazaar on Sunday ( Courtesy : Rodali)

Borpatra Pukhuri/Raja Pukhuri

BorpatraPukhuri/ Raja Pukhuri is located on the northern side of old Dhodar Ali, approximately 2.5 kilometres east of Sonari. According to the residents, Ahom King Swargadeo Gadadhar Singha delegated the job of excavating a pukhuri to BorpatraGohain as a sign of respect for his “Pehi” (aunt), and so it became known as “BorpatraPukhuri.”Later, the British dubbed it “Raja Pukhuri” since it was excavated on the instructions of the Ahom Raja. The exquisite tea gardens have long been a sight to behold for visitors. Assam black tea has established a firm foothold in the worldwide market. Many people rely on tea gardens for a living, and watching the workers harvest tea leaves is a quiet and relaxing experience in the middle of greenery.

Video Link : Borpatra Pukhuri (Courtesy : Deba's Vlog 75)

Cholapathar Shyam Gaon Buddhist Monastery

The Cholapathar Shyam Gaon Buddhist Monastery is one of the oldest Budhist temples in Assam. Most beautiful time to visit is during the Sangken Poi festival which is celebrated in the month of April. The Monastery also houses a library which boasts of ancient manuscripts and valuable literature. A haven for historians, this museum also books written in ancient Pali, Tai Ahom and other languages

Video Link : Chalopathar Buddhist Monastry (Courtesy : Unexplored Northeast)

Famous Personalities

Suresh Ranjan Goduka (born at Safrai Borpothar of Charaideo district in Assam on 7 September 1973) is an Indian poet and social activist from Assam. He is the editor of Assamese monthly magazine Jeevan, and founder of Jeevan kite and river festival. India Today listed Goduka among India's 35 young achievers who have shown determination, innovation and courage towards the uplift of the society. Goduka's forefathers migrated to Assam from the erstwhile Rajputana a century ago. He has a PhD in communication design from Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. Goduka gave up a documentary filmmaking career in New Delhi and he started writing poetry and other literary works. He went back Assam in 2004 to start Jeevan (Jeevan means Life in Assamese), a monthly Assamese magazine, which seeks to explore the diversity, beauty and infinite possibility of life. He is the author of poetry book Nijor Anuposthitit Moi (2014). Goduka is one of the most popular Assamese poets of his time. Goduka is the founder of Jeevan Kite River Festival, a river beach event on the bank of the Brahmaputra River that involves the aim of clean river bank, including several other activities like kite flying, adventure sports, and many other cultural events.

CHIRANG DISTRICT

It is a relatively new district in the Bodoland Territorial Region of Assam. Chirang district has been carved out from Bongaigaon district in 2004. The word "Chirang" has derived from Garo word - "Chi" means Water and "Rang" means Rain. It may also be a copy of Tsirang District of neighbouring Bhutan. On the other hand, Most of the people regarded the word Chirang is derived from the Bodo word Chirang or Sirang. Si means life and Rang means Money. Sirang was an area which is covered by valuable soil, plants, trees, flora and fauna or the things which are necessary for human life. Thus it is a place which is important for human life or the place which is just like money or valuable for life and is later come to know Si + Rang = Sirang. After some time the word articulated to Chirang from Sirang. And thus the word Sirang is latter known as Chirang.

Administration

The district headquarters is located at Kajalgaon

Video Link: Famous Kajalgaon Bazaar (Courtesy: DD International)

In respect of Assembly & Parliamentary Election, there are two (2) Nos. of Legislative Assembly Constituencies under Chirang district – Sidli and Bijni

Kajalgaon Sadar Sub-Division:

Chirang (ST)

Chirang Duars (ST)

Kajalgaon (ST)

Video Link: Bijni Town (Courtesy : Ron Singha)

Places of Interest

Kalamati is the black soil, which is salty. Kalamati is approachable from Chapaguri, NH 31C which is roughly 25 km towards north, near Koilamoila, Assam. Kalamati is beautiful tourist spot surrounded by hills and attached to Bhutan Border towards North. Nearest Railway Station Bijni. Best time to visit Kalamati is in the winter and dry season from October to April. The summer season particularly monsoon perid may be avoided as it is difficult to trek the hill.

Video Link : Kalamati - Bhutan Border (Courtesy : KC Band)

Aie River: The Aie river flows through the Chirang District of Assam.

The colourful Dwijing Festival is an annual festival set on the banks of Aie river near the Hagrama bridge of Chirang District . It is 5 km away from Chapaguri, NH 31C. Nearest Railway Station Bongaigaon .

Video Link : Aie Powali Picnic Spot (Courtesy : Sweet Friends Channel)

Video Link : Dwijing Festival near Hagrama Bridge (Courtesy : Ruby Singh)

Mwnabili Picnic Spot & Eco Tourism situated at Sadu Mara of Malivita touching the Bhutan Border under Chirang District. It is a beautiful place to visit and people throng here for picnic and enjoy its natural beautiful river with cold and clean water. People visit this place basically in winter season. Nearest Railway station Bijni.

Video Link: Mwnabili Picnic Spot (Courtesy : RK Goyary)

Gelephu , India- Bhutan crossing at Gelephu is important tourist place. Roughly 41 km from Kajalgaon, the hqtr of Chirang, 50 km from Bongaigaon, and 340 km from Siliguri. This border crossing is mostly used for shipping and business between Bhutan and India. Tourist from other parts of India throng this beautiful place. Even foreign tourist also enjoy the beauty of this attractive place. Its best season to visit is from October to April. Phuentsholing is a much more popular land border crossing between India and Bhutan, and is more commonly seen on tour itineraries. Nearest Railway station Basugaon

Indo Bhutan Border Gate

Religion

Hindus make up the majority, with 66.50%. Muslims are the second-largest with 22.66%. Christians are third with 10.32%

Language

According to the 2011 census,

37.83% of the population spoke Boro,

28.86% Bengali,

17.66% Assamese,

4.73% Santali,

4.22% Rajbongshi,

2.51% Nepali,

1.11% Kurukh

1.06% Hindi

DARRANG DISTRICT

The name Darrang seems to have originated from the Sanskrit word 'Dwaram' which means a 'Duar' or a pass. In the past there were some fixed duars on the northern side of the district from which the various hill tribes descended to the plains from the Himalayan ranges. Some of the areas still have a suffix 'Duar' to their names and one of the six passes on the northern side of the present district is called 'Khaling Duar'. Another possible origin of the name is the word 'Devaranga' which means the playground of Devas. There are a number of places in the district like Athrikhat, Khalingduar, Dhwalpur, Markandasram etc. show their ancient association with the mythic sages like Markedeya, Kaulinya, Atri, Yagyabalka etc.

Many archaeological sites like

Narikali, Tamreswar, Bijulibari, Lakshimpur, Bhairavkunda, Mathajhar, Murhadeor, Dhawalpur, etc. which have come to light lately, point to a hoary past of this places. The bronze Bishnu icon of the 11th century, found at Bijulibari near Sipajhar, now on display at Assam state Museum and a number of tanks like Jayapal, Burhinagar, Barampur, Baldev, Dighir, Lakhmpur etc. all stand as evidence of the ancient glory of Mangaldai.

However, no definitive records about Darrang are available for the pre-medieval period. According to Dr. Maheswar Neog, the Darrang become famous only after the middle Age i.e.., up-rising of the king Biswa Singha Naranarayana. It perhaps formed a part of the ancient kingdom of Kamrupa and with its decline , Darrang at different times might have been under the rule of the Chutias, Bodo-Kacharies and the Bhuyans. However, the picture becomes somewhat clearer from the 16^th century. In 1581, the famous Koch king Naranarayan gave a part of his kingdom to his cousin Raghudev, son of Sukladhwaj best known as 'Chilarai' for his military powers. Raghudev's part included Mangaldai subdivision and also the district of Kamrup and Goalpara. This part has been referred to as Koch Hajo or the kingdom of the eastern Koches. Raghudev however did not exercise any independent authority and he and his successor's attempt to achieve freedom only got them embroiled in quarrels first with the Mughals and then with the Ahoms. In the Ahom-Mughal contest , Balinarayana, another son of Raghudev helped the Ahom king Pratap Singh (1603-1641) from whom received the tract known as Darrang. He was feudatory Raja under the Ahom king who allowed him to rule with the title 'Dharmanarayana'. Some northern parts of the river Brahmaputra also formed a part of then Darrang and there he established his capital. It was later on shifted to Mangaldai during the time of his son and successor Sundarnarayan. Friction however continued with the Mughals and sometimes with the Ahoms, but the efforts of the Darrang Rajas to assert independence did not succeed. During the reign of the Ahom king Gaurinath Singha (1780-1794), the authority of the Darrang Raja was further reduced and he was placed at the disposal of the Borphukan at Guwahati. During this period Raja Krishnanarayan even tried to secure the British help against the Ahoms which however did not succeed. Later, the Ahoms lost their former strength and glory, and having fallen prey to the Burmese attacks, the British East India company stepped in to draw the curtain.

In 1826 Darrang , like the rest of Assam passed into the hands of the British after the treaty of Yandabu (Yandabu Sandhi). Having established their authority, the company Government began the work of reconstructions and in 1833, Darrang became a district with Mangaldai as its headquarters. In 1835, the headquarters was shifted to Tezpur. The same position was maintained until the subdivision of Mangaldai was converted into a district in 1983.

Video Link : Darrang District in Assamese (Courtesy : Youth Aptitude)

Administration

The district headquarters is located at Mangaldai.

There are four Legislative Assembly constituencies in this district: Kalaigaon, Sipajhar, Mangaldoi, and Dalgaon. Mangaldoi is designated for scheduled castes. All four are in the Mangaldoi Lok Sabha constituency.

Mangaldai also spelt Mangaldoi is a small town in the Indian state of Assam. It was named after Mangaldahi, who was the daughter of the Rajah of Darrang and was married to Susenghphaa (r. 1603–1641), (also Pratap Singha), a ruler of the Ahom kingdom. Mangaldoi serves as the administrative headquarters of Darrang district.

The name, Mangaldai is, however traced to Mangola Devi, the daughter of Koch king Lakshminarayana, who was married to the Ahom king Pratapsingha. In Yogini Tantra, mention is also made of the river Mangala which is again referred to as Su-Mangala in the Kalikapurana. It is thus possible that the name Mangaldai is derived from the river Mangala Devi. However a parallel and equally convincing theory says that the name was derived from the native Bodo dialect, where Mangal means pure and Dai means water.

Video Link : Mangaldai Town (Courtesy : Travel with Jugal)

Video Link : Saraswati Puja By Mangaldai Town Girls (Courtesy: Assamese VLogger DG)

Economy

The economy of the Darrang district is basically agrarian where the majority (about 85 percent) of the population is engaged in agriculture and allied activities. Cut of the total population of 12,98,860 in the district only 4,05,743 (i.e. 31.23 percent.) constitute the workforce. Agriculture is the main source of income of the people in this district. Moreover, Sericulture in Darrang district is an age old industry. It helps as a part time occupation to a huge mass of economically weaker section of the society residing in the rural area of the region. Thus, sericulture has gathered a considerable importance in the socio-economic life of the society. Production of fish in the district is quite negligible. Tea is the only plantation crop of this district. Sericulture in Darrang district is an age old industry. It helps as a part time occupation to a vast majority of economically weaker section of the society of rural area.. Therefore sericulture has gathered a considerable importance in the socio-economic life of the society.

Tea is the only plantation crop of the district. However, late steps are being taken to cultivate rubber and Citronella also. There are 28 Nos. of Tea Gardens in the District covering an area of 11,625.56 hectares. Annual production of Tea is registered to be around 23.1 million kg. The tea industry of the district engages around 66,158 persons. There were altogether 75 Nos. of registered factories in the district in 1995. In addition to these, there as many as 845 small industrial units registered up to 1996 under the Industries Department in the district. In the district the main polyester industry is the Prag Bosimi Synthetics Ltd. located at Sipajhar which employs a large number of skilled and unskilled labour. Besides there are a few tea factories in the district. In the district the need of the hour is setting up of the Jute Mill at Dalgaon where it is technically and economically viable

PLACES OF INTEREST

ORANG NATIONAL PARK : Orang Sanctuary, Also termed as a miniature Kaziranga, is located near Silbah, and on the north bank of river Brahmaputra. It covers an area of 78 sq. km. It is famous for One horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, Barking Deer, Elephant, Leopard, Sambar and Hogdeer, Pangolin, Civet Cat & Otter,Both migratory and local birds. viz. Palican, Green Pigeon, Bengal Florican, Cormorant, Greylag Goose, Large Whistling Teal, Great Adjutant Stork, King Vulture. Orang is at a distance of 140 kms. from Guwahati, 32 kms. from Tezpur and 68 kms. from Mangaldai, the district HQ by road. It would take One and half hour to reach from Mangaldai. The nearest railhead is Rongapara and the nearest airport is Saloni (Tezpur).Public buses & rental cars are available from Guwahati, the State Capital or Mangaldai.

Video Link : Orang National Park (Courtesy : My India)

Khatara Satra Located in the northern part of Darrang district of Assam, Khatara Satra is one of the most renowned Satras in Assam, known for providing tremendous impetus to various aspects of life – religious, spiritual, social, cultural etc. for almost 500 years. It was established by one of the well-known admirers of Mahapurush Shri Shri Madhavdev, named Sri Govinda Aatoi. This Satra is the only one Satra without Satradhikar. It was run by a governing body/managing committee.

Video Link : Khatara Satra (Courtesy : Assam Guide)

Batha BeeIa is nice opportunity for bird watchers, thousands of migratory birds come to this beel. It is near Hazarikapara (Sipajhar)

Batha Beel

Pukhuria Beel: Another choice for Bird watchers. Hundreds of migratory birds come to this beel every year.

Baladev Pukhuri: Located at Baldevpara, west of Sipajhar, is a beet covering 48 Bighaas was created during the reign of King Dharma Narayana. Today, it is serving as Govt. Fishery.

Baldev Pukhuri

Jaypal Pukhuri: A huge Pond, with an area of 20 Bighaas at Barkaliyajhar village known to be created during the reign of King Jaypal. The water of this pond is crystal clear and stays above ground level

Jaypal Pukhuri

The village Patharughat of this district is famous for the historic event of 1894, when firing by British administration claimed lives of more than 15 villagers while they were in protest against the enhancement of land revenue and imposition of local rates.

Video Link : History of Patharughat (Courtesy : Rare Facts)

Gandhi Smriti Park: Located in the heart of the Mangaldai town & within walking distance from DC's Office, this is a very well maintained & beautiful park.

Patharughat Swaheed Minar: There is a swaheed minar in a beautiful park in the Jallianwalabag of Assam.

Religion

In Darrang district, as per the 2011 census record, Islam is most followed religion with 597,392 adherents i.e. (64.34%), while Hinduism is followed by 327,322 i.e. 35.25% of the district population.

Languages

Assamese – 49.29%

Bengali – 48.40%

Others – 2.31%

Famous Personalities

Sarbeswar Sahariah (Born in the year 1945 at Mangaldai, Darrang District) is an Indian nephrologist and organ transplant specialist, known for his expertise in renal and pancreatic transplantation. He was honoured by the Government of India, in 2014, by bestowing on him the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, for his contributions to the field of medicine. Sahariah is credited with more than 3000 renal transplantations, which many consider, has made him the most prolific kidney transplant surgeon in the country.

Jayanta Hazarika (20 September 1943 – 15 October 1977, born in Mangaldai of Darrang District, Assam) was an Indian singer and composer associated with Assamese music. He wrote lyrics for a few songs and composed music for several movies. Popularly known as Rana-da, Jayanta Hazarika was the younger brother of Late Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. He started his musical career accompanying his brother and later made his name as singer and composer on his own right. Jayanta was the first Assamese composer to fuse western musical forms such as rock and roll, jazz and Western Classical with traditional Assamese melodies and created a new sound. He was a pioneer in introducing several western instruments in his compositions. Jayanta Hazarika was born in a famous musical family of Assam. He failed in his matriculation examination in 1962 and went to Calcutta where he recorded two songs with HMV. In 1977 Jayanta Hazarika formed an institution named Xur Bahini. This was formed with the help of people from Golaghat to help the flood-victims of Assam. This group used to sing in the streets and collect remunerations which later was donated.

DHEMAJI DISTRICT

Dhemaji district is an administrative district in the state of Assam in India. The district headquarters are located at Dhemaji. The district occupies an area of 3237 sq.km and has a population of 688,077 (as of 2011 Census). It is one of the districts situated in the remote corner of North East India on the north bank of river Brahma putra. The boundaries of the district are the hilly ranges of Arunachal Pradesh to the North and the East, Lakhimpur district in the West and the river Brahmaputra in the South.

The district's name Dhemaji is derived from the Deori-Chutia word Dema-ji which means great water indicating it to be a flood-prone region.

The river Brahmaputra flows from east to west in the southern part of the district. Different tributaries viz, Dihingia, Jiadhal, Moridhal, Telijan, Kaitongjan, Laipulia Nadi, Kapurdhuwa, Sissi, Gai, Tangani and Guttong originating from Arunachal Pradesh in the north, flow southwest carrying enormous amount of alluvium through the district before meeting the river Brahmaputra. The district is vulnerable to floods and occurrences of floods are a regular feature, which causes a lots of damages. Nearly 27% of the net cropped is flood prone as well as flood affected. The soil of the district is mainly alluvial and sandy. The riverbeds are generally higher than the level of land.

It is believed that in 1240 A.D.; (Approx), The first King of Ahom reign Chow Chukafa established his capital at a place named Haboong in the district of Dhemaji. Due to perennial flood in the area the King shifted the capital from Haboong and after that the area became under the rule of Chutias and it continued from 1223 to 1523 A.D. During 1523 A.D. the then Ahom King Chuhung - Moong attacked and killed the Chutia king Natipal and as a result the area again became under the kingdom of Ahoms. The entire Dhemaji district area was originally inhabitated by various indigeneous tribes like Mising, Sonowal Kachari, Bodo Kachari, Decri and Laloong. In addition to this different tribes e.g. Ahom, Rabha, Tai - Khamti, Konch, Keot, Koiborta, Brahman, Kayastha, Kalita etc. were migrated during different moments of time span.

Initially, the present geographical area of Dhemaji district was a part of the then Lakhimpur District with its headquarter at Dibrugarh. In 1971 Dhemaji was declared as a Sub-Division, Including ]anal and Dhakuakhana (Presently under Lakhimpur District) 14th Aug/1st Oct, 1989 Dhemaji was declared as an independent district covering lanai and Dhemaji (Sadar) Sub-Divisions.

Riverbank erosion during high flood period in the valley is a regular annual feature. Over bank flood due to breaches in the embankment render the fertile cultivable land unsuitable for crop production due to deposition of coarse sand on the surface to a variable depth.

Heavy pressure exerted by high floodwater on the embankment wash away the weaker portions of the embankments and inundates the nearby areas with consequent effect of heavy silt and sand deposition on the fertile cultivated fields.

Video Link: Dhemaji District Overview (Courtesy : Tinku Sharma)

Administration

The district headquarters is located at Dhemaji.

There are two Assam Legislative Assembly constituencies in this district: Dhemaji and Jonai. Both are designated for scheduled tribes. They make up a part of the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency.

Economy

The economy of Dhemaji is generally agro-based. Sericulture, fishing and driftwood business are practiced in smaller scale. However, sand deposition and other adverse effects of chronic floods on fertile agricultural land have made even affluent farmers land-less. Therefore a large number of such people shift to greener pastures within the district to carry out horticultural practices. Lack of good communication system, shortage of power and lack of proper irrigation & marketing facilities add to the poverty of the district. Dearth of any major and small industry worth the name is also responsible for multiplying the problem of unemployment while galloping explosion in the rate of population growth has already shown signs of negative impacts. The local economy is thus characterized by subsistence level of production and consumption.

Important Towns in the District

Dhemaji : Dhemaji is a City in Assam and it is the headquarters of Dhemaji district, Assam, India.

Video Link : Dhemaji Town (Courtesy : Merundeep)

Jonai Bazaar :

Video Link : Jonai Bazaar Super Hit Mising Folk Song ( Courtesy : IMS Audiovisual Studio)

Kulajan : The town is situated on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River, and is located approximately 493 kilometres from the city of Guwahati and just 13 km from Arunachal Pradesh. Kulajan is mostly inhabited by the Mising, an indigenous Assamese ethnic group in Assam. About 95% of inhabitants are Mising community and only 5% belong to other communities according to 2011 Census of India. Ali Ai Ligang is a local festival. On that day they prepare a local homemade rice beer known as "Apong", available in two varieties i.e. Nogin and Po: Ro. Also they serve their guests with purang apin, pe:red oying and adin ba:nam (roasted pork). On the eve of Ali Ai Ligang, the Mising girls and boys dress in traditional dress. The festival is celebrated with performing dance and singing Mising Bihu songs. Other festivals like Dobur and Porag are mostly celebrated along with the national festival of the indigenous Assamese communities, i.e. Bihu and other festivals such as Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Diwali, etc. Agriculture, handloom weaving and services are the main source of earning among the people here

Mising Tribe

Video Link : Ali Aye Ligang Festival (Courtesy: Leena Mili)

Silapathar: The city is on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River and is 470 kilometres (290 mi) from the city of Guwahati and just six km (3.7 mi) from border of Arunachal Pradesh. The longest rail cum road bridge in India (Bogibeel bridge) connects Silapathar to Dibrugarh. Historical Malinithan mandir is located around ten km (6.2 mi) from Silapathar.

It is the commercial hub of Dhemaji district and Arunachal Pradesh, the place has a heady mix of indigenous communities like Mising, Chutia, Ahom, Gorkhas, Deoris.

Video Link: Silapathar Town (Courtesy : Nova Hajong)

Places of Interest :

1) Gerukamukh : Gerukamukh is located at a distance of 44 Km from the district Head Quarter in the North-West direction. Regular communication is available from Dhemaji, Lakhimpur and Guwahati. At Gerukamukh Sobansiri, the largest tributary of Brahmaputra touches the plains from the hills giving a scenic beauty with its virginity. The condition is favourable for angling and picnic parties. National Hydro Electric Power Corporation is implementing a mega hydro electric power project at Gerukamukh.

Video Link: Gerukhamukh Picnic Place (Courtesy: Mazhar)

2) Habung : The earliest reference to Habung comes in the 10th-century copper plate grant of Ratnapala of the Pala dynasty when it was a province (visaya) of the Kamarupa kingdom with Brahmin settlements. It is known that Sukaphaa, the Ahom king, spent a few years in Habung before finally settling down at Charaideo in 1253. A future Ahom king, Sudangphaa, was born to an exiled queen in the home of a Brahman in Habung late 14th century. A 1392 copper-plate land grant from a Chutia king, Satyanarayan, to a Brahman discovered at Dhenukhana suggests that this region was under the Chutia kingdom at that time. The copper plate of Chutia king Dharmanarayan dated 1428 A.D. mentions Sri Vrihat-patra as Habung-aadhipati (lord of Habung). The plate records land grants of 400 puti given to a Brahmin named Purandar Vipra, indicating that Habung was a principality of the Chutia kingdom.

Suhungmung, the Ahom king, following an expansionist policy and annexed Panbari of Habung in 1512 AD, which was a part of the Chutia kingdom. The Chutia king Dhirnarayan attacked the Ahoms at Dikhoumukh the next year but was unsuccessful. The Chutias again attacked the Ahoms in 1520 and occupied the areas up to Namdang and Mungkhrang. The last copperplate recording a grant made in the region was issued by king Dhirnarayan in 1522 A.D. at a place known as Konwargaon (present-day Dhakuakhana) after which the region was finally annexed by the Ahom king Suhungmung in 1523 A.D.

Habung Entrance

Video Link : Habung History (Courtesy : Turning Point Institute of Media & Creative Skills)

4) Ghuguha Dol : It is historically believed that at this place Bamuni Konwar, the son of then Ahom King Tyao Khamti was born. The Dol (Temple) was built in the memory of Bamuni Konwar's mother Ghuguhi and is at a distance of 17 km in south west of Dhemaji.

Video Link : Ghuguha Dol, Dhemaji (Courtesy : Travel with Kriku)

5) Maa Manipuri Than : This Than (i.e. place of worship) distance of 25 km in the south west direction of Dhemaji was established by the then Ahom King Gourinath Singha as a monument of help by the Manipuries in controlling Mua-Mariah renaissance during the later period of Ahom reign.

6) Rajgarh Ali : A road constructed by Prince Gohain Kamal during Kcnch reign and is at a distance of 22 km from Dhemaji.

Video Link : Historical Rajgarh Ali Road (Courtesy : Emmanuel Vlog)

7) Poba Reserve Forest : Poba Reserve Forest is situated in Jonai Subdivision of Dhemaji District of Assam. The Reserved Forest (RF) was created in the year 1924 and covers an area of 10,221 hectares. Poba is one of the richest rain forests of North-East India in terms of the flora and fauna found in it and can be very well termed a biodiversity hotspot. The forest receives an annual rainfall of 3600 mm to 4000 mm. The highest temperature so far recorded is 35°C in summer and the lowest is 7.0°C in winter. It is bounded in the North by the foothills of the Himalayan range in Arunachal Pradesh, towards East and South are the Siang, Dibang, and Lohit river systems merging into the mighty Brahmaputra and the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and towards West are the revenue villages of the Jonai Sub-division of the Dhemaji district of Assam. Poba RF is an important elephant corridor linking the foot hills of Arunachal Pradesh and Dibru Saikhowa National Park via the proposed Kobu Chapori Reserve Forest. The peripheral area of the RF is inhabited by a few ethnic groups such as Mising, Bodo, Sonowal Kachari and Hajong (Rabha). These communities are dependent mostly on forest for their livelihood. Scientific research is still being carried out on the flora and fauna of the forest.

Video Link: Poba Reserve Forest (Courtesy: Royal Pegu)

Religion

Hindus - 95.47%

Muslims - 1.96%

Christians - 1.27%

Languages

Assamese (39.21%)

Mishing (32.53%)

Bengali (9.80%)

Bodo (6.95%)

Nepali (5.26%)

Hindi (1.49%)

Others (4.76%)

Famous Personalities

Sati Sadhani was a legendary 15th/16th-century queen of the Chutia dynasty. According to tradition, she was the daughter of King Dharmadhwajpal, also known as Dhirnarayan. Born in Sadiya, she married Nityapal, alias Nitai. In 1524, the Ahoms took advantage of Nityapal's weak leadership and attacked the kingdom, conquering Sadiya and killing Nityapal. When Sadhani, who played a prominent role in the fight against the Ahoms, was asked to marry Sadiyakhowa Gohain, the Ahom governor of Sadiya, she preferred death to dishonour and sacrificed her life by jumping from the top of Chandragiri hills near Sadiya.

DHUBRI DISTRICT

Dhubri district is an administrative district in the state of Assam in India. The district headquarters are located at Dhubri town which is situated at 290 km from Guwahati, the state capital. This was also the headquarters of erstwhile Goalpara district which was created in 1875 by the British government. In 1983, Goalpara district was divided into four districts and Dhubri is one among those. It is a small old town on the bank of the Brahmaputra and Gadadhar Rivers. Dhubri District is bounded both by inter-state and international border i.e. West Bengal and Bangladesh in the west, Goalpara and Bongaigoan district of Assam and Garo Hills district of Meghalaya in the east, Kokrajhar district in the north, Bangladesh and state of Meghalaya in the south. Covering an area of 2,838 Sq. Kms. including forests, riverines, hills etc. the district has become the most densely populated district in India with a density of 1171 persons per Sq. Km (As per 2011 census).

The name Dhubri comes from the tale of Chand Sadagar, where the main character of the story Netai Dhubuni used to wash her clothes on the surface of a big stone at bank of the river Brahmaputra. This particular place had a name called "Netai Dhubunir Ghat".

In 1669 AD Raja Ram Singh, Mughal general of Amber was deputed by Aurangzeb of Delhi to crash a rebellion by the Ahom king Chakradhwaj Singha. But Assam was a difficult country for such an operation and Raja Ram Singh requested Guru Teg Bahadur to accompany him. Guru Teg Bahadur accepted the request and his presence was initially thought to be a moral booster to both Ram Singh and his troops. However, later Guru's role was proved to be much more crucial than his mere presence. This operation was actually a punishment for Ram Singh because it was from his custody that Shivaji and his son had escaped, from Aurangzeb's likely execution, a few years earlier.

On arrival to Kamrup early in February, 1569 AD, Guru Teg Bahadur camped at Dhubri while Raja Ram Singh with his army camped at Rangamati Fort. Though the Imperial Army was confident but still not sure whether the holy man with them would be able to destroy the evil effects of magic and witchcraft of the Assamese. Just across the river the Assamese were unnerved by the superior numbers of the Imperial Army but they were confident that the supernatural powers of their magicians would keep the attackers at bay.

Video Link : Dhubri District History (Courtesy : The Incognito)

Administration

The district headquarters is located at Dhubri.

At present there are two sub-divisions: Dhubri (Sadar) and Bilasipara.

The district has 8 revenue circles and 7 tahsils. It has 8 police stations and 4 basic towns.

There are five Assam Legislative Assembly constituencies in this district: Dhubri, Gauripur, Golakganj, Bilasipara West, and Bilasipara East. All five are in the Dhubri Lok Sabha constituency.

Economy

Dhubri District is primarily dependent on agricultural and forest products. The main source of income is paddy (both winter and autumn) with surplus production. Jute and mustard seed occupy the major share of cash crops. Wheat, maize, pulses and sugar cane are also grown moderately. From forest, mainly timber and bamboo add to the income, though boulders and sand are also available. Fish, milk, meat, and eggs have small contribution to the economy. Currently three tea gardens, whose contribution to the district economy is almost negligible, cover an area of 1362.33 hectares. Land revenue collection is minimal, whereas tax from check gates and excise duty occupy much of the government exchequer. Devoid of major industrial production, the district uses more funds for administration, development, and welfare works than it provides.

Its rich natural wealth is yet to be explored and some believe that proper utilization of natural resources could provide a boost for the struggling economy.

Important Towns in the District

Dhubri is an old town and headquarter of Dhubri district in Indian state of Assam. It is an old town on the bank of the Brahmaputra river, with historical significance. In 1883, the town was first constituted as a Municipal Board under the British regime. It is situated about 277.4 kilometres (172 mi) west from Dispur, the state capital of Assam. The town is also an important commercial centre and had a busy river port particularly for jute. Dhubri is called the "Land of Rivers" as it is covered three sides by Brahmaputra and Gadadhar rivers. The word 'Dhuburi' comes from a legendary lady named Netai-Dhubuni. Legends say that Netai-Dhubuni was a laundress who used to wash clothes of the Gods and Goddesses in a small ghat in Dhubri. The story is connected with Behula-Lakhindar. Lakhinar was the son of Chand Sadagar and Behula was Lakhindar's spouse. The word Dhubri is believed to have originated from the word 'Dhubuni' (a lady who washes clothes). According to Bodo-Kacharis, the word is of Bodo origin and derived from Dubri, a kind of grass. The story of lady Netai-Dhubuni is widely accepted for the naming history of Dhubri.

Video Link : Dhubri Town (Courtesy : The Incognito)

Agomani ( also spelt as Agomoni or Agamani) is a sub town area of Dhubri district (Assam) India. It is an area on the bank of Gangadhar River with historical significance. Agomani derives from the word "AGOMAN"which means arrival. It is said that Mahapurush Sri Sri Shankardeva, the great preacher of the Bhagawati Bhaishnava faith, made a voyage from Pathbaushi with his niece Aai Bhubeneshwari to get her marriage with Chillarai, the brother of Nara Narayana, the king of Koch kingdom. They made a journey by boat on the river Gangadhar. Both of them arrived at Agomani Ghat and received each other. From that time the place was named Agomani. There are other sayings that Raja Probhat Ch. Baruah, the Jamindar of Gouripur and Maharaja Nara Narayana, the King of Koch kingdom arrived at the place of Agomani to meet and to settle some disputes overland. To commemorate that historical meeting, the place has been known as Agomani.

Bilasipara is a town, sub-division and town area committee in Dhubri district in the state of Assam, India. The widely spoken language of the town is 'Ujani'; the locals call it 'Desi'. People of many religions, castes and mother-tongues are found here. A river known as Gaurang, which is a tributary of the Brahmaputra, enters the town from the east. It is the only water source other than small lakes and ponds. This town is well known for its educational institutions. There are many English medium and Assamese medium schools in the town, and Hindi and Bengali medium schools and colleges.

Video Link : Bilasipara Town (Courtesy: AIS VLogs)

Gauripur is a semi-urban town under Gauripur Town Committee in the Dhubri district in the state of Assam, India. There is a lake on its north-western side named Laokhowa beel and on the north-eastern side, on the bank of Gadadhar, is a small hill-top called Matiabagh, on which the palace "Hawakhana" erected by the Zamindar of Gauripur is found. On the other side of the Gadadhar river is the famous village Asharikandi, of international fame for its terrakota industry. The Gauripur town is served by the Northeast Frontier Railway of the Indian Railway network. The establishment of the town and the name "Gauripur" has an interesting story associated with the main architect of Gauripur, Raja Pratap Chandra Barua. It is believed that Raja Barua was hunting in the forest and came across a frog eating a snake. He was astonished to see this unnatural and unheard of sight. Being a strong devotee of the Goddess Mahamaya, he was convinced that what he saw was a supernatural message for him. Shortly afterwards, he established a temple for Goddess Mahamaya and named it Gauripur after the alias "Gauri" of Mahamaya.

Video Link : Gauripur Town (Courtesy: Chilaray times)

Sapatgram is a town and a Municipality Board Area in Dhubri district in the Indian state of Assam. Sapatgram is an ancient human habitation. Originally Sapatgram belonged to the ancient Koch Hajo (1581-1616) Kingdom under Raghudev and his son Parikshit Narayan of the Koch dynasty that stretched from Sankosh river in the west to the Bhareli river in the east on the north bank of River Brahmaputra. Sapatgram is famous for a huge Hindu Temple named ‘Lilananda Ashram’. The temple was established by Thakur Lilananda in 1946. It is located at a village named ‘Santipur’ at the outskirt of Sapatgram town. The holy shrine possesses a number of temples of various Hindu deities spread in an area of more than one hundred bighas of land. One of the unique features of the temple is its provision for round-the-clock ‘Hari Naam Sankirtan’. This has been going on since the very day of the establishment of the temple. Besides, the disciples of Thakur Lilananda popularly known as ‘Pagla Baba’ celebrate the ‘Ratha Yatra’ festival with pomp and pleasure every year.

Video Link : Sapatgram Town (Courtesy: Fact Ohom)

Places of Interest :

Netai Dhubuni Ghat: The name Dhubri originates from the story of Chand Sadagar, where the principal character of the story Netai Dhubuni used to wash her clothes on the stone surface at the bank of the river Brahmaputra. This specific spot had a name called “Netai Dhubunir Ghat”.

Video Link : Netai Dhubuni Ghat (Courtesy : Plush Honey)

Mahamaya Dham : Bogribari’s Mahamaya Dham, some 30-35 kilometres east of Dhubri town, ranks with Kamakhya Dham (Guwahati) and Madan-Mohan (Cooch Behar) in terms of pilgrim and tourist appeal. Locals such as Kacharies, Koches, and Nath used to worship the famed mother Goddess Mahamaya of Parvatjowar. It was the Jaminder of Parvatjowar’s ruling god. Later, the goddess gained widespread favour, and now, all Hindus in Assam worship mother Mahamaya.

Video Link : Mahamaya Temple (Courtesy : The Incognito)

Rangamati Mosque : Hussain Shah, the Governor of Bengal, erected the famed Rangamati Mosque in the 17th century. This Mosque dates from the pre-Mughal period, as shown by its distinctive architectural architecture. It is around 25 kilometres from Dhubri Town. It should be noted that the Rangamati region was previously quite affluent under the time of the Koch monarchs. It also served as a border checkpoint for the Koch monarchs. Rangamati was a major fort of the invading Mughal Army during the Mughal era. The Mohmmedan Soldiers utilised this unusual Mosque as a place of worship. During the same time period, there was also the construction of an Idgah and a Deep Well.

Video link : Panbari Masjid (Courtesy : Northeast Now)

GurudwaraSri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahibji : This historic Gurudwara is located in the centre of Dhubri Town, on the banks of the majestic Brahmaputra River. In 1505 A.D., Sikh Guru Nanaka visited this location and met Mahapurush Sri SriSankardeva on his route from Dhaka to Assam. Following that, in the 17th century, the 9th Guru Tegbahadur arrived to this location and founded this Gurudwara. Every year in December, Sikh followers from all over India and beyond gathered at this Gurudwara to commemorate the Martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegbahadur with seriousness and ceremony. This event was known as Sahidee-Guru-Parav by Sikh worshippers.

Video link : GurudwaraSri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahibji

(Courtesy : The Turban traveller)

Panch Peer Dargah : Built in the year 1662, the Panchpeer Dargah marks the site of the last living remains of the five Sufis who accompanied Raja Ram Singh in the Mughal attack on the sultanate of Assam. Constructed in a blend of Indian-Islamic architecture, the dargah welcomes one with a gated entry. The main entrance has an arc like structure with the nameplate in the regional language, there are also a couple of minarets on the entrance. Getting inside of the compound, the area is quite well maintained with marbled flooring and the five spots of the saints covered with white marble and a sheet on top of the mazar with inscriptions in arabic and urdu. The Panchpeer Dargah is a site of neutrality and is held in high regards by the whole society, one big factor is also because of the rise of Raja Ram Singh in that battle where if believed he was also accompanied by the Guru Teg Bahadur.

Video Link: Panch Peer Dargah (Courtesy: Debojit Saha)

Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary : The Government of India proclaimed Chakrasila Hill Reserve Forest as Chakrasila Hill Wildlife Sanctuary in 1994, spanning 4558.7 hectares of land. This sanctuary is located in the districts of Dhubri and Kokrajhar. The diversity of plant species found in Chakrasila provides a variety of habitats for a wide range of wildlife. The Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the Significant Golden Langur, as well as other animals such as the Leopard, Leopard Cat, Porcupine, Pangoline, Flying Squirrel, Civet Cat, and others. Common birds include the Adjutant Stork, Indian Owl, Myna, Parrakit, Dove, Hornbill, Jungle Fowl, Kingfisher, Harren, Darter, Snipe, Teal, and others. Reptiles and amphibians discovered include the Python, Monitor, Crait, Cobra, Turtle, Tead, and frog.

Video Link : Chakrasila Wild Life Sanctuary (Courtesy: Hello Mazbat)

Matiabag Rajbari or Matiabag Palace is in Gauripur in Dhubri district of Assam. It is a beautiful palace at Matiabag hill and on bank of the Godadhar river. Because of this it is called Matiabag Rajbari. It was used as Hawakhana by the Royal family of Gauripur. It was used as residence by famous pre-independence era actor and director (Devdas movie famed) late Pramathesh Chandra Barua. As per people's belief, once Raja Pratap Chandra Barua (the then ruler of Gauripur) was hunting in the forest and saw a frog which was eating a snake. He was surprised to see this unnatural thing. Being a very strong devotee of Goddess Mahamaya, he believed that it was a message for him from Mahamaya. Afterward, he constructed a temple for Goddess Mahamaya and named the place as Gauripur after the alias "Gauri" of Mahamaya.

Video Link: Matiabag Palace (Courtesy : Crazy Ruhul)

Asharikandi : Dhubri district of Assam have occupied a pivotal position in terracotta market of the world. The Assamese terracotta art and culture took its birth at Asharikandi, a small village near Gauripur town in Dhubri district. More than 80% families of this craft village are engaged in this ethnic based art (handicraft) and pass their life after selling these terracotta products in the national and international markets

Video Link: Asharikhandi Terracota Village (Courtesy : Flouroscence Creative Films)

Dhubri Phulbari Bridge : The Dhubri - Phulbari Bridge is an under construction bridge over the Brahmaputra River between Assam and Meghalaya in North-East India. The Dhubri - Phulbari bridge, to be completed by 2026–27, would be India’s longest bridge over water and would span more than 19 km.

Video Link : Dhubri Phulbari Bridge (Courtesy : Papa Construction)

Religions :

Muslims : 73.49%

Hindus : 26.07%

Christians : 0.21%

Scheduled Castes making up 4.49% of the population. The Scheduled Tribes population in the district is 2,300 making up only 0.16% of the district.

Languages:

Assamese : 69.17%

Bengali : 18.98%

Rajbongshi : 5.65%

Hindi : 2.15%

Sindhi : 1.25%

Others : 2.85%

Famous Personalities

Jamuna Barua (10 October 1919 – 24 November 2005) was a leading Indian actress. Jamuna was the fourth of the six daughters of Puran Gupta, a resident of a village near Agra, India. Each of the sisters was named after an Indian river like Ganga, Jamuna, Bhagirathi etc. As destiny would have it, Jamuna came to reside in Calcutta, a leading film producing city in India.

Originally from Gauripur of Assam's Goalpara district (undivided), Jamuna was married to the legendary actor director Pramathesh Barua, or P.C. Barua, who died in 1950. She began her acting career in her husband's famous production Devdas in 1936 and was the film's lead character Parvati or Paro. She went on to make a number of memorable movies in [ Bengali and Hindi, notably Amiri, Mukti, Adhikar and Sesh Uttar. She stopped acting after Barua died.

Parbati Barua is a Assamese politician, animal conservation activist and a Mahout (Indian term for an elephant tamer and caretaker), Born as one of nine children to late Prakritish Chandra Barua of the Royal Family Of Gauripur. Prakritish was the last member of the Rajahs of Gauripur to hold power. She came to the limelight after the BBC created the documentary "Queen of the Elephants" based on her life, along with the companion book by Mark Shand. She resides in Guwahati and is also a member of the Asian Elephant Specialist Group, She is the sister of Pratima Barua Pandey and niece of filmmaker Pramathesh Barua of Devdas fame.

Pramathesh Chandra Barua (24 October 1903 – 29 November 1951) was an Indian actor, director, and screenwriter of Indian films in the pre-independence era, born in Gauripur, Dhubri, Assam. Barua was the son of the royal family of Gauripur (belongs to Gauripur Rajvansh), Dhubri, Assam, where he was born and spent his childhood. Barua was the son of the royal family of Gauripur (belongs to Gauripur Rajvansh), Dhubri, Assam, where he was born and spent his childhood. He had two more marriages. His third wife was film actress Jamuna Barua. One of his wives, either Madhuri Lata or Amalabala, and singer Meena Kapoor's mother were sisters. In other words, one of his wives was Meena Kapoor's aunt. After his graduation, he travelled to Europe, where he received his first exposure to films. After returning, he served for a time in the Assam Legislative Assembly and joined the Swaraj Party but ultimately moved to Calcutta and later began a career in films, much to the chagrin of his father. Although, Barua's breakthrough with New Theatres came with Devdas in 1935. The film was first made in Bengali, with Barua himself in the title role; he then remade it in Hindi as the 1936 film Devdas, with K.L. Saigal as the leading man. The Hindi version became a craze all throughout India; it cemented Barua as a top-notch director and Saigal as the top-notch hero of Indian films. The Devdas (Assamese) was Barua's last of three language versions. Barua followed up Devdas with Manzil in 1936, Mukti in 1937, Adhikar in 1938, Rajat Jayanti in 1939, and Zindagi (which reunited him with Saigal) in 1940.

Kalicharan Brahma (1860–1938), originally Kalicharan Mech, was a 20th-century social and religious reformer of Bodo society. He attained diksha in a new religion called Brahmo Dharma / Brahmoism Adi Brahmo Samaj in Calcutta around 1906, and is reverentially called Gurudev or Guru Brahma by the Bodo people of lower plains of Assam along the Brahmaputra valley. Other great Assamese Brahmos of the time include Gunabhiram Barua and Swarnalata Devi of the same faction, all of whom agitated against Colonialist Imperialism of any kind. The followers of this group are locally known as Brahmas in tribute to their religion and the holy river of which they are sons. He was the founder of Boro Chhatra Sanmilanni (All Bodo Students Union).

Madaram Brahma was an Indian poet and dramatist, who wrote in the Bodo language, a Sino-Tibetan language spoken by the Bodo people. Born in a Bodo family in 1903 at Kokrajhar in Dundhunikhata (present day Dhubri District) of the Northeast Indian state of Assam, he passed the matriculation from the local Government High School in Dhubri. Brahma wrote several poems, songs including hymns and plays which started with Boroni Gudi Sibsa Arw Aroj, a book of hymns and prayers written in Bodo language. His other works included Khonthai Methai (Poems and Lyrics–1923), Boroni Gudi Sipsa Arw Aroj (Bodo Hymn and Prayer Songs–1926), Raimali (Drama–1926), Dimapur Nwgwr Bainai (The fall of Dimapur, drama), Sadang Bairagi (Sadang, The Sanyasi, drama), Rupesri Raithai Khantai (Rupesri- Poems and Prose–1988) and Phangseao Bibar Barnwi (Two Flowers in the Branch). Some of his works are prescribed texts for school curriculum and civil services examination. The Government of India awarded him the fourth highest civilian honour of Padma Shri in 1988.

Priyadarshini Chatterjee (5 September 1996) is an Indian model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Femina Miss India World in 2016. She represented India at the Miss World 2016 pageant. She is the first northeast Indian to represent India at Miss World.

Rebati Mohan Dutta Choudhury (1924–2008) was a noted Assamese litterateur, Sahitya Akademi Award winner and an academician from Gauripur in Assam, India. Popularly he is known as Sheelabhadra, his pen name. Dutta Choudhury's major literary works are Madhupur aru Tarangini, Agomonir Ghat, Anahatguri, Abichinna, Prachir, Godhuli and Anusandhan (all novels) and Baastab, Beer Sainik, Samudrateer, TaruaKadam, Pratiksha, Uttaran, Mezaz, Sheelabhadrar Kuria Galpa, Nirbachita Galpa, Madhupurar Madhukar, Anya ek Madhupur, Uttar Nai, Dayitya aru Anyanya Galpa, Biswas aru Anyanya Galpa, Lagaria and several other collections of short stories. Many of his literary works have been translated into Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, Telugu and Oriya by the National Book Trust, the Sahitya Akademi and the Bharatiya Jnanpith. Smriticharan is his autobiography.

Anima Guha (26 March 1932 – 29 July 2021) was an Indian writer from Assam. Guha was a literary pensioner who published numerous novels, essays, articles, translations, and travelogues. Guha also published a number of research papers in scientific journals, in addition to attending many seminars and conferences. She worked as a pool officer at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research from 1980 to 1984, in addition to being a postdoctoral fellow at the Anthropological Survey of India, Calcutta (1976–1989). From 1985 to 1990, she worked as a University Grants Commission's research associate at Calcutta University's department of anthropology, focusing on the genetics of birth abnormalities and indigenous health practices among Assamese tribal communities and other backward populations. She has also presented papers at the International Congress of Anthropological and Ethnological Science held in Zagreb (Yugoslavia) and in New Delhi.

Pratima Barua Pandey (3 October 1934 – 27 December 2002) was an Indian folk singer from the royal family of Gauripur in Western Assam's Dhubri district. Barua Pandey, a national awardee, best known for her Goalpariya (Koch Rajbongshi / Kamatapuri/ Deshi) songs Hastir Kanya and Mur Mahut Bandhure, was the daughter of Prakritish Chandra Barua (Lalji) and niece of filmmaker Pramathesh Barua of Devdas fame. Pratima Barua Pandey was awarded the Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi for her pioneering efforts in popularising Goalpariya lokageet. A documentary film made on her life and works by noted filmmaker Prabin Hazarika, Hastir Kanya, won National Film Award for Best Biographical Film in 1997, earned great appreciation and created waves at the South Asian film festival in 1998.

Tapas Sen ( 11 September 1924 – 28 June 2006) was a noted Indian stage lighting designer, who was an important figure in 20th-century Indian theatre. He started working with Bengali theatre movement in Kolkata in the late 1940s, along with noted directors, Utpal Dutt and Shambhu Mitra. Later he became a founding member of the Indian People's Theatre Association's (IPTA), Delhi chapter, and worked closely with Hindi theatre. Through his career stretching five decades he worked theatre directors, Ebrahim Alkazi, Vijay Tendulkar, and also dancers Sadhana Bose, Chandralekha, Birju Maharaj and Kelucharan Mahapatra. He was known not only for his creative stage lighting, but also had a significant impact on the work of leading theatre director of the time. He was awarded the 1974 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1974, given by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's National Academy for Music, Dance and Drama, and Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 2004. Besides doing architectural lighting design for important outdoor venues and monuments like Khajuraho, Konark, Elephanta and Ujjain. In 1988, he designed the lighting for the opening ceremonies of the "Festival of India" at Moscow and Paris, under Dashrath Patel. He was also part of the 50-person team for the lighting design of the Eiffel Tower in 2000.

Sarat Chandra Singha (1 January 1914 – 25 December 2005, born in a Rajbanshi family in Bhakatpara village of Chapar under Dhubri district) was an Indian politician and Chief Minister of Assam. He was a leader of Indian National Congress, Indian National Congress (Socialist) and Nationalist Congress Party. He was known for his value-based politics, Singha belonged to a rare breed of politicians who sacrificed his life for the welfare of the downtrodden people of Indian society. A true Gandhian, he never compromised with his principle what he preached and practised. His illustrious political life was a rare combination of honesty, simplicity and integrity. He was also a writer.

DIBRUGARH DISTRICT

Dibrugarh is an administrative district in the state of Assam in India. The district headquarters are located within the city of Dibrugarh, which the district itself is named for. Dibrugarh derived its name from Dibarumukh (as a renowned encampment of Ahoms during the Ahom-Chutia war). Either the name “Dibru” evolved from Dibaru river or from the Bodo-Kachari word “Dibru” which means a “blister” and “Garh” meaning "fort". The Bodo-Kacharis add the prefix “Di-” (which means “water”) wherever there is small stream, a river, or a large river in a town or city.

The region was part of the Chutia Kingdom until the Ahoms occupied it in the year 1523 AD. The Chutia army under the generals Kasitora, Alangi Chetia and Borpatra fought against the Ahoms at Dibrumukh, but were defeated. After the Ahoms captured Sadiya in 1524 AD, bringing an end to the Chutia kingdom, the Ahom king Suhungmung placed an official named Chaolung Shulung to control the region. Dibrugarh became a separate district when it was split from Lakhimpur on 2 October 1971. On 1 October 1989 Tinsukia district was split from Dibrugarh.

It is bounded by Dhemaji district on the north, Tinsukia district on the east, Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh on the south-east and Sibsagar district on the north and south-west. The area stretches from the north bank of the Brahmaputra, which flows for a length of 95 km through the northern margin of the district, to the Patkai foothills on the south. The Burhi Dihing, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra with its network of tributaries and wetlands flows through the district from east to west. There is a large tract of Tropical Rainforest in its eastern and southern regions, which is a part of the Dehing Patkai wildlife sanctuary.

Economy

Tea and oil are the major revenue earners for the district. Beside these many rice and oilseed mills exist. Also there are some coal mining and petroleum production industries. The majority of the population are occupied in farming of rice, sugar-cane, pulses, and fish farming.Dibrugarh has the world's largest area covered by tea gardens. The entire district is surrounded by tea plantations and has tea factories. Many tea gardens are more than 100 years old. The world's oldest running oil refinery is situated in Digboi (Tinsukia District). The entire district has many oil and natural gas rigs owned by the Oil India Limited and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation. The headquarters of Oil India Limited is located in Duliajan, 50 km from Dibrugarh Town.

Video Link : Dibrugarh District Info (Courtesy : GTV Assam)

Video Link : OIL INDIA LTD - Documentary (Courtesy : Dinesh Kaim)

Administration

The district headquarters is located at Dibrugarh.

There are seven Assam Legislative Assembly constituencies in this district: Moran, Dibrugarh, Lahowal, Duliajan, Tingkhong, Naharkatia, and Chabua. Chabua is in the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency, whilst the other six are in the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency.

Important Towns

Dibrugarh : Dibrugarh is an industrial city in Upper Assam with sprawling tea gardens. It is located 435 kms East from the state capital of Dispur. It serves as the headquarters of Dibrugarh district in the state of Assam in India. Dibrugarh serves as the headquarters of the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council, which is the governing council of the Sonowal Kachari tribe (found predominantly in the Dibrugarh district). Dibrugarh derived its name from Dibarumukh (as a renowned encampment of Ahoms during the Ahom-Chutia conflict). Either the name “Dibru” evolved from Dibaru river or from the Bodo-Kachari word “Dibru” which means a “blister” and “Garh” meaning "fort". The Bodo-Kacharis add the prefix “Di-” (which means “water”) wherever there is small stream, a river, or a large river in a town or city. The first oil well dug during the British era was in Digboi, 50 miles (80 km) from Dibrugarh. Today, Duliajan, Dikom, Tengakhat and Moran are the key locations for oil and gas industry in the district. Oil India Limited, the second public sector company in India engaged in exploration and transportation of crude oil has its field headquarters in Duliajan, 50 km from Dibrugarh city.

Video Link : Dibrughar City (Courtesy : The Incognito)

Video Link : Dibrugarh City Anthem (Courtesy : Filth Factory Productions)

Boiragimoth : Boiragimoth is a suburb of Dibrugarh city in Assam, consisting of several residential neighbourhoods and local markets. It is considered one of the most popular residential areas in the town, with shops, restaurants, schools, colleges, boarding houses, places of worship, sports facilities, and so on. Boiragimoth's name traces its origin to the Ahom kingdom. According to folklore, Loraa Rojaa (Sulikphaa - Ratnadhwaj Singha 1679–1681), the then Ahom monarch, started maiming his royal kin in an attempt to maintain his hold over the throne. One of his cousins fled the capital, Garhgaon, now in Sibsagar district, and started living in this area disguised as a "Boiragi" or hermit and founded a "Moth" (monastery). So, Boiragimoth means Hermit's Monastery.

Video Link : Boiragimoth Town (Courtesy : Dibrugarh 24x7)

Chabua : Chabua is a town and a town area committee in Dibrugarh district in the state of Assam, India. In the early 1820s, the British East India Company began large-scale production of tea in Assam, India, of a tea variety traditionally brewed by the Singpho tribe. In 1826, the British East India Company took over the region from the Ahom kings through the Yandaboo Treaty. In 1837, the first English tea garden was established at Chabua in Upper Assam; in 1840, the Assam Tea Company began the commercial production of tea in the region, run by indentured servitude of the local inhabitants. Beginning in the 1850s, the tea industry rapidly expanded, consuming vast tracts of land for tea plantations. By the turn of the century, Assam became the leading tea-producing region in the world. The word Chabua consist of two words: chah which means "tea" and bua which means plantation. Later on, Chahbua became Chabua and the place got its name.

Video Link : Chabua Town (Courtesy : Nova Hajong)

Duliajan : Duliajan is an industrial town of Dibrugarh district in the Indian state of Assam located in the upper north-east corner of India. The town is about 45 km east of Dibrugarh City. It is particularly known for its oil related industry, Oil India Limited, one of the country's largest oil and gas companies. There was also other central government owned companies like BPCL company of gas cracker & polymer, N.E.E.P.C.O., B.F.C.L. and the Shivani company which is India's largest private company for drilling. Assam Gas Company Limited, which carries out business related to natural gas in India owned by the Government of Assam, is also located in this township. Duliajan derived its name from "Dulia" meaning "palanquin-bearers" of the Ahom kings and "Jan" meaning "a river stream". The Ahom kings, also known as Swargadeos, were very fond of hunting in the Upper Dihing forests. The Swargadeos would come by boats from their capital of Gargaon and Rangpur (in Sivasagar district) down the Dikhow river to the mighty Brahmaputra, then row upstream, enter the Dihing river and halt at the mouth of the stream near Tipling-Ghat in present-day Duliajan. The stream was a guiding pathway for the palanquin bearers of the Swargadeos. Thus, when a new oil town was constructed in this area, to honour the palanquin bearers, it became a natural choice for the historical name of Duliajan.

Video Link : Duliajan Town (Courtesy : Nova Hajong)

Moran Town : Moran Town is a census town in Dibrugarh district in the Indian state of Assam. Moran is an important industrial town in India. It is a major oil field and a major tea-producing area. The name "Moran" is actually the shortened form of "Moran-hat". The place used to be a trade centre where the people from Moran tribe used to visit in order to sell their products in the north of Dihing which was located in the Chutiya kingdom. It is from this centre that "Moran-hat" derives its name.

Video Link : Moranhat Town Drone View (Courtesy : MBG)

Naharkatiya : Naharkatia (previously spelt as Naharkatiya or Nahorkatiya) is a town and a town area committee in Dibrugarh district in the Indian state of Assam. It is well known for petroleum and gas reserves. The name Naharkatia is connected with the history of killing or punishment of Prince Nahar, an adopted son of the Tai-Ahom king Sukhampha, also known as Khora Raja, punished by Kalia Chaodang. According to local saying, 'one Ahom Noble Kalia Chaodang' was entrusted to punish Prince Nahar at Bardoiyamukh for his misdeeds against the important Tai-Ahom nobles including the Ministers. This Kalia alias Kola Chaodang was finally settled near today's Naharkatia Railway Station and from this episode, the area became Nahakatia. Nahar+katiya, i.e., the person who cut or beheaded Nahar at the instance of Tai-Ahom king Sukhampha settled there.

Video Link : Naharkatiya Town (Courtesy : Trip Globally. Com)

Namrup : Namrup is a small town situated close to the foothills of the Patkai Hills in the extreme southeastern part of Assam, India. The river Dihing or Disang flows through it. Namrup is situated in amidst wet-paddy fields, indigenous Assamese villages, orchards, large tea-gardens and densely forested hills. Namrup is known for its 3 main industries viz. BVFCL (Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Ltd.), APL (Assam Petrochemicals Ltd.) and NTPS (Namrup Thermal Power Station). The history of this modern town started with the decision of the Indian Government to establish a natural gas-based fertilizer factory in the area during the early 1960s. Namrup is a historic place and the word Namrup is associated with probably life of the initial Tai-Shan settlers in the region as nam in Tai means water and 'rup' or 'ruk' in Tai means five (5). It is the region of five rivers. Name of the town during the pre-Ahom period is not known, but it is easily understood that the area was inhabited by considerable size of population under the Borahis chiefly along with other indigenous ethnic groups like Chutia, Moran, Kachari and some Kaibartas. Namrup was an important place during the Ahom Kingdom. It was the seat for the Namrupeeya Roja, one of the four contenders of the throne representing an important clan of the royal dynasty. Coraikhurung in Namrup was used as a secret place and a safe habitat of the king during the external attacks from west. Namrup also had a Koliyapany (a jail of special kind) during the Ahom Kingdom.

Video Link : Namrup Town (Courtesy : Novo Hajong)

PLACES OF INTEREST

Dehing Patkai National Park : Referred as the Amazon of the East and deriving its name from the Dehing River and the Patkai Mountain range, this Jeypore Rain Forest was declared as Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary on 19^th June, 2004 and was declared as National Park on 15^th June, 2021 with an area of 234.26 Sq KM located in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia District. Tourists are allowed to enter this National Park through three ranges viz. Soraipung and Joypur range in Dibrugarh District and Margherita range in Tinsukia District. The rainforest sees heavy rainfall, largely an unexplored terrain, which is perhaps one of the major reasons of its rich biodiversity. This National Park is a habitat to around 42 species of mammals, 40 species of reptiles, more than 200 species of butterflies and more than 200 species of birds. Dihing Patkai rainforest harbours about 293 bird species, belonging to 174 genera and 51 families. The majority is resident (63.7%), some are winter visitors (23.1% ), and very few are summer visitors (2.5%). About 10.7% are altitudinal migrants, coming mainly from the higher reaches of the western, central and eastern Himalayas.

Video Link : Dehing Patkai National Park (Courtesy : Bachelor Life)

Video link : Dehing Patkai - Amazon of the East (Courtesy : Evergreen Foundations)

Jokai Reserve Forest is a broadleaf forest minute away from the Dibrugarh district. It covers an area of approx. 800 Hectares. The Jokai Botanical Garden, Sahitya Manishi Upaban, Apurugiya Brikhya Rupan (Under Construction) and Mahabir Forest camp falls under Jokai Reserve Forest jurisdiction. It has 7 (seven) Forest villages namely; EktrisGharia Bon Kumar Gaon, AathGharia and BaroGharia, SabbisGharia, SataisGharia, Majgaon Bees Gharia, Na Gharia and DusGharia Forest village. Numerous low altitude tropical species of fauna are present here in good numbers which includes Small Niltava, Little Pied Flycatcher, Black-winged and Large Cuckoo-shrikes, flock of Pompadour Green Pigeons, Jay-walking Emerald Dove, Red headed Trogon, Crimson Sunbird, Ruby Checked Sunbird, Scarlet Backed Flowerpecker, Black breasted Thrush - During spring, rare cuckoos (like the Asian emerald cuckoo) and flycatchers. The forest is pregnant with medicinal, aromatic and oil bearing tropical trees and home to approximate 25 varieties of orchids.

Video link : Jokai Botanical Garden (Courtesy : Pronit Baglari)

Bezor Doul: Here exists a brick-built temple having an octagonal garbhagriha with a narrow antarala attached to it, datable to the late mediaeval period of Ahom reign. A traditional medicine practitioner of Ahom kingdom (Bez), who belonged to the 'Chung khel', got promoted from Bez to Bezbaruah for his excellent medical treatment to the Royal family. He received a large area of land from the Ahom king at the present day BezorPathararea, where he went on to construct the Bezor Doul.

Video Link : Bezor Doul (Courtesy : Mysterious Assam)

Meslow Maidam : Eastern Assam bears glaring testimony of the bygone glorious Ahom era. Apart from the magnificent maidams of Charaideo, two lesser known maidams in Dibrugarh district assume much significance. History says that, Bormeslow and SarumeslowKonwari were the queens of Ahom ruler SwargadeoSukhampha or KhoraRoja who initially established his kingdom at Halaguri, presently called Salaguri. After their death the king built two maidams in memory of his queens Bormeslow and SarumeslowKonwari near Garuhora and Changmai village under Lengerimouza which stood the test of time to script history of its own. These two maidams spread across several acres of land are eye-catching even from a distance.

Video Link : Meslow Maidam (Courtesy : Niranjan Phukan)

Chowlung Sukafa Tourism Project : Tipam Fakial village is also known as Tipam Phake village which is located in Naharkatia of Dibrugarh district. It is situated 18km away from the headquarter Naharkatia and 58km away from district headquarter of Dibrugarh. The total geographical area of the village is 260.73 hectares. Tipam Fakial has a total population of 1,420 people. There are about 251 houses in Tipam Fakial village. The village of Tipam Phake was established in 1835 AD and the Tai Phake Buddhist monestry was established in 1850 AD. The people of Tai Phake are generally Buddhists. Tai Phake is a large branch of ethnic group with its own unique art, culture, language and tradition. Tai-Phake people have preserved their customs, traditions, culture, heritage and cuisine with great care; welcoming tourists with warm smiles to experience the Tai-Phake way of life. The monestry of Tipam Phake village is a unique architecture saving all the customs of Buddhism in it. It is a tourist destination of all communities and races. This monastery is considered as a meditation centre and has also developed into a very popular tourist spot to be visited in this village. The serene surrounding and natural beauty of the place make it a more unique location. The people living here are the followers of Buddhism and their beliefs and traditions are very strong in this regard. The village has an Ashokan Pillar built nearby and a Buddhist Pagoda. On entering the main temple you will get to see a statue of Lord Buddha made of gold. There is a water tank inside the monastery which is named as the Mucalinda Tank and is considered to be very holy. The biggest festival celebrated in this village is the Poi-Nen-Chi Festival, which is held in the month of March. This occasion is organized to pay homage to Lord Buddha. Poi-Nun-Hok is another grand festival in which the birth of Lord Buddha is celebrated.

Chowlung Sukhafa

Video Link : Tai phake Village and Buddhist Monastry (Courtesy : Unexplored Northeast)

Video Link : Namphake Ethnic Village and Its Food (Courtesy : Anubhav Sapra)

Sri Jagannath Temple : The Jagannath Temple is located on the outskirts of the city of Dibrugarh at a distance of about 6 kms from the city centre was built in the year 2014. The temple is an incarnation of the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. This temple is the second largest Jagannath temple in the world after Jagannath Temple in Puri. Spread over an area of 70,000+ sq ft and influenced and designed as per Odisha style of Architecture, this reincarnation of Jagannath Puri Temple is composed of red faux-stone and granite with fine carvings embedded in the structure. Consist of 7 major temples, 4 major Dwars (gates), a large “Yajna Kund” and Aruna Stambh at main entrance makes it one of the major tourist destination for the visitors.

Video Link : Sri Jagannath Temple, Dibrugarh (Courtesy: Sushanta Purkayastha)

Bogibeel Bridge : The Bogibeel bridge traces its origins to the Assam Accord of 1985 and was one of several major infrastructural projects to be set up in Assam in accordance with the pact. It was sanctioned by the Government of India in 1997-98 and was expected to be completed by the end of the Ninth Five Year Plan. The foundation of the bridge was laid in January 1997 by Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda, but its construction was inaugurated only in 2002 by Prime Minister, A. B. Vajpayee. On 25 December, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bogibeel bridge, on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and also flag off an intercity express connecting Tinsukia and Naharlagun. It is the longest combined rail and road bridge in India and second longest bridge in Assam over the Brahmaputra and makes it a major tourist site. The Bridge along with the Bogibeel Ghat is now a major River Tourism destination where tourist can enjoy river cruises as well house boats.

Video Link : Bogibeel Bridge, Dibrugarh (Courtesy: Bharteeya Janata Party)

The Sasoni Merbil Eco-Tourism Project is an important tourist destination of Assam. It is located at Sasoni under Nahorkotia Revenue Circle of Dibrugarh District. Merbil is an Island and a remarkable biodiversity Hot spot. Not only in terms of its mystic charm but also in the diversity of its wildlife. The mystic and precious natural wealth make this place (Island) as one of the most cherished tourist destination in the state. The wild habitats like Birds, Animals, Butterflies, Fish, Tortoises, Snakes etc. makes it warm hospitable. The Sasoni Merbil Eco-Tourism Project offers various activities like boating. Jeep safari, jungle trekking, birds watching, ethnic and local traditional organic food for the tourists. Visit to nearby villages of miniscule communities such as Tai phake. Sonowal Kachari etc. can easily mesmerize the tourists. To Stay at Sasoni Merbil Eco-Tourism Project, there are Cottages constructed by Assam Tourism. Here, homestay, Paying Guest facilities are available along with OIL Guest House, Forest IB Jaypur, Tea Garden Guest Houses may also be comfortable for Tourists.

Video Link : Sasoni Merbil Eco Toursim Project (Courtesy : Dr Arun Roy)

FAMOUS PERSONALITIES

Mesbahuddin Ahmed was a Bangladeshi educationalist and geologist. Ahmed was born on 8 September 1920 in Dibrugarh, Assam, British India. In 1941, he graduated from High School. He received a B.Sc degree in Geology from the Presidency University, Kolkata in 1943. He completed his Masters in Geology from the Presidency University, Kolkata in 1945. In 1948, he completed a Masters in Economics from Columbia University. Ahmed served in the Geological Survey of Pakistan. After the Bangladesh Liberation war and the Independence of Bangladesh, he joined the Geological Survey of Bangladesh. He reached the position of the Geological Survey of Bangladesh. He served as the head of the Planning and Implementation cell in the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. In 1982, he retired from government service and joined the private sector as a consultant. He was as a consultant in the 2nd Gas Development Project of the World Bank in Bangladesh. He worked at the National Oceanographic And Maritime Institute. He was the founding Vice-President of Bangladesh Geological Society. He served two terms as the President of Bangladesh Geological Society.

Dev Kant Barooah (22 February 1914 – 28 January 1996) was an Indian politician from Assam, who served as the President of the Indian National Congress during the Emergency (1975–77). Baruah was born on 22 February 1914 to Nilkanta Baruah at Dibrugarh, Assam Province. n 1949–1951, Baruah's political career began as a member of the Constituent Assembly. He is now chiefly remembered for his alleged sycophancy to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, encapsulated by his c. 1974 proclamation that "India is Indira. Indira is India." However, he later parted ways with her and joined Congress (Urs), later renamed as Indian Congress (Socialist). He was the Governor of Bihar from 1 February 1971 to 4 February 1973. He died in New Delhi. He is the first and only Assamese to be elected as a president of Indian National Congress. Baruah was a noted poet as well. His collection of Assamese poems, Sagar Dekhisa , is still very popular. He was the elder brother of famous Assamese poet Nabakanta Barua.

Julie Frances Christie (born 14 April 1940,at Singlijan Tea Estate, Chabua, Assam, British India.) is a British actress. An icon of the "Swinging Sixties", Christie is the recipient of numerous accolades including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She has appeared in six films ranked in the British Film Institute's BFI Top 100 British films of the 20th century, and in 1997, she received the BAFTA Fellowship.

Amalprava Das, also known as Amal Prabha Das (born on 12 November 1911 in a rich family to noted Gandhian couple, Hare Krishna Das and Hema Prabha Das in Dibrugarh in state of Assam), was an Indian social worker, Gandhian and the founder of Kasturba Ashram at Sarania Hills, Assam, a self help group for women and their economic upliftment and Guwahati Yubak Sevadal, a non governmental organization working for the social development of harijans. The Government of India honoured her in 1954, with the award of Padma Shri, the fourth highest Indian civilian award for her contributions to the society, placing her among the first recipients of the award. A recipient of the 1981 Jamnalal Bajaj Award, Das was honoured again by the Government of India with the second highest civilian award of Padma Vibhushan which she declined to accept.

Ranjan Gogoi (born 18 November 1954) is an Indian former advocate and former judge who served on the Supreme Court of India for seven years, firstly as a judge from 2012 to 2018, and as the 46th Chief Justice of India for 13 months from 2018 to 2019. He is serving as a Member of the Rajya Sabha, having been nominated by President Ram Nath Kovind on 16 March 2020. Gogoi served as a judge on Gauhati High Court, and then was transferred as a judge to Punjab and Haryana High Court, where he later became Chief Justice. He is serving as a member of the Committee on External Affairs in the Rajya Sabha. Born and raised in Dibrugarh, Gogoi was from a political family and he descends from the Ahom Dynasty. His maternal grandparents were both state legislators, and his grandmother, Padma Kumari Gohain, was one of the first female MLAs and one of the first female ministers in Assam. His father, Kesab Chandra Gogoi served as Chief Minister of Assam for two months in 1982. Gogoi is the only Chief Justice, to have been the son of a Chief Minister. His mother, Shanti Priya Gogoi, was a prominent social activist, who founded an NGO named SEWA, in 2000, two years after the death of Kesab Chandra Gogoi in 1998. One of five children, Gogoi’s four siblings, also excelled in the respective careers. He is also the first Chief Justice of India from Northeast India.

Surjya Kanta Hazarika is an Assamese writer, lyricist, poet, film maker and educationist. Hazarika is a recipient of the Padma Shri Award in 2008 for his contribution to Literature & Education.

Sunil Janah (17 April 1918 — 21 June 2012, born in Dibrugarh, Assam but grew up in Kolkata.) was an Indian photojournalist and documentary photographer who worked in India in the 1940s. Janah documented India's independence movement, its peasant and labour movements, famines and riots, rural and tribal life, as well as the years of rapid urbanization and industrialization. He was best known for his coverage of the Bengal famine of 1943.The Government of India awarded him the civilian honour of Padma Shri in 2012. He attended St. Xavier's College, Kolkata at the University of Calcutta. There, he joined politically leftist students. In 'People's War' and after that 'People's Age' Janah used to have one page for a photo feature for which he photographed the lives of ordinary people, their struggles, the working class at work, rowing boats, catching fish, in coal mines, from men and women working in homes and fields to bow and arrow carrying tribal people, farmers and workers heading to protest, revolutionaries of Telangana and via these photographs he established the Communist Party's ideology and commitment amongst the people. Janah made portraits of Gandhi, Nehru, Jinnah, Sheikh Abdullah, Faiz, and J. Krishnamurthi.

Presh Barua

Paresh Baruah, ''' Kamruj Zaman Khan''' , also known by his alias Paresh Asom, army chief of the ULFA, which is seeking Independence for Assam from the Indian Union. Paresh Baruah was born in 1956 at Birpara (campo), Assam, India to a Motok family. He is the vice-chairperson and the commander-in-chief of the United Liberation Front of Assam – Independent (ULFA – I). Baruah lives in Yunnan, China where he receives funding and patronage from MSS. He has also insisted that Han Chinese are friends of the Assamese and want to help them become independent, even though his influence has largely diminished. He is currently residing in his Chinese safe haven near the Myanmar-China border.

Hari Bhakta Katuwal was an Indian-Nepali poet, writer and songwriter. Hari Bhakta Katuwal was born on 2 July 1935 in Dibrugarh, Assam. In India, he used to write poems under the name Prabasi (transl. Non-resident). He moved to Kathmandu to pursue his writing career after being invited by King Mahendra. Noted for his writing style, he published many poems including Bhitri Manche Bolna Khojch, Yo Zindagi Khai Ke Zindagi, and Samjhana. He was also addicted to drinking. He also wrote lyrics that have been sung by Narayan Gopal, Amber Gurung, and Aruna Lama. Katuwal died on 10 September 1980 in Assam. He was cremated at the banks of the Brahmaputra River in a Hindu ceremony. In 2015, documentary Ani Hari Bhakta Farkiyenan about Katuwal's life was released. In 2021, a life-size statue of Katuwal was erected at Jaigaon near the Indo-Bhutan border.

Biju Phukan; 18 February 1947 – 22 November 2017) was an Assamese actor. He was born in Dibrugarh, India, where he studied in the Dibrugarh HS Kanoi College and Dibrugarh Govt boys' higher secondary school Dibrugarh. He appeared in more than eighty Assamese feature films. His first movie was Dr. Bezbarua (1970). His first role as leading actor was in Baruar Songshar followed by Aranya which established him as a 'hero'. One of his songs that attained fame and was successful in the charts was "Mon Hira Doi" from the film Bowari. His first release as a hero was Samarendra Narayan Dev's Aranya in 1971, which was adjudged the Best Regional Film at the National Film Awards. He was residing in Guwahati. He was a former jury member of Indian Panorama. He died at Apollo Hospital in Guwahati on 22 November 2017, aged 70

Nilmoni Phukan (1880–1978) was an Assamese writer, poet, freedom fighter and politician popularly known as Bagmibor in the Assamese literature. Since he shares his name with another Assamese poet, Nilmani Phukan, he is often referred as Nilmoni Phukan (Senior). Phukan was the president of the Asam Sahitya Sabha for two times; in 1944 held at Sivasagar district and in 1947 held at Dibrugarh district of Assam. Phukan was born on 22 June 1880 at Dibrugarh district, Assam. He was the son of Lombodhar Phukan.

Benudhar Rajkhowa (1872-1955) was a prominent writer, poet and dramatist from Assam. He was the president of the Asam Sahitya Sabha in 1926 held at Dhuburi district, Assam. When he was studying at Calcutta, he had done a pivot role for development of Oxomiya Bhaxa Unnati Xadhini Xobha, a literary organization from Assam. He was honoured with Rai Bahadur title by the ruling British government. Benudhar Rajkhowa was born on 11 December 1872 to Suchadaram Rajkhowa and Hirawati Rajkhowa in Dibrugarh district of Assam. Rajkhowa was also an editor of the Bijuli magazine from 1890 to 1892. He started writing in Junaki, a leading Assamese in that period. Some of his books are: Assamese popular superstitions and Assamese demonology (1973), Asamīẏā khaṇḍabākya-kosha (1961)^,Assamese Popular Superstitions and Assamese Demonology (1973) , Assamese Demonology(1905), Historical Sketches of Old Assam: Based on an Analysis of Popular Proverbs (1917) , A dictionary of phrases from Assamese to Assamese and English (1917), Notes on the Sylhetee Dialect(1913)^,Garland of Praises, English translation of Gunamala in verse (1923).

Arun Sarma (3 November 1931 – 27 March 2017, born in Dibrugarh where his father Tilak Chandra Sarma was the editor of The Times of Assam) was a writer of Assam. Arun Sarma was one of Assam's contemporary playwrights and is particularly known for his unconventional plays with some elements of drama. Besides drama, he also authored over six novels detailing the Assamese way of life. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2010 in recognition of his contributions to Assamese literature. He has also been awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1998 for the novel Ashirbadar Rong (The Hues of Blessing). He has won the Asam Sahitya Sabha's Best Playwright Award for two consecutive years and also has the rare distinction of having won the Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 2003 for his contributions to drama and the Sahitya Akademi award in 1998 for literature. He was also the recipient of the Assam Valley Literary Award in 2005.

Binay Ranjan Sen, CIE, ICS (1 January 1898, Dibrugarh, India - 12 June 1993, Calcutta, India), was an Indian diplomat and Indian Civil Service officer. He served as Director General (1956–1967) of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). He drew on his experience as relief commissioner (1942–1943) during the Bengal famine of 1943 to build the FAO from a data-gathering bureaucracy into a major force against world hunger. He studied at the Scottish Church College of the University of Calcutta and subsequently at the University of Oxford. Sen joined the Indian Civil Service in Bengal in 1922. His work as director general of food for all India (1943–1946), for which he was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire in 1944, convinced him that hunger and malnutrition were crucial issues in the modern world. He took his concerns to the international stage as a member of India's first delegation to the UN (1947), as Indian Ambassador to the United States, and several other countries including Italy, Yugoslavia, Japan, and Mexico. He worked on a variety of FAO projects before being named Director General in 1956. While he was the Relief Commissioner(1942–43)in Bengal during Bengal famine,his mission of preventing hunger was set. In 1960, saying half the world's population was malnourished,Sen announced the Freedom from Hunger campaign. "Hunger is neither inevitable nor irremediable," he added, "it is within our power to bring this old affliction under control." This led to the 1963 World Food Congress in Washington, D.C., attended by representatives from more than 100 countries.

Dipannita Sharma (born 2 November 1979) is an Indian actress and model. Dipannita was born in the Oil India Limited colony town of Duliajan in Assam. Sharma came into the limelight after making it to the final five of the Miss India 1998 contest. She also won 'Miss Photogenic' title in the same contest. She has walked the ramp for all major designers in the country and for international design houses such as Valentino & Fendi in India. She was the worldwide face of the press campaign for Breguet watches and jewellery for 5 years. She has endorsed and been the face of several skin care brands in India such as Garnier, Nivea and Dettol soap. She has also hosted television shows, been a judge on a fashion based show on MTV - MTV making the cut and acted in the lead role on a show called Life Nahi Hai Laddoo before making her film debut with the 2002 Bollywood film 16 December.

RELIGIONS

Hindus - 90.35%

Muslims - 4.86%

Christians - 3.99%

The main indigenous Assamese communities inhabiting the district includes Ahom, Chutia, Sonowal Kachari, Motok, Moran people, etc. There are also some indigenous Assamese Tai Buddhist communities like Tai Phake, Khamti and Khamyang.

LANGUAGES

Assamese - 76.01%

Bengali - 5.93%

Hindi - 5.80%

Sadri - 4.83%

Nepali - 1.72%

Bhojpuri - 1.13%

Odia - 1.00%

DIMA HASAO DISTRICT

Dima Hasao district, earlier called North Cachar Hills district, is an administrative district in the state of Assam, India. As of 2011, it is the least populous district of Assam. Dima Hasao district is one of the two Autonomous hill districts of the state of Assam. The district headquarter Haflong is the only hill station in Assam, a tourist paradise, also named the Switzerland of the north-east

"Dima Hasao" means "Dimasa Hills" in the Dimasa language.

The earliest inhabitants of the present district were a Mongoloid stock of groups who prefer to stay atop hilly terrain and who practised their own culture, tradition and land rights governing themselves as independent tribes. As per records of different British historians and officials, North Cachar Hills was already occupied by the Dimasa Kacharis, erstwhile old Kuki tribes viz. Biate, Hrangkhol, Hmar, Sakachep and Zeme Naga tribe during the British Rule in India

During the medieval period (1500–1854), Dima Hasao was part of the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom called 'Cachar Kingdom' with its capial at Maibang. The Dimasa Kingdom as per Ahom Buranji, stretched from Kallang river in Nagaon to Kapili river that includes, parts from Cachar and North Cachar (Dima Hasao), the districts of Hojai, Nagaon, Golaghat and Karbi Anglong of Assam and Dimapur district, in Nagaland.

In the colonial period, Khaspur in present-day Cachar district, had been administrative centre. However internal schism led to division of old Cachar Kingdom into North Kachar and South Kachar. The last Dimasa king Govinda Chandra Hasnusa assigned Kashi Chandra the hilly tract of Cachar i.e. roughly Dima Hasao (North Kachar Kingdom) for administrative purpose. Soon, the latter declared its independence over the hilly portion that lead to treacherous murder of Kashi Chandra by Raja Govinda Chandra Hasnusa. Incensed, the son of Kashi Chandra, Tularam incessantly created political turbulence asserting his sovereignty over hilly portion of Cachar Kingdom. Finally, with British assistance, Tularam succeeded in carving North Cachar Hills from Cachar Kingdom. David Scott agent to British Raj in 1829 made an arrangement to recognise Tularam as the ruler of North Cachar (Dima Hasao). In 1850s, Tularam died and the frequent Angami raids and grave incident at Semkhor village paved a ground to extend British influence over North Cachar. In 1853, North Cachar was annexed and made part of Nagaon district of British Assam as subdivision.

In 1867, this sub-division was abolished and apportioned into three parts among the Cachar, Khasi and Jaintia Hills districts, and Nagaon. The present Dima Hasao district, or formerly North Cachar Hills district was included in the old Cachar district with Asalu being only police outpost. In 1880, this portion was constituted into a sub-division with headquarters at Gunjung under Cachar district.

This headquarters was shifted to Haflong in 1895. Since then, Haflong has continued to be the headquarters. In 1951, after the adoption of the Indian constitution, North Cachar Hills ceased to be a part of Cachar district, as specified under paragraph 20 of the sixth schedule to the constitution. This part along with Mikir Hills constituted a new civil district named "United District of North Cachar and Mikir Hills", which went into effect on 17 November 1951. According to a provision of the sixth schedule, two different councils were constituted later on, viz., North Cachar Hills District Council and Mikir Hills District Council within the geographical boundary of that North Cachar Hills District Council was inaugurated on 19 April 1952.

On 17 November 1951, Mikir Hills and North Cachar Hills District was created with area occupying present Dima Hasao district, Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong district. On 2 February 1970, the government declared an independent administrative district, viz., North Cachar Hills District with the geographical boundary of autonomous North Cachar Hills district council. At present, this autonomous council possesses administrative control over almost all departments of the district except Law and Order, Administration, and Treasury department.

Video Link : Dima Hasao District Toursim (Courtesy : Sushil Das SD)

Video Link : Dima Hasao Theme Song (Courtesy : Phantom Phonglo)

ADMINISTRATION

The district headquarters are located at Haflong.

Dima Hasao district is an autonomous district enjoying the Sixth Schedule status granted by the Constitution of India. The Dima Hasao District is administered by North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (DHADC). Members of the Autonomous Council (MAC) are elected by people of Dima Hasao. The Political party who has majority MACs form the ruling party. The Autonomous Council is a powerful body and almost all the department of government are under its control except the police and Law & Order is under Assam Government.

Dima Hasao comprises three subdivisions: (I) Haflong, (II) Maibang and (III) Diyungbra. The district consists of five Community Development Blocks: (I) Jatinga Valley Development Block, Mahur; (II) Diyung Valley Development Block, Maibang; (III) Harangajao ITD Block, Harangajao; (IV) Diyungbra ITD Block, Diyungmukh; and (V) New Sangbar Development Block, Sangbar. There is one municipality board viz. Haflong and three town committees in Dima Hasao viz. Mahur, Maibang and Umrangso and also mini-towns like Harangajao, Langting and Diyungbra.

It is the second largest district of Assam after Karbi Anglong. Dima Hasao District is surrounded by Karbi Anglong district and Nagaland on North-East, Manipur on East, Hojai District on North, West Karbi Anglong district on North-West, Meghalaya on West and Cachar district on South.

ECONOMY

Kopili Hydro Electric Project is a power project near Umrangso, involving two dams on Kopili river and Umrong nalla, a tributary of Kopili.

Dima Hasao District is a land of sensuousness. The district is populated by various tribes and races who maintain their own dialect, culture, customs and way of living. Apart from various tribes, non-tribals also account for a sizable amount of the population. They are mostly government employees, traders, graziers living in urban and semi-urban area. The small and serene villages shelter the lovely people – warm and fascinating – and as colourful as the land itself. The district is home to Dimasa Kacharis, ZemeNaga, Hmars, Kukis, Biates, Hrangkhol. Judima is a very important brew made by Dimasa tribals used in ceremonies and festivals is very famous in this region. In sept 2021, Judima got GI tag by Government of India making it the first bree in northeastern part of India to bag this title.

Video Link : Dima Hasao Girls in Traditional Attire (Courtesy : The Hill Girl)

Dimasa Kachari tribe

Zeme tribe

Biates tribe

Kuki tribe

Hrangkol tribe

IMPORTANT TOWNS

Diyungbra [Diyung means Big river and bra means branch], place where river Diyung and Kopili meets is a newly created Sub-Division and an ITD Block in Dima Hasao district in the Indian state of Assam. Diyungbra is also one of the three sub-divisions of Dima Hasao District. Diyungbra is situated at bank of river Diyung and Kopili. The river Diyung that originates in Dima Hasao district joins river Kopili at Diyungbra. It is also called Diyungmukh or River mouth of Diyung by non-native speakers.

Video Link : Diyung - Koppili rivers Meeting Point (Courtesy : Biswajit Haflongbar)

Haflong is a town and headquarters of Dima Hasao district (formerly North Cachar Hills district) in the state of Assam in India. It is the only hill station in Assam. Haflong is a Dimasa word meaning ant hill. Haflong is part of Autonomous District (Lok Sabha constituency). It is the headquarter of N.C. Hills Autonomous Council.

Video Link : Haflong - Only Hill Station of Assam (Courtesy : Indian World)

Maibang [mai means rice and bang means much], defining a land of prosperity, is a town and a town area committee in Dima Hasao district in the Indian state of Assam. Maibang is also one of the three sub-divisions of Dima Hasao District. It was once the capital of the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom. There is a stone house of Dimasa king. Maibang was the capital of the erstwhile Dimasa kingdom, from the 16th to 18th century. The ruins of the kingdom can still be found on the eastern bank of Mahur, south of Maibang and other parts of Dima Hasao district. Among them the most popular is "Stone House" (In Dimasa it is called "Longthai ni Noh") situated on the bank of Mahur River on south Maibang. Tourist attractions in Maibang include: Rajbari: ruins of city of the Kachari Kingdom, on the south side of Maibang, Stone house: a monolithic ancient Indian temple from the 12th century with two roofs. Maibang Waterfalls: Maibang has several water falls around the city.

Video Link : Stone House and Maibang Town (Courtesy : Wanderscape Travel)

Umrangso is an industrial town and a town area committee in Dima Hasao district in the state of Assam, India. It is located at the border of Assam and Meghalaya states some 112 km from Haflong, the district headquarters of Dima Hasao district of Assam. The name "Umrongso" is derived from Khasi language which means 'Red colour water.' Following are the projects and industries in this town.

NEEPCO - Kopili Hydro Electric Project

Khandong and Kopili Power Station

Vinay Cement, NECEM Cements Limited, RCL, Calcom, Dalmia cement

Video Link : Umrangso Town (Courstesy : Siva Sharma)

PLACES OF INTEREST

Bendao Baiglai Waterfalls : This waterfall is located along the Abong River about 5 kilometres from Samparidisa, a hamlet near Haflong, and is known for its beautiful beauty and peaceful settings. It’s perfect for picnics, sightseeing, and river rafting. The name of this waterfall stems from Dimasa tradition, which states that two sisters, unable to face the abuse and persecution of their wicked step-mother, committed suicide at this site.

Video Link : Bendao Baglai Water Falls (Courtesy : The Hill girl)

Hajong Lake : This lake is well-known for being a haven for uncommon types of hill terrapins. According to recent study, this lake, which is located along the Kalachand-Koiladisa route in the Langting-Mupa Reserve Forest, is home to seven (7) unique types of hill terrapins. The winter season is the best time to visit this lake and appreciate its views.

Video Link : Hajong Tortoise Lake (Courtesy : Dimasa Thairlee)

Hangrum : Hangrum is a green wonderland in the crossroads of Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur. Hangrum’s fame stems from its beautiful mountains, lush green woods, a plethora of brooks and streams, and picturesque hilltop tribal hamlets, the most of which are of Naga origin. It is fairly secluded, which makes it excellent for adventure seekers because getting there may be difficult yet rewarding. It is a three-hour trip from Mahur town, which is about an hour from Haflong.

Video Link : Hangrum Village (Courtesy : Daniel & Roohi)

Jatinga: Due to the bizarre phenomena of claimed bird suicides, this is maybe the most renowned, or notorious, spot in Dima Hasao. This location has long been in the spotlight due to the phenomena of migrating birds from northern latitudes completing seasonal migrations and executing what was thought to be suicides by flying into people’s houses at night. It has been proposed that, due to the unusual geography of Jatinga, these birds are drawn by the lights emitting from the homes at night and fly down to the proximity of these lights, where they are then slaughtered by the locals. However, regardless of the exact root of the problem, bird killing is now prohibited, and bird enthusiasts may finally enjoy bird-watching in all its splendour. Jatinga is about 9 kilometres from Haflong, and the ideal months to visit for bird-watching are August through November.

Video Link : Jatinga Bird Suicide Mystery (Courtesy : Rediscovered)

Laisong : This region is noted for being a cultural hub of the Zeme Naga tribe and is located close the Assam-Nagaland boundary. The villages and hilltop hamlets are picturesque due to their geography as well as traditional architectural styles and social systems that are distinctively Zeme Naga in nature. The traditional ‘Bachelors’ Dormitory’ or ‘Hangseuki’ is a distinguishing characteristic of such Zeme Naga settlements. Tourists who are interested in anthropology will discover Laisong to be distinctive and beautiful. Laisong is around 110 kilometres from Haflong, and local taxis are accessible from both Haflong and Mahur.

Hangseuki

Panimur : Panimur is a well-known destination due to the abundance of waterfalls and rapids along the Kopilli River. The water’s colour varies from turquoise to kerosene-blue depending on the season, and it’s a popular spot for sightseeing, picnics, camping, and other tourist activities. It is around 120 kilometres from Haflong and has good road access. The Dimasa tribe reveres this spot as a pilgrimage site where they take sacred baths on every Magh Purnima.

Video Link : Panimur Waterfalls (Courtesy : David RC Khawbung)

Sielkal Peak : The Beautiful Peak in Assam one and only Hill Station Haflong. Also known as white ant hillock, Haflong in Assam is situated 310 km from Guwahati, known for its beautiful hills, landscapes, valleys, and mountains, Haflong is popular among campers and nature enthusiasts. It is situated at an altitude of 680 m above sea level and is ideal for a peaceful holiday. Mt Sielkal Peak (over 1500 metres above sea level) one of the most beautiful trekking point in the Borail mountain range. One can start on early morning trek from the village name P.Leikul . Breakfast , Drinking water , light snacks and local guide is available at the village start point . Monsoon times should be avoided due the slippery trekking route .

Video Link : Sielkal Peak (Courtesy : Sholmaidi VLog)

FAMOUS PERSONALITIES

Baoringdao Bodo (born 17 October 1999) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a winger for I-League club TRAU. Born to a Dimasa Kachari family in the town of Haflong, Dima Hasao, Assam, Bodo started playing football at the age of 8 and then his father Mr. Jibon Bodo enrolled him at SAI Guwahati for better football training. In 2013, Bodo was selected for India camp for under 14. He joined AIFF Regional Academy in Kalyani, Kolkata under coach Gautam Ghosh. He became India's youngest player in history to play, upon making his senior debut in January 2017. Born in Assam, Bodo represented the India under-19 team and captained the nation at under-17 level.

Rewati Chetri (born 4 July 1993) is an Indian model and beauty pageant titleholder. She participated in Femina Miss India 2015 where she was a finalist. She has been crowned Miss Asia at the World Miss University 2016 pageant, held in Beijing. In 2016 she participated in the Senorita India pageant, and won the title of Miss International India 2016. She represented India at Miss International 2016 held in Tokyo, Japan. She was born to Baburam Chetri, an ASEB employee and Mrs. Bina Chetri, a homemaker at Haflong, the lone hill station of the state to a family in Dima Hasao district of Assam. She graduated from Lumding College, Lumding, and is now studying for a LL.B. at NEF Law College, which is affiliated to Gauhati University in Guwahati. In 2016, Chetri debuted as an actor in a music video produced by Dream House Production, for the Suresh Shama album Tumi Mur, with music was composed by "Bulbul and Rosty" and songs directed by Deepak Dey. In 2017, Chetri appeared in the film Gangs Of North East. She made her television debut in 2017 with an episodic of Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya (TV series) on Zing

Madhulika Liddle (born 8 January 1973) is an Indian writer who writes in English. She is best known for her books featuring the 17th century Mughal detective Muzaffar Jang, although she is also a prolific writer of short fiction, travel writing, and writing related to classic cinema. Madhulika was born, the second of two daughters, in Haflong (Assam, India) to Andrew Verity Liddle and Muriel Liddle. Madhulika had been writing since childhood, but her first work to be published was a short story named Silent Fear, which won the Femina Thriller Contest in June 2001. She has since written a wide variety of short stories, travel articles, humorous articles, and a novel, The Englishman's Cameo. In addition, Madhulika maintains a blog on classic cinema. Madhulika's best-known series of works are historical whodunnits featuring the 17th century Mughal detective, Muzaffar Jang. Muzaffar Jang first appeared in print in a short story, Murk of Art, in the anthology, 21 Under 40, published by Zubaan Books in 2007. Liddle had already begun work on a full-length Muzaffar Jang novel, which was published by Hachette India in 2009 as The Englishman's Cameo. As of 2021, four books in the series have been published

Languages

Dimasa - 35%

Bengali - 12%

Zeme - 10%

Hmar - 8%

Nepali - 6%

Kuki - 5%

Karbi - 5%

Hindi - 4%

Khasi - 2%

Assamese - 2%

Others - 11%

Dimasa and Haflong Hindi (a speech form of Hindi) are the main lingua franca in the Dima Hasao

RELIGIONS

Hindus - 67.07%

Christians - 29.57%

Muslims - 2.04%

GOALPARA DISTRICT

Goalpara district is an administrative district of the Indian state of Assam. It was a princely state ruled by the Koch kings and the then ruler of the undivided kingdom. Today the erstwhile Goalpara district is divided into Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Dhubri, and Goalpara district.

The name of the district Goalpara is said to have originally derived from 'Gwaltippika' meaning 'Guwali village' or the village of the milk men means (Yadav). The history of Goalpara goes back to several centuries. The district came under British rule in 1765. Before this, the area was under the control of the Koch dynasty.

In 1826 the British accessed Assam and Goalpara was annexed to the North-East Frontier in 1874, along with the creation of district headquarters at Dhubri. On 1 July 1983 two districts were split from Goalpara: Dhubri and Kokrajhar. On 29 September 1989 Bongaigaon district was created from parts of Goalpara and Kokrajhar

Video Link : Beautiful Goalpara District (Courtesy : RK techbiz)

ADMINISTRATION

The district headquarters are located at Goalpara.

There are four Assam Legislative Assembly constituencies in this district: Dudhnoi, Goalpara East, Goalpara West, and Jaleswar. Dudhnoi is designated for scheduled tribes. Dudhnoi is in the Gauhati Lok Sabha constituency, whilst the other three are in the Dhubri Lok Sabha constituency. Goalpara district consists of 8 blocks:

· Balijana

· Jaleswar

· Kharmuza

· Krishnai

· Kuchdhowa

· Lakhipur

· Matia

· Rangjuli

ECONOMY

The district is industrially backward and there is no any industry worth the name. It is land-locked with poor transport and communication facilities. It is expected that the avenues of the district will be opened up and the problems of transport and communication lessened with the opening of rail cum Road bridge, the Naranarayan Setu over the river Brahmaputra and also completion of the on going construction of the railway tract from Jogighopa to Kamakhya.

The district is primarily an agrarian as 90% of the population depend their livlihood on agriculture. The Principal agriculture produce are paddy, Jute, Green and Black Gram and potato etc. However , the district is also known for its production of arecanut and banana. A big market of banana has come up at Darangiri to which businessmen from all over India have been witnessed in the district and there is a bumper production of paddy of that variety. This is perhaps due to large scale distribution of STWs alongwith diesel water pump sets by the agriculture department in the district .

Narayan Setu

Tea Gardens in Goalpara District :- There are two tea gardens in the district. These are namely Moijo nga and Simlitola Tea Estates.

Video Link : Moijonga Tea Gardens (Courtesy : Anada Sanggma Vlogs)

Video Link : Simlitola Tea Garden

(Courtesy : Hirak Jyoti)

IMPORTANT TOWNS

Goalpara : Goalpara is located on the bank of the river Brahmaputra. The name Goalpara is said to have originated from the word "Gwaltippika" meaning Guwali village, or The village of the milk men (Yadav).It has an average elevation of 35 metres (114 feet). Goalpara is endowed with scenic beauty. Hulukanda Hill, located at the heart of Goalpara on the bank of the Brahmaputra river, is one of the natural scenic views in the town, with various kinds of waterfowl and monkeys. There are some other bodies of water such as Hashila beel, Kumri beel, and Urpad Beel. The Urpad Beel becomes the centre of migratory birds during Oct-March. The evergreen forests on low hills create an undulating landscape.

Video Link : Goalpara Town (Courtesy : Ok Ranjan)

Dudhnoi : Dudhnoi is a taluk in Goalpara district, Assam, India. Dudhnoi assembly constituency is part of Guwahati (Lok Sabha constituency). Dudhnoi Legislative Assembly is reserved for Scheduled Tribes candidates only. The Headquarters of Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) is at Dudhnoi. Dudnoi Ayurvedic medical college & Hospital. Ayurvedic Hospital in Dudhnoi. Basic Training Centre, Dudhnoi Established in the year of 1949. Apart from a prestigious and age old Institute of elementary teachers training , the institute has historical importance. It has earned reputation by the visits of eminent personalities like Dr. Rajendra Prasad , the first president of India during 1951 and Acharya Vinoba Bhave held the meeting with State members in during Sarvodaya Movement.

Video Link : Dudhnoi Town Drone View (Courtesy : Bapukan Rabha)

PLACES OF INTEREST

Surya Pahar: Sri Surya Pahar is located about 12 km southeast of Goalpara, about 132 km northwest of Guwahati. The site is a hilly terrain where several rock-cut Shivalingas, votive stupas and the deities of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain pantheon are scattered in an area of about one km. The site is centered on the hills (Pahar) of Sri Surya which is profusely filled up with Shiva Lingas (Lingam). People have found 99,999 Shiva Lingas were engraved here by Vyasa in order to build up a second Kashi (where there were 1,00000 Shiva Lingas) and once it was one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in the region. The name of 'Sri Surya Pahar' implies that the site was perhaps associated with the form of sun (Surya) worship. Within the natural caves, there are Jain carvings. Remains of these Jain affiliations in the form of inscription and rock carvings are assigned to the 9th century AD. On the extreme north east corner on a higher altitude, a huge fallen granite boulder was selected for carving three giant Buddhist stupas, carved in one row, facing the east.The structural feature of the stupas consist of Vedi, Medhi Anda & Harmika which are distinct.

Video Link : Mysterious Surya Pahar

(Courtesy : My Space)

Hulukanda Pahar : Hulukanda Hill, located at the heart of Goalpara on the bank of the Brahmaputra river, is one of the natural scenic views in the town, with various kinds of waterfowl and monkeys.

Video Link : Hulukanda Hill (Courtesy : Star Love)

Tukreswari Temple (also known as Tukreswari Devalaya) in Goalpara district, Assam is an ancient Hindu temple and is dedicated to Sati as Shakti Peetha. Shakti Peethas are shrines or divine places of Sati, believed to have enshrined with the presence of Shakti due to the falling of body parts of the corpse of Sati. It is believed that an enraged Shiva performed the Tandava dance with Sati's charred body, which led her body came apart and the pieces fell at different places on earth. As per religious faith a portion of Goddess Sati's body part fell in this place and therefore this temple is known as Tukreswari (Tukreswari is derived from the Assamese word Tukura which means fragment or piece)

Video Link : Mystery of Tukreshwari Temple (Courtesy : Shuvam Nath)

Video Link : Tukreshwari Temple (Courtesy : Aspiring Buddies)

Pir Mazhar : The "MAJHAR" (tomb) of Hazarat Sayed Abul Kasem Kharasani, situated at the heart of Goalpara town, is a place much revered by the people of all religious faiths. It is the practice of both Muslims and Hindus of Goalpara to offer money and candle and pray for fulfilment of desire and seek blessing from the Pir Saheb. Every year the "UROS-MUBARAK" - death anniversary of the Pir is observed at the "MAJHAR-SARIF" on the 21st day of lunar calendar month of "Safar". People coming across of all religious belief throng in thousands to participate in the "UROS".It is said that the Pir lived a long life of about 150 years and died at Goalpara in the year 1896 AD.

Video Link : Peer Baba Dargah

(Courtesy : Aftab Anaya VLogs)

Urpad Beel is a natural lake located at Agia village in Goalpara district of Assam. This lake is situated 9 km away from Goalpara, the district headquarters of Goalpara district. Urpad Beel is one of the biggest natural lakes of Lower Assam. Urpad Beel is a natural habitat to many varieties of fishes and birds. The lake is an important habitat for Greater adjutant, Cotton Pigmy Goose, Baya Weavers, Lesser whistling duck and Kingfisher. This lake is also known for aquatic plants such as water lily and common water hyacinth.

Video link : Urpad Lake

(Courtesy : KNC Media & Entertainmetnt)

Video link : Beautiful Urpad Lake

(Courtesy : Khanindra Das)

Kumri Beel : Kumri is a natural lake which attracts a number of travelers, photographers and nature lovers with its ethereal beauty. The lake is located at 11 km distance from the Goalpara town, and is also a spot where a number of migratory birds fly to, during winter. It is surrounded by lush green forest and marshy lands, which further enhances the beauty of the place. The lake is a well known place for bird watching as a number of migratory birds come to this place.

Joybhum Kamakhya Temple : One of the 51 'Shakti Sthals' of Hindu religion, the Sri Sri Joybhum Kamakhya Temple is a major one nestled in the bank of River Brahmaputra, located at a distance of around 50 km. from Goalpara Town. There is also a temple of Lord Shiva built near the Joybhum Kamakhya Temple. Thousands of devotees assemble at the temple during the celebration of annual festival in the month of October.

Video Link : Joybhum Khamakhya Temple (Courtesy : Kanak Baruah)

FAMOUS PERSONALITIES

Amrit Bhushan Dev Adhikari (1858–1942). ABD Adhikari was born in 1858 AD, at Dolgoma Satra in Goalpara district of Assam. His father, Kathabhusan Dev Adhikari and mother Akashilata belonged to the family of Naraharidev, who had established the Dolgoma Satra. Back in 1810 Saka (Shaka era), king of gauripur, Bahadur organised "All Goalpara convention". The hidden agenda behind this was to make Goalpara a Bengali speaking district. But not even the king of Goalpara, Prabhat Chandra Baruah learned of this. Amritbhusan Dev Adhikari was one of the many exponents who threw apart this conspiracy. Amritbhusan Dev Adhikari was a sincere and dedicated person. He wrote regular columns and articles in contemporary magazines of the time like Ba'hi, Abwahan. He was a scholar in Sanskrit literature.

Nagendra Narayan Choudhury (1881-1947) was a short story writer and essayist from Assam. He was noted for his contribution to the field of Short stories and essays in the Assamese literature during the years of Awahon. He was elected as a president of the Asam Sahitya Sabha in 1931 held at Sivasagar district. Choudhury was born in 1881 at Lakhipur near Goalpara of Assam to Khagendra Narayan C

houdhury and Saradapriya Choudhury.

Adil Hussain is an Indian actor who has worked in Indian cinema, including art house cinema and mainstream Bollywood, as well as international cinema, in films such as The Reluctant Fundamentalist and Life of Pi (both 2012). Born in Goalpara, Assam in 1963, where his father was the headmaster of a high secondary school, Hussain was the youngest of seven children. He received National Film Awards (Special Jury) at the 2017 National Film Awards for Hotel Salvation and Maj Rati Keteki. He has starred in English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam, Norwegian and French films.

Baharul Islam is an Indian theater actor. An alumnus of the National School of Drama, which he had joined in 1987 Baharul has acted in more than 80 plays, designed and directed 30 plays for his theater troupe Seagull. He is one of the busiest theatre artists in Assam. He started his career with theater in Assam and soon rose into prominence in India and abroad. In 1992-93 joined "TARA ART" of London as an actor for the production of the play Heer Ranjha. The play rehearsed in London and thereafter extensively toured UK and Japan performing many shows. Baharul learnt theater music from B V Karanth and Bhaskar Chandervakar respectively. His first movie was a Aasene Kunuba Hiyat and latest was Rodor Sithi. He has directed and played in almost 80 Assamese plays and one among them is Jatra. Also designed and directed almost 30 plays for SEAGULL- his own theater troupe. He has four years experience in commercial mobile Theatre (Bhrayamaman) in Assam as an actor. Performed almost 1200 shows with 16 plays. He also wrote and Published 4 books.

Rev Ramke W. Momin was born into the Garo tribe of northeastern India, sometime in the 1830s. The Garos did have a reputation for keeping their word. In religious matters, the Garos were animists, focusing on placating the spirits to appease their wrath and satisfy their demands. They believed in a supreme God, but felt that He was detached from men and was not to be much concerned with, either for good or ill. Ramke himself was a devotional person and, while he was an animist, he was very earnest in catching little animals or birds and sacrificing them to the spirits. Later, Ramke came across a Christian tract that systematically discredited Hinduism. He was convinced by the tract, but thrown into despair because his worship of Ram was taken from him. In The Garo Jungle Book, it is said, “The tracts of those days were pointed, uncompromising attacks on the falseness of the prevailing faiths.” Ramke felt there was a need for another Christian village where new converts could learn more about the faith, without opposition from their neighbors. Thus developed the village of Nisangram. He was ordained as pastor and served as headmaster of the Normal School, both at Goalpara and at Tura. He assisted in the translation of the Scriptures into Garo and a Bengali-Garo dictionary.

Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha (24 April 1924 - 21 April 2017) was a disciple of Bhakti Dayita Madhava and an acharya and initiating spiritual master (Sri Guru) in the Gaudiya Math following the philosophy of the Bhakti marg, specifically of Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Gaudiya Vaishnava theology. He was the President Acharya of Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math, headquartered at Kolkata, West Bengal, India and having more than 22 branches in India. He was president of the World Vaisnava Association and founder of GOKUL (Global organization for Krishna Chaitanya's Universal Love). He wrote extensively in Bengali, Hindi, and English. His most read and referenced book is Sri Caitanya and His Associates, which details the lives of an entire lineage of Gaudiya Vaishnava spiritual leaders, from the 10th century to the present day.Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha died on April 21, 2017, at the Sree Caitanya Gaudiya Math Temple, Kolkata. His samadhi was installed on April 22 in the holy city of Mayapur at Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya math, Mayapur.

LANGUAGES

Assamese - 51.80%

Bengali - 28.83%

Garo, Rabha, Bodo, Hindi and Nepali speakers in descending order. Bengali speakers are 29.7% as per as 2011 census language census report, but Goalpara district is home to a large Muslim population of Bengali origin, most of whom now identify as Assamese speakers in the census

RELIGIONS

Muslim - 57.52%

Hindu - 34.51%

Christian - 7.72%

Others - 0.25%

All the Garos are Christian

GOLAGHAT DISTRICT

Golaghat district is an administrative district in the state of Assam in India. It attained district status in 1987. The name 'Golaghat' originated from the markets established by a business class of people called Marwari during the middle of 19th century at the bank of the river Dhansiri in the vicinity of the district headquarters. "Gola" means market and "Ghat" means the port of river transport. Inscription on rocks of Nagajari Khanikar village of Sarupathar, remnants of fortifications, brick structures, monuments, temples, tanks, etc. are evidence of a 9th-century kingdom in the Doyang-Dhansiri valley. The Ahoms were the rulers of the Doyang-Dhansiri valley in the 16th century. Earlier, this part was ruled by the Kacharis. The Kacharis were pushed back towards west of the Karbi Hills. The Ahom King appointed a ruler entitled 'Morongi-Khowa Gohain', an administrative post with the Rank of a Governor/Minister of the Ahom administration. Under Morongi-Khowa Gohain, large number of people from different parts of Ahom kingdom were settled in erstwhile Kachari Kingdom. An interesting aspect of such settlement was that a large number of people from different castes/communities were mixed up together so that there was remote chance of rebellion in such newly acquired territory. Most of the Morongi-Khowa Gohains were appointed from the Burhagohain families although there were few exceptions.

Later, when the British took control of Assam, the Doyang-Dhansiri valley was incorporated under the newly formed Golaghat subdivision of the Sibsagar district in 1846. Golaghat district played an active part in the freedom struggle of India. Kushal Konwar, Kamala Miri, Dwariki Das, Biju Vaishnav, Sankar Chandra Barua, Shri Tara Prasad Barooah, Rajendra Nath Barua, Gaurilal Jain, Ganga Ram Bormedhi and Dwarikanath Goswami are eminent freedom fighters of the region.

Golaghat district is surrounded by the river Brahmaputra to the north, the state of Nagaland to the south, Jorhat district to the east and KarbiAnglong and Nagaon district to the west. Dhansiri is the principal river, which originates from Laisang peak of Nagaland.

Video Link : Golaghat District Overview (Courtesy : The Incognito)

Video Link : Meeting Point of Dhansiri River with River Brahmaputra (Courtesy : Jan YT)

Video Link : Golaghat Theme Song (Courtesy : Times Music Assamese)

National protected area

· Kaziranga National Park (Part)

· Nambor - Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary

Administration

The district headquarters are located at Golaghat.

Divisions :

Within the merged establishment of the Deputy Commissioner, Golaghat are the Offices of the Sub-Divisional Officers, Dhansiri and Bokakhat.

There are four Assam Legislative Assembly constituencies in this district: Bokakhat, Sarupathar, Golaghat, and Khumtai. All four are in the Kaliabor Lok Sabha constituency.

Economy :

Economy of Golaghat district is mainly agro based. Tea, Rice and Sugarcane are the main agricultural crops grown in the district. Except Numaligarh Refinery, there is no other heavy industries in the district as such. Tea is the largest agro based industry of the district. There are 63 large Tea gardens producing about 20GCOMT of tea per year. Moreover, emergence of small tea growers in the agrarian scene has heralded a new revolution in the district. Small scale tea cultivation has got considerable popularity here because of high profit in comparison with other high land crops . It has caught the fancy of educated unemployed youths to take the tea as there profession by choice rather than by circumstance. Rearing and reeling of Muga and Endi, making of Japi (headgear) and earthen Potential and extraction of Agaru oil are the cottage industries prevail in Golaghat district. Quality Muga silk and Agaru oil in Golaghat district are considered as superior. Long neck earthen potential made in Dhekial, specially for storing molasses is unique as such long neck earthen pots are not prepared anywhere in the world. 'Japi' of Naharani of Dergaon finds a market in entire Brahmaputra valley.

Video Link : Agar Wood Oil - Wood of Gods (Courtesy : One India Hindi)

Video Link : Japi - Headgear (Courtesy : North East Now)

MAJOR TOWNS

Golaghat one of the largest subdivisions of the Indian state of Assam, later elevated to the position of a full–fledged district headquarter on 5 October 1987, is a city and a municipality and the seat of administrative operations of Golaghat district, besides being a twin city to Jorhat which is about 55 km away. The Dhansiri, one of the tributaries of the Brahmaputra, passes through Golaghat and is the primary water source for its citizens.

One of the earliest tea urban centres in Assam that has been the headquarters of the oldest subdivision for over 184–185 years since 1839, the local government body, Golaghat Municipal Board (GMB), was set up in 1920, becoming a long-established civic body of the state, formed before independent India. It is a historical body of 103–104 years of age in continuous operation dating as far back as the early 1920s.

Golaghat has the inceptive post/mail service and telegraphic communication systems in Assam going back to 1876. The oldest social – literature/rhetorical congresses of Assam – the Golaghat Sahitya Sabha of Asam Sahitya Sabha, also began here in 1918. The Golaghat Amateur Theatre Society (GATS), one of the premier theater societies of the state, was set up here in 1895 to uplift the dramatic and cultural activities in the region, particularly Golaghat. The Golaghat Bar Association (GBA), founded in 1891, is one of the oldest legal societies in Assam, especially in the Upper – Assam division.

Golaghat has a number of heritage buildings and sites – the Golaghat British Cemetery, constructed in 1876, the Bezbaruah Higher Secondary School, set up in the late 19th century in the year 1886 by the educationalist Dinanath Bezbarua, the Baptist Church founded by the American missionaries in 1898, the Christian High (Mission) School built by the American Women Foreign Mission Society in 1919,

Assam's first department store – Doss & Co., constructed in 1930 and incorporated under the Registrar of Companies (RoC) – Shillong in the year 1955 to name a few.

The headquarters of Assam Valley Tea Planters' Association (now Assam Tea Planters Association) was also based in Golaghat. Golaghat also has one of the oldest boards of trades and industries in the state. The United Chamber of Commerce (UCC) formed in 1954 antecedes many newer chambers of commerce that have been set up in the state in the more recent years.

Assam's first major political party, the AGP was formed here and launched in the year 1985 at the historic Golaghat Convention and by 2008; the same members of the convention reunified the party at this place. The place is also the headquarters of The North Eastern Tea Association (NETA), one of the tea growers' groups in the state of Assam, a constituent member of Consultative Committee of Plantation Associations (CCPA), Assam Valley branch

Video Link : Golaghat Town (Courtesy : Facts Market GLP)

Barpathar is a town and a municipality board in Golaghat district in the state of Assam, India. The population is mostly agricultural, and comprises various sub-groups of Assamese speaking people: Ahoms, Sutias, Bodos, Kacharis, Misings, Kalitas, Mahantas, and Brahmins. The town has a large percentage of Bengali speaking people and a small fraction of Muslims as also Christians and Buddhists. Greater Barpathar encompasses a cluster of well-established villages, viz., Dubarani, Baramukhia, Dhundasam, Rengmai, Premhara, Jaljori, Jorhatiya, Pabhajan, Boranagar, Hezari, Sarulangtha, Upperlangtha, Premhara, Nahorani, Sewaguri, Kordoiguri, Singimari, Dighali Pathar etc. The villages have orchards of coconuts, bananas, pineapples, betel nuts, lichees, paddy fields, sugar cane fields, etc. There is a weekly big bazaar on every Thursday at Barpathar town.Barpathar is known as the "Granary of Sivasagar". It produces rice, sugarcane, mustards, sesame, fruits and vegetables and tea. The town has a number of tea estates, viz., Pabhajan Tea Estate, Barpathar Tea Estate, Bhuyan Bagan, Dighali Tea Estate, Rengmai Tea Estate, Singimari Tea Estate, Barpathar Tea Estate etc. During the last decade or so the Assamese peasantry has taken to growing tea in their lands thereby pushing up tea production. Every village in the Town has a "namghar" where the Vaishnava followers meet in the evening to perform naam prasanga offering prayers to Lord Krishna.

Video Link : Camellia Heritage Resort (Courtesy : Ong)

Bokakhat is a town in Assam and a Municipality Board in Golaghat district in the state of Assam, India. Bokakhat was formerly known as Namdoiang, as it was located far downstream of the river Doiang. It is about 23 km away from the world heritage site Kaziranga National Park. Bokakhat town is situated almost in the middle of Assam. It is the headquarters of Bokakhat subdivision. The town is base to many nearby tourist places and is well connected to other cities and towns by road. The Kaipho Langso waterfall, an important picnic spot surrounded with magnificent views, lies in Karbi Anglong 13 km away from Bokakhat. Other nearby attractions include the ruins of the ancient Numaligarh and the Deoparbat, the tea gardens of Hatikhuli, Methoni, Diffloo Behora and Borsapori and also the coffee and rubber plantations. The main attractions of the area are natural spots, wildlife, temples, historical sites, archaeological remains, monasteries (satras), industries, various festivals, tea gardens, hills, handicrafts, hand loom products, roadside hotels and tourist lodges.

Video Link : Bokakhat Town (Courtesy : Nova Hajong)

Dergaon is a town and a municipality in the Golaghat district of Assam, India.It is 282 km from the state capital Guwahati. Hemchandra Barua, the compiler of Hemkosh (the earliest Assamese-English dictionary) was from Dergaon. Dergoan also known as Devargoan which implies the village of god Shiva. This area was captured from the Kacharis during the reign of Suhungmung. It has the famous Negheriting ShivaDoul constructed by Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha In 1765. Ahoms kings had established here a royal station (Rajabahor), a Pilkhana (centre of elephant training) and a dockyard called Negeri Noasali.

Video Link : Dergaon Town (Courtesy : Nova Hajong)

Video Link : Wood Fried Pizza at Sol Village (Courtesy : PorushmitaKaushik)

Kohora is a small town situated in the Golaghat district of Assam. It is the main entrance of the world-famous Kaziranga National Park. Kohora Lies Between Nagaon And Golaghat. Kohora is the main entrance to the world heritage site Kaziranga, so that there are many resorts, hotels and guest houses for tourists. The all tourist facilities are available at an areal distance which is known as Kaziranga Tourist Complex or similarly Kohora Tourist Complex. It covers a distance of minimum 10 kilometers along the National Highway 37 and about 1 kilometer to the south of the tow.

Video Link : India's Largest Orchid Park, Kohora Town (Courtesy : Wide Angle Creation)

Naojan also known as "Naojan Gaon" is a village under "Paschim Naojan Gram Panchayat", Tehsil Sarupathar, Sub Division Dhansiri of Golaghat District, Assam, India.The village is flourished beside Dhansiri river (world's most Zig-Zag river). Naojan Gaon has a Railway Station and Post Office. "Satsang Centre Naojan" or "Satsang Kendra Naojan" is located here.n (central).

Sarupathar is a town and the Sub-Divisional headquarter of Dhansiri Sub-Division in Golaghat district in the state of Assam, India.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Kaziranga National Park famous for its one-horned Rhinoceros is located in Golaghat, Nagaon and Sonitpur districts of Assam. Kaziranga was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. The park has an area of some 430 square km and lies between the Brahmaputra River and the Karbi (Mikir) Hills. The Kaziranga Proposed Reserve Forest was created with an area of 232 square km on 1st June 1905 and with the enactment of Assam National Park Act of 1968 it was declared as the National Park. It is a protected area that is rich in natural beauty and diversity of flora and fauna. Apart from one-horned rhinoceros with a population of 2613 dated March, 2022, the park is the breeding ground of elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer. Over the time, the tiger population has also increased in Kaziranga, and that’s the reason why Kaziranga was declared as Tiger Reserve in 2006. Birds like lesser white-fronted goose, ferruginous duck, Baer’s pochard duck and lesser adjutant, greater adjutant, black-necked stork, and Asian Openbill stork specially migrate from the Central Asia during the winter season.

Video Link : World Famous Kaziranga National Park

(Courtesy : Kaltbult Video)

Video Link : Top 10 Resorts of Kaziranga National Park (Courtesy : Wide Angle Creation)

Birangana Shadhani Kalakhetra is a beautiful place named after the last great Chutiya queen Sati Sadhani. It is situated in Selengi Gaon at a distance of around 3 km from Golaghat town. The Government of Assam started to build the Kalakhetra dedicated to Birangana Sadhani in the year of 2009 to attract the tourists visit the district. It has a life-size statue of Birangana Sati Sadhani designed by eminent sculptor and retired Professor of Assam Agriculture University, Jorhat, Dr Ranjit Kumar Borua. It includes a auditorium, an open air auditorium, children park, boating lake and serene natural beauty to spend time for the tourists. It is to be mentioned here that every year in Assam, 21st April is celebrated as Sati Sadhani Divas to honor the courage and sacrifices made by the Chutiya Queen who played a prominent role in the fight against the Ahoms.

Video Link : Birangana Shadani Kalakshetra (Courtesy : Anirban Saikia)

The Negheriting Shiva Doul is a famous temple dedicated to lord Shiva situated at a hillock of Dergaon in the 37th National Highway in Golaghat district. The actual temple was built in 8th century AD by the Kacharis. But after the demolition of the temple due to some natural calamities it was re built by Ahom Swargadew Rajeswar Singha in 1765. The temple was planned and designed by famous architect Ghanashyam Khonikar. This area is the natural habitat of a bird named Negheri and the name Negheriting comes from the name. This temple is also called “Panchayatana Temple” as four gods are present namely the Vishnu, Ganesha, Surya and Durga with Lord Shiva at this place. The main temple is sorrounded by the said four temples. A Banalinga of 3 feet in diameter is established in the main temple. The temple is a inhabitant of a sizeable population of Rhesus macaque a species of old world monkey.

Video Link : Negheriting Shiva Doul (Courtesy : DJairvid)

Deopahar Archeological Site : Deopahar, meaning ‘the hill of the God’ is an archaeological site and one of the most significant ancient heritages of Golaghat district located in Numaligarh. It spreads over 135 hectares of land consisting of ancient relics, monuments and Shiva temples along with ancient sculptures, coins, temples and bricks of various types. Numaligarh is prominently known as one of the archaeologically rich places of the state because of the historical remains of the ancient temple, sculptures and monuments that were excavated from the top of the Deopahar hillock. Being a popular tourist destinations of Assam it has a protected archaeological park and site-museum under the Directorate of Archaeology, Government of Assam. According to the mythology, this archaeological site was a part of the Kingdom Jarasanda in ancient Assam. Near the site there is situated the Deopahar hill, also known as Deoparvat, which is a part of the Deopani reserve forest. On the top of the hill, there is an ancient stone temple, the construction of which seems to have been incomplete or destroyed by Assam earthquake of 1897.

Video Link : Deopahar Archeological Site (Courtesy : jatra)

Sri Sri Athkheliya Namghar is one of the prominent pilgrimage site located at a place where three rivers Ghiladhari, Matrang and Kakodonga meet at Bosa Gaon of Golaghat. It is situated at a distance of about 18 km from Golaghat town on the bank of river Kakodonga. This Namghar has always occupied a very important place in the hearts of Assamese people. The name comes from the eight Kuris or eight Paik families who initially had the duty of looking after the place and this forms the word Athkuriya, which later on became Athkheliya. Ahom King Gadapani constructed the temple in the year 1681 AD and until the year 1970 it was officially called Sri Sri Athkheliya 'Hori Mandir' that is Vishnu Temple but later on due to the influence of Vaishnavism it was renamed as the Sri Sri Athkheliya Namghar. The Namghar attracts huge number of devotees especially in the month of Bhado or Bhadra that is during the period from August to September. Devotees from all parts of Assam and the Northeast visit Athkhelia Namghar during the holy month of Bhado. In this holy month Paalnam observed with Soudhyo Prosongo in Athkheliya Namghar.

Video Link : Sri Sri Athkeliya Namghar (Courtesy : India Entertainment)

Uncle Robin's Children's Museum : Situated on Mission Road in Golaghat town of Assam, Uncle Robin's Children's Museum lies within the residence of Dr Robin Banerjee, a naturalist of international repute. The museum exhibits some of the personal collections of Dr Banerjee's lifetime, which include dolls, paintings, artifacts, mementos, movies and others.

Video Link : Uncle Robin's Children Museum (Courtesy : Pankaj Purkayastha)

Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) : Nestling in the sylvan environs of the Brahmaputra valley where the beautiful rendezvous of water and land throws up myriad colours, Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), which was set up at Numaligarh in the district of Golaghat (Assam) in accordance with the provisions made in the historic Assam Accord signed an 15th August 1985, has been conceived as a vehicle for speedy industrial and economic development of the region.

Video Link : Numaligarh Refinery Limited (Courtesy : Numaligarh Refinery Limted)

Jugibari Beel (lake) is a beautiful scenic location and a tourist destination situated at Jugibari village under Khumtai LAC of Golaghat district. Jugibari Beelpar is a centre of village tourism as it attracts tens of thousands of tourists during the year. The lake creates a serene natural beauty with its wonderful sunrise and sunset view. Migratory birds enhance its beauty in the winter season. It is a charming place with unique immense natural green environment and also enhance women empowerment through participation of women SHGs and community members selling their food and handmade products to the visitors and tourists.

Video Link : Jugibari Beel (Courtesy :Advisor Assam)

FAMOUS PERSONALITIES

Bishop Joseph Aind, S.D.B. is an Indian prelate who served as bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dibrugarh. Joseph was born in Nahorani, Assam, India on 5 November 1945. Joseph was ordained a priest for the congregation of the Salesians of Don Bosco on 27 November 1976. Joseph Aind was appointed Bishop of Dibrugarh on 11 November 1994 and ordained on 19 March 1995 by Thomas Menamparampil. He is the Chairman of Social Communication Commission in the North Eastern Regions Bishop council. On 15 February 2021 Aind stepped down as bishop of Dibrugarh after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75, and was replaced by Albert Hemrom

Munin Barua (5 November 1946 – 7 April 2018) was an Indian film director in Assamese cinematography. Among his best known films are Pita-Putro, Prabhati Pokhir Gaan, Hiya Diya Niya, Daag, Nayak and Bidhata. Barua is widely regarded in Assam to have been one of the directors who helped popularize and establish Assamese cinema outside the state, primarily elsewhere in India where other industries had historically dominated. In 2000, his film Hiya Diya Niya became a first 'blockbuster hit' in Assamese cinema, which helped revive the Assamese film industry. Another film, Dinabandhu, received National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Assamese in 2005. Barua was born in 1946 at Khumtai in Golaghat district, Assam.

Golap Borbora (29 August 1926 – 19 March 2006) was a chief minister of Indian state of Assam from 1978 to 1979. He was the first non congress chief minister of Assam. Borbora was a member of Rajya Sabha between 1968 and 1974. He was born in Golaghat and had his early schooling in Tinsukia and then studied at the University of Calcutta. He had ten siblings, one of whom was Renu Saikia, who later became famous as a prolific actress in the Assamese film industry. Borbora was a follower of Ram Manohar Lohia and Jai Prakash Narayan and was imprisoned several times during the freedom movement. He had been an active trade unionist from the early days of his political career. He led peasant movements, trade union movements, and went to jail many times. He had been imprisoned nine times in different parts of India since Independence and the last time he was jailed was for 19 months during Emergency. He headed Janata Party Government from March 12, 1978 to September 4, 1979. He succeeded Sarat Chandra Sinha as Chief Minister.

Lovlina Borgohain (born 2 October 1997) is an Indian boxer. She won a bronze medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in the women's welterweight event, becoming only the third Indian boxer to win a medal at the Olympics. She won bronze medal at the 2018 AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships and the 2019 AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships. Borgohain is the first female athlete and the second boxer from Assam to represent the state in the Olympics. In 2020, she became the sixth person from Assam to receive Arjuna Award.

Manoj Gogoi is an Indian wildlife conservationist and wildlife rehabilitationist from Assam. Gogoi was born in Bochagaon village of Kaziranga to Junaram and Rupa Gogoi on 4 January 1975. He has rescued over 5000 Animals in Kaziranga National Park, a national park in the Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Nagaon districts of the state of Assam, India. He is widely known for saving desperate animals from the annual Assam floods. Gogoi is a keen bird watcher and a naturalist. He grew up in the lap of nature teeming with various birds, rhinoceros, leopards, and snakes, even venomous ones. After working as a gypsy driver-cum-tourist guide ferrying tourists till 2013, Gogoi decided to become a full-fledged environmentalist after a chance meeting with Kedar Gore, director of Corbett Foundation.

Hemchandra Goswami (1872–1928) was an Indian writer, poet, historian, teacher and a linguist from Assam in the early part of modern Assamese literature. He was the fourth president of the Asom Sahitya Sabha in 1920 held at Tezpur. He retired as Extra Assistant Commissioner in the British Assam. Goswami published the first Assamese dictionary, Hemkosh by Hemchandra Barua with the help of Colonel Gordon in 1900. Some of his other works include Asamiya sahityar chaneki, Phular Saki (The Bunch of Flowers, 1907), which contains the first sonnet in Assamese — 'Priyatamar Sithi' (A letter from the beloved), Kako aru hiya nibilao etc. 'Katha Gita' (Gita in Prose) of Bhattadev was edited by him in 1918. which contains the first sonnet in Assamese — 'Priyatamar Cithi' (A letter from the beloved)

Jatin Goswami (born 2 August 1933, to Dharanidhar Dev Goswami and Chandraprova Devi at Adhar Sattra, a village near Dergaon in Golaghat district) is an Indian dancer and choreographer, known as one of the prominent exponents of the classical dance form of Sattriya. He is the founder director of Sattriya Akademi, Guwahati, a sitting member of its Advisory Committee, and a former member of the General Council of the Sangeet Natak Akademi. He is also the founder of Alok Shilpi Sangha, a dance academy and Pragjyoti Kala Parishad, a cultural organization, and is a recipient of the 2004 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. The Government of India awarded him the fourth highest civilian honour of the Padma Shri, in 2008, for his contributions to Sattriya dance.

Aideu Nilambar Handique (1920 – 17 December 2002) was the first film actress of Assamese cinema. She starred in the film Joymoti (1935) directed by Jyoti Prasad Agarwala. Aideu Handique was born on 1920 in Pani Dihingiya, Golaghat, Assam. An Assamese film Aideu (Behind the Screen) was made on Aideu Handique tragic life and times of the first Assamese film actress by Arup Manna which was released in Mumbai International Film Festival on 8 February 2007.

Gauri Shankar Kalita (1955 - 9 June 2010 ) was an Indian journalist. Kalita was one of the popular journalists in the north-eastern state of Assam. He graduated from the Cotton College of Guwahati. In his youth he studied Marxism and in 1978 was the only Indian representative at the International Youth Conference in Ulaanbaatar, with his speech broadcast on Soviet television. An expert on Assam, and of north-east Indian problems, his mother tongue was Assamese though he had a deep knowledge of English. Kalita worked for one of the main daily newspapers of the north-eastern region, The Sentinel, where he started his career, and was the editor of the Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya editions. He also was the Editor of The North East Times and of the main Assamese-language newspaper Janasadharan. He died in Guwahati on 9 June 2010 after a cardiac arrest.

Gunaram Khanikar was a herbal medicinal expert from Assam, India. Gunaram Khanikar is one of the most popular and recognized names in the field of herbal medicine in India. His birthday, 22 March, is observed as Medicinal Plants day in Assam, India. Khanikar has received numerous awards for his innovation in herbal medicine and around 30 books, most of them in Assamese, including one of the most successful of these, Sahaj Labhya Ban Darober Goon. He has also written around 630 articles for different magazines. Khanikar was also the head of the Regional Research and Training Center on Indian Traditional Treatment (RRTCITT). Khanikar was conferred with Most Influential Assamese of the Year by a leading satellite news channel of Assam in 2013 and is known to have authored the first Herbal Dictionary.His book Xahajlabhya Bon Dorobor Gun is a household name in Assam. Khanikar’s herbal medicines are exported to Thailand, Nepal, China, Canada, Germany, Australia, and Columbia.

Syed Abdul Malik (1919–2000) was a notable writer of Assamese literature, from the village of Nahoroni in Golaghat. He was the president of Asam Sahitya Sabha in 1977 held at Abhayapuri. Malik received many prizes, including Padmashri, Padma Bhusan, Sahitya Akademi Award, Sankar Dev Award, Xahityacharyya, etc. Malik won Sahitya Akademi Award in 1972 for his novel Aghari Atmar Kahini (Tale of a Nomadic Soul). He died on 20 December 2000

Nilmani Phookan (born 10 September 1933) He was born in Dergaon in Golaghat district, Assam) is an Indian poet in Assamese language and an academic. His work, replete with symbolism, is inspired by French symbolism and is representative of the genre in Assamese poetry. His notable works include Surya Henu Nami Ahe Ei Nodiyedi, Gulapi Jamur Lagna, and Kobita. He has won the 56th Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary award , for the year 2020. He was also awarded the 1981 Sahitya Akademi Award in Assamese for his poetry collection, Kavita (Kobita). He was awarded the Padma Shri by Government of India in 1990, and received the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, the highest literary honor in India, given by Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters in 2002

Nagen Saikia (born 11 February 1939) is an Indian writer. He was formerly a professor of Dibrugarh University. Saikia had also been a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1986-1992 and was the vice-chairman of the Upper House from 1990-1992. Saikia started his career as a teacher and went on to serve in different reputed institutions in various categories. He also delivered lectures on various topics about Assamese literature, including in the US and England. He has published numerous literary essays, short stories, novels, books and articles, to his credit. Saikia was conferred with the Sahitya Akademi award in 1997 for his short stories collection Andharat Nizar Mukh and was honoured by the Mohan Chandra Sahitya Sabha in 1980 for Chinta aru Charcha. He was conferred the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, the highest honour conferred by the Sahitya Akademi on the most distinguished Indian writers.

Fiction:

· Kuber Hati Barua(A collection of Short-stories), 1967

· Chabi Aru Frame(A collection of Short-stories), 1969

· Bandha Kothat Dhumuha (A collection of Short-stories), 1971

· Matir Chakir Jui (A collection of Short-stories), 1976

· Astitvar Sikali (A collection of Short-stories), 1976

· Aparthiva-Parthiva (A collection of Short-stories), 1982

· Andharat Nizar Mukh (A collection of Short-stories), 1995

· Bhagna Upakul (Novel), 1983

· Amerikat Dahdin (Travelogue), 1988

· Maha Chinar Dinlipi (Travelogue), 1994

· Swapna aru Smriti and Dhulir Dhemali (Autobiographies), 2002

· Hemanta Kalar Ati Gadhulit, (A collection of Short-Stories), 2001

Verses:

· Mita-Bhas ( A collection of short expressions, A new literary genre introduced by the author), 1995

· Swapna-Smriti-Visad (A collection of Mita-Bhas), 1997

Non-fiction:

· Background of Modern Assamese Literature, 1988

· Chinta Aru Charcha, 1980

· Unabimsa Satikar AsamiyaBhasar Samkat, 1988

· Bharatar Samskritik Aitijya aru Anyanya Rachana, 1993

· Agnigarbha Asam, 1993

· Asamiya Kabita aru Anyanya Bisay, 1996

· Gavesana-Padhati-Parichaya (A Book on Research Methodology in Assamese), 1996

· Tulanamulak Sahitya-Bichar (A book on Comparative Literature), 1996

· Sambadikata: Eti Gadhur aru Pavitra Dayitva, 2000

· Unavimsa Satikar Asam: Andhar aru Pohar, 2002?

· Ejan Santa Tantir Jevan-Kahini (Monograph on Kavir), 2001

· Byaktitvar Bhaskarayya

· Asamiya Varnamala, 2001

· Sahitya Badabaichitrya, 2003

· Maheswar Neog (Monograph)

· Anandachandra Baruah (Monograph)

· Sankardeva (Monograph)

· Asamiya Manuhar Itishas, 2013

RELIGIONS

Hinduism - 85.99%

Muslims - 8.46%

Christians - 4.74%

LANGUAGES

Assamese - 78.40%

Bengali - 4.59%

Mising - 2.71%

Nepali - 2.50%

Boro - 1.86%

Hindi - 1.79%

Sadri - 1.52%

Odia - 1.36%

Others - 5.27%

HAILAKANDI DISTRICT

Hailakandi is one of the 33 districts of Assam state in north-eastern India. It makes up the Barak Valley alongside Cachar and Karimganj. It was constituted as a civil subdivision on 1 June 1869. Subsequently, it was upgraded to a district in 1989, when it was split from Cachar district.

According to some scholars, the name "Hailakandi" has been derived from the Sylheti word "Hailakundi". The later history of Hailakandi is intricately linked to Abdul Matlib Mazumdar (1890–1980), Late Nagendranath Choudhury, Late (Capt.) Manmatha Choudhury, Late (Capt.) Subodh Kumar Dutta and Late Sunil Chakravorty who lead the freedom movement in the erstwhile Sub-division. Nagendranath Choudhury was a prominent Congress-leader; Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru called on him in his house during his visit to Hailakandi in 1939. His brother Manmatha Choudhury was a captain in the Azad Hind Fauj formed by Subhash Chandra Bose. In 1946, when India was still under British rule, Mr. Abdul Matlib Majumder became an MLA and also Cabinet Minister of Assam. He was one of the prominent Muslim leaders of eastern India to support Hindu-Muslim unity, opposing the partition of India on communal lines. Mazumdar along with Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (who later became the 5th President of India) became the most prominent Muslim opponents of the demand for a separate Muslim state of Pakistan, especially in the eastern part of the country. Mazumdar took Master of Arts Degree in English literature from Dhaka University in 1921 and B.L. from Calcutta in 1924. He started legal practice at Hailakandi Bar in 1925. He rose to prominence as a lawyer serving the people of Hailakandi. The then government offered him the post of a Magistrate, which he refused. He joined the Indian National Congress in 1925. He founded the Hailakandi Congress Committee in 1937 and became its first President. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited Hailakandi in 1939 and 1945 respectively at the invitation of Mazumdar to strengthen the freedom movement as well as the Congress party in southern Assam. It was Netaji who initiated establishment of contact between Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Matlib Mazumdar for gearing up nationalist Muslims against a growing Muslim League in the region. Mazumdar became the first Chairman of Hailakandi township in 1939 and in 1945 he became the first Indian Chairman of the Hailakandi Local Board, a post always held by the European tea planters.

The Muslim League proved its might in the Muslim-dominated areas of India in 1937 elections. To counter the rising popularity of Muslim League, he successfully organised the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind movement in Assam. Jamiat was an ally of the Congress having a mass following among the Indian nationalist Muslims. In the very crucial 1946 General Elections just on the eve of India's independence, he wrested the Muslim majority Hailakandi seat from the hold of Muslim League. That victory virtually sealed the hopes and aspirations of the Muslim League to include southern Assam in Pakistan. It may be mentioned here that in that election, the bulk of the Muslim nominees of the Indian National Congress including Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (5th President of India in later years) had lost to their Muslim League rivals miserably.

Assam's Surma Valley (now partly in Bangladesh) had Muslim-majority population. On the eve of partition, hectic activities intensified by the Muslim League as well Congress with the former having an edge. A referendum had been proposed for Sylhet District (now in Bangladesh). Mazumdar along with Basanta Kumar Das (then Home Minister of Assam) travelled throughout the valley organising the Congress and addressing meetings educating the masses about the outcome of partition on the basis of religion. On 20 February 1947, Moulvi Mazumdar inaugurated a convention – Assam Nationalist Muslim's Convention at Silchar. There after another big meeting was held at Silchar on 8 June 1947. Both the meetings, which were attended by a large section of Muslims paid dividend. He was also among the few who were instrumental in retaining the Barak Valley region of Assam with India. Mazumdar was the leader of the delegation that pleaded before the Radcliffe Commission that ensured that a part of Sylhet (now in Bangladesh) remains with India despite being Muslim-majority (present Karimganj district).

Moulvi Mazumdar joined as a Cabinet Minister of Assam in 1946 with the portfolios of Local Self-Government, Agriculture and Veterinary. In 1947, India became free from British rule, when Mazumdar again took charge of the same departments in Gopinath Bordoloi's cabinet as the only Muslim minister (Moulana Tayyebulla was inducted in 1948) and also the lone member from the entire Barak valley region. The entire eastern India was swept by violence just after India's partition and independence on 15 August 1947, scores of Hindus fled the newly created East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) for India, and Muslims fled Assam for East Pakistan. A large number of people lost their lives owing to violence, which resurfaced with more ferocity in 1950. Mazumdar, the only Muslim in the cabinet, along with his cabinet and party colleagues took up responsibility for the safety of both Hindus and Muslims in Hailakandi, touring affected areas and arranging camps and rehabilitation for the refugees, organizing supplies and security.

Another prominent person from Hailakandi was Late Raj Mohan Nath, a noted Engineer, whose authored many books on different subjects apart from engineering. One of his books was a text-book for the students of civil engineering in the Bengal Engineering College, Shibpur (West Bengal). Today's "Assam-type house" is entirely his concept which gained vast popularity in the earthquake zones. One of the roads in Moscow has been named after him

Hailakandi Airfield is a former wartime United States Army Air Forces airfield in India, used during the Burma Campaign 1944-1945. It is now abandoned.

Hailakandi district occupies an area of 1,327 square kilometres. Out of this, more than 50% is reserve forest. There are total of two reserve forests in Hailakandi district viz. Inner line reserve forest and Katakhal reserve forest. The district has got inter-state border with Mizoram on its south having a length of 76 km besides inter district border on other sides with Karimganj district and Cachar district.

Video Link : Hailakandi District in Assamese (Courtey : Rahul Chakraborthy)

ADMINISTRATION

The district headquarters are located at Hailakandi.

Divisions

The district is divided into four revenue circles comprising a total of 393 villages (including 27 forest villages).

There are three Assam Legislative Assembly constituencies in this district: Hailakandi, Katlicherra, and Algapur. The whole district comes under the Karimganj Lok Sabha constituency.

It has five development blocks viz. Algapur, Hailakandi, Lala, Katlicherra & South Hailakandi development Block. There is a Mahkuma Parishad named Hailakandi Mahkuma Parishad covering these 5 Development Blocks.

The forests of Hailakandi district were once rich in wildlife but now vanishing due to human onslaught. rare species found are Hoolock gibbon, Phayre's leaf monkey, Pig-tailed macaque, White-winged Wood Duck, Purple Wood Pigeon, etc., have been recorded. The southern part was also recommended as 'Dhaleswari' wildlife sanctuary.

ECONOMY

In the organized sector, tea is the main industry of the district. It has 17 Tea estates with 55.70 square kilometres under tea plantation employing more than 1,30,642 persons as per 1991 census. Production of tea was 67.62 tonnes. The Hindustan paper mill Panchgram comes to the second place where large number of people get employment opportunities in the district. The pre dominant income generating activity for the district is through agricultural sector and its allied enterprises.People are very much kind hearted

PLACES OF INTEREST

Siddyashar Bari Sibmandir : Siddyashar bari Sibmandir is a temple situated at Badarpur ghat in Hailakandi of the state of Assam and one of the most attractive tourist places in Hailakandi. It is a famous temple built-in memory of Siddyashar bari in Hailakandi. Large number of devotees come for prayer.

Rontilla Memorial : The rising of 1857 was indeed a major event in the anls of Indian history. It left a deep imprint on the future course of the history of India. But unfortutely, it seems Sepoy Mutiny of Cachar district is not known to the main stream Indian historians and the Government of Assam is also not taking any concrete steps to sustain the historical relics of it. One of the most important spots of Sepoy Mutiny of Cachar was Rontilla, around 10 kms from Hailakandi town. A large number of mutineers laid down their lives fighting against the British rulers on December 22, 1857.

Video Link : Rontilla Memorial (Courtesy : Salim Borbuiya)

Hailakandi Airfield is a former wartime United States Army Air Forces airfield in India, used during the Burma Campaign 1944–1945. It is now abandoned. Hailakandi is a district of the Indian state of Assam. The airfield was the home of the 1st Air Commando Group, being formed at the base in March 1944. The unit was a United States Army Air Forces group of fighters, bombers, transports, military gliders and small planes operating in the South-East Asian Theatre of World War II. They were part of the U.S. Tenth Air Force providing close air support for the British Fourteenth Army in the Burma Campaign.

Video Link : Hailakandi Airfield (Courtesy : Footage Farm)

FAMOUS PERSONALITIES

Abdul Matlib Mazumder (1890–1980) was an Indian freedom fighter and political leader based in undivided Assam State. In 1946, when India was still under British rule, he became an MLA and also Cabinet Minister of Assam. He was one of the prominent Muslim leaders of eastern India to support Hindu-Muslim unity, opposing the partition of India on communal lines. Mazumder along with Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (who later became the 5th President of India) became the most prominent Muslim opponents of the demand for a separate Muslim state of Pakistan, especially in the eastern part of the country. Abdul Matlib Mazumdar was born into a Bengali Muslim family in Ujankupa (Borjurai) village near Hailakandi in southern Assam. Mazumdar was a socialist of the Gandhian type. He was deeply religious but strictly secular. He also had good command over Arabic, Persian and Urdu languages. His widow Sumsunnahar Mazumdar died in June 1989 at Guwahati. Mazumdar was a silent worker and hence, his works and role during India’s partition on religious lines, especially in eastern India were relatively less publicised. Abdul Matlib Mazumder was, to quote Gauri Shankar Bhattacharjee, the Left politician from Assam and a contemporary of Mazumdar, 'honest, uncorrupt, incorruptible and simple man'

Debapratim Purkayastha (1976 - 2021) was a professor of strategy, academic leader and case method expert. Purkayastha was born in Hailakandi, Assam, to Dilip Kumar Purkayastha, a bureaucrat and former Regional Passport Officer, and Anima Purkayastha. Purkayastha was conferred the 'Outstanding Contribution to the Case Method' award in 2015, from The Case Centre's Executive Committee. He was the youngest, and the first educator from India to receive this award. He was also the first educator from outside North America and Europe to feature on the list of The Case Centre's all-time top authors list (covering 40 years, i.e., from 1974 to 2014) released in 2014. Purkayastha was The Case Centre's bestselling author every year since 2016, when the list was first made public. He was recognized for developing case studies in different innovative topics and formats including graphic novel (comic book) format. For instance, in 2019, his case 'Turbulence on the Tarmac', illustrated by Sid Ghosh, won the 'Outstanding Compact Case' award from The Case Centre. For the decade ending December 2019, Purkayastha's case studies were used at more than 1,000 business schools in over 90 countries to teach nearly half a million students worldwide. Purkayastha's other awards are from the Academy of Management, Association of MBAs, EFMD, CEEMAN, Emerald Group, North American Case Research Association, Oikos International, The Case Centre, John Molson School of Business (Concordia University), China Europe International Business School, AESE Business School, Syracuse University, etc. In March 2018, Purkayastha received the Career360's “Faculty Research Awards”, which recognized India's top educators. The award was presented by Prakash Javadekar, the then Minister of Human Resource Development, Government of India

RELIGIONS

Religious demographics are as follows:

· Muslims – 60.31%

· Hindus – 38.10%

· Christians – 1.29%.

Bengalis formed the majority of the district population, but the district is also home to a large number of different communities. There are, Meitei, Bishnupriya, Kuki, Reang, Chakma and immigrant populations from erstwhile East Pakistan.

LANGUAGES

Bengali (84.64%)

Hindi (7.74%)

Tripuri (2.11%)

Manipuri (1.92%)

Bhojpuri (1.65%)

Others (1.94%)

HOJAI DISTRICT

Hojai District is a district in Assam, India. It was formed on 15 August 2015. The headquarters of the district is situated at Sankardev Nagar, which is about 8 km away from Hojai town. Hojai District was formed from three tehsils of Nagaon District,namely Hojai, Doboka and Lanka. Hojai was a part of undivided Nowgong district (now Nagaon) of then Assam Province.

The geographical area presently under Hojai district and its surrounding area as in the history of the ancient Kamarupa, was known as Davaka kingdom or Kapili Valley kingdom. In different sources this kingdom is mentioned as ‘Dabak’, ‘Kapili’ and ‘Tribeg’. This kingdom enjoyed independent status up to the 6th century CE.

Medieval historical sources mention that during the reign of Kashyap (1365-1400) of the Barahi Pala dynasty there began a new era of Kachari supremacy in the Kapili-Jamuna valley. Birochana, a minister of Kachari origin in the service of king Bhoumapala of Behali area in the north bank of Brahmaputra had to flee his kingdom after a conflict with the king and came to the south bank of Brahmaputra and established a new kingdom on the banks of the Kalong river which was Brahmapur or the present day Batampur and he assumed the name ‘Bicharpatipha’. Soon Kachari reign spread to the entire Kapili-Jamuna valley and the name of the kingdom was known as Kacharipar.

Due to Ahoms kingdom's vigorous territorial expansion, the Kachari kings came in to conflict with them. During the rule of Kachari king Tamradhwaja Narayan the Kachari ruled areas went to the Ahoms under Swargadeo Gadadhar Singha.

The word ‘Hojai’ is of Dimasa origin. The priestly class of the Dimasas is known as Hojai or Hojaisa and the place they inhabited came to be known as Hojai. Even now Hojai area has a sizeable population of Dimasas and some of them have the surname ‘Hojai’.

After Sylhet referendum which led to separation of Sylhet division from then Assam Province, a large number of Bengali Hindus have migrated to the area from the then East Pakistan and are mostly settled in the towns such as Lumding, Lanka and Hojai

Video Link : Hojai District (Courtesy : Tahmid VLogs)

ADMINISTRATION

The district headquarters are located at Shankardev Nagar, Hojai.

Divisions

Hojai district has three assembly constituencies. They are Jamunamukh, Hojai and Lumding. Hojai district is also part of Nowgong constituency.

Video Link : Hojai Rap Song (Courtesy : Saif Hojai)

ECONOMY

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood of the major population of Hojai. There is an abundance of forest-based small-scale industries like Agar Wood Distillation units, Saw Mills and Bamboo & Cane furniture’s manufacturing units. The ethnic groups of this region depend on their traditional activities like weaving, animal rearing, etc. Hojai is also noted for its numerous ancient archaeological sites.

IMPORTANT TOWNS

Hojai is a town and a municipal board in Hojai district in the Indian state of Assam. It is located on the banks of the two tributaries of Brahmaputra namely Kapili and Jamuna. The term Hojai means Priest in Dimasa language and is also one clan of Dimasa people, who populated the settlement during its initial formation. Hojai was a part of the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom in medieval times. The Dimasa Kacharies living in Hojai is known as "Hojai-Kacharies" to others. "Hojai" is one of the clans (Sengphongs) of the Dimasa tribe, probably The city "Hojai" got its name from this clan. It was made a sub-division on 15 August 1983 under Nagaon district. Hojai is one of the important hubs of agarwood oil extraction and trade. In 2019, the Assam government under Sarbananda Sonowal allowed plantation of agarwood in five hectares.

Video Link : Hojai Town (Courtesy : Wide Angle Creation)

Video Link : Hojai Town - Cinematic View (Courtesy : Awesome Asaam)

Video Link : Hojai Town - Drone View (Courtesy : Abradeep roy)

Dabaka (also called Doboka or Dobaka) is a town in Hojai district (formerly in Nagaon district) of Assam state in India. It is a commercial place situated in the central part of Assam. Dabaka's culture is a blend of traditional festivals, food, music and theatres. The town offers a complex and diverse lifestyle with a variety of food, entertainment and night life, available in a form and abundance comparable to that in other towns of Assam. Doboka's history as a trading centre has led to a diverse range of cultures, religions and cuisines coexisting in the town. This blend of cultures is due to the migration of people from all over Assam since the British period. The majority of the residents are Sylheti -speaking Muslims with a notable number of Hindus which have over numbered the indigenous Assamese communities. Doboka has been one of the leading town after Hojai town in International Agar Exportation to Middle Eastern countries, Bangkok, Laos, Singapore etc. Dabaka is one of the developed town of Assam and it ranked 10th position in Highest per capita income in Assam. Lower class families are engaged with farming of mostly Rice, Wheat and Sugarcane. Though it has very little land for farming, it has produced huge amount of Rice production. The natural fertility of the soil behind the foothills accelerate the production of farming.

Video Link : Akashi Ganga - Doboka (Courtesy : Babita's Vlogs)

Lanka is a town and a town area committee with 11 wards. It serves as a trade and commerce hub for nearby areas such as Udali, Nokhuti, Laskar Pather, Karikhana, Kheroni, Dablong, and Doiyong sides. The name Lanka was likely named after Lanka of Ramayana; famous Assamese poet Madhava Kandali was said to be an inhabitant of Lanka, who wrote the Saptakanda Ramayana, under the patronage of Varāha-Rājā Mahamanikya. The name ‘Dabak’ is a derivative of the Sanskrit word ‘Devark.’ In olden times, water was scarce, and then by the regional language Lang Kha means the same, hence the name of the place came into being.During that time the place was barren land. During the British Invasions, water was brought by wagons and this place was also made the base camps. It was only after the 1950 Assam–Tibet earthquake that the water level raised again. Rangmahala, a place in the outskirts of Lanka had the King's Amusement palace or Rangmahal. After the rulers abandoned Lanka, Khasi-Jayantiya started to rule. When King Viswasundar was the ruler of DABAK, Lanka was an independent state. An inscription of the 13th century discovered near Dabaka has the following lines about Lanka:“ Kachhar rajyad jayantay lankanta rajyabanta Yajnamenong daabeka mandali mathastha karyamasa.” The Lankeswari Temple is of historical significance for the place. It is very much linked to the heart and culture of Lanka.

Video Link : Lanka Town (Courtesy : Video On Time)

Video Link : Lanka Town - Drone View (Courtesy : Mintu's VLogs)

Lumding is a city with municipal board in Hojai district in the Indian state of Assam. The word 'Lumding' owes its roots to a couple of Dimasa words 'Lama' and 'Ding' connoting 'straight pathway'. The word Lumding is also believed to be from karbi words 'loom' means the 'water from cloud' and 'ding' meaning 'scarcity or Nil'. There's another Railway station adjacent to it with the same root word "Lama" (Path), it is Lamasakhong (Valley of the small pathways) which is just a few kilometers away from Lumding. Over the years Lumding has developed into township. The railway township had always enjoyed scant rainfall during the rainy season every year, although the trend has significantly altered over the past few decades. Also Lumding was used as a radar station during World War II by British. Lumding railway division is famous for being the biggest divisional headquarters of the Northeast Frontier Railway and the biggest junction in the North-Eastern part of the country. The town is also the gateway to the visually enchanting Lumding-Badarpur hill-tract between Lumding and Badarpur. The track has been included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Video Link : Lumding Railway Junction (Courtesy : Travel With Me)

Video Link : Lumding to Silchar - UNESCO World Heritage Track (Courtesy : Creation Hub)

PLACES OF INTEREST

Rajbari Archaeological Site is a group of at least nine Shiva temples enclosed within a massive brick-built boundary wall. Both stone and bricks are found employed as building material in raising the temples. Concentration of these temple structures altogether converted this site into a complex of nine temples. Of these, three temples had been built of bricks using stone for doorframes, pillar bases and columns. The ground plans of three of these brick-built temples have been excavated and conserved from 2003-04 and 2005-06. Upon the garbhagrha of two temples modern structures have been raised enshrining in these a Yonipith and a Uma - Maheswara respectively. The other temple plinth has a garbhagrha raised of stone.The site has numerous stone temple relics stylistically datable to 11th century CE.

Video Link : Rajbari Archeological Site, Hojai

(Courtesy : Daoling Films)

Akashiganga Archaeological Site. Akashiganga is a rocky spot on a stream surrounded by forests. The beauty of the site is enhanced by a waterfall locally called Akashiganga and this waterfalls serves as a natural picturesque background for the temple ruins. A large section of the stone temple remains have been shifted to an archaeological park and a site gallery installed nearby. Besides numerous fragments, carved temple relics, other evidence of the site include stone pillar capitals, some with carvings, amalakas, door frame, doorsills and jambs, pedestals, horizontal lotus moulded architraves andangasekharas of temples. Figures of Ganas, dancing ganas and floral designs are also to be found here. The ruins indicate the existence of a Siva temple in the site. Its unique natural beauty, hilly topography and forest attract people and the site remains a place for recreation over the ages.

Video Link : Akashiganga Waterfall & Archeological Site , (Courtesy : A Footslogger VLogs)

Nabhanga Ma Chamunda Kali Mandir located by the side of a river at Nabhanga, Jugijan, Assam. It’s a very old temple; it was built in seventh century by Dimasa Kachari king. According to legends, once a group of robbers stole Ma Kali's jewelery. But they could not escape, when they crossed the river their boat (nao) was broken (bhanga) in the middle of the river and they all died. Since then the name of this temple is Naobhanga Kali Mandir.

Video Link : Nabhangha Kali Mandir

(Courtesy : UNIVIA Channel, Kangleipak)

Sankhyadevi site has a group of temples, located on Jugijan, a small tributary of the Kapili river. The site has three mounds containing remains of three stone temples. Of these, one mound has been salvaged and stone relics of a temple dedicated to Devi Durga have been unearthed. The remains include fragments of a massive stone door jamb with carving of a figure of Durga in the upper central part of the door frame. Doorjambs, carved stone, pranala from garbhagriha, doorsils,lintels, pillars and numerous other carved temple relics are found in this site. Numerous fragments of stone temples are scattered everywhere. The two other mounds are undisturbed. The site has a stone stairway leading to the river indicating earlier communication that was maintained through river to the temples of this site. This is situated on an old water channel to the west of the Rajbari and Sankhya Devi Archaeological Sites. The site has eight brick temples divided in symmetrical plan facing each other in two lines. The temple structures have components of stone pillar posts, bases, door jambs, doorsills, Siva linga and Yonipith. This group of brick-built temples are unique in Assam for these structures have been found embellished with terracotta plaques laid horizontally on the outer face of the walls. The variety of representation includes diverse aspects of nature, figures of gods and goddesses, human and animal figures, floral designs, scenes from public life, religious life and other aspects -all carved to decorate the brick temple walls. Such decorative arrangements in walls of temples as seen at Nath Archaeological Site recalls artistic development of temple architecture during the Gupta period. Judging by the style, these pieces of archaeological evidence at Na-Nath can be dated to c.800 CE. The eight brick built Siva temples with one at Kenduguri nearby make altogether nine temples for which the site is known as Na-Nath.

Na Nath Archeological Site : This is situated on an old water channel to the west of the Rajbari and Sankhya Devi Archaeological Sites. The site has eight brick temples divided in symmetrical plan facing each other in two lines. The temple structures have components of stone pillar posts, bases, door jambs, doorsills, Siva linga and Yonipith. This group of brick-built temples are unique in Assam for these structures have been found embellished with terracotta plaques laid horizontally on the outer face of the walls. The variety of representation includes diverse aspects of nature, figures of gods and goddesses, human and animal figures, floral designs, scenes from public life, religious life and other aspects -all carved to decorate the brick temple walls. Such decorative arrangements in walls of temples as seen at Nath Archaeological Site recalls artistic development of temple architecture during the Gupta period. Judging by the style, these pieces of archaeological evidence at Na-Nath can be dated to c.800 CE. The eight brick built Siva temples with one at Kenduguri nearby make altogether nine temples for which the site is known as Na-Nath.

Video Link : Na-Nath Archeological Site

(Courtesy : Daoling Films)

FAMOUS PERSONALITIES

Kaviraja Madhava Kandal (circa. 14th century) was an Indian poet from the state of Assam. He is one of the renowned poets pertaining to the Pre-Shankara era. His Saptakanda Ramayana is considered the earliest translation of the Ramayana into an Indo-Aryan language, Assamese. This work was carried out by the poet as early as the 14th Century. Another significant work of his is the narrative poem Devajit, which is about superiority of Krishna over the other avatars of Vishnu. Kandali's patron was the Barāha King Mahamanikya (mid 14th century) whose kingdom was located in the Kapili valley. Kabiraja Madhava Kandali was said to be inhabitant of Lanka of Undivided Nagaon

RELIGIONS

Bengali – 69.6%

Hindi - 16.0%

Assamese - 10.7%

Meitei - 1.6%

LANGUAGES

Hinduism - 81.11%

Islam - 18.28%

Sikhism, Christianity and other religions are followed by less than one per cent of the population.

JORHAT DISTRICT

Jorhat is an administrative district of the Indian state of Assam situated in the central part of the Brahmaputra Valley. The district is bounded by Majuli on north, Nagaland state on the south, Charaideo on the east and Golaghat on the west. On the north of the district, the river Brahmaputra forms the largest riverine island of the world. The administrative seat is at Jorhat city. Jorhat was previously a sub-division of undivided Sibsagar district. In 1983, Jorhat was carved out of Sibsagar District and was made a separate district.

"Jorhat" or "Jorehaut" means tween "hats" (Bazar) or "mandis"- "Macharhat" and "Chowkihat" which existed on the two different banks of the river Bhogdoi during the 18th century. The northernmost area of the present district was a part of the Chutiya Kingdom before the Ahom-Chutiya war in the 16th century. In 1794 the Ahom king Gaurinath Singha shifted the capital from Sibsagar (erstwhile "Rangpur") to Jorhat. This town was a flourishing and commercial metropolis but completely destroyed after a series of the Burmese invasions since 1817 till the arrival of the British force in 1824 under the Stewardship of David Scott and Captain Richard. The British rule, though, was not free from rebellions and revolutions, contributed to reemergence of this historical town. From the very first decade of the British rule, the great revolutionists who emerged were Gomdhar Konwar, Jeuram and Piyali, British system of administration, came into vogue in 1839 with an established Police Thana. During the great Sepoy Mutiny, the anti-British plot hatched by Maniram Dewan and Piyali Barua, was sabotaged. These leaders were hanged in public at this very place in 1858.

In 1885, a narrow-gauge train service (Jorehaut Provincial Railway) came into operation and ultimately became instrumental in the rapid growth of the tea industry. The modern-day district of Jorhat was created in 1983 when it was split from Sibsagar district.

On the north of the district, the river Brahmaputra forms the largest riverine island of the world, Majuli, spreading over 924.6 km². with a population of about 1.50 lakh being threatened by the constant erosion by this mighty, unstable river. Majuli had been the principal place of pilgrimage of Vaishnavites since the ages of the Ahom rules. There are several Satras resembling medieval monasteries headed by Satradhikars preaching and teaching the Vaishnavism which was initiated by Sankardeva (1449–1568). Each Satra has unknown wealth of Vaishnav scriptures and extensive revenue free lands being cultivated by the "Bhakats" of the Satras.

In 1997 Jorhat district became home to the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, which has an area of 21 km² (8.1 sq mi), is a protected area which is home to hoolock gibbons. There is another forest called Mulai Kathoni or Molai Forest, a man-made forest covering 550 hectares of area on a Brahmaputra river sandbar located near Kokilamukh area. It is named after Jadav Payeng, Indian environmental activist and forestry worker.

Video Link : Forest Man (Jadav Peyang) (Courtesy : William D McMaster)

Tea Festival of Jorhat

The Tea Festival in Jorhat is all about tea, music and gaiety. The Tea Festival in Jorhat brings about a world of festivity with a warm and traditional cordial reception. The Jorhat Tea Festival offers an excellent package of fun and excitement. The celebrations of the Festival of Tea in Jorhat include visit to the tea gardens, playing golf, safaris into the jungles, tasting delicious food items, shopping and cultural entertainment. The adventure sports on offer include angling and rafting in turbulent rivers. The Tea Festival of Jorhat in Assam is a pleasant blend of a business trip and a pleasure trip. Along with the beauty and cultural diversity of Assam, tourists can also meet the warm hearted people of Assam.

Culture

The cultural diversities which prevailed in Jorhat nearly a century ago has inspired the people to participate in cultural activities through the decades and as a result Jorhat has been able to produce many creative writers, musician, actors, historians and journalists, terming Jorhat The Cultural Capital of Assam.

Divisions

The district headquarters is located at Jorhat

There are five Assam Legislative Assembly constituencies in this district: Jorhat, Teok, Mariani, Titabor and Dergaon. Dergaon is designated for scheduled castes. Dergaon is in the Kaliabor Lok Sabha constituency. The other four are in the Jorhat Lok Sabha constituency

Video Link : Jorhat District (Courtesy : Facts Market GLP)

Economy

Agriculture

There are about 135 tea gardens, including out gardens, and the predominant field crop is rice, with per capita food grain production of 205 kg per annum.

Manufacturing industry

The district has a number of small-scale and cottage industries in the field of cane work and bamboo work, silver jewellery, furniture making, brass smithing, umbrella making, soap manufacturing, packaged food manufacturing etc. Type of industries present in Jorhat are agro based, cotton textile, woolen, silk & artificial thread based clothes, ready-made garments & embroidery, wood/wooden based furniture, chemical/chemical based, rubber, plastic & petro based, metal based (steel fab.), repairing & servicing, etc.

Tourism

Jorhat facilitates as the base location to reach out to many interesting places of international importance located at close proximity such as Majuli, Kaziranga National Park, Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, the famous Molai forest, Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar, etc. Examples of numerous attractions that can be visited within the district are Lachit Borphukan's Maidam, Raja Maidam, Jorhat Science Centre & Planetarium, Jorhat Gymkhana Club, Chandrakanta Handique Bhavan, Jorhat District Museum, Thengal Manor, Sukapha Samannay Kshetra, Kaziranga Golf Resort, Shanti Ashram, Jagannath Temple, Thengal Cultural Centre & Museum, public parks, multiple tea gardens, Sukapha Park, Gabhoru Parbat and many more.

VideoLink: Gibbon Wild Life Sanctuary (Courtesy : Fernweh Travel Films)

PLACES OF INTEREST

Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar: It is one of the famous Bor namghar (place of worship) in Assam, established by saint-reformer Madhabdev in 1461. It is located at Dhekiakhowa village of Jorhat, 3.5 km away from National Highway 37. Dhekiakhowa Bornaamghar is a naamghar in Jorhat district, Assam, India, that was established by saint-reformer Madhavdeva. In 1528, Madhavdeva kindled an earthen lamp there, which according to the naamghar's managing committee has been burning continuously since then, being refueled with mustard oil by the priests. Now this Bor namghar has 13 Bighas of land, an auditorium of its own. The devotees of Assam donate freely to this namghar and due to their helping hand, the managing committee of namghar works a lot of social and cultural welfares. Almost 461 years old, this namghar has been playing an important role in the exercise of Baisnav Religion and unity for the people of Assam. There are many stories associated with this Bor namghar. It is said that the main pilfer of the namghar is made of a Xaal tree (Shorea robusta). One night one of the bhakat (monk) of the namgahr saw in his dream that the river near the Bor namghar (known as dhekiyakhua jaan) is flowing in opposite direction and is carrying a Haal tree mean to be for the construction of the Bor namghar. Next day when people saw that dream to be true, they made the main pilfers of the Bor namghar from the tree.

Video Link : Dekhiakhowa Bornamghar (Courtesy: Natural Moments)

Lachit Borphukan's Maidam: This is the maidam of great Lachit Borphukan. He was the greatest ever Ahom General who defeated the mighty Mughals at Saraighat in 1672. It is located at Gohain gaon of Meleng-Hulungapar. It is 8 km from the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary.

Video Link : Lachit Borphukhan's Maidam (Courtesy : Info World)

Swargadeo Chaolung Su-Ka-Pha Samanvay Kshetra : The Great Tai Prince who entered Assam on 2nd December 1228. He established the Ahom Kingdom by declaring Capital at Che-rai -doi in 1253 A.D. This kingdom covered the whole of Brahmaputra valley within a short span of time. This kingdom lasted for more than 600 years. The Britishers annexed the kingdom in 1826 temporarily . But in 1836 they completely subjugated the whole state and the state became dependent till 1947. The Tai people under the leadership of 39 kings formed a united nationality known as Assamese. An unified language (Assamese) came up and now it is the state language of Assam. A cultural unity emerged which is significant within Indian Culture.

Video Link : Swargadeo Chaolung Sukapha Kshetra (Courtesy : Tinkuify Creations)

Thengal Bhavan : Thengal Bhawan was built in 1880 by Raibahadur Siva Prasad Barooah. In 1929, he published a weekly Assamese newspaper. Later, he established his printing press and office at Thengal Bhawan and managed to publish a daily newspaper, Dainik Batori. Siva Prasad Barooah was the owner and Bagmibar Nilamani Phukan was the editor of this daily newspaper. This newspaper was published from such a place, Thengal Bhawan, where there was no post office. It was the first daily newspaper in Assamese and also the first daily newspaper in any language, published from a village in entire India.

Video Link : A Day at Thengal Manor (Courtesy : Come Travel with P)

Jorhat Gymkhana Club : The oldest golf course in Asia and the third oldest in The World Established by British. The Jorhat Gymkhana Club was built in 1876 by D. Slimmon, then Secretary of the club in Seconidhara village. The club has been a venue for horse races ever since its inauguration. The Governor's Cup is the major trophy awarded here every year. It has a lush green 9-hole golf course circuit vying for a position in the "World Heritage list" as the oldest golf course in Asia and the third oldest in the world. The club offers facilities in lawn tennis grass courts, swimming pool, billiards, polo, gentleman's bar and cinema theatre. The cricket ground here is known as 'Jorhat Gymkhana Ground'. It had the grace of hosting the CK Naidu Under-19 Indian Cricket tournament matches. Khelmati sports club uses this ground for practising cricket. The Club road was the first asphalt road laid by the Britishers to connect the City Centre with the Jorhat Gymkhana Club.

Video Link : Jorhat Gymkhana Club (Courtesy: AbhiVlogs)

Tocklai Tea Research Institute : To delve into the science and processes behind a good cuppa, visit the Tocklai Institute, the world's largest and oldest tea research centre (founded in 1911). The labs here research, among other things, microorganisms that inhibit plant disease and promote growth. A tea museum and model tea factory, exhibiting the machines that turn leaves into teapot-ready tea, are also here. Tocklai is on the southeast edge of Jorhat. There's also a guesthouse here, with old-fashioned AC rooms in a 1930 colonial house.

Video Link : Tocklai Tea Research Institute (Courtesy : Nature Boys)

Cinnamora Tea Estate : The Cinnamora Tea Estate was first started on 1850 by the renowned Assamese nobleman also known as ‘Kalita Raja’ Maniram Dewan who was then working under British India in Assam. Cinnamara and Senglung tea estates were started by Dewan between 1843 and 1845 after he resigned from the post of dewan, land agent and chief executive, of India’s first tea company, the Assam Company. The heritage bungalow at the tea estate is located amidst lush green tea bushes has been given a facelift to make the stay comfortable for tourists. The tea garden in its season has the most beautiful green aura that will soothe your eyes and gives a much-needed calmness provided with the enriching tea tasting at the garden itself. Also if you plan the trip during the tea harvesting season you will be lucky to see the workers at the garden harvesting tea.

IMPORTANT TOWNS

Jorhat : Jorhat ("jor" means twin and "hat" means market) means two hats or mandis - "Masorhaat" and "Sowkihat" which existed on the opposite banks of the Bhugdoi river. Jorhat was the last capital of the Ahom Kingdom, as a planned town under royal patronage. It is often spelt as "Jorehaut" during the British reign. In 1794, the Ahom King Gaurinath Singha shifted the capital from Sivasagar, erstwhile Rangpur to Jorhat. Many tanks were built around the capital city by the Ahom royalty such as Rajmao Pukhuri or Borpukhuri, Buragohain Pukhuri, Bolia Gohain Pukhuri, Kotoki Pukhuri and Mitha Pukhuri. This town was a flourishing and commercial metropolis but was destroyed by a series of Burmese invasion of Assam between 1817 and the arrival of the British force in 1824 under the stewardship of David Scott and Captain Richard.

Video Link : Jorhat City (Courtesy : My Travelling Glasses)

Mariani is a neighbourhood town of Jorhat. It is about 17.5 km from Jorhat Town railway station. Mariani is in the border of Nagaland. Mariani is famous for the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary which is located on the roadside on the way to Nakachari from Mariani at a distance of 5 km. This small town is surrounded by some of the largest tea gardens in India. Mariani has a cosmopolitan culture with many communities speaking different languages and living in harmony for decades. The town was once well known for having one of the largest plywood factories in India which was later closed down as felling trees was banned by law. In Assamese, moriya is a fisherman and his wife is called moriyani. The name mariani was derived from moriyani.

Video Link : Mariani Town (Courtesy : Classic Reels)

Titabor or Titabar is a town in the Jorhat district of Assam in India. It is about 20 km away from Jorhat City. It is one of the highly greeny places of Assam almost surrounded by different tea-estates. The town serves as the administrative headquarters of the Thengal Kachari Autonomous Council. The Thengal Bhawan is Located at Jalukonibari in Titabor, was built in 1880 by Raibahadur Siva Prasad Barooah. In 1929, he published a weekly Assamese newspaper. Later, he established his printing press and office at Thengal Bhawan and managed to publish a daily newspaper, Dainik Batori. It was the first Assamese daily newspaper. The Thengal Bhawan is now used as a guest house.

Video Link : Titabar Town (Courtesy : The Accidental You Tuber)

Teok is a small town situated in the Jorhat district of Assam, India. It is at a distance of about 20 kilometres from Jorhat city. The term 'Teok' is derived from the Tai languages. It literally means – ‘The place of milk and ghee’.

Video Link : Teok Town (Courtesy: Natural Moments)

FAMOUS PERSONALITIES

Mofida Ahmed (1921-2008) was an Indian politician belonging to the Indian National Congress. She was Assam's first female Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha and also one of the first few Muslim women to be a Member of Parliamentin India. She was born in Jorhat Town to Md. Barua Ali in November 1921. Ahmed worked for the National Savings Scheme in an honorary capacity (14-7-55 to 19-1-57), as a Joint Secretary at Red Cross Society, Jorhat (1946–1949). She was also the Convener of The Women's department of the Congress at Golaghat since its inception in 1953 to the end of 1956. She also served as the assistant Secretary at Tezpur District to the Mahila Samiti (October 1951 to January 1953) at maternity welfare for rescue of fallen women.

Temsüla Ao (25 October 1945 – 9 October 2022) was a Naga poet, fiction writer, and ethnographer from India. On 25 October 1945, Temsüla was born to Imnamütongba Changkiri and Nokintemla Longkumer in Jorhat. She was a Professor of English at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) from where she retired in 2010. She served as the Director of the North East Zone Cultural Centre between 1992 and 1997 on deputation from NEHU. She was awarded the Padma Shri award for her contribution to Literature and Education. Her book Laburnum For My Head received the Sahitya Akademi Award for English writing in the short story category. Her works have been translated into Assamese, Bengali, French, German, Hindi, and Kannada. When she was in the University of Minnesota as a Fulbright fellow, she came in contact with the Native Americans. She learned about their culture, heritage and especially their oral tradition. This exposure inspired her to record the oral tradition of her own community, Ao Naga. After returning from the University of Minnesota, she worked on the oral tradition for about twelve years. She collected the myths, folktales, folklore, rituals, law, custom, belief system. This ethnographic work was published in 1999 as the Ao-Naga oral tradition from Bhasha Publications, Baroda. This book is the most authentic document about the Ao-Naga community.

Sanjay (Xonzoi) Barbora is a professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences Guwahati and the former Dean of School of Social Sciences. He is on the editorial board of Refugee Watch. He is also on the board of trustees of The Kohima Institute. Barbora completed his BA in Sociology from Elphinstone College under Mumbai University. He then received his MA and MPhil from the Department of Sociology at Delhi School of Economics. His MPhil thesis title was Plantation Systems and Labour Movements in Assam, 1826-1947. He was awarded PhD from North-Eastern Hill University in 2007. He worked as the regional programme manager for Panos South Asia. He helped start the North Eastern Social Research Centre, Guwahati while working as an Honorary Senior Fellow.

Hemendra Prasad Barooah (1926–2013), was an Indian entrepreneur, tea planter and philanthropist known for his contributions to Assam tea and tourism industries. Hemendra Prasad Barooah was born on the 1st of April at Jalukonibari, near Jorhat, of the Northeast Indian state of Assam, to Shiva Prasad Barooah and Kamal Kumari Barooah. He came from Khongiya Barooah family, a rich Assamese family that was already in tea plantation business established by Bisturam Barooah, a rich planter who started his business during a period when the Britishers were controlling the tea industry in Assam. He was the first person from the Northeast India to secure a Harvard MBA. He was honoured by the Government of India, in 2013, that bestowed on him the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, for his contributions to the fields of trade and industry. Assam Tea Brokers, the first tea broking firm in Assam, founded by Hemen Barooah, remains as his legacy. He is credited with efforts to bring tea tourism to Assam, by opening his ancestral home, Thengal Manor, and two other colonial buildings to tourists and by founding the Heritage North East, a Boutique heritage hotel and the Kaziranga Golf Resorts, Sangsua. The ITA Centre, at Machkhowa, reportedly built by him, is also another contribution credited to him. Hemen Barooah has established a charity foundation, The Kamal Kumari Foundation, and the foundation gives annual awards to recognize excellence in the fields of science and technology (Kamal Kumari National Award), journalism (Siva Prasad Barooah National Award) and art (Amit Borooah Award).

Jagannath Barooah (1851–1907) is an Indian scholar, tea planter, philanthropist from Jorhat, Assam. He is known as the first graduate from upper Assam. He was born on 29 October 1851 in Rajhauli, Jorhat, to Hemadhar Barooah. He studied Sanskrit in his fathers guidance and later got into Guwahati English Seminary in 1864. He passed Bachelor of Arts from Presidency University, Kolkata in 1872. As he became the first graduate and upper Assam, people used to call him "B.A. Jagannath". After returning from Calcutta, Jagannath Barooah appeared successfully for the Native Civil Services in 1875.But some spark of an independent spirit made him pass up a coveted carrier in favour of Assam Tea Cultivation. He was the founder of Social-Political organisation Jorhat Sarbajanik Sabha in 1884, who later played a major role in Independence of India. The British conferred upon him the title "Raibahadur" in 1902. The Assam Pride Jagannath Barooah College at Jorhat was named after him as an honour. The college was established in his cottage "Borpatra kutir" in 1930

Siva Prasad Barooah (1880–1938) was a renowned planter, philanthropist, politician, and humanist from Assam. He was the pioneer or path-breaker in Assamese journalism who published Batori, the first daily newspaper in Assam. The Siva Prasad Barooah National Award, instituted in his fond memory, is being given to individual or group, by The Kamal Kumari Foundation since 1999, for outstanding contributions to the field of journalism. He belongs to the famous Khongiya Barooah family of Thengal, the family that emerged as the champion of Assamese interests and repository of Assamese Culture and traditions. He was the richest tea-planter at that time in India. He married Kamal Kumari Barooah in 1917 and noted Indian entrepreneur, tea planter and philanthropist Hemendra Prasad Barooah was his son.

Ranjit Barthakur is an Indian businessman, hailing from Jorhat, Assam. He is the Executive Chairman of Royal Multisport Pvt. Ltd., the company that owns the Indian Premier League team, Rajasthan Royals. Barthakur is married to Radhika Barthakur. He was appointed Advisor to the Chief Minister of Assam under the Congress Government. He was asked to resign when the BJP Government came to power in 2016. In 2001, the Assam Government appointed Barthakur as an advisor for strategy, action planning, project formulation, investment initiation and image building exercise for the state of Assam. He was appointed again in 2011. His term with the State Government as an advisor to the Chief Minister of Assam ended in 2016 when the Bharatiya Janata Party replaced the Tarun Gogoi led Congress Government. A serial entrepreneur who's eager to latch onto tech innovation, Ranjit Barthakur has been active for the past 35 years. Under the parent Globally Managed Services (GMS), his ventures include hospitality software and solutions firm Agilysis, agri-tech solutions provider Agriquest and Advent Health, which offers a range of new age fitness equipment. Ranjit joined the Board of Mount Everest Mineral Water Limited as an Independent Director in September 2008. He also serves as an advisor to several Government and Private Enterprises in pursuit of healthcare services, environmental issues, tourism and social transformation. Barthakur has also co-founded many initiatives around the Naturenomics theme. These initiatives are: Balipara Foundation, GMOD, FarmQuest, NatureFirst, River Journeys and Bungalows of India: a nature-focused tourism business. Ranjit is on the management board of several corporate, institutions and social organizations both in India and abroad including those of Max Healthcare, Anand Group, Airtel, Hutchison Max-Touch Telecom (Vodafone), Marconi and ITC. He is also a Trustee of Tata Eastern Medical Trust, striving towards Cancer cure.

Amulya Barua was a pioneer of modern Assamese poetry. He was born at Jorhat on 30 June 1922. An idealist of the highest order, he expressed his deepest sympathy in his poetry for the oppressed and downtrodden masses of the society. Koyla, Kukur, Biplabi, Aji Amar Bihu, Bharatir Muktir Swapna etc bore testimony to his revolutionary sentiment in clear terms. Beishya is a psychological analysis of the eternal tragedy of human life. The poem created ripples in Assamese literary world just after its publication in Jayanti. But many critics appreciated it and called him as Garcia Lorca of Assam. His only collection of poems, Achina (The Stranger), was published in 1964 after his death. Some of his famous poems include Andhaaraor Hahakar (The Tumult of Darkness), Beishya (The Prostitute), Biplobi (The Revolutionary) and Kukur (The Dog).

Ananda Chandra Barua (1907–1983) was a writer, poet, playwright, translator, journalist and actor from Assam. He is popularly known as Bokulbonor Kobi in Assamese literacy society. He was honoured with, most notably the Padma Shri title and Sahitya Akademi award. Barua received the fourth-highest civilian award ‘Padma Shri' (1970) from the Government of India on 21 April 1970. For his poetry book Bokul Bonor Kabita (1976), he achieved the Sahitya Academy Award in 1977. Bakulbon Park is named after Ananda Chandra Barua in Jorhat as a tribute to him. The Bakul Bon Award is conferred every year in the fields of dancing, music, art and literature in the memory of 'Bakul Bonor Kabi' Ananda Chandra Barua by the Bakul Bon Trust, Assam which carries a sum of Rs 10,000 in cash and a citation.

Neel Pawan Baruah (1 June 1936 – 28 October 2022) was an Indian painter from Assam. Baruah was born on 1 June 1936, in Tamulisiga village near Teok in Jorhat district, Assam. In 2021, he was awarded the Assam Sourav Award, the second-highest civilian honor of Assam by the Government of Assam. Some of his notable paintings include Green Bird, Kaliya Daman, Shankhachakra Gadapadma, Sleeping Man, Victory of Vietnam, Scream, Three Powers, Patchitra and The Three Faces of the Godde. In 1971, he founded the Assam Charu-Karu Kala Parishad and the first private art school in Assam, Basundhara Kala Niketan. Since then, he has been involved in painting. His paintings have been exhibited at the Birla Academy of Art and Culture, Calcutta, Lucknow Fine Arts Academy, Bhubaneswar and other places. His paintings represented Assam at the Lalit Kala Academy, Delhi. In 1982, he opened a folk art center called Lokkala and conducted three-month workshops on folk art and Vaishnava mask art of Assam under this center. The workshop was attended by mask artists from Majuli. Baruah worked to revive the weaving industry of Vrindavani vastra and created designs based on Vrindavani textiles. Baruah has created a special style by painting miniature paintings on Charminar cigarette boxes and matchboxes. He mentioned that he started painting cigarette boxes in the 1960s and 1970s when smoking became his habit.

Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya (14 October 1924 – 6 August 1997) was an Indian writer. He was one of the pioneers of modern Assamese literature. He was the first ever Assamese writer to receive the Jnanpith Award, which was awarded to him in the year 1979 for his novel Mrityunjay (Immortal), followed by Indira Goswami in 2001. He was also a recipient of Sahitya Akademi Award in Assamese in 1961 for his Assamese novel Iyaruingam, which is considered a masterpiece of Indian literature. In 2005, a translation of the work published by Katha Books with the title Love in the Time of Insurgency was released. Another famous novel written by Bhattacharya is Aai (Mother). He was the President of Asam Sahitya Sabha (Assam Literary Society) during 1983-1985. Dr Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya earned the respect of the entire Assamese modern literary sphere for playing a very crucial torch-bearer's role in discovering, nurturing and promoting young literary talents in Assam from 1960s as the Editor of the historic Assamese literary journal Ramdhenu. His role as the Editor of this milestone Assamese literary journal was so prominent and effective that the entire period of its publication in the mid-20th century in Assam is still referred as revered as Ramdhenu Era of Assamese literature. All the major discoveries of Dr Bhattacharya during the famous Ramdhenu Era are deemed to be the top Assamese and Indian litterateurs of the second half of the 20th century, and their reign writ large over the social conscience of the Assamese nationhood in the early decades of the 21st century. Even after Ramdhenu stopped publication, Dr Bhattacharya remained active as the leading Indian literary critic, and continued his mission of discovering extraordinary literary talents in Assam. He used to write literary criticism and reviews of much younger authors till the mid-1980s, if he found unparalleled literary works having bright promise to emerge as influential writers in the next few decades. His gift of discovering extraordinary literary talents and further acts of selfless promotion of such genuine such writers made his a part of legend and folklore during his lifetime. His prominent novels are Dhanpur Lashkar (1986), Rajpathe Ringiay (1957), Aai (1958), Yaruingam (1960) - Sahitya Akademi Award winning novel, Sataghni (1964), Mrityunjay (1979) - Jnanpith award winning novel, Pratipaad, Love in the Time of Insurgency, Blossoms in the Graveyard

Hiren Bhattacharyya (28 July 1932 – 4 July 2012), popularly known as Hiruda, was an Indian poet and lyricist best for his works in the Assamese literature. He had innumerable works published in Assamese and achieved many prizes and accolades for his poetry. Bhattacharyya was born in Jorhat, Assam in the year 1932. Bhattacharyya mainly worked in the field of Assamese poetry. He was the editor of several Assamese magazines and newspapers. Some of the newspapers he worked on are Chitrabon, Monon and Antorik. He was the poetry editor of the Assamese magazine Prantik for over three decades

Pushpa Bhuyan (c. 1946 – 7 October 2015) was an Indian classical dancer specialising in the Indian classical dance forms of Bharatanatyam and Sattriya. She comes from the Northeast Indian state of Assam, and learned sattriya from Bhabananda Barbayan. She later studied bharatanatyam under Guru Mangudi Dorairaja Iyer. She has also tutored other dancers. A recipient of the North East Television Lifetime Achievement Award, Pushpa Bhuyan was honoured by the Government of India, in 2002, with the fourth highest Indian civilian award of Padma Shri.

'Bayanacharya' Shri Ghanakanta Bora Muktiyar is one of the most eminent exponents and gurus of Sattriya dance, a major classical dance tradition of Assam, India. He is also a renowned instrumentalist, choreographer and author. He has won the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2001. Shri Bora was born in 1950 in Majuli. His career began at the Sattra itself when he was selected as an "Adhyapak" (Guru) to coach and train the young pupils in the sattra. When the Kamalabari Sattra was being shifted due to frequent flooding of the Brahmaputra River, Shri Raseswar Saikia Barbayan brought him along to Guwahati to showcase his emerging talent. He is also the Honorary Director of Maniram Dutta Muktiyar Sattriya Kala Kendra, Guwahati. Shri Bora is also a trustee of Srimanta Foundation for Culture and Society, Guwahati. At the age of 15, he attained the title of 'Barbayan' at Majuli Sattra (The title of 'Barbayan' given by the Sattras is equivalent to the contemporary degree of Masters of Arts). In 2008, he was honoured with the title of "Bayanacharya" which is the highest honour given by a Sattra. Till date only two Sattriya Gurus have been honoured with the title of Bayanacharya – Late Maniram Dutta Muktiyar Barbayan and Shri Ghanakanta Bora.

Sheela Borthakur (1935 – 21 June 2020) was an Indian social worker, littérateur and the founder president of the Sadou Asom Lekhika Samaroh Samity (SALSS), a non governmental organization working in the socio-cultural and literary milieu of Assam. Borthakur was born in 1935 to Nabin Sharma and Pritilata Devi at Charingia, a small village in Jorhat. It was during her days at Darrang college, she proposed the idea of an independent literary organization for Assamese women in 1974 which paved way for the formation of SALSS. Her efforts were also reported in the organization of five adult education programmes in Tezpur and she was the editor of three books, composed of writings of Nalini Bala Devi, Dharmeswari Devi Baruani and Sneha Devi. The Government of India awarded her the fourth highest civilian honor of the Padma Shri, in 2008, for her contributions to society.

Monalisa Changkija is an Indian journalist and poet from Nagaland. She is the founding editor and publisher of the daily newspaper Nagaland Page. She was a member of the Working Group on Women's Empowerment in the Indian National Planning Commission. Tiamerenla Monalisa Changkija was born in Jorhat, Assam on 2 March 1960. Her family belongs to the Ao Naga community. Changkija began her career as a journalist with the Nagaland Times in 1985. She wrote a column, "The State of Affairs", for this paper, and another titled "Of Roses and Thorns" for the weekly paper Ura Mail. Both the papers were based in Dimapur. During the long-running insurgency in Nagaland, Changkija began to write poetry and short stories to protest the violence, and to criticise the condition of society that led to the unrest. Changkija's writings put her in grave risk from the militants. Her editor at the Ura Mail was murdered in 1992. Changkija's poem Not be dead was written to honour his memory. Changkija founded the Nagaland Page in 1999. Focussing on issues affecting the state of Nagaland, she upset both the state government and the militants. An article published in her paper titled "State is a reality and sovereignty is a myth" led to demands from the terrorists that she disclose the author's name. When she refused, she was threatened with retribution. In 2004, bombing at Dimapur's Hong Kong market resulted in the deaths of hundreds. Changkija's impassioned Child of Cain was printed soon after. Changkija's 2014 book Cogitating for a Better Deal was banned by the Ao Senden, an organisation that claimed to be a statutory apex judiciary body. They accused her of making false allegations against it. In particular, they objected to her statement that it was a non-governmental organisation rather than a mandated arbitrator in Ao tribal affairs.

Sonaram Chutia (also known as Vaishnav Pandit) was a Vaishnav scholar, freedom fighter and educationist from Assam, India. Born in Bamkukurachowa village in the Jorhat district of Assam during the British Raj, Chutia was educated in Jorhat and completed his B.Sc from Cotton College. Throughout his education, Chutia witnessed insulting comments from upper-caste boys and instances of disrespectful mistreatment from religious establishments towards certain communities. It is said that these experiences prompted Chutia to take up his cause against casteism and racism. Sutiya was honoured as a freedom fighter by the Union government in 1972 and the government of Assam in 1973. He received the Srimanta Sankardeva-Madhabdeva Award in 1994. In 2000, the Assam government bestowed the Srimanta Sankaradeva Award on him. In 2005, he was awarded as Jorhat Ekalabya and Dalit Daradi by North Eastern Research Organization.

Ananda Chandra Dutta (8 February 1923 – 16 January 2016) was an Indian botanist of Assam. He was born at Chekonidhara village of Jorhat. He started his career as a teacher in Mariani Middle English High School in 1944–45 and then joined the Tocklai Tea Research Institute in 1947. Dutta played a major role in the establishment of a tea museum at Jorhat in 1977. He has also prepared a list of 10,000 trees for the Tocklai herbarium. He was awarded Degree of Doctor of Science by Dibrugarh University. He died on 16 January 2016 at his own residence in Jorhat. Started his career in 1944–45 as a teacher at Mariani ME School .He joined at Tocklai Experimental Station as Junior Scientific Assistant and retired on 31 March 1983. Appointed in Assam Agricultural University as Audio Visual Aid Assistant on 1 April 1983 & continued till Dec 1986. Appointed as Photographer at Titabor Sericulture farm for one year (1987–88). Established a full-fledged Tea Museum at Tocklai Experimental station. Reappointed at Tocklai Experimental Station for one year (1990–91) to prepare the Herbarium Index.

Zubeen Garg (born Zubeen Borthakur; 18 November 1972) is an Indian singer, music director, composer, lyricist, music producer, actor, film director, film producer, script writer and philanthropist. He primarily works for and sings in the Assamese, Bengali and Hindi-language film and music industries, but has sung in many other languages and dialects, including Bishnupriya, Manipuri, Boro, English, Goalpariya, Kannada, Karbi, Khasi, Malayalam,Marathi, Mising, Nepali, Odia, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Tiwa. He is also an instrumentalist and plays 12 instruments including Ananda Lohori, dhol, dotara, drums, guitar, harmonica, harmonium, mandolin, keyboard, tabla and various percussion instruments. He is Assam's highest-paid singer. In 2011, Zubeen Garg was honoured as a guest artist of the year by the Assam Convention, at Oakbrook in Chicago, United States. Garg runs a charity, the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, which donates money for various causes. He urged people to donate clothes, medicines and contributions when devastating floods hit Assam. He took on the issue over corruption in APSC recruitment in his movie Kanchanjangha. He is a football fan and has played matches to collect funds for flood affected people. Garg was one of the main non-political figure of the Anti-CAA protest in Assam.

Ganesh Gogoi (1907- 1938) was a poet of Assam and then he is remembered also as a lyricist, composer, playwright, actor and football player. He is also known as Papori Kobi. Ganesh Gogoi was born at Jorhat of Assam on 28 December 1907. Some of his famous dramas had pictured in 'Jorhat Theatre' where Ganesh Gogoi used to stage these dramas. Some of his dramas are Jerengar Sati (1937), Sakunir Pratisodh, Kashmir Kurmari, Lachit, Kuri Satika, etc. he Government of Assam to institute an award in the name of Ganesh Gogoi from the year 2009. This film was officially selected for South Asian Film Festival 2007 at Dhaka. A documentary entitled Ganesh Gogoir Jiban Surabhi has been produced on his life and works. A park named as Ganesh Gogoi Kabita Kanan after him in Jorhat, Assam.

Simple Gogoi is a director from Assam, India. Her first movie is Tumi Jodi Kua and later she worked on mega serials, Ad Films and more than hundred music videos. Simple was born in Jorhat, Assam. She graduated from Jagannath Barooah College, Jorhat. In 1998 she moved to Russia and took her lessons on advertising, editing, direction at Moscow State University of Culture and Arts. She also took her lessons on language at Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. After returning from Russia on 2001 she assisted Shivam Nair for TV serial Rooh on Zee TV and worked on house call World of Entertainment. Simple came into Assamese Film Industry in late 2002. Simple has worked in a number of Assamese films / TV Serials as Director, Script Writer, Screenplay. Those are Aakakh (Mega Assamese Serial), Priyanka (Assamese Movie), Anurag Tumar Babey (TV Serial). She worked as Creative Concept Director from June 2013 to October 2014 at DY 365 News Channel's Entertainment Channel Jonakk.

Tarun Gogoi (11 October 1936 – 23 November 2020) was an Indian politician who served as the Chief Minister of Assam from 2001 to 2016. He was a member of the Indian National Congress and led the party to a record three consecutive electoral victories and was the longest serving chief minister of the state. During his tenure as the chief minister, he is credited with ending militant insurgency and mitigating violence in addition to improving the state's fiscal condition. He also served six terms as a Member of parliament, Lok Sabha and served as a Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Food and Ministry of Food Processing Industries. He was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour, in 2021. In his career as the chief minister of Assam, Tarun Gogoi is credited with having brought the many militant outfits operating in the state including the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to the negotiating table and mitigating militant insurgency within the state. He is also credited with improving the state's fiscal position, getting the state out from close to bankruptcy, and engineering an economic turnaround in the implementation of various state government-led relief schemes, particularly for the rural areas. His initiation of development projects in the state is credited with having stopped the flight of capital out of the state.

Jitendranath Goswami (born 18 November 1950) is an Indian scientist from Jorhat, Assam. He was the Chief Scientist of Chandrayaan-1, and was also the developer of this project. He served as a director of Physical Research Laboratory situated at Ahmadabad, Gujarat. He was also associated with Chandrayaan-2 and Mangalyaan. After PhD, he worked as a research scientist in many prestigious institutes, like UC Berkeley, Washington University, Lunar and Planetary Institute and Max Planck Institute. His main subject of research is study of Solar System and Astrophysics. His awards are Youth Scientist Award by Indian National Science Association (1978), NASA's Public Service Group of Achievement Award (1986), Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar Award (1994), Kamal Kumari National Award for science and technology (2003), Axford award by Asia Oceania Geoscience Society (2014) ^,Asom Ratna (2015), highest civilian award of Government of Assam^,Padma Shri, 2017 by Government of India. He was elected as president of Astronomical Society of India in 2007. He is a member of The World Academy of Science, Indian Academy of Sciences, European Association of Geochemistry and many other national and international association of Astronomy.

Pitambar Deva Goswami (10 June 1885 – 20 October 1962) was a spiritual leader and social reformer in the Indian state of Assam. At age six, he was accepted into the monastic order of the Garamur Satra. Goswami was schooled in Sanskrit by Nityanandadeva Bhagawati Vidyavagish in the satra. When he was 21, he was appointed Satradhikar (head priest) of the Garamur Satra after the death of Jogachandra Deva Satradhikar Goswami. In addition to studying Sanskrit grammar, literature, philosophy, religion and theology, Goswami taught himself English and modern Assamese literature. He learned Ayurveda, took lessons in vocal and instrumental classical music (sitar, violin and harmonium) and invited experts from Calcutta to the satra. Goswami pursued reforms which influenced the social life of Assam. He introduced martial arts and acrobatics for physical training, discipline and self-defense, and improved agriculture with the introduction of tractors. Goswami reformed taxation, laws and duties, advocating self-reliance through agriculture. He opened Kirtanghar to the public, provided famine assistance, freed monks from celibacy, advocated for tribal society like "Keot/Kaibarta" and "Karbi" and other marginalised communities, taught swaraj and performed satyagraha in 1941. Goswami was arrested in 1943, and imprisoned for two years. He taught Vaishnavism and helped the Karbi people in the hilly interior of present-day Karbi Anglong district after his release from prison, opening 20 primary schools and walking to visit remote areas. In 1922 Goswami established a theatre, using casts of boys and girls instead of traditional all-male casts. Yugadrashta: The Visionary is a 2013 short film on the life of the reformer.

Krishna Kanta Handique (20 July 1898 – 7 June 1982) was a Sanskrit scholar, an Indologist and philanthropist from Assam. He was a recipient of the civilian honour of the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. Krishna Kanta Handique was born on 20 July 1898 in a Tai-Ahom family in Jorhat town of Assam, to Rai-Bahadur Radha Kanta Handique. He was educated at Cotton College, Guwahati (1913–15), Sanskrit College, Calcutta (1915–17), Calcutta University (1917–19), Oxford University, Paris University and Berlin University (1920–27). He also studied and learned many languages like Latin, Greek, French, German, Russian, Italian and Spanish. He is known to have known 13 languages: 8 European languages and 5 Indian languages including Pali and Prakrit. He is well known for his munificence to literary and educational foundations. He bequeathed his massive personal library to Guwahati University making available to the public rare and valuable books in 11 languages of the world. He also gave the copyright of all his books to Deccan College PG & Research Institute, Pune; The Jaina Samskriti Samrakshaka Sangh, Maharashtra and Prakrit Test Society, Ahmedabad. The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Dept. issued a commemorative stamp in honor of Handique on 7 October 1983. The Govt of Assam has instituted the prestigious Krishna Kanta Handique Memorial Award in his honour in the field of promotion of Sanskrit language and literature.Handique was posthumously awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1985 for his book Krishnakanta Handiqui Rachana Sambhar, a collection of 20 critical essays.

Balaram Hazarika (alias Nigona Shikari) was a noted Assamese animal tracker who showed LadyCurzon around Kaziranga and impressed upon her his urgency of wildlife conservation. Concerned about the dwindling numbers of rhinoceros, she asked her husband, Lord Curzon the Viceroy of India to take necessary political action to save the rhinoceros. During the centenary celebrations of her visit, from 11 to 17 February 2005, Bapiram Hazarika, a mahout, was honoured along with Nicholas Mosley, 3rd Baron Ravensdale, Lord Curzon's grandson, for the contributions his grandfather made toward making Kaziranga a national park. When Bapiram was honoured along with the Lord, it was a proud moment. He and his colleagues are not just guides, but protectors of animals as well.

Mitradev Mahanta (1894–1983) was a noted writer, dramatist, historical researcher, freedom fighter and actor from Assam. He won the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. He was the president of the Assam Sahitya Sabha in 1964 held at Digobi. He was born into Assamese Kalita caste at Letugram Xatra, Sarbaibandha at Jorhat, Assam on 13 June 1894. His Literary works are Laklou Lani – 1915, Biya Biporjoy – 1924, Gyan Lohori – 1924, Chandrahar – 1925, Dhurba – 1925, Mou Mohabharat – 1925, Mohan Bhog- 1925, Niboka Roja- 1928

Moghai Ojah or Moghai Baruah (1916–1978) was a musician from Assam who popularized the Dhol of Assam to the world audience. Moghai Ojah had also acted in a few films, which include Pioli Phukan, Ranga Police, Pratidhwani, Mahut Bandhu Re (Bengali) and Maram Trishna. Ojah was born in Naosolia Gaon, Jorhat, Assam in a family of Chutia ethnicity and died in Jorhat, Assam on 15 March 1978. During his childhood, due to poverty, he had to work for sometime in a Tea Estate at Chenijan to earn his livelihood. Srijanasom Trust, a charitable institution set up with an objective of promotion of Indian art and culture has instituted an award titled “Moghai Ojah Srijan Award” in memory of Moghai Ojah in 2015. First recipient of the award was prominent sattriya dance exponent Padmashri Jatin Goswami.

Prastuti Parashar (Porasor) is an actress from Assam, India. She has acted in a number of Assamese movies and stage dramas. Prastuti Parashar was born at Malow Ali in Jorhat, Assam. Her father Bijoy Chandra Sarma was the former principal of Jagannath Barooah College. She started acting career at age of around 5 years through a serial named Barnali in Doordarshan Guwahati. Her debut Assamese film was Bani Das's Maharathi, which was released in 1999.

Janice Pariat is an Indian poet and writer. She was born in Assam and grew up in Shillong, Meghalaya. Boats on Land (Random House India, 2012), her debut collection of short stories, won the 2013 Sahitya Akademi Young Writer Award for the English language and the 2013 Crossword Book Award for fiction. Pariat is the first writer from Meghalaya to receive an award from the Sahitya Akademi for a work in English. In 2013, Pariat's debut collection of short stories Boats on Land won the Sahitya Akademi Young Writer Award for the English language, and a Crossword Book Award (fiction). The same work was also shortlisted for the 2013 Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize, and longlisted for the 2013 uday lakhanpal International Short Story Award and the 2013 Tata Literature Live! First Book Award. Seahorse was shortlisted for The Hindu Literary Prize. In Boats on Land, Pariat's stories – set between Shillong, Cherrapunji and Assam – undertake fictional re-imaginings of the transformations that swept through Northeast India during a period of three centuries, starting in the 1850s. Weaving together local folklore and tradition with unfolding social and political events, Pariat's style has been likened to magical realism as well as to Haruki Murakami's writing. Jeet Thayil commented on her stories to be 'revelatory and original'.

Jadav "Molai" Payeng (born 31 October 1959) is an environmental activist and forestry worker from Majuli, popularly known as the Forest Man of India. Over the course of several decades, he has planted and tended trees on a sandbar of the river Brahmaputra turning it into a forest reserve. The forest, called Molai forest after him, is located near Kokilamukh of Jorhat, Assam, India and encompasses an area of about 1,360 acres / 550 hectares. In 2015, he was honoured with Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India. He was born in the indigenous Mising tribe of Assam. In 1979, Payeng, then 19, encountered a large number of snakes that had died due to excessive heat after floods washed them onto the tree-less sandbar. That is when he planted around 20 bamboo seedlings on the sandbar. He not only looked after the plants, but continued to plant more trees on his own, in an effort to transform the area into a forest. The forest, which came to be known as Molai forest, now houses Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceros, and over 100 deer and rabbits. Molai forest is also home to monkeys and several varieties of birds, including a large number of vultures. There are several thousand trees, including valcol, arjun (Terminalia arjuna), ejar (Lagerstroemia speciosa), goldmohur (Delonix regia), koroi (Albizia procera), moj (Archidendron bigeminum) and himolu (Bombax ceiba). Bamboo covers an area of over 300 hectares. Payeng has been the subject of a number of documentaries in the recent years . His character was the basis for a fictional film made by a Tamil director Prabhu solaman casting Rana Daggubati released in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi as Kaadan, Aranya and Hathi mera sathi. A locally made documentary film, produced by Jitu Kalita in 2012, The Molai Forest, was screened at the Jawaharlal Nehru University. The 2013 film documentary Foresting life, directed by the Indian documentary filmmaker Aarti Shrivastava, celebrates the life and work of Jadav Payeng in the Molai forest. These are also the focus of William Douglas McMaster's 2013 film documentary Forest Man. It was awarded the Best Documentary prize at the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase in the American Pavilion at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.

Amrit Pritam is a National Film Award winning sound designer and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, popularly known as the Oscar, as well as the Motion Picture Sound Editors. He is the recipient along with Resul Pookutty of a Motion Picture Sound Editors Golden Reel Award and two Producers Guild of India – Apsara Awards^. Additionally, Pritam has been conferred with awards by the state governments of Assam, Goa, and Maharashtra. He has served on several notable film juries, including the House of Illusions jury at the Chalachitram National Film Festival, the Assam State Film Awards, and the Goa State Film Awards. Amrit Pritam was born on 4 November 1975, in Jorhat town, Assam. Amrit Pritam has served on the Academic council of the film Studies dept. of JB College, Jorhat, Assam; and has conducted film workshops and classes at film festivals such as SIFFCY and educational venues such as Guwahati University, Cotton University, Tezpur University, and the Film and Television Institute of India. He plans to someday set up a school dedicated to teaching the art of sound in cinema. Amrit Pritam has in the last two decade worked in the sound department of over 140 films in a variety of languages —Hindi, English, Assamese, Malayalam, Tamil, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, Gujarati, Khasi, Bodo, Dimasa and Tiwa (Lalung). Quite a few of them have won National Film Awards as well as awards in international film festivals, in a variety of categories. Many others went to be super box-office hits. Pritam worked closely with Resul Pookutty in the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire directed by Danny Boyle. Other notable films from all over the country as well as overseas include 2.0, Kaabil, VillageRockstars, Bioscopewala, Kick, Highway, Jazba, Roar, Ra.One, Endhiran — The Robot, Liv & Ingmar, Chittagong, Ghajini, Blue, Nanban, English Vinglish, Margarita with a Straw, Aakhon Dekhi, A Rainy Day, Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja, Omkara, Black, Maqbool, Mangal Pandey, India's Daughter, PK, and Court.

Anuradha Sharma Pujari (born 1964) is an Assamese journalist and author. She is the editor of Sadin and Satsori. Her contributions to Assamese literature include fiction and essays. She lives in Panjabari, Guwahati. Her first novel is Hriday Ek Bigyapan. Born in Jorhat, she studied sociology at the Dibrugarh University, and journalism at the Birla Institute of Liberal Arts and Management Sciences, Kolkata. The author was the guest of honour at National bravery award presentation hosted by the Indian Council for Child Welfare, Assam, in collaboration with Ladies' and Children's Recreation Centre and the Kamrup District Council for Child Welfare at Hem Sishu Sadan in Guwahati. Anuradha Sharma Pujari's Hridoi Ek Bigyapan was, along with Amritjyoti Mahanta's first novel Adhagara Mahanogoror Probashi, one of only two novels in Assamese "that deals with the glamorous world of media and communication in all its complexities". Anuradha Sarma Pujari (born 1964) has been called "one of the most popular writers of this generation", and her work described as traversing "the varied textures of human conflict" and covering the tension between the society and the individual including explorations of femininity and "the gaps that exist between people in a relationship"

Rupam Sarmah is a musician, filmmaker, entrepreneur, author, sound engineer, and computer scientist. Rupam is a Guinness World Records holder and had a #1 release on the Billboard World Music chart (Together in Peace, 2017). He won a Gold Telly Awards (One Little Finger, 2019). As a filmmaker, Sarmah has directed documentaries, short films, and feature films. Sarmah directed the English-language feature film One Little Finger with a theme of Ability in Disability. Sarmah was born in Jorhat, Assam. He learned Indian instruments and classical vocals during his time at Golaghat and Jorhat. He also continued to explore other fields, such as film, sound engineering, and music. Sarmah migrated to the United States after completing his BS in Engineering in India. He then earned his doctorate from George Washington University's School of Engineering and Applied Science with a dissertation in Artificial Intelligence. Rupam completed his Master’s in Management, Master’s in Computer Science, and Doctorate from US universities. In the US, he took lessons from Ali Akbar Khan, Hindustani classical maestro. Rupam and his family currently live in California.

Timothy Severin (25 September 1940 – 18 December 2020) was a British explorer, historian, and writer. Severin was noted for his work in retracing the legendary journeys of historical figures. Severin was awarded both the Gold Medal of the Royal Geographical Society and the Livingstone Medal of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. He received the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award for his 1982 book The Sindbad Voyage. He was born Giles Timothy Watkins in 1940 to Maurice and Inge Watkins in Jorhat, Assam, India, where his father managed a tea plantation. While he was an undergraduate at Oxford University, Severin, Stanley Johnson and Michael de Larrabeiti retraced Marco Polo's thirteenth-century journey through Asia on motorcycles, using Polo's The Description of the World as a guide. They travelled from Oxford via Switzerland to Venice, through Turkey, Persia and Afghanistan, surviving sandstorms, floods, motorcycle accidents, and time spent in jail. Severin and his guides rode camels through the Deh Bakri pass to identify the Persian "apples of Paradise" and the hidden hot springs described by Polo. They were unable to complete the voyage due to visa problems at the border of China and returned to England by sea from Bombay. He recreated many other ancient voyages through his books Explorers of Mississipi (1967), The Breden Voyage (1976-77), The Sindbad Voyage (1980-81), The Jason Voyage (1984), The Ulyssys Voyage (1985), By Horse to Jerusalem (1987/88), In Search of Genghis Khan (1990), The China Voyage (1993), In Search of Moby Dick : Quest for the White Whale (1999). Severin also wrote historical fiction. The Viking Series, first published in 2005, concerns a young Viking adventurer who travels the world. In 2007 he published The Adventures of Hector Lynch series, set in the late 17th century, about a 17-year-old Corsair.

Dr. Debabrata Sharma is an Assamese Brahmin from Jorhat district of Assam. He is known for his uncompromising opposition to caste oppression in a region where the Dalit movement is feeble. He is also the Secretary of Eklabya Prakashan, a publishing house named after the legendary outsider figure Ekalavya of the Mahabharata. By profession he is the Head of the Department of English in Jorhat College Jorhat, Assam. He is from a family whose forefathers were martyrs in India's freedom struggle and in the anti-monarchy and caste movement from 1789 to 1806. "I have imbibed that tradition and I don’t believe in caste. I had to purge myself of upper caste feeling, which is not easy in a civil society. I was even shot at by ULFA militants for opposing their theory of de-nationalisation of Assamese people."—said Dr Sharma. He is now working as the chief editor on the Asomiya Jatiya Abhidhan, an ambitious Assamese national dictionary to be released on 1 January 2010.

Anandita Dutta Tamuly, maiden name Anandita Dutta, is an Assamese woman from Titabor Town in Jorhat district of Assam. She is married to Pankaj Tamuly and is mother of a son. She is known for eating and rubbing Bhut Jolokia peppers on her bare eyes. The chilli, native to Assam, is the world's second-hottest chilli pepper. When Anandita was five, she had a sore tongue and her mother applied a chilli paste to cure the infection. Since then she developed a penchant for chillies.While children of her age roamed the village looking for berries, she used to look for Bhut Jolokia pepper which she ate with salt. In 2006, Anandita had entered the Limca Book of Records by eating 60 ghost chillies in two minutes and smearing 12 chillies in her eyes in one minute flat. Since then she has practised this in an attempt to enter the Guinness World Records by beating South Africa’s Anita Crafford, who created a record by eating eight jalapenos in a minute in 2002.

Religion

Hindus - 91.09%

Muslims - 5.85%

Christians - 2.25%

Languages

Assamese (88.65%)

Bengali (3.77%)

Hindi (3.04%)

Mising (1.63%)

Others (2.91%)

KAMRUP DISTRICT

Kamrup Rural district, is an administrative district in the state of Assam in India formed by dividing the old Kamrup district into two in the year 2003, other being Kamrup Metropolitan district, named after the region it constitutes. This district, along with Nalbari, Barpeta, Kamrup Metropolitan, Bajali and Baksa districts has been created from the Undivided Kamrup district. Kamrup Rural district was created by bifurcating Undivided Kamrup district in 2003. In the immediate neighborhood of the Brahmaputra, the land is low and exposed to annual inundation. In this marshy tract reeds and canes flourish luxuriantly, and the only cultivation is that of rice. At a comparatively short distance from the river banks the ground begins to rise in undulating knolls towards the mountains of Bhutan on the north, and towards the Khasi hills on the south. The hills south of the Brahmaputra in some parts reach the height of 800 feet (240 m). The Brahmaputra, which divides the district into two nearly equal portions, is navigable by river steamers throughout the year, and receives several tributaries navigable by large native boats in the rainy season. The chief of these are the Manas, Chaul Khoya and Barnadi on the north, and the Kulsi and Dibru on the south bank. In 1989, Kamrup district became home to the Dipor Bil Wildlife Sanctuary, which has an area of 4.1 km² (1.6 sq mi). There is also a plantation where seedlings of teak, sal, sissu, sum, and nahor are reared, and experiments are being made with the caoutchouc tree. Kamrup is home to one of the few large colonies of greater adjutant storks still in existence. The villagers previously regarded the birds as pests, but outreach efforts including cultural and religious programming, especially aimed at local women, have rallied Kamrup residents to be proud of and protect the storks.

Video Link : Dipor Wild Life Sanctuary (Courtesy : Being Wild)

HISTORY

The history of Kamrup started from time immemorial. Previously Kamrup was described as Kamrupa. Kamrupa is an ancient name of a large country, often confused with the name of Pragjyotishpur. A section of historians believe that the name of Pragjyotishpur is older than Kamrupa, while another section of historians believe that Pragjyotish or Pragjyotishpur was the capital city of Kamarupa. Pragjyotishpur was referred to in the scriptures like the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and other ancient texts. Sanskrit poet Kalidas referred to Pragjyotishpura in his book Rajatarangini while Chanakya in his immortal book "Arthasastra" made references to kamrupa.. Subsequently, we can find references to Kamarupa in the "Kalika Purana" and also in the "Jogini Tantra". Some people believe that the name of Kamrupa has some linkage with God Kamadeva (Indian Cupid) and Goddess Kamakhya. These questions of etymology should be left to the Linguists and researchers of ancient Assam history. The kingdom of Kamrupa was a vast one, from the Kartowa river in the west and up to the border of Nepal and Bhutan in the east, covered under four sub-regions – Kampeeth, Ratnapeeth, Saumarpeeth and Suvarnapeeth. Every sub-region has its own boundaries. This vast kingdom with four sub-regions was under different dynastic rules from the ancient past. The earliest king of Kamrupa was Mahirang Danab. After him Hatakasur, Sambarasur and Ratnasur ruled the country in dynastic succession. “Asur” here meant the king of the non-Aryan race.

Ghatak was yet another most powerful king of Kamrupa. He was killed in a war by Narakasur, one of the most powerful and legendary kings of Kamrupa. He had great attraction for Goddess Kamakshya. He built the road to the top of the temple site with stones, the story goes. King Naraka was killed by Lord Krishna. Bhagadatta, son of Naraka, was made the king. Bhagadatta helped the Kauravas in the battle of Kurukhetra. These are all mythological angles of the history of Ancient Kamrupa.

A clearcut history of kamrupa can be traced from the 7^th century AD, from the reign of Kumar Bhaskar Varma. During his time, Kanauj- Thaneswar was ruled by King Harsavardhana. Kumar Bhaskar Varma maintained cordial relationship with King Harsavardhana. During the time, The Chinese visitor, Huen-Tsang came to Kamrupa and wrote a long note about Kamrupa.

Video Link : Historic and Religious Places of Kamrup District (Courtesy : Assam Tourism Development Corporation)

Kamrupa during the colonial British government.:

The colonial British government took possession of Assam from 1826, and declared kamrupa as a district under Assam. The name Assam came only during the Ahom rule. Even after the end of the colonial rule the district continued for some time. Today, the big district of Kamrup has been divided to six parts, and all the six parts are made independent districts. They are Kamrup, Kamrup Metro, Nalbari, Baksa, Bajali and Barpeta.The old Amingaon Railway Station was established by the colonial British government in the year 1906 with the objective of linking Calcutta via Lalmonirhat of East Bengal, now Bangladesh. People travelling in railway had to get down at Amingaon, and embark on the ship to get across the river on way to Guwahati, Shillong, Kohima and other places of the southern side of the Brahmaputra.

ADMINISTRATION

The district headquarters are located at Amingaon

Divisions

Kamrup district has the following divisions. They are Kamrup, Azara, Dakhin Kamrup, Rangia

MAJOR TOWNS AND CITIES

Amingaon is a locality in North Guwahati. Amingaon is the district headquarter of Kamrup (Rural) district of Assam. It is also future hub of Assam with many mega projects due to massive expansion of Guwahati metropolitan city.

Baihata Chariali is an out growth urban centre of Guwahati City in Kamrup Rural district of Assam, India; situated at northern site of the river Brahmaputra. The place is called Chariali as it is a major road junction where National Highway 27 interconnect with National Highway 15. The 'Chariali' was suffixed to its name later due be a junction of four roads at its town square, including National highway 27 and National Highway 15. Madan Kamdev archeological site built by Pala dynasty of Kamrup Kingdom is located here. The noteworthy Gopeshwar temple of village Deuduar situated near the town. Radha Kuchi is situated in the north of Baihata.

Video Link : Famous Kamrup Polytechnic College, Baihata (Courtesy : Don Number 1)

Boko is a town located in Assam, in the Kamrup district in the Indian state of Assam. Boko's cultural tradition is known mainly for the Bogai festival, which began in honor of a King Bogai who ruled the area. People visit Boko during this event, because it is the only one of its kind in the region and is the biggest festival held in the Dawkhin Kamrup area. Boko is also home to the Xuwori festival, which has been celebrated in the town for almost a century. This festival is similar to Assam's Bihu, which is celebrated with great fervor and joy by all the indigenous Assamese communities irrespective of caste, creed, religion, faith or belief. The festival coincides with Rongali Bihu. Satras at Boko include Bhalukghata Satra, Haripur Satra and Chamaria Satra. Among them, Chamaria Satra is the oldest and largest. Sri Sri Bar Vishnu Than, Chamaria Satra located at Chamaria is known to be one of the oldest satras in Assam, while the Chamaria satra was established in 1588.This well-known satra is situated about 22 km from town. A number of picnic areas are in nearby areas such as :-

Video Link : Boko (Courtesy : Drop Tube Assam)

1)Hahim:-Hahim picnic spot is a very beautiful picnic spot in Assam. It is full of lush greenery. It has all the fine qualities required for it to be called an ideal picnic spot. But most people may not know that the spot which is considered to be an ideal picnic spot in the day time has an eerie dark side to it in the night time. The Hahim picnic spot is a natural and quiet place for people to go with friends and families and enjoy the beautiful silent stream.

Video Link : Hahim Picnic Spot (Courtesy : Cooking and Travel by Dr. Papori Barooah)

2)Lampi:-It is one of the most beautiful places in the state of Assam, India. it—is a hamlet cradled in the hilly terrains of Assam bordering Meghalaya,a neighbouring state. Surrounded by hills where the humming of cascading streams fills the silence, Lampi is yet to witness the boons and banes of a modern life. So pollution, thankfully, is absent. But also absent are the basic amenities like health services, schools, electricity, good cooking fuel, sanitation and nutrition that deprive its residents of the rights which are constitutionally guaranteed to them. With a population of about eleven thousand, mostly Nepalis and Khasis, Lampi falls under the Boko sub division of Kamrup district in Assam. Agriculture and live stock rearing continue to be the mainstay of its people.

Video Link : A Day in the Village Lampi (Courtesy : DD Assam)

3)Malangkona Sildubi:-A beautiful waterfalls near Malangkona village,Assam. The spot is not yet popular amongst tourists.It had a beauty and music of the waterfalls. It's amazing.

4)Parvati temple :- Parvati Hill is a hillock in Assam, India. Atop the hillock is the Parvati Temple, one of the most scenic locations in Boko town. The temple is the oldest temple and was built long before.[1] For visitors, Parvati hill is also an observation point that offers a panoramic view of Boko.It is must visit place for early risers. A small trek to the hill top where the temple is located. People love to reach there before dawn and experience the clean sunrise. People can feel the real beauty of nature once they reach the top of the hill. People normally visit for sunrise here but sunset is equally worth to witness. Visit in a sunny day to have clear view and best click. One can plan stay at the newly open camp just below the hill.

Video Link : Parvati Temple, Boko (Courtesy : Pratik Bhansali)

Bongshar is an important village in Kamrup district in the Indian state of Assam. It is situated on the north bank of the river Brahmaputra, about 25 km from the capital city of Assam, Guwahati under is a block of Kamrup District. It has a large number of cottage industry engaged in handloom, for which is a part of Sualkuchi, also known as the "Manchester of Assam". Bongshar is a historical place situated in the Kamrup District of Assam. It is between the Silk village Sualkuchi & the holy place Hajo. Bongshar has a glorious history from the day of ‘Ramayana’ & ‘Mahabharata’. Bhringeswar Devalaya, on the way to Sualkuchi village, there is a small lane that leads to this ancient temple on the foothill of Gandhamoan. The present temple is probably constructed by Siva Singha in 18th CE. This is the major part of the textile center of Assam. Muga silk and Pat silk along with Eri silk and Endi cloth from this region are famous for its quality. Mekhela chadors and Gamosas made from this indigenous materials are in demand throughout Assam as well as other parts of India. It's part of registered trademark is Sualkuchi.

Video Link : Bongshar Village Life (Courtesy : IndiaVideo.org)

Changsari is a town in Kamrup district of Assam, situated on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River. The name Changsari is derived from Tai-Ahom word meaning chang (expert) sa (good) and ri (make), that is, an expert who makes an ill person well. It is a coincidence that the AIIMS is located here. In the Ahom era it was a village of doctors, Changkakati and Baruah. Saraighat College is situated in Changsari along with primary and high schools. Notable institutes like the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Guwahati, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Guwahati, and Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Regional Government Film and Television Institute are also situated here. With the existing health care facilities, the state government on 28 June 2016 handed over more than 571 acres of land at Changsari to the centre to set up the 750-bed super-speciality hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, at an expenditure of around Rs 10 billion.

Video Link : Beautiful Changsari Village (Courtesy : Jugal Kalita)

Video Link : AIIMS, Changsari (Courtesy : JM Choudhury)

Chaygaon is a town in Kamrup district of Assam, India; situated on the south bank of the Brahmaputra river. It is 36.8 km from major town Guwahati. The town is known for "Maa Chandika Devalaya", a Shakti Peeth, where thousands of devotees visit during Durga Puja. Historical "Mer Ghar" of Chand Sadagar situated in Champak Nagar, Chaygaon. The word Chaygaon is derived from two Kamrupi Assamese words soy (six) and gau (village) meaning six villages. Anglicised as Chaygaon based on the IAST values of the Eastern Nagari script. The town was part of Kamapitha division of Ancient Kamrup. It was within capital region of ancient Kamrup kingdom. In pre-modern period it remained part of eastern Kamrup region. In nineteenth century, it became part of newly formed administrative undivided Kamrup district. In 2003, after bifurcation of old district, it is included in Kamrup rural district.

Video Link : Chaygaon (Courtesy : Jonak Live)

North Guwahati is northern part of the city of Guwahati and a town area committee in Kamrup Rural district in the Indian state of Assam.This town abounds in historical places and picnic spots. North Guwahati is also known as Durjaya, was capital of the ancient state of Kamarupa under Pala dynasty.In early medieval times, the area was known as Kamarupa Nagara. North Guwahati possesses temples, roads, bridges, fortifications, and moats which are of ancient origin. There are two temples on the Aswakranta hill. The upper temple contains the image of Vishnu lying on Ananta-Sajya. It is one of the finest specimens of sculptural skill in Kamarupa about the beginning of the twelfth century. The western part of the town is called Sil-Sako because it still contains a small stone-built bridge over a stream. The eastern part is known as Raja-duar (king's gate), which shows that the Raja's palace was there. The second copper-plate of Dharma Pala was found in the village of Rangmahal about two miles to the north of Raja-duar. This is another indication that the capital was then at North-Guwahati. In Rajaduur itself exists the rock-inscription, dated 1127 Saka, proclaiming the destruction of the Turkish army of Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khalji. North Guwahati continued to be the capital from the time of Dharma Pala till about 1260 A.D. when the seat of government was transferred to further west. The stone-slab inscription found on the hill in Raja-duar, abutting on the Brahmaputra, it can found that this small hill was the abode of Sri Chandra Bharati, a well-known Kamrupi poet of the sixteenth century. The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, the sixth in the country, was set up in the year 1994. Covering 285 hectares of area, it is situated here amidst scenic hills and lakes. North Guwahati abounds with historical temples like Dirgheshwari temple, Doul Govinda Temple, Janardan Temple, Mani-Karneswar Temple, Aswaklanta Temple, Rudreswar Temple and Auniati Satra. The Kanai Barasibowa Rock Inscription of the Saka year 1127 is situated in the proximity of the Doul Govinda Temple. Surrounded by evergreen trees and a fast-flowing brook, it is a beautiful spot for a picnic. The Manikoreneswar Temple is situated on a hill on the back of the river Brahmaputra. Aswaklanta, a historical place, stands on the bank of the river Brahmaputra.

Video Link : North Guwahati (Courtesy : Ambrose Bora)

Palasbari is a town and a municipal board in Kamrup district in the Indian state of Assam. There was a small Kachari kingdom near Palasbari Heramdoi.Palasbari has it own reputation as it is the 3rd Town of Assam. People of Palasbari are very good and polite. Palasbari is part of Gauhati (Lok Sabha constituency). The people of Palasbari are traditionally well known for their political consciousness. Rationality is a major trait among the folk of this town.

Video Link : Palasbari Ghat (Courtesy : Travel with Akash)

Rangia is a city and a municipal board in Kamrup rural district in the Indian state of Assam. It is the regional divisional headquarters of the Northeast Frontier Railway. It is situated 52 kilometres away from the state headquarters Dispur Guwahati and 39 kilometres from Jalukbari. The word Rangia has been derived from "Randiya" ("Ran" means 'war' and "Diya" means 'to give') i.e. a place where war happened between Boros and Bhutanese. In Ancient times it was part of Ancient Kamrup, and subsequently included in Kamapitha division of Kamarupa Kingdom. In modern times, Rangiya is part of Kamrupi cultural region.

Video Link : Rangia Town (Courtesy : Kanak Machahary VLogs)

Saraighat is a neighborhood in the Indian city of Guwahati, on the north bank of the river Brahmaputra. Sarai was a small village where the old abandoned N.F. Railway station of Amingaon was located. The Battle of Saraighat between Ahom Kingdom and Mughal Empire was fought near this place on the river in 1671. There are two bridge over the river Brahmaputra joining the north and south banks at Saraighat. The Old Saraighat Bridge is the first rail-cum-road bridge constructed over the Brahmaputra River in Assam. Adjacent New Saraighat Bridge is a road only bridge. Lachit Borphukan Park is situated on the south end and Chilarai Park situated on the north end of the bridge.

Video Link : Saraighat Bridge (Courtesy : Indian Tourism)

Sualkuchi is a census town in Kamrup district in the Indian state of Assam. It is situated on the north bank of the river Brahmaputra, about 35 km from Guwahati, Sualkuchi is a block of Kamrup District. It has large number of cottage industry engaged in handloom, for which it is also known as the "Manchester of Assam". This is the textile center of Assam. Muga silk and Pat silk along with Eri silk and Endi cloth from this region is famous for its quality. Mekhela chadors and Gamosas made from this indigenous materials is in demand throughout Assam as well as other parts of India. Its registered trademark is SUALKUCHI'S.

Video Link : Sualkuchi - Manchester of Assam (Courtesy : The Incognito)

ECONOMY

The staple crop of the district is rice, of which there are three crops^[. The indigenous manufactures are confined to the weaving of silk and cotton cloths for home use, and to the making of brass cups and plates. The chief exports are rice, oilseeds, timber, and cotton; the imports are fine rice, salt, piece goods, sugar, betel nuts, coconuts, and hardware. A section of the Assam-Bengal railway starts from Guwahati and a branch of the Eastern Bengal railway has recently been opened to the opposite bank of the river. A metalled road runs due south from Guwahati to Shillong.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Madan Kamdev Temple : Barely 40 Kms. away from Guwahati, the gateway of North-East and 3 Kms. from Baihata Chariali on National Highway 52, Madan Kamdev is an enigma, a mystery, a marvel which speaks about the ancient Kamrup. Scattered all around the Dewangiri hillock with an idyllic back drop of green hills and flowing rivulet, are griffins, nymphs, dancing fairies, gods and goddesses in cosmic evolutions, walls, pillars, lintels and door frames decorated with flowers, animals, Kalpa-vriksha (the tree of fulfillment), six sided Bhairava, four headed Shiva, Demons, Serpents and men, women and animals in every conceivable erotic postures, all in ruins-ruin of gigantic proportion - that is Madan Kamdev. It is believed that Kama or Madan, the God of Love was reborn in this place after being turn into ashes by angry Lord Shiva. One school believes that Madan was reborn and united to his wife Rati in this tiny hillock. Another school argue that the name Madan Kamdev has romantic association with the place, because of the numerous erotic sculptures. Assam Archeology more or less has confirmed that the ruins of Madan Kamdev belonged to the 10th to 12th century A.D. when the Pala Dynasty ruled Kamrupa. The ruins are believed to be the remains of more than 20 temples consigned to Lord Shiva. The surviving portion of Madan Kamdev shows that these were perhaps the finest medieval temples ever built in the entire Brahmaputra Valley.

Video Link : Madan Kamadev Temple

(Courtesy : MyGov Assam)

Chandubi Lake : A natural lagoon and a fine picnic spot which is 64 km from Guwahati. The lake and its surroundings broken by glades, is in ideal holidays resort and has the added attraction of fishing and rowing in the lake. The lake is located at the foot of Garo hills surrounded by Assam and Meghalaya. The area is covered by deep forest, and small villages. It is a natural sightseeing and picnic spot. The lake attracts migratory birds during winter. This lake was formed on 12 June 1897 at the evening Assam earthquake. During that period the forest went down and became the lake. The lake's chief feature is the natural lagoon that has been formed in the lake. Chandubi Lake is a tourist destination, with some tourists visiting the lake during the Changdubi festival in first week of January. In this festival, local village people perform their traditional or cultural dance forms, and stalls offer local traditional food.

Video Link : Chandubi Lake (Courtesy : Gunjan Das)

Saraighat War Memorial Park is a park at Agyathuri in North Guwahati, on the northern bank of river Brahmaputra, India. The park was constructed by Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority, Assam. This park is constructed for preservation and promotion of the memories associated with the Battle of Saraighat. This battle took place between the Ahoms and the Mughals in the year 1671 A.D. The commander of the great Ahom army was Senapati, Lachit Barphukan. There are four bronze statues of Ahom warriors in battle postures in the park and a bronze plate is also there which describes a part of the battle. All these arts were created by sculptor Birendra Sinha and a team of experts from Shantiniketan.

Video Link : Saraighat War Memorial (Courtesy : Jubair’s VLogs)

Doul Govinda Temple is one of the important temples of Kamrup, Assam, India. It is situated on the northern banks, on the foothills of Chandra Bharati hill at Rajaduar, North Guwahati. The temple is mainly devoted to Lord Krishna. Besides, there is an Namghar along with the temple within the same premises. The temple is open and accessible all the year round, but one can enjoy the thrill of a river cruise as well as walking on white sands of the beaches of Brahmaputra, from the month of November to April. The temple is known for its Holi celebrations in the month of February–March. Special Ferry service is available to the temple from Guwahati to Rajaduar at this time. Daily activities of the Doul Govinda Temple start early, with the opening of the doors at seven in the morning. The priest bathes the idol and then performs the Archana. The worshipers start coming in from an hour after this, which continues till the end of the day.

Video Link : Doul Govinda Temple (Courtesy : Upasana Originals)

Hayagriva Madhava Temple is situated on the Monikut hill. The hill is situated in Hajo of Kamrup District in Assam, India. Which is around 30 km to west of Guwahati. The Kalika Purana composed in the 11th century CE in Kamarupa talks about the origin of this form of Vishnu and his final establishment in the hill of Monikut, where the present temple is located. The present temple structure was constructed by the King Raghudeva Narayan in 1583. According to some historians the King of Pala dynasty constructed it in 10th century. It is a stone temple and it enshrines an image of Hayagriva Madhava. Some Buddhists believe that the Hayagriva Madhava temple, best known in the group of Hindu temples, is where the Buddha attained Nirvana. At this imposing temple, the presiding deity is Vishnu, worshipped in the sanctum sanctorum as an idol carved of black stone. Four other stone idols are also in worship as subsidiary deities. A most striking feature of the temple is the continuous row of elephants carved on the lowest level of the temple walls - a structure akin to the stone cut temple of Ellora. The outer walls of the shrine is also covered with relief figures of the ten incarnations of Vishnu, devotees in procession and episodic scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The lamps in the sanctum sanctorum are never put off (akhanda deep) ever. Oil flows into the big earthen lamps through a simple tube connected to the oil tin.

Video Link : Hayagriva Madhava Temple (Courtesy : TravelQR)

Poa Mecca, meaning a quarter of Mecca, also known as Barmagam, is a place of pilgrimage for the Muslims, situated atop the Garurachala Hills. An Iraqi Prince turned Preacher, Ghiyasuddin Auliya, is said to have built the mosque here in the 12th century A. D. It is held by the Muslims that the preacher had brought a lump of earth from Mecca and enshrined the same at a spot where the mosque was built at a later period. It is believed that by offering prayer, a faithful gains one-fourth (Poa) spiritual enlightenment of what could be gained at Mecca and so this place is known as Poa-Mecca. A pilgrimage to this shrine is believed to be equivalent to a quarter of the piety attained by a Haj pilgrimage to Mecca. The Ahom King, Rudra Singha, continued to pay great attention to this Muslim shrine at Poa Mecca even after the expulsion of the Mughals from Assam in 1682. During the months of March and April, thousands of Hindu and Muslim pilgrims assemble here to celebrate Urs.

Video Link : Poa Mecca (Courtesy : Indie-Screen)

Chamaria Satra : Sri Sri Bar Vishnu Than, Chamaria Satra located at Chamaria in Kamrup district is known to be one of the oldest satras in Assam, while the Chamaria satra was established in 1588. He also paid respects to the Gurujona. He also raised the foundation stone for the construction of a boundary wall of the satra.

Video Link : Chamaria Satra (Courtesy : Kapil Dev Sarma)

Aswakranta Devalaya : A very well famed temple, situated on the banks of holy river Brahmaputra, Shri Shri Aswaklanta temple, built by King Siva Singha, one of the Ahom rulers who has many biggest Hindu temples in Assam including Sibsagar and Shri Shri Aswaklanta temple in North Guwahati, in the 1720 AD. Basically, there are two temples established in the main temple premises of the Aswaklanta temple. One of the temples is located on the foot hill - the Kurmayanardan temple and another was positioned on the top of the hillock, named- Anantasayi. These temples are popular among the Vaishnava believers of the Hindu tradition in the state. Popular legends say, when Krishna was searching for Narakasur to kill him, on the way, the horse of Lord Krishna felt tired on the same place where Aswaklanta temple is located. Aswa means ‘horse’ and Klanta means ‘tired’ in Assamese language. Therefore, the place got the name AswaKlanta. Another mythological story is very popular among the locals, that the horses which belonged to warrior ‘Arjuna’ were persuaded in this place to stay back away from the battle scene so that his son Abhimanyu could be assassinated. In Assamese, a conspiracy was made in the war and was called ‘Abhikranta’. The place where the temple is located was named ‘Aswa-krata’ which later became Aswaklanta in popular language by these words. The earthquake of Assam in 1897 wreaked havocs in the temple compound. The temple predominantly consists of two images, one of Lord Janardana and other of Lord Anantasai Vishnu. The image of Anantasai Vishnu is a fine art specimen dating back to the eleventh century. The temple body has beautiful stone inscriptions on them.

Video Link : Ashwakranta Temple (Courtesy : MyGov Assam)

Chanda's Merghar at Chaygaon : It is a site with which a mythological story is attached to a merchant named Chanda Saudagar and his son Lakhindar and his daughter-in-law Beula. The story goes that Chanda Saudagar , who was a devotee of Lord Siva ,once got a curse from 'Nag Devata' (the God of Snake) that he would have no descendents any further as his only son would be killed on the latter's wedding nite. To prevent this, Lakhindar and his bride was confined in the "Merghar" (a specially built sealed house for the newly wed couple to prevent entry of snakes ) However despite every effort , Lakhindar was bitten to death by 'Nag Devata' . It was Beula 's relentless offerings and prayers that saved her husband's life later on. Ruins of 'Merghar' and replica of Siva idols are still found around this site.

Video Link : Chanda's Merghar (Courtesy : Satyajit Axom)

Manikarneswar Devalaya located at Rajaduar in North Guwahati. The existing temple in the site was built during the reign of Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha in 18th century, but it has remains of earlier stone temple datable to 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th century. The Ahom temple of Manikarneswar and early mediaeval sculpture of Uma-Maheswar and architectural members at the entrance of the temple premise. The Ahom temple (Figure 2) of 18th century at Manikarneswar hill is protected by the Directorate of Archaeology, Govt. of Assam. As per the cultural notice board displayed in the temple premise, this brick built temple was raised in the reign of Rajeswar Singha in 1755 CE upon a star shaped ground plan of a stone temple of 10^th to 11^th century CE. P.C. Sarma (1988) describes that the complete scheming of the Manikarnesvara temple is based on a triangle.

Video Link : The Uniqueness of Manikarneswar Temple (Courtesy : MyGov Assam)

Sidheswar Devalaya : It is situated in Sualkuchi of Kamrup district. It is an ancient Siva temple, which was built during the time of Ahom King Siva Singha's rule. A few images of archeological interest exist at the site.

Video Link : Siddeswar Temple (Courtesy : MyGov Assam)

FAMOUS PERSONALITIES

Himanta Biswa Sarma (born 1 February 1969) is an Indian politician serving as the 15th and incumbent Chief Minister of Assam. A former member of the Indian National Congress political party. Sarma joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on 23 August 2015. He is a five time Member of the Assam Legislative Assembly from Jalukbari, having been elected in 2001. Sarma studied at Cotton College and later obtained a bachelor of laws from Government Law College in Guwahati. He later became a solicitor and practised law at Gauhati High Court before his entry to politics. Sarma cited mismanagement by Rahul Gandhi as the reason for his defection from the Indian National Congress party. He led the BJP's successful state election campaign in 2016 and was sworn in as a Cabinet Minister on 24 May 2016. The BJP appointed him the convener (leader) of the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), a regional sub-group of the federal National Democratic Alliance (NDA), aimed at increasing the party's political strength in North-East India. He was sworn in as Chief Minister of Assam on 10 May 2021, succeeding Sarbananda Sonowal. He is often called 'Mama' (meaning maternal uncle) by voters in Assam.

Anundoram Borooah was an Indian lawyer and scholar of Sanskrit. He was both the first graduate and member of the Indian Civil Service from the state of Assam. His Sanskrit classics are Bhavabhuti's Mahavircharitam, Saraswatikanthabharana, Namalinganusasana, Janakiramabhashya. His Other works are Bhavabhuti and His Place in Sanskrit Literature (1878), A Practical English-Sanskrit Dictionary (Part I, II and III) (1877–80), Higher Sanskrit Grammar: Gender and Syntax (1879), Ancient Geography of India (1880), A Companion to the Sanskrit-reading undergraduates of the Calcutta University (1878), Comparison of a comprehensive dictionary of all Dialects of Bengal.

Raghunath Choudhary (1879–1967) was an Indian writer of the Jonaki era or the romantic era of Assamese literature. Choudhary is known as Bihogi Kobi (poet of birds) because most of his writings are based on birds and nature. Choudhary also took part in the Indian independence movement and was imprisoned by the British for the same. He was the president of Tezpur session of Asam Sahitya Sabha in 1936. Kamrup Sanjeevani Sabha conferred him with the title Kabiratna. He was born in Lawpara village in Undivided Kamrup district (present Nalbari district) in the year 1879. Choudhary's first poem was published in 'Jonaki' magazine. He used Sanskrit and Arabic in his literary works. His other works includes: Amongst all his first literary work was Xaadori in 1910. His Poetry books - Xaadori (1910), Keteki (1918), Kaarbala (1923), Dohikatara (1931), Navamallika (1958), Gulap.

Shakuntala Choudhary (25 June 1920 – 20 February 2022), also known as Shakunthala Baideo, was an Indian social worker. Born in Assam, British Raj, she was known for her commitment and devotion to the popularization of the Gandhian way of life. At an early age, in 1947, Choudhary joined the Assam branch of the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust (KGNMT) and continued her association with the Trust for the rest of her life. The Assam Branch of the Trust is located at South Sarania Hills of Guwahati. This branch of the Trust, known as the Kasturba Ashram or the Sarania Ashram, was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi himself on 9 January 1946. Shakuntala Choudhary was closely associated with Vinoba Bhave who was the initiator of the Bhoodan Movement. She traveled with him into the interiors of Assam translating his lectures from Hindi to Assamese and leading the Maitri Ashram on the Assam Arunachal border, which he founded. She was an active participant in the year-and-half-long Padayatra undertaken by Vinoba Bhave in Assam during the last leg of his Bhoodan movement. In 1973, Vino Bhave entrusted Choudhary to organize the Padayatra in Assam as a part of the nationwide program organized by Bhave. Shakuntala Choudhary started a monthly magazine "Asomiya Vishwa Nagari" in Devanagari script which she edited for many years. The magazine is still published highlighting Gandhian ideals, thoughts, and spirituality. Choudhary was also associated with of the "Ban Cow Slaughter Satyagraha" started by Vinoba Bhave in 1978. In 2022, the Government of India conferred the Padma Shri award, the third highest award in the Padma series of awards, on Shakuntala Choudhary for her distinguished service in the field of social work. The award is in recognition of her service as a "102 year old Gandhian social worker from Kamrup".

Lakhyadhar Choudhury (1915–2000) was an actor, playwright, film-director, humanist, prose-writer, orator, cabinet-minister in the state of Assam, state legislator, teacher, 'freedom fighter', president of the Asam Sahitya Sabha and the Asom Natya Sanmelan. Lakhyadhar Choudhury was born in Rangmahal, North Guwahati on the Dipwali night of 1915 to Bhudhar and Uma Choudhury. Since his student days, Choudhury earned fame as an actor. Later, he became a politician and educationist. But his real fame was as a playwright and a writer of prose. He also wrote a handful of poems including Mor Lakshya. But his fame as a litterateur rests more on his prose. His aesthetic sense and style have given a unique dimension to his stories. His stories are based on the real life of the common people, which is full of tragic-comic events. His stories created a new school of writing in Assamese literature that captured the extraordinary real life stories of ordinary people.

Bhitali Das (6 June 1969 – 21 April 2021) was an Indian singer. She sang over 5,000 Bihu songs with various artists including Zubeen Garg, Anindita Paul, Tarali Sarma etc. She made several Bihusuriya albums. Bitali Das was born at Majgaon, North Guwahati. Bhitali Das sung more than 3000 Assamese song with singer Zubeen Garg. Bhitali Das's popular album include Jonbai, Rangdhali, Bogitora, and Enajori.

Prof Bhabananda Deka (19 August 1929 – 4 December 2006) was a pioneer Assam economist and author who conducted novel research on the economy of the far eastern part of India. He was also a leading Indian-Assamese litterateur of the famed 'Awahon-Ramdhenu Era' of Assamese literature during the mid-20th century. He was the author of a total of 115 English and Assamese books including textbooks on a range of fifteen subjects including economics, ancient Assamese literature, philosophy, education, religion, mythology, archaeology, tribal study, poetry, drama, memoirs, civics, political science, biographies; he also edited books and journals. He also authored a variety of research papers and articles about the state of Assam, a state in the north-eastern part of India. He pioneered the writing of books on Economics in Assamese. His Assamese book Axomor Arthaneeti was the first ever research-based comprehensive book on Assam Economics, which was published for the first time in 1963. He was conferred with the honorary title of 'Asom Ratna' -- 'Jewel of Assam' by the intellectuals of Assam. Prof Deka also established Assamese Department and Bengali Department in the Indian Constitutional body Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in New Delhi, and introduced Assamese Language as a subject and medium for appearing in all-India level Competitive Examinations conducted by UPSC to select top bureaucrats of India Government. Deka was a leading member of Asom Sahitya Sabha. In public recognition of his immense literary contributions, he was unanimously elected as the last President of the undivided Kamrup District Sahitya Sabha in 1982. He was the founder of Assam Economic Association, Assam Foundation-India and Srimanta Sankardev International Foundation, and a frontline advocate of the rich literary and cultural heritage of Assam all over the world. He was highly influenced by Sankari Culture and folk culture heritage & was known for his active participation in newly setting up Belbari Satra and Byaskuchi Satra (Vaisnavite Monastery) in Barpeta District of Assam in India.

Nalini Prava Deka (11 March 1944 – 15 June 2014) was an author, poet, storyteller, actress and playwright from Assam, a state in India encompassing the Brahmaputra Valley. Deka promoted Assamese heritage, traditional customs, weaving and fabric art, cooking and folk music with her husband, Bhabananda Deka. They researched traditional Assamese lifestyle, art, literature and culture. Deka was the first female editor and publisher of a children's magazine, Phul (Flower), and wrote 30 critically praised books. All India Radio broadcast Deka's radio plays on issues related to women and children. Dainik Sankarjyoti, an Assamese daily published in Guwahati, described how she played a significant part in nurturing the traditional indigenous Assamese lifestyle and social ethos by promoting indigenous Assamese weaving traditions (maintaining taat xaal—hand looms for weaving mekhela sadawr and suriya chapkawn) and dheki (traditional Assamese crop grinders for rice and pithaguri. A poet, Deka inculcated the legacy of Assamese culture and heritage in her children. She set up an indigenous Assamese traditional hand loom (taat-xaal ) at her homes in New Delhi and Guwahati to produce hand-woven fabrics and garments. Deka wore her hand-woven mekhela-sadawr and wove suriya-sapkawns for her husband to wear. She set up a crop-grinding tool (dheki ) at home, using it to producing her family's food from organic herbs. Raw paddy, including rice, wheat and lentils, was ground to produce traditional Assamese food and snacks such as saul, kumawl saul, bora saul, sira, aakhoi and xandawh. Deka wrote and edited a total of 30 books, mostly in Assamese. Some of her writing, including short stories, have been translated into English. Another book (An Extraordinary Assamese Couple, about Deka and her husband) was introduced on 28 February 2015 by Dutch scientist and author Constantin Aurel Stere. She wrote three short-story collections, including 2011's Elandhu (Smut, with some English-language stories) and Ebigha Mati (A Plot of Land) (1990). Deka's short stories emphasized brotherhood and religious tolerance. Deka was a leading social activist in Assam and played a role in the establishment of national and international organisations, including the Srimanta Sankardev International Foundation, Assam Foundation–India, Delhi Asomiya Sahitya Samaj, Sadou Asam Moina Parijat, Kamrup (undivided) District Sahitya Sabha, Sadou Asam Chemoniya Chora, Pub–Sarania Naamghar, Rajgarh Sahitya Chora, Pohar Proyasi Mohila Samiti, Urvashi Kristi Kendra and Urvashi Sangeet Vidyalay. She was the founding president of Purbanchaliya Mohila Parishad, the female wing of a regional political organisation in Northeast India. Through these organisations, Deka promoted Assamese heritage, culture and literature all over the world and began a social renaissance through female empowerment and religious tolerance.

Durgabar Kayastha (1515–1560) was litterateur from Kamakhya, Kamrup. He was well known Manasa poet as well as an expert oja of 16th century. His major works include Behula Upakhyana narrating story of Behula and Chand Sadagar. The ballads connected with this story been current in western Kamarupa and the rest of north Bengal long before the verses were reduced to writing by Sukavi Narayan in the thirteenth century and by Durgabar in the early part of the sixteenth century. The songs of Durgabar are known as Durgabari. Durgabar Kayastha rendered Madhava Kandali's Ramayana into lyrics and made new ones of his own, both totalling fiftyeight; and these songs were put to different classical ragas. Durgabar Kayastha composed the Ramayana in the lyrical style of composition to be sung by the Oja Pali.

Kaliram Medhi (18 October 1880 – 24 January 1954) was a prominent linguist, writer and essayist from Assam who wrote in both the Assamese and English languages in the early part of modern Assamese literature. Medhi was born on 18 October 1880 at Ramdia village near Hajo of Kamrup district to Bhukali Medhi and Sontara Medhi. He was the third president of the Asom Sahitya Sabha in 1919 held at Barpeta. He was honoured with the Rai Bahadur title in 1946. Versatile Assamese short story writer and Professor of Physics and later a lifetime associate at Assam Engineering College Surendra Nath Medhi better known by his pen name Saurav Kumar Chaliha was his son and noted Mathematician, Emeritus Professor of statistics at Gauhati University and Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology. His literary works In Assamese - Asomiya Bhasar Mul (1918), Asomiya Byakoron aru Bhasatatta (1936), Mahapurush Sankardevar Bani (1949), Ankawali (Part-I)(1950),Prahlad charitra (1913) and more. In English - The Kalitas, Brajavali Literature of Assam, Philosophic Aspects of the Assamese Brajavali Literature, Origin of Assamese Drama, Studies in the Vaishnav Literature and Culture of Assam,.Assamese Grammar and Origin of the Assamese Language.

Rameshwar Pathak (1 March 1938 – 3 December 2010) was an acclaimed Kamrupi Lokgeet singer from Kamrup, Assam, India. He also worked as a teacher in Arya Vidyapeeth Higher Secondary and Multipurpose School, Guwahati from 1963 to 1996. In December 1963, Pathak joined the city's Arya Vidyapeeth Higher Secondary School as a subject teacher. He became popular among his students as well as his colleagues as a great singer. In 1973, he first met his future wife Dhanada Barman, now Dhanada Pathak. Dhananda came from a family of Barpeta, which owned a Jatra party in their home called "The Rowly Opera". Her elder brothers were actively associated with the opera in many ways. They acted, sang, played instruments like the dotora, flute and others and initiated the functioning of the opera. After their marriage, the couple collaborated on a number of gramophone records and over a hundred and fifty audio cassettes. They presented Assamese lokageet (folk songs) in duet and chorus style for the very first time, and became known as the doyens of Assamese folk music. Pathak has performed all across Assam, and also in Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Orissa, Himachal, Calcutta and North-East India.

RELIGIONS

Hinduism - 57.82%

Islam - 39.66%

Sikhism , Christianity , Buddhism, Jainism - 2.52%

The district has people belonging to various indigenous Assamese communities like Keots/Kaibarta, Bodo, Rabha, Tiwa/Lalung, Amri Karbi, Dom/Nadiyal, Koch-Rajbongshi etc.

LANGUAGES

Assamese - 74.43%

Bengali - 19.90%

Garo - 1.86%

Boro - 1.41%

Hindi - 1.17%

KAMRUP METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

The district is bounded on the West and North by the Kamrup district and on the East by the Morigaon district. On the South, lies the state of Meghalaya.

The head quarter of the district is Guwahati. Once known as Pragjyotishpur (the light of the East), Guwahati derives its name from the Assamese words “Guwa” means areca nut and “Haat” means market. Guwahati has a magical aura that still lingers over the ever – expanding city. According to a legend, the demon king Narakasura is said to have built this ancient city. Another reason for Guwahati’s charm is it’s being the ancient ‘Kamrup’, the place where the part of the body of goddess Sati falls and which is also the birthplace of Kamdeva, the God of love. Pragjyotishpur also finds frequent mention in the Mahabharata and other Sanskrit epics and mythology. The district once situated midway between two powerful kingdoms: the Ahoms and the Koch. Neither Mughals nor the Koch could maintain power at Guwahati however, and it is better known as the seat of the Borphukan, the civil and military authority of the region appointed by the Ahom King. Guwahati today is important because it is the seat of power in Assam, is a major commercial centre and is the node that connects six other North Eastern Indian States of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram,Meghalaya and Tripura.The district Kamrup Metro was created bifurcating the old Kamrup district.

The Present Assam was referred to as Kamrup in many of the ancient Indian literature. It was also known as Pragjyotishpur due to the astrology (Jyotish Shashtra) practices that prevailed in this part of the country during that time. However, "Kamrup" became a more predominant name in the later part of the history. There is a famous story which says the reason behind the naming of this place "Kamrup":

Lord "Shiva" married Parvati, the daughter of Daksha, a very powerful king of that time. The King however, did not like his son-in-law for some reasons and hence did not invite him for the "Jagna" (the great sacrifice) ceremony which the king organised in a great fashion. Parvati being the daughter of the king could not resist from attending the ceremony and went there with the permission from her husband. As she reached the auspicious venue, "Daksha" did pass on derogatory comments on her husband and that too in front of a huge gathering. She became very annoyed and got disgusted at the discourtesy shown to her husband and sacrificed her life on the spot itself.

Overcome with grief at the death of Sati (Parvati), Shiva began a grim penance and wandered about the world carrying her dead body on his head. Shiva's 'dance of death' and penance alarmed all the gods because it threatened to destroy the world. In order to stop the frightful wanderings of Shiva, the supreme god, Vishnu, cut the dead body of Sati into fifty- one pieces with his great weapon, the "Shudarshan Chakra" (Discuss). The pieces fell onto the earth in fifty one different places and wherever they fell, the ground was held to be sacred. One of the important organs of Sati fell on Nilachal hill in Guwahati and the place was thenceforth held sacred and it says that the famous Kamakhya Temple was originated from that "Sati's" organ only.

As Shiva continued to do penance, the other gods became afraid that he would thereby acquire universal power. They sent Kamadeva, the God of Love, to make Shiva fall in love again, and thereby break his penance. Kamdeva succeeded in his mission, but Shiva was so enraged at the result that he burnt Kamadeva into ashes by a fiery glance of his third eye. Kamadeva eventually regained his life and his original 'form' (Rupa) in Assam and the land where this took place become known as "Kamrup" ("Kamarupa").

Video Link : Kamrup Metro District (Courtesy : Interesting Facts)

ADMINISTRATION:

The district headquarters are located at Dispur.

Video Link : Dispur Facts (Courtesy : Travel Hero)

This district has one Sub-Divisions-Kamrup Metropolitan Sadar Sub-Division. The Kamrup Metropolitan district has 5 (Five) Revenue Circles viz. Sonapur RC, Guwahati RC, Azara RC, Chandrapur RC, Dispur RC.There are total 3(three) development Blocks In Kamrup Metropolitan district, i.e Chandrapur, Dimoria, Rani, Development Block.This district has 31 Municipal wards in the city Guwahati.

Dispur, the capital of Assam, lies in Guwahati. The passing of the North Eastern (Reorganization Areas) Act in 1971 by the Indian Parliament accorded Meghalaya the status of a full-fledged state. After the creation of Meghalaya as a separate state, Shillong continued to be the joint capital of both Assam and Meghalaya. However, in 1972, the Government of Assam decided to shift the capital to Dispur. Accordingly, the first sitting of the Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly was held at Dispur on 16 March 1973.Dispur houses the Secretariat of Assam Government, the Assam Assembly House

Guwahati consists of four assembly constituencies: Jalukbari, Dispur, Gauhati East and Gauhati West, all of which are part of Gauhati (Lok Sabha constituency).

ECONOMY

Pandu, located on the banks of the Brahmaputra at the western part of the city, is an ancient urban area that acted as the chief military base for the Ahoms against external invasions. Due to extensive fortification ('Gorh') surrounding Pandu, it acts as a natural river harbor and is formally called Gar-Pandu.

Pandu port falls under Dhubri-Sadiya National Waterway-2 and is an important terminal and transit point for goods and cargo as well as passenger and tourist vessels. Construction of both low-level and high-level jetty of fixed terminal, capable of handling container vessels, has been completed and has further enhanced revenue generation for the city. The manufacturing sector in Guwahati contributes a substantial share to the economy of the city. Petroleum manufacturing is an important economic activity in the city. The Guwahati Refinery is the most important manufacturing industry in the city. Located at Noonmati, the refinery was set up by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited as the first public sector refinery of India as well as the refinery of Indian Oil since 1962. Tea manufacturing and processing is another important activity of Guwahati. Assam is one of the highest tea-producing areas in the world, contributing 80% of India's export and 55% of the country's total tea production. So high is the production of tea in Assam that it is the biggest industry of the state. The headquarters of the Assam Branch Indian Tea Association (ABITA) is located at Guwahati.

The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC), located adjacent to the capital complex at Dispur, is the world's largest CTC tea auction center and the second largest in terms of total tea auctioned. Many centralised, private and international banks have set up their branches in the city with the Reserve Bank of India having one of its own at Pan Bazaar.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Khamakhya Temple : The Kamakhya temple, located at a distance of 7 km from Guwahati, is one of the biggest Shakti shrines in the country. Situated on the Nilachal hills, this temple is an important pilgrimage centre for tantric worshippers and Hindus. It is also considered important as it is the temple where the beliefs and practices of the Aryan communities coincide with non-Aryan communities. The former temple was destroyed by Kala Pahar, which was later reconstructed in 1565 by Chilarai, who was the reigning king of the Koch dynasty. This temple is dedicated to different forms of Mother Shakti, namely Sundari, Tripura, Tara, Bhuvaneshvari, Bagalamukhi and Chinnamasta. Comprising three major chambers, the present structure is considered as a sacred complex. The western chamber is rectangular in shape, while the middle chamber is square in shape. The middle chamber consists of inscriptions and images of Naranarayana. The most sacred shrine is located within the temple, which is also the third chamber. The third chamber with a yoni-like cleft in the bedrock is in the form of a cave. The temple also has a natural spring, which flows through the cleft. This spring helps in keeping the chamber moist.

Video Link : Secret of Khamakhya Temple

(Courtesy : Prajapati News)

Video Link : River Turns Red? Why? (Courtesy : Healthy Natural Remedies)

There are several legends and myths associated with this temple. According to one of the popular legends, it is believed that the reproductive organ of Sati settled on the earth at this place, which was followed by her death. On the other hand, another popular belief states that this temple is associated with Goddess Kali. Ambubachi Mela is one of the major festivals of this temple. The festival is held every year to commemorate the yearly menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya. It is also said that during the month of mid-June, which is also an Ahar, there is a natural spring which flows through the yoni. Several other pujas are organised in this temple including Durga Puja, Durgadeul and Madandeul. Some of the other pujas performed in this temple include Manasa Puja, Pohan Biya and Vasanti Puja.

Bashistha Ashram : located in the Sandhychal hills, is an important pilgrimage centre. Constructed in the second half of the 18th century, the temple was built by the Ahom king, Raja Rajeswar. This ashram is the last existing monument, which was constructed by the rulers of the Ahom dynasty.

Video Link : Basistha Ashram & Temple (Courtesy : My Gov Assam)

Video Link : History of Basistha Mandir (Courtesy: Travel QR)

The ashram is the meeting point of three rivulets namely, Sandhya, Kanta and Lalita. According to a popular belief, it is said that a dip in the water enhances a person’s life and also washes off the sins committed. In addition, there are several legends associated with sage Vashistha and this ashram. According to one of the popular legends, it was said that the hermit Bashistha used to perform his ‘sandhya’ in a stream near his ashram, which was also his home. The sage became agitated due to the ardent games played by Lord Indra with his queen Shachi and other heavenly women in the stream, as the water became impure. As a result of this, the sage cursed Indra that he would have sexual contact with a Daitya woman. This curse transformed Indra into a normal person and the curse of Bashistha also came true. However, Lord Indra granted the Daitya woman with a blessing that her son would become a king. Her son later became the progenitor of the Ahom Kingdom and was the ruler of the entire region of Assam. According to another legend, it is believed that the sage gained spiritual success by dwelling into the secrets of Sakta practices.

Umananda temple : Located on the Peacock Island, is one of the important temples of Guwahati. Situated in the middle of River Brahmaputra, this temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. During the festival of Shivratri, every year, a large number of devotees visit this temple. On the instructions from King Gadadhar Singh of the Tai-Ahom dynasty, the temple was constructed in 1694 AD by Bar Phukan Garhganya Handique. There are plenty of engravings and sculptures that adorn the rock walls of this temple. These engravings and sculptures depict the craftsmanship of the local Assamese artisans. The engravings done on the walls include Hindu gods like Surya, Shiva, Ganesha and Devi. Apart from these, sculptures of Lord Vishnu and his ten incarnations can also be found in the vicinity of this temple.

Video Link : Umananda Temple (Courtesy : Indresh Varma)

The area where this temple has been raised is known as Bhasmachala. According to a legend, once Lord Shiva was meditating on this hillock, when he was interrupted by Kamadeva. As a result of this interruption, Kamadeva was burnt to ashes by the fire of his anger. According to the Kalika Purana, it was believed that Goddess Urvashi who brought nectar for the pleasure of Kamakhya, resided here. Therefore, the island on which this temple is constructed is also known as Urvashi Island. In 1897, a considerable portion of this temple was damaged owing to the effects of a devastating earthquake. However, the damaged portion was later reconstructed by a rich local merchant. On reconstruction, he also added Vaisnavite inscriptions to the interior part of this temple. According to a popular belief, it is said that worshipping here on an Amavasya day, especially falling on Monday, brings highest bliss to the worshipper. Apart from this, Shiva Chaturdashi is another important festival which is held here annually.

The Sukreswar temple : Located at Sukreswar, is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for housing the sixth Jyotirlinga of India.

Video Link : Sukreshwar Temple (Courtesy : Divine Diary)

According to one of the popular beliefs, it is said that a person performing post-death rituals at this temple will attain ‘moksha’ or peace for the dead. Constructed by the Ahom King Pramatta Singha, in 1744, this temple is believed to be the place where Sage Sukra resided and worshipped Lord Shiva.

The Bhubaneswari temple : A white shrine, is perched atop a hill adjacent to the city. Dedicated to Goddess Bhubaneshwari, the temple is visited by large number of tourists from across the country every year. From the temple, views of sunset on the Brahamputra River are available.

Video Link : Bhubaneshwari Temple (Courtesy : Cosmica & Manas)

The Navagraha temple : Located on Chitrasal hills, is devoted to the nine planets of the solar system. Each of the nine planets in this temple is represented by a Shivalinga inside the temple. Covered by different coloured clothes, the nine lingas represent a different celestial body. The origin of this temple dates back to the 18th century, which is supported by the inscriptions and recordings found on the walls of this temple. Belonging to the reign of Ahom King Rajeswar Singha, son of Rudra Singha or Sukhrungphaa, it is one of the most popular temples of Guwahati.

Video Link : Navagraha Temple (Courtesy : Born for Travel)

A considerable portion of this temple was destroyed by earthquake. However, a few centuries later, the temple was rebuilt with ridged iron sheets. There is a tank that was excavated at some distance from the temple. Known as Silpukhuri, this tank provides continuous water supply to devotees. An important astrological and astronomical centre in the state of Assam, it is believed that the ancient name of Guwahati, Pragjyotishapura originated from this temple.

The Ugratara temple : Located in the eastern part of Guwahati, in Uzan Bazaar, is an important Shakti shrine. Constructed by King Shiva Singh of the Ahom Kingdom in 1725, this temple serves as one of the most important pilgrimage centres of the state of Assam. The temple has a tank, known as Jor Pukhuri, which is located in the east of this temple. Due to an earthquake, the upper section of the temple was destroyed, after which the present temple has undergone several renovations and modifications.

Video Link : Ugratara Temple (Courtesy : Dekho Northeast)

These reconstructions were undertaken and managed by a private citizen. Goddess Ugra Tara is the residing deity of this temple, who is considered to be another form of Parvati. According to a popular legend, this temple has been constructed on the same spot where the navel of Sati fell on the earth after she died. The other legend related to this temple states that the temple has connection with Buddhism. In addition, it is also related to Eka Jata and Tiksna Kanta of the Buddhist pantheon. Navratri is the main festival celebrated in this temple. During this festival, devotees from across the country visit to offer prayers and seek blessings of the Mother. An important ritual that can be witnessed during the festival is the sacrifice of animals like bulls, wild boars, goats and buffaloes. Another ritual linked to this temple includes offering one’s own blood to the Mother. However, the females of all the species are exempted from this sacrifice.

The Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden : Located near RG Baruah Road. Sprawling over an area of 130 hectares, it is the only zoo where there is a natural forest. On the other hand, the botanical garden is located within the same vicinity, which is also known as Guwahati’s green retreat. Rich in flora and fauna, this zoo and botanical garden is also home to some of the rare and endangered species of wildlife.

Video Link : Assam State Zoo (Courtesy : Paro & Ananya)

Swamp tapirs, white tigers, leopards and the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros are some of the animals that can be seen here. This zoo is also home to the African two-horned rhino and is rich in some of the rare species of birds. Established in 1982, the Assam State Botanical Garden is home to approximately 44 different varieties of orchids. These orchids have been collected from the north-eastern zone of India. There are also some special varieties of orchids, which are typical to the mountainous region of the state. Apart from this, the garden also houses a variety of palm trees, conifers, herbs and shrubs. The garden sprawls over an area of 82 hectares.

The Assam State Museum : Showcases the unique culture and tradition of the north-eastern state, is located on the southern end of Dighalipukhuri Tank. Constructed in 1940, the museum features several sections such as archaeology, iconography, epigraphy and also numismatics. Visitors to the museum can see the various aspects of Assamese history and culture.

Video Link : Assam State Museum (Courtesy : Hidden Box)

There is a huge showcase of ancient Assamese coins, fabrics, tribal arts and sculptures. The museum also organises exhibitions of the tribal huts, which have been reconstructed. Exhibitions are also organised displaying the traditional weaving along with several other handicraft products, like locally made cane and bamboo items, toys and pottery. The archaeological and ethnographic displays of the museum include local costumes and terracotta. Apart from the sculptures of Surya, tourists can also see stone and copper plate inscriptions, which date back from the 5th century to the 12th century.

Srimanta Sankardeva Kalashetra : Constructed in 1990, is one of the famous tourist attractions of Guwahati. It was built with an aim of exposing and exhibiting the exclusive culture and tradition of Assam to the outside world. Named after the saint of the Vaishnava culture, Srimanta Sankardeva, the Kalashetra is situated on the Shillong Road in the Panjabari district. The central museum, an art gallery, an open-air theatre and a traditional Vaishnava temple are some of the major attractions located within this Kalashetra.

Video Link : Srimanta Shankardeva Kalakshetra (Sam’s Amazing Videos)

There is also a library, Sahitya Bhavan Library. In this library, travellers can find a rare collection of famous Assamese books along with age-old manuscripts, which have been preserved. Visitors can see a collection of the cultural articles and objects in the Central Museum, which were used by the indigenous tribes on daily basis. These have been preserved and showcased inside the central museum. In addition, there are articles made of bamboo and cane along with handmade weaving products, ethnic toys made of cloth and wood, etc. inside the Kalashetra. The Lalit-Kala Bhavan, which is located inside the Kalashetra has a large space available for exhibition, art and sculpture workshops.The open-air theatre inside serves as the venue of several cultural activities. With a total seating capacity of around 2,000, the theatre has hosted traditional dances, musical recitals, dramas and other cultural activities. The most famous attraction of the Kalashetra is the artificial village, where the environment of a typical Assamese village has been recreated. There is also a Heritage park within the premises.

ISKCON Temple : Located on a hillock in Ulubari Chariali area, 2 km away from Guwahati railway station. The stark white exterior of the marble-floored Temple makes it a landmark of the locality. There are idols of Lord Krishna and his wife Rukmani, both dressed in beautiful attires. There is a flight of stairs leading to the temple and elders may need assistance to reach the temple.

Video Link : ISKCON Temple (Courtesy : T & R Vlogs)

Daily routines at ISKCON temple include Aarti, chanting, bhajans and Bhagavat Gita discourses. Devotees can attend the prayers irrespective of their religions and can have prasadam during mealtime at 1.30 pm. Best day to visit is Sunday when one can join prayers and can have Sunday bhogs (meals) for which INR 30/- is charged. Gita classes, personality development and stress management classes are also conducted here. There is a souvenir shop where one can buy ISKCON related badges, bhajan CDs, dresses and Tulsi malas.

MAJOR TOWNS & CITIES

Dispur is the capital of the Indian state of Assam and is a suburb at Guwahati. It became the capital in 1973, when Shillong the erstwhile capital, became the capital of the state of Meghalaya that was carved out of Assam. Dispur is the seat of power of Government of Assam. The Assam Secretariat (Janata Bhawan) building is located in Dispur along with the Assam Legislative Assembly House, MLA Hostels and the State Emergency Operations Centre. The Assam Trunk road and the G S road passes through Dispur. To the south of Dispur lies the theologically important site of Basistha Ashram and the Shankardev Kalakshetra, a cultural centre created in the 1990s. Next to Dispur is the township of Jatia. The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, one of the busiest tea trading facilities in the world, is located in the city.

Video Link : Best Places to Visit in Dispur (Courtesy : Tourist Points)

Video Link : Dispur (Courtesy : Travel Hero)

Guwahati; formerly rendered Gauhati, is the biggest city of the Indian state of Assam and also the largest metropolis in northeastern India. Dispur, the capital of Assam, is in the circuit city region located within Guwahati and is the seat of the Government of Assam. A major riverine port city along with hills, and one of the fastest growing cities in India, Guwahati is situated on the south bank of the Brahmaputra. It is called the ''Gateway to North East India''. The ancient cities of Pragjyotishpura and Durjaya (North Guwahati) were the capitals of the ancient state of Kamarupa. Many ancient Hindu temples like the Kamakhya Temple, Ugratara Temple, Basistha Temple, Doul Govinda Temple, Umananda Temple, Navagraha Temple, Sukreswar Temple, Rudreswar Temple, Manikarneswar Temple, Aswaklanta Temple, Dirgheshwari Temple, Asvakranta Temple, Lankeshwar Temple, Bhubaneswari Temple, Shree Ganesh Mandir, Shree Panchayatana Temple, Noonmati, and the like, are situated in the city, giving it the title of "The City of Temples". Guwahati lies between the banks of the Brahmaputra River and the foothills of the Shillong plateau, with LGB International Airport to the west and the town of Narengi to the east. The North Guwahati area, to the northern bank of the Brahmaputra, is being gradually incorporated into the city limits.

Video Link : Guwahati Cinematic Drone View (Courtesy : View of India)

Guwahati's 'urban form' radiates from a central core with growth corridors radiating and extending towards the south, east, and west. In the past few decades, southern Guwahati areas such as Ganeshguri, Beltola, Hatigaon, Six Mile, and Panjabari began forming a southern sub-center surrounding the capital complex at Dispur. The core area consists of the old city with Pan Bazaar, Paltan Bazaar, Fancy Bazaar and Uzan Bazaar, with each area facilitating unique urban activities.

Video Link : Guwahati Smart View (Courtesy : Hamim Seikh)

Among the city corridors, the most important is the corridor formed along the Guwahati-Shillong (GS) Road towards the south (almost 15 km [9.3 mi] from the city-center). The GS Road corridor is an important commercial area with retail, wholesale and commercial offices developed along the main road; it is also a densely built residential area in the inner parts. The capital complex of Assam at Dispur is situated in this corridor. This corridor has facilitated the growth of a southern city sub-center at Ganeshguri, along with other residential areas to the south developed during the past few decades.

Video Link : Guwahati Metro Life & History (Courtesy : Explore YRS)

The corridor extending towards the west (around 30 km [19 mi] from the city-center) contains a rail-road linking not only Guwahati but also other parts of the northeastern region east of Guwahati to western Assam and the rest of India. The corridor links residential and historically important areas such as Nilachal Hill (Kamakhya), Pandu, and Maligaon (headquarters of Northeast Frontier Railways) before it separates into two – one towards North Guwahati via the Saraighat Bridge and the other continuing west towards LGB International Airport via Gauhati University (Jalukbari). There are also many river ports/jetties along this corridor.

Video Link : Guwahati City Explore (Courtesy : visa2explore)

The third major corridor extends towards the east (around 15 km [9.3 mi] from the city-center) linking Noonmati (Guwahati Refinery) and Narengi, and has facilitated residential growth along with it. Highway NH-37, which encircles the city's southern parts and links the southern corridor in Noumile to the western corridor in Jalukbari is currently supporting rapid development. Similarly, the VIP Road linking Zoo Road with the eastern corridor and recently completed Hengerabari-Narengi Road are also supporting massive residential development to the east.

Video Link : 10 Best Places to Visit in Guwahati City (Courtesy : 10 on 10 Travel & Entertainment)

FAMOUS PERSONALITIES

Gunabhiram Barua (1837-1894) was a nineteenth century Indian intellectual from Assam who ushered in new ideas of social reform in the early years of colonial rule in Assam. He was deeply influenced by the progressive intellectual currents of the Bengal Renaissance. He was among the few Assamese publicists who had formally entered the Brahmo Samaj. All his life he propagated its liberal ideas through his writings. he first social drama in Assamese - Ramnabami-Natak - was written by Gunabhiram in 1857 and published as a book in 1870. The play tells the tragic story of a young widow, Nabami, and her lover, Ram, both of whom were compelled to commit suicide because of social disapproval of their relationship. Gunabhiram is also remembered as a historian and biographer. In 1887 he published an Assam Buranji, which went on to become a school textbook. He also wrote regularly on issues such as women's education and marriage reforms. Kathin Shobdor Rohasyha Bakhya is a humorous work by Barua, published posthumously in 1912. Gunabhiram Barua published and edited the short-lived but hugely influential literary journal Assam-Bandhu(1885-1886). Hindi film actor Sharmila Tagore is the granddaughter of Gunabhiram's son Jnanadabhiram on her maternal side.

Kopil Bora is an Assamese actor, anchor and All India Radio voice artist. He debuted in Bidyut Chakravarty's 2002 Assamese film Gun Gun Gane Gane and known for his performance in Mon (2002), Ahir Bhairav (2008), Jetuka Pator Dore (2011) and Dwaar (2013). Kopil has acted in a host of Assamese films. He debuted in Bidyut Chakravarty's Gun Gun Gane Gane, released in 2002. Later in the same year, his other film Mon got released along with his first Bengali film in the same name, which was released in 2003. His other film credit includes Bidhata (2003), Kadambari, Ahir Bhairav (2008), Jeevan Baator Logori (2009), Jetuka Pator Dore (2011), Dwaar (2013), Raag: The Rhythm of Love (2014) etc. Critics praised his acting in 2013 film Dwaar. In that film, he portrayed a mentally unstable character older to his actual age, named Dwijen Bhattacharya. Kopil Bora is the brand ambassador of CEC - an educational trust based in Guwahati. He has also done modeling for different assignments.

Rita Chowdhury (born 17 August 1960) is an Indian poet, novelist and Sahitya Akademi Award recipient in the world of Assamese literature. She has been an associate professor in Cotton College, Guwahati, Assam in Political Science Department since 2001. She is currently the director of National Book Trust, India.Chowdhury's first novel was Abirata Jatra (English: Incessant Journey) in 1981, which won the first prize in a competition held by Asom Sahitya Sabha on the contemporary Assamese situation. Chowdhury then wrote a series of novels, including Tirthabhumi (The Shrine) in 1988, Maha Jibanar Adharshila (Foundation Stone of Great Life) in 1993, Nayana Tarali Sujata in 1996, Popiya Torar Xadhu (Tale of a shooting star) in 1998, Rag-malkosh in 1999, Jala-Padma (Water-Lotus) in 1999, Hridoy Nirupai (The Helpless Heart) in 2003, Deo Langkhui (The Divine Sword) in 2005, Makam (The Golden Horse) in 2010 and Mayabritta (The Circle of Worldly Illusion) in 2012. Each of her novels is a depiction of some significant aspects of the society. She received Sahitya Akademi Award in 2008 for the novel Deo Langkhui which was based on the Tiwas of Assam. Makam (মাকাম), a is translated into English with the title Chinatown Days. Chowdhury's fiction reflects the reality of life and the society. Sometimes it is contemporary and sometimes it is historical. There is a subterranean flow of feminism in some of her novels. Most of her novels are research-based. She was the founder editor of Adharxila, a monthly literary magazine, published from Guwahati from 2001 to 2002.

Mahendranath Dekaphukan (1903–1974) or Monai Boiragi in full Mahendra Nath Moi Heng Dang Deka Phukan was an artist, poet, journalist and craftsman of Assam. He was the elder son of Lakshminath Phukan of Guwahati. After schooling from Cotton Collegiate High School, he took adminission at Cotton College. He left from home in mid of study and wandered many places. He was assistant editor of Rangoon Mail, published from Rangoon. He was some strange kind of personality, had a few intimate friends. On the other hand, like Madhav Chandra Bezbaruah, Bishnu Rabha, Industrialist Aalamohan Das, Dr. Sujya Kumar Bhuyan, former chief minister Bimala Prasad Chaliha etc., some were very intimate to him. One of his existing creations is the symbol of Cotton College, Guwahati, but most of his works couldn't be stored. A hostel in Cotton College established in his memory named Mahendra Nath Deka Phukan or (MNDP)

Indira Goswami (14 November 1942 – 29 November 2011), known by her pen name Mamoni Raisom Goswami and popularly as Mamoni Baideo, was an Indian writer, poet, professor, scholar and editor. She was the winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award (1983), the Jnanpith Award (2000) and Principal Prince Claus Laureate (2008). A celebrated writer of contemporary Indian literature, many of her works have been translated into English from her native Assamese which include The Moth Eaten Howdah of the Tusker, Pages Stained With Blood and The Man from Chinnamasta. She was also well known for her attempts to structure social change, both through her writings and through her role as mediator between the armed militant group United Liberation Front of Asom and the Government of India. Her involvement led to the formation of the People's Consultative Group, a peace committee. She referred to herself as an "observer" of the peace process rather than as a mediator or initiator. Her work has been performed on stage and in film. The film Adajya is based on her novel and won international awards. Words from the Mist is a film made on her life directed by Jahnu Barua. Her Novels - 1972 Chinavar Srota (The Chenab's Current), 1976 Neelkanthi Braja (The Blue-Necked Braja), 1980 Ahiron, 1980 Mamore Dhora Tarowal aru Dukhon Uponyas (The Rusted Sword and Two Other Novels), 1980 Budhosagor Dhukhor Geisha Aru Mohammed Musa, 1988 Datal Hatir Une Khowa Howda (The Moth Eaten Howdah of a Tusker translated by the author, Rupa Publications). Her Short Stories -

2009 "Thengphakhri Tehsildaror Tamor Taruwal" ("The Bronze Sword of Thengphakhri Tehsildar") translated by Aruni Kashyap, published by Zubaan Books, 2013)

Beasts, Dwarka and His Gun, Parasu's Well, The Journey, Sanskar, To Break a Begging Bowl, Udang Bakach, Ramayana from Ganga to Brahmaputra, Delhi 1996. (Research work on Saptakanda Ramayana)

Urmila Mahanta is an Indian actress. A student of the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, Mahanta appeared in various plays, short films and television series, before making her feature film debut in the critically acclaimed 2012 Tamil crime thriller Vazhakku Enn 18/9. She has acted in Hindi, Assamese, Bengali and Malayalam films. Mahanta had been acting in plays since her childhood and won many awards. Afterwards, she was featured in several television serials such as Murder and Tejimola for Doordarshan (NE), which were followed by appearances in various critically acclaimed short films including Aaliya, that won the Special Critic Award at the 2012 Mumbai International Film Festival, Their Story and Cheng Kurthy. Mahanta has received notable praise for portraying the character of a slum dweller, Jyothi, who works as a housemaid. The film itself received widespread acclaim, with reviewers calling it "excellent", a "must-watch", and even "the film of the year". Mahanta ultimately went on to state that Vazhakku Enn 18/9 was the best decision she had ever made. In 2015, she began work on her first Malayalam film Udal and AR Murugadoss' Hindi directorial Akira

Anandaram Dhekial Phukan (1829–1859) was one of the pioneers of Assamese literature in the Orunodoi era who joined in the literary revolution initiated by missionaries. Phukan was born in 1829 at Guwahati in the Dhekial Phukan family. He was remembered for his efforts in promoting the Assamese language. He played a major role in reinstating the Assamese language as the official language of Assam. Anandaram Dhekial Phukan started his literary life at the age of 17. From then until his death his sole aim was the development of his land and its people, to the detriment of his own health, which led Col. Hopkins to compare him to the Raja Rammohan Roy of West Bengal. In 1847, Anandaram published Englandor Biwaran (Description of England) in Orunodoi. In 1849, he published Asomiya Lorar Mitra (Assamese Children's Friend) in two volumes containing almost 400 pages, which is considered a milestone in the history of Assamese literature. In 1853, when Moffat Mills came to Assam to review the economic condition, Anandaram Dhekial Phukan presented him with a report written in lucid English describing the political and administrative situation of Assam, in-depth analysis of problems faced by the Assamese language and education system, and reasons and solutions to the poor economic condition of the Assamese people. He published another book, A few remarks on Assamese language, in English in 1855, in which he discussed the independent criteria of the language and the grievous outcome of imposing Bengali as the official language in Assam. This book mentions about 62 religious books and 40 plays.

Tarun Ram Phukan (also Phookun, (22 January 1877 – 28 July 1939) was a prominent leader of Assam. He was popularly known as Deshbhakta. Tarun Ram Phukan was born in 1877 in a reputed family of Assam. He was a prominent member of a political organization then named Assam Association till 1920. Phookan played an important part in forming the Assam Branch of the Indian National Congress in 1921. He was elected its first President. When the Non-Cooperation Movement was started, Phookan took a leading part in it and he toured various parts of Assam carrying the message of Mahatma Gandhi. In connection with the Non-Cooperation Movement, he was sentenced to one year's rigorous imprisonment in 1921.Phookan became the Chairman of the Reception Committee, Pandu Session of the Indian National Congress in 1926. He also served as Chairman of the Municipal Board and Local Board of Guwahati and undertook several programmes for the upliftment of the under-privileged sections of society. He established a Leper Asylum in Guwahati. He was a great orator and also a prominent writer. He served as the President of the Asam Sahitya Sabha, a premier literary organisation in Assam at its Goalpara Session in 1927. He also served as President of the Assam Chhatra Sammelan in 1928. He also bought the first bicycle and the first motor car in Guwahati. The Government of Assam, in 2021, decided Phukan's death date to be observed as Desh Bhakti Divas every year.

Sir Syed Muhammad Saadulla KCIE (21 May 1885 – 8 January 1955) was the Prime Minister of Assam in British India. He was also the chairman of Gauhati Municipality in 1919 and Minister-in-Charge of Education and Agriculture for Assam from 1924 to 1934. Syed Muhammad Saadulla was born on 21 May 1885 in Guwahati, to an orthodox Assamese Muslim family.He was educated at Cotton College, Guwahati and at Presidency College, Calcutta. He was knighted in the 1928 Birthday Honours and appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (KCIE) in the 1946 Birthday Honours. Tall and athletic, Syed Muhammad Saadulla, M.A., B.L., a youthful 24-year-old, became a Pleader in Guwahati and set up practice at Lakhtakia in 1910. He soon made his mark as a lawyer. He became chairman, Guwahati Municipality, and was nominated as a member of the Legislative Council at Shillong. Towards the end of February, 1924 Saadulla received a letter from Sir Kerr, Governor of Assam offering him a seat in his Council. Saadulla was sworn in as Minister, and he rented a house known as "Rookwood" for his family. 1924 was a bad year for him; his beloved wife died at child-birth in the early hours of 9 December. He never really recovered from the cruel shock and profound grief. He never remarried and immersed himself in work and bringing up an infant daughter and looking after three sons. After eleven years at Shillong, and disenchanted with Assam politics, he felt that it was time for him to make a move. Opportunity was at hand, Sir John Anderson, Governor of Bengal, had personally offered him a High Court Judgeship. Sir Syed Muhammad Saadulla went to Calcutta in 1935. Much to his dismay, Sir Harold Darbyshire, the Chief Justice, pointed out that he could not be appointed as a Judge for want of requisite experience of ten years of continuous practice at the Bar. A General Election, under the Government of India Act., 1935, was being held in February, 1937. Saadulla returned to Assam and was elected to the Legislative Assembly. The Governor invited him to form the Ministry. It was his inestimable good fortune that he was premier of Assam. There were turbulent years in Assam politics and blessed with sturdy constitution, he performed with exemplary courage the onerous task with devotion and enthusiasm and generosity. In every public duty, he held the interest of the people of Assam foremost in his heart. The honour of Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (KCIE) was conferred upon him on 1 January 1946. The Assam Legislative Assembly elected Saadulla to the Constituent Assembly of India in 1947 and the later elected him to the drafting committee. Thus he helped in the preparation of the Constitution of the Republic of India.

Satyanath Bora (1860–1925) was an Assamese grammarian, essayist and music composer. He writes sometimes in the pen name of Ejon Asomiya. Bora participated in India's freedom struggle and also associated with the Jonaki and Usha magazine. He is the author of Gitabali, a book consisting of 28 modern Assamese song. Other literacy works of Bora are Sarathi (The Guide, 1915), Kendra Sabha (1925), Chintakoli (Buds of thought, 1935) and Akash-rahasya, Jivanar omiya, His grammatical works include Bohol Byakoron, a book on the Assamese grammar.

RELIGION

Hindus – 84.89%

Muslims - 12.05%,

Christians - 1.50%

Jains - 0.74%

LANGUAGES

Assamese – 57.87%,

Bengali – 20.50%,

Hindi – 10.50%

Nepali – 2.39%

Boro – 1.66%

Karbi – 1.55%

KARBI ANGLONG DISTRICT

Karbi Anglong district is one of the 34 administrative districts of Assam in India. Diphu is the administrative headquarter of the district. The district is administered by Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council according to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The name "Karbi Anglong" is derived from Karbi language. The word Karbi is the name of indigenous tribe living in and around the region. The origin of the word Karbi is unknown. The tribe call themselves as Arleng, meaning "Humans." Anglong is homonym noun for Hills and Mountains.

Pre independence

Prior to the pre-British rule in North East India, the territory of Karbi Anglong was never properly or scientifically demarcated; and it was also not a part of any properly established external government or kingdom. There could be some suppression and occupation here and there by their neighboring people groups or kingdoms, but there are no plausible historical evidences to support the claims that the people of Karb

i Anglong as a whole were under an external dominion.The British, under their subjugation, constituted and declared the land of the Karbi people as a ‘Scheduled District’ in 1874. Later, Mikir Hills track was constituted as "Partially Excluded areas" under the Govt. of India Act, 1935.

Post independence

On November 17, 1951, now defunct United Mikir Hills and North Cachar Hills district was created by combining some parts of the districts of the now Golaghat, Nagaon, Cachar and United Khasi and Jaintia Hills district of present-day Meghalaya state. This was followed by bifurcation of the erstwhile district of United Mikir and North Cachar Hills into two separate districts — Mikir Hills district and North Cachar Hills district — on 2 February 1970. Mikir Hills district was renamed as Karbi Anglong district on 14 October 1976. In 2016, the district was divided into 2 new districts. The western part of the district including Hamren, Donkamokam and other adjoining areas forming the new district of West Karbi Anglong. The area that comprises the present district of Karbi-Anglong was outside the political sphere of the Ahom kingdom prior to the British colonization of this region. After the recommendation of Simon Commission, the hill area of Karbi Anglong was given a different status under Section 92 of the Government of India Act 1935 and area was placed under the category of "Partially Excluded Areas". The Government of Assam by this law holds no political power over the excluded areas which were administered under the special power of the Governor. In the year 1937, political leaders such Semsonsing Ingti, Seng Bey and Khorsing Terang in a memorandum to Assam Governor, Sir Robert Neil Reid, demanded a separate hill district for Mikirs. A regional political forum, called Karbi-A-Durbar, was formed to intensify the movement. After the formation of Indian Union, several ethnic communities of Northeast India like Naga people, Mizo people, Bodo people and Khasi people began demanding separate statehood and a complete independent identity for their own. These demands were agitated both by common people and by a group of insurgents. The Congress Government of Assam in 1960, declared Assamese language as the official language of the State ignoring existence of multiple tribes and languages, causing discontent among the various indigenous tribes, which formed majority of erstwhile state of Assam. This led to the formation of Nagaland State in 1963 and State of Meghalaya in 1971. The then unified districts (Karbi Anglong district & Dima Hasao district) were invited to join the newly created Meghalaya. The twin districts vetoed to join the newly created State of Meghalaya, after the assurance of greater independence from State of Assam. Though the same assurance by State of Assam remain partly or wholly unfulfilled and diluted through decades. This led to several memorandums, wave of agitations in the twin Districts of Karbi Anglong district and Dima Hasao district complaining of lack of fulfilment, infiltration in the Sixth schedule, ignorance and imposition of Assamese towards these districts by the State of Assam. The district is also a hotbed of militant activities who aspire to achieve statehood though violence. UPDS, now defunct, has come overground for overall good, peace and development of the region and people. With Karbi as majority, there also exist numerous other tribal groups like Paite, Tiwa and Hmar are found scattered in the district. All these tribal represents different and unique identities, customs and traditions, clothing, food and religions of their own, yet they share many common practices making them self-sufficient, satisfied and less dependent from outside supplies than the rest of conventional civilized sections. They all rely on Bamboo for their essential frequent use including food (bamboo sprout) and house building materials, curve out utensils from wood, spin out cotton, jhum cultivation, non-dowry practice, local hygienic green vegetables instead of regular green market, clothes manufacturing, and so on.

Video Link : The Karbi People - Tribes of Assam (Courtesy : Assam Gyan in Depth)

Karbi Youth Festival is an annual festival celebrated by the Karbi people of Assam along with other tribals to propagate and display their rich culture and traditions in one platform. It is celebrated between 15 and 19 February of every year in Taralangso, Diphu, Karbi Anglong District. It is locally called Karbi Riso-Nimso Rong Aje.

Video Link : Karbi Youth Festival (Courtesy : KAT Entertainment)

Administration

The district administrative headquarters is located at Diphu.

Video Link : Diphu - City Facts (Courtesy : The Incognito)

The district is under the administration of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council. Diphu is the district headquarter, as well administrative headquarters of the same. The CEM of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council is the chairperson and chief executive of the council and district respectively, supported by twenty six other Executive Members of the council. The Principal Secretary, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council is the administrative head of the districts. The Deputy Commissioners is responsible for maintenance of Law and Order, Administration of Justice. Other important town of the districts is Bokajan. As per 2011 census, Total number of villages in the district is 2073 with combined 11 Development Blocks to look after the development activities in the district.

There are three Vidhan Sabha constituencies in the district, namely Bokajan, Howraghat and Diphu. All are part of 3 S.T. Autonomous District Lok Sabha constituency of Assam designated for scheduled tribes.

Video Link : Karbi Anglong District (Courtesy : Rakesh Kiling)

Economy

In 2006, the Indian government named Karbi Anglong one of the country's 250 most backward districts (out of a total of 640). It is one of the eleven districts in Assam currently receiving funds from the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF). Agriculture is the main source of income for the people along with Horticulture, Livestock, Plantation, Sericulture, Weaving, etc. Tribals are generally self-sufficient. They mostly rely on wild vegetables found in hills both for domestic consumption and commercial purpose.

Ginger : Karbi Anglong ginger has been granted geographical indication (GI) rights by the GI Registry of India. About 10,000 farmers grow ginger. The average annual production in Karbi Anglong is 30,000 tonnes.

Video Link : Karbi Anglong Ginger - GI Tag (Courtesy : GI-Trips India)

Tea : As per the Statistical Hand Book Assam, 2018 the district has 1,590 tea growers registered with Tea Board of India with total area of 2,488.21 hectare. In 2017, the district's tea production was 4.59 million kg and stood at No.12 among other districts of Assam.

The region also produces significant numbers of Areca nut, Baccaurea ramiflora, Beans, Jackfruit, Maize, Orange (fruit), Peach, Pineapple, Potato and Sweetpotato, Plum, Sugarcane, Tapioca, Turmeric, etc.

One of CCI working factory (out of three) called Bokajan Cement Factory is located in Bokajan. Its product is exported to the whole country.

Potentiality for development

The district is rich in mineral resources. It has Feldspar and Limestone reserve's. According to the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Karbi Anglong has reserve Coal of 1.3 m. tonnes, Granite of 30 m. cum and Kaolinite of 0.7 m. tonnes.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Singhason Peak : Singhason Peak, which towers over an altitude of about 1600 m above the sea level, is the highest of its kind in Karbi Anglong District of Assam.

Video Link : Singhason - The Highest Peak of Assam (Courtesy : Sarnongklar SNH)

Trekking up the mount through the rainforest, reverie and rocky hills is a unique experience. Barking deer, pygmy hog, spotted deer, varieties of monkeys, langoors and Himalayan Horn Bills are found here in plenty. An army airstrip of the British, built during the Second World War, at the hilltop is ideal for a campsite. From the summit, one could catch the panoramic view of the entire Brahmaputra Valley, the snow-clad Himalayan ranges, and the Patkai and the Barail ranges.

Trekking Expeditions : Expeditions to Singhason, the highest peak of the district with altitude of about 1600 mtrs. through rainforest, reverie, rocky hills with enchanting sight and sound. The expeditions will have additional thrill while evaluating with varieties of birds and animals including barking deer, pygmy hog, spotted deer, varieties of monkeys, langoors, birds of unspecified and specified varieties including Himalayan Horn Bills in their natural abode. During the 2nd World War the British had developed the hill top into an Army Air-Strip which remains in its original form and now provides a pleasant camp site for further development. This spot is also a natural watch tower of the entire Brahmaputra Valley, the snow cladded Himalayan ranges, the Patkai and Barail ranges as far as the eye permits. Further expeditionist will experience the warm tropical climate maximum 35 degree C to 17 degree C in summer and 25 degree C to 10 degree C in winter within the 30 Km distance only.

Botanical Garden : At 5 km from Diphu Town , a mechanised with nature conservation coupled with semi-natural water body preserved and conserved with beautifully developed surroundings. You may take a small stroll, rowing as well as arrange picnic with family or friends.

Video Link : Diphu Botanical Garden (Courtesy : DR Studio)

Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary : Located in Karbi Analong Autonomous district council, Marat Longri wildlife sanctuary is a protected reserve, a part of the Dhansiri-Lunging Elephant Reserve. Marat Longri wildlife sanctuary is a protected reserve that is also a part of the Dhansiri-Lunging Elephant Reserve. It is located in Karbi Analong Autonomous district council, and it is around 10 km away from Diphu.

Video Link : Marat Longri Wild Life Sanctuary (Courtesy : soumenshotz)

This wildlife sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna it comprises four important reserve forests(RF), namely Disama reserve forest, kaki reserve forest, Miyungdisa district council reserve forest, and Englongkiri D.C.R.F. The main wildlife species found inside the sanctuary include the Royal Bengal Tiger, Binturong, Asiatic elephant, barking deer, Himalayan black bear, hoolock gibbon, etc., and a large variety of avifauna. It is adjacent to the Dhansiri reserve forest that is one of the hugest reserve forests in Asia. Many different species of mammals, birds, and reptiles also found in the Marat Longri wildlife sanctuary.

Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary : It is one of the oldest sanctuaries containing hot water spring and waterfalls, and has a rich biodiversity. It is surrounded by Nambor Sanctuary having 51 rare species of orchid. Many rare birds can be seen here. It is home to hoolock gibbons and golden langurs. The climate is tropical and the vegetation is mostly semi-evergreen and tropical. The best time to visit is from November to April.

Video Link : Garampani Wild Life Sanctuary (Courtesy : Perona The Inspiration)

Silveta : Silveta waterfall is one of the unexplored tourist destinations, an isolated place in the Highway NH36, with a public garden cum picnic spot under Karbi Anglong Autonomus Council, Department of Environment and Forest, Manja Central Range, Karbi Anglong East Division. Also, it is a part of Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary. People from adjacent areas come here for picnics on Sundays or other holidays.

Video Link : Silveta Water Falls

(Courtesy : Hidden Beauty Explore)

Tokolangso Waterfall is located in the Toko Langso Village of Silonijan Tehsil in Karbi Anglong district of Assam. It is situated at a distance of 20 km from the nearest town Bokajan which is famous for its government-owned cement factory. The Toko Langso village is inhabited by the Kuki ethnic group of Northeast India. The name Toko Langso is derived from the Toko tree, the Karbi word Lang meaning water and langso meaning a river stream.

Video Link : Tokolangso Waterfalls

(Courtesy : H Basumatary)

Kakochang waterfall is also a well-known tourist attraction/picnic spot near Kaziranga. The remains of the historical Numaligarh can also be viewed from this place. The waterfall is located about 13 km from the Bokakhat, a place in the Jorhat Region of Assam. It is also called as Kakojan is really beautiful waterfall located amidst maiden and unexplored nature’s gift. Topographically it comes under Karbi Anglong district of Assam. But this waterfall is easily accessible from Bokakhat – a small town situated in the Golaghat district of Assam. The waterfall base is around 12 to 14 kilometers from Bokakhat and the trek of approx 04 kilometer would take you to the waterfall base.

Video Link : Kakochang Waterfalls (Courtesy : Travel Escape Vlogs)

Bheloghat Waterfall Also known as Dikrutpi Waterfalls (in Karbi language), the source of the Dikrutpi river is a major tourist attraction in the district of Karbi Anglong, Assam. It is located about 50 kms from Diphu and 17 Kms from Dokmoka (nearest town). It is one of the highest waterfalls in Assam and turns out to be an amazing getaway for a day trip in summer particularly in avoiding the heat for you will be drenched by waterfalls mist.

Video Link : Belughat Water Falls (Courtesy : Gautam VLogs)

Kangthilangso Waterfalls : This beautiful place is not just an Eco-tourism waterfall but a village which is surrounded by the local Karbi ethnic people who are the original settlers. This beautiful waterfall attracts the passionating flora lovers. This waterfall is just very sweet and beautiful at first but you will love it more the more you explore upto it. 4-5 steps of waterfall still awaits at its top which is a little bit risky to climb because of its wet and poor track on to it. Apart from that this place is awesome which is situated just few miles away from the own town of Den Arong (Dengaon).

Video Link : Kangthilangso Waterfalls (Courtesy : Timung Lindok)

Langvoku waterfall the beauty of East Karbi Anglong(Assam).This place undoubtedly beautiful with its fountains. Langvoku waterfall is located in the Manja-Dilai Area of Karbi Anglong District in Assam.Thrilling experiences and adventerous ways onto the hilltop to see the marvelous creation of nature.

Video Link : Langvoku Waterfalls (Courtesy : Timung Lindok)

Dikrutso Waterfalls framed by the lush green diversity of the lush tropical rainforest, the trail passes in Paklongkam through the diverse scenery and culminates at the top of an absolutely spectacular waterfall. Dikrutso waterfall is quite difficult and ardous to reach. The trek involves thick jungle, stream fords and scaling nearly vertical rock faces.

IMPORTANT TOWNS AND CITIES

Bokajan is a town in Karbi Anglong district in the state of Assam, India. Bokajan is best known for its Cement factory (Cement Corporation of India, Bokajan). It is 15 km away from Dimapur and partially borders Nagaland. The Bokajan Cement Factory is one of the 3 functional cement factory in India, out of its 10 cement factories of Cement Corporation of India Limited (CCI), which are fully owned by the Central Govt. of India. The factory occupy an area that consist of the factory, the mining area and the township. The township consists of various civic amenities such as health centres, guest houses, bank, post office, telephone exchange and so on.

Video Link : Bokajan Town (Courtesy : Vishal Nair)

Video Link : CCI Factory - Bokajan (Courtesy : Hrishii jr)

Diphu is the headquarter of Karbi Anglong district in the state of Assam in India. This small town is a popular tourist hill station for people of nearby cities. The town is home to many indigenous communities and other communities from rest of the country. Dimasas, Karbis, Rengma, Tiwa Kachari, Bodo Kachari, Garo Kachari and Rabha being the major tribes of the district. The town exhibits peaceful and harmonious coexistence among them. It houses temples, churches, mosques and gurudwaras. The town celebrates all the major festivals together with much fun-fare. Rongker, Bushu-Dima, Wangala, Bihu, Sikpui-Ruoi, Christmas, Durga Puja, Diwali, Baikho and other festivals are celebrated with fervour and joy. Taralangso, is located in the heart of Diphu. The headquarters of "Karbi Cultural Society", which is an established democratic cultural organisation, is permanently set here. The Karbi Youth Festival is celebrated in Taralangso every year from 15 to 19 February. During the festival the place becomes a cultural pilgrimage.

Video Link : Diphu Town (Courtesy : Facts Market GLP)

Video Link : Teralangso Museum (Courtesy : Vinita Sharma)

Dokmoka is a town in Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council in the state of Assam, India. Local people like to refer the town as Dongmukak. It has it own Town Committee. Jhankeshwar Mahadev Temple, Akashi Ganga, Mahamaya, (Mahamaya temple is on top of the hills. The temple is famous for the Maha Lakshmi Mai. This temple is about 400 years old. The hill-view from all four sides appears the same. There is a big natural lake on top of the hills near the temple. Hanuman Bandar is a cave on the hill-top, which is also a very good tourist place.), Dikrutpi Waterfall.

Video Link : Mahamaya Temple near Dokmoka (Courtesy : MRR Basumatary)

Howraghat is a town in the Karbi Anglong district of the Indian state of Assam. It is home to many indigenous communities mainly Karbi, Dimasa Kachari, Tiwa (Lalung) Kachari, Bodo Kachari, etc. The name "Howraghat" came from Karbi words 'Hawar Kehat' meaning crossing border. The word became distorted later as Howraghat.

Video Link : Beautiful Haverkehat Town (Courtesy : Timung Lindok)

FAMOUS PERSONALITIES

Rongbong Terang is a literary figure from Assam, India. He is a Padmashree Awardee for his literary work Rongmilir Hanhi (1981).Rongbong Terang worked as an Assamese teacher in Diphu Govt. Boy High School. Then as an Assamese lecturer in Diphu Govt. College and acted as Principal-in-charge on 1 April 2000 and retired on 30 November 2002. He was also the president of Asam Sahitya Sabha for two terms. Terang was given Lifetime Achievement award at Pratidin Achiever Award 2021, Lummer Dai Award in 2019 ,he is conferred with Honorary DLitt from Cotton University on May 2022.

Semsonsing Ingti (1910-1948) was an Indian social and economic reformer and author. He has been called the Father of the Karbi people, for his work in uniting the Karbi, an indigenous ethnic group in Northeast India concentrated in the state of Assam. He was also called Lametpo during his heyday. Semsonsing Ingti began by visiting inaccessible areas. Others would have chafed at going to such places, but he was determined to reach out and educate everyone in the world. He believed that only education would bring people from backwardness.He battled social taboos common superstitions. For example, women were not allowed to walk beside or in front of their husbands and were forbidden to carry umbrellas, because it was considered disrespectful to their husbands. Although the Karbi people did not believe in the mistreatment of women, the social status of women remains unequal. He spread knowledge on improving Jhum cultivation and asked farmers to live together rather than in small groups, so they could produce higher quantities of their produce. Drinking beer is traditional in Karbi culture, but this was misinterpreted to him. Beer drinking was only for social occasions, but it had become a daily life habit for people at that time. He gave up drinking beer as an example for others.

Religion

Hinduism – 80.36%

Christianity – 15.32%

Islam – 2.88%

Buddhism – 0.87%

Other or not stated – 1.00%

Languages

Karbi - 51.94%

Bengali - 13.02%

Assamese - 9.03%

Boro - 6.04%

Nepali -4.67%

Hindi - 3.70%

Dimasa - 2.65%

Bhojpuri - 2.17%

Sadri - 1.90%

Kuki - 1.39%

Garo - 1.22%

Others - 10.27%

KARIMGANJ DISTRICT

Karimganj district is one of the 34 districts of the Indian state of Assam. Karimganj town is both the administrative headquarters district and the biggest town of this district. It is located in southern Assam and borders Tripura and the Sylhet Division of Bangladesh. It makes up the BarakValley alongside Hailakandi and Cachar. Karimganj was previously part of the Sylhet District before the Partition of India. It became a district in 1983.

History

After the Conquest of Gour in 1303, many disciples of Shah Jalal migrated and settled in present-day Karimganj district where they preached Islam to the local people. Syed Abu Bakr migrated to Chhotalekha, Adam Khaki and Shah Syed Badruddin to Badarpur and Shah Sikandar to Bundasil (Deorail). During the 15th century, an independent state was established in the region by a landowner named Malik Pratap, who seceded it from its previous rulers, the Manikya dynasty of Tripura. This state, named the Pratapgarh Kingdom, ruled there for several centuries and came into conflict with the neighbouring monarchs of Bengal and Kachar. Pratapgarh was eventually conquered by the latter during the early 17th century. Karimganj was first established as a subdivision of the Sylhet district with 40 parganas in 1778. The area got its name from Muhammad Karim Chowdhury, a Bengali Muslim mirashdar who originally established a bazaar (known as Karimganj) less than four miles south of the confluence of the Natikhal and Kushiyara River. However, the Natikhal would become dry in autumn and for this reason, the bazaar was relocated to its present headquarters, Karimganj, in the 1870s.

The Sylhet Referendum :

Video Link : Sylhet Referendum

(Courtesy : Gitika Trust)

During the partition of India 1946–47, a plebiscite was held so as to decide which whether Sylhet region covering entire Sylhet, Moulovi Bazaar, Karimganj would remain in India or join the newly formed Pakistan. Abdul Matlib Mazumdar was one of the silent Indian freedom fighters who led a delegation before Radcliffe commission to ensure Greater Sylhet region remained with India/Assam. But on stern demands of the Muslim League, and with support of top leaders of Assam then, plebiscite was held where Sylhet region (including Karimganj) voted to go with Pakistan, winning by a very small margin. The referendum was held in July 1947, and the ayes for Pakistan won by a razor-thin margin. There were allegations of rigging and bogus votes, but that was only to be expected, whichever side won. Sylhet was gifted to East Pakistan with Karimganj being divided and handed over to India/Assam reason stated to let India have proper connectivity with Tripura. The Kushiyara River was made the river border between India & East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Parts of Greater Karimganj including Beani-Bazar, Barlekha, Shahpur and Zakiganj fell under East Pakistan and Karimganj was given to India.

Video Link : Khushiyara River (Courtesy : Chintom Moran)

It is bordered on the north east by Cachar District, east and south by Hailakandi district, south by Mizoram, southwest by Tripura state, and on the west and northwest by Bangladesh. Karimganj, the administrative headquarters and main town of the district also bears the same name, that is, Karimganj. Karimganj town is located on the northern fringe of the district adjoining Bangladesh, by the river Kushiyara. Flanked on two sides by the rivers Kushiyara and Longai, Karimganj town is located just on the Bangladesh border with the river Kushiyara flowing in between. One prominent feature of the place is a long and winding canal called Noti Khal meandering through the town. Earlier, it used to be a connecting river way between Kushiyara and Longai facilitating river communication and also balancing of water-levels between the two rivers. Now, however, this canal has been blocked at several places through embankments and landfills to pave way for road transport and construction works.

The forests of Karimganj were once rich in wildlife but now vanishing due to human onslaught. Rare species found are Tiger, Hoolock gibbon, Porcupine, Golden Langur (Hanuman), Monkey, Fox, Asian Elephant, Giant river otter, macaw parrots, Parakeets, Hornbill, Maina, different types of local and migratory birds, Snakes, Coypubara (2nd largest rodent in world) etc., have been recorded. The Patharia hills reserve forest of the district is the habitat of many mammals and was recommended to upgrade as 'Patharia hills wildlife sanctuary'. The southern part was also recommended as 'Dhaleswari' wildlife sanctuary.

Video Link : Karimganj District Profile (Courtesy : The Incognito)

Economy

Karimganj town is an important centre of trade and commerce in the North East India. Its river port, with elaborate infra-structures like cargo-terminal, jetty, warehouses etc., is capable of handling large volumes of cargoes carried by steamers plying through river ways via Bangladesh. Karimganj is also a border trade centre and import-export business worth crores of rupees is carried out through the custom trade point at Dakbangla Ghat in the town and Sutarkandi Custom Station. Karimganj is an agricultural district. Historically, tea has been the major agricultural product of Cachar region including Karimganj.

Administration

The district headquarters are located at Karimganj.

Video Link : Karimganj Town (Courtesy : Nova Hajong)

Karimganj District has one sub-division. The district has 5 tehsils or development circles (Karimganj, Badarpur, Nilambazar, Patharkandi and Ramkrishna Nagar), two urban areas (Karimganj and Patahrkandi) 3 towns (Karimganj, Badarpur, and Patahrkandi), 7 community development blocks (North Karimganj, South Karimganj, Badarpur, Patharkandi, Ramkrishna Nagar, Dullavcherra and Lowairpoa), 7 police stations (Karimganj, Badarpur, Ramkrishna Nagar, Patharkandi, Ratabari, Nilambazar, and Bazarichara), 96 gram panchayats, and seven anchalik panchayats.

There are five Assam Legislative Assembly constituencies in this district: Ratabari, Patharkandi, Karimganj North, Karimganj South, and Badarpur. Ratabari is designated for scheduled castes. All five are in the Karimganj Lok Sabha constituency.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Son Bheel, The Second Largest Wetland In Asia : The most amazing thing about Son Beel is that it becomes a farm land for rice cultivation during winter till March and then the land fills with water and becomes a lake. The less depth of the lake makes it overflow during rainy season and the water meets Kushiara River through Kakra River and flows to Bangladesh. The lake gives a picturesque landscape with hills on both east and west sides.

Video Link : Son Bheel (Courtesy : Nasimul Amin)

The inlet and outlets of Son Beel is River Shingla that originates in Manipur. Son Beel is famous for its fishery and it is one of the main producers of fish for the entire district in southern Assam. Son Beel is best visited during rainy season that is March onwards till the beginning of winters. Till then the lake is full of water and offers a view that is hard to find elsewhere. The mesmerizing seasonal wetland is house to many Hizol trees (Barringtonia Acutangula) which offers an amazing view around the lake. The trees stand tall in both dry and wet seasons and the half merged Hizol trees are a point of attraction. Apart from that, sunrise and sunset near the lake gives you a colorful view with sun rays reflecting in different ways. The night sky is full of stars with lake shining in the dark.

Malegarh Crematorium is a historical place where the brave soldiers of the revolt of 1857 were cremated. It is a constant reminder of the past, more than 50 soldiers lost their lives during the rebel.

Video Link : Malegarh Crematorium (Courtesy : Ayurvedic Drugs)

Earlier it was under Sylhet district of Bangladesh, which was under Karimganj district of West Bengal before the Independence of India. This place served as the battlefield during the 1857 sepay mutiny. It was a point of the skirmish at the time of the mutiny, and it falls along the Indo- Bangladesh border. However, Bangladesh border guards and BSF shifted their border fences to prevent the actual site from being a no man's zone. You will see a marble and stone plaque present on the site that says the story of the war.

The Badarpur Fort of Assam which was built during the Mughal Era is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Karimganj district of Assam. The fort is beautifully located on the banks of River Barak in Assam and the view of Barak River from the fort is really amazing which makes the place more attractive and beautiful.

Video Link : Badarpur Historical Fort (Courtesy : Jafor Khan)

Although the Badarpur Fort is very old but it is very fast and still stand erect. Badarpur Fort is famous for the following reason like it was built during the Mughal Era and hence it is a historical place, the fort had well-furnished rooms for the royal courtiers and for the members of that time, the fort is beautifully surrounded by greenery which increases the beauty of this place automatically and it stands for the semi-ruined state, earlier the architecture was Islamic but now it is semi-ruined and hence its one of the best place for photography which locals usually prefers.

Sutarkandi international border crossing on Bangladesh–India border on Karimganj-Beanibazar route is in Karimganj district of Assam in India. Famous for having an International trade centre, Sutarkandi is the International border of India and Bangladesh. Through this space, export of fruits, silicon and coal is done. The place is situated in the district of Karimganj, Assam.

Video Link : Sutarkandi International Border (Courtesy : Chintom Moran)

The place has a huge scope of tourism and the government of Assam is working on the same. It is located 14km away from Karimganj and contains principal custom check post for the trade flow. The International Trade Centre near the Indo-Bangladesh border is one of the two popular things to see near Sutarkandi. The second is the Indo-Bangladesh Border where you can see lots of BSF and Bangladesh guards guarding the respective countries that will give you a similar view of Wagha Border between India and Pakistan.

IMPORTANT TOWNS AND CITIES

Karimganj is a city in the Karimganj District of the Indian state of Assam. It is the administrative headquarters of the district. Most of the people in the town follow Hinduism, with significant followers of Islam and a small Christian and Jain population.

Video Link : Karimganj - Places to Visit

(Courtesy : NCV Vlogs)

Badarpur is a town and a town area committee in Karimganj district in the state of Assam, India. Badarpur. Together with adjacent Badarpur Railway Town, it forms the Badarpur Urban Area, one of two notified urban areas in the district. The area is also popularly known as "Gateway to the Barak Valley" of Assam. After the Conquest of Sylhet in 1303, a disciple of Shah Jalal known as Adam Khaki migrated and settled in present-day Deorail, Badarpur. Along with him Syed Shah Badaruddin settled in Bundashil area of present day . Badarpur is also very much popular in the valley because of its geographical point of view. Nowadays it has become the centre for various educational institutions.

Video Link : Badarpur Town (Courtesy : MR Taaz)

FAMOUS PERSONALITIES

Syed Mujtaba Ali (13 September 1904 – 11 February 1974) was a Bengali writer, journalist, travel enthusiast, academic, scholar and linguist. He lived n Bangladesh, India, Germany, Afghanistan and Egypt. Ali was born on 13 September 1904 to a Bengali Muslim family in Karimganj, Sylhet district, British Raj. Ali's mother tongue Bengali, but he could speak 14 languages English, French, German, Italian, Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Hindi, Sanskrit,Marathi, Gujarati, Pashtu and Greek. Alongside Natya Guru Nurul Momen and Jajabar (Binay Mukhopadhyay), Ali was one of the trail-blazers of a unique category of Bengali writing. 'Ramya Rachana' in the Bengali language, an anecdotal story-telling – often based on real-life experiences – became immensely popular, mostly because of the attractive writing style of Ali. Deshe Bideshe, the story of his journey to and experiences in Kabul during his brief stint as professor in a college there is one of Ali's best works. Panchatantra is a collection of thoughts and short stories (some already published in 'Desh' magazine) of his days in Europe, Cairo and Baroda.

Abd al-Jalīl ibn Aṣghar Choudhury al-Badarfūrī (1925 – 19 December 1989), or simply Abdul Jalil Choudhury Badarpuri , was a Bengali Deobandi Islamic scholar, teacher and politician. Born in what is now Bangladesh, Choudhury became one of the senior disciples of Hussain Ahmed Madani from Sylhet District. He relocated to Badarpur, Karimganj following the Partition of Bengal in 1947 and served as a member of the Assam Legislative Assembly for several terms. Choudhury has many contributions in Northeast India, covering Islamic and social development, and had participated in the Bengali Language Movement of the Barak Valley. Choudhury's activism began in his student life, and he was associated with the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind sought for independence from the British Raj whilst opposing the Partition of India His biographers mention that Muslim League politicians conspired against him and other influential Jamiat supporters, and thus Choudhury requested Jamiat members in Assam to help him migrate to the Indian dominion. The Assam Jamiat politicians solicited his citizenship to Gopinath Bordoloi, the erstwhile Chief Minister of Assam, who personally sent a letter to Choudhury inviting him to Assam. As soon as Choudhury received the letter in September 1947, he settled in the village of Alaqulipur in Karimganj, leaving his parents, siblings and spouse.

Moulvi Abdul Munim Choudhury was an Indian Bengali politician and Islamic scholar. He was the former two-time member of the Assam Legislative Assembly for the Karimganj South constituency. Choudhury was born into a scholarly Bengali Muslim family of Choudhuries in the village of Bagbari in Karimganj (then under Sylhet district). His ancestors had either migrated from Ghor Province in Afghanistan during the Mughal period, or were descended from Shah Umar Yemeni, one of the 360 companions of the Sufi saint Shah Jalal. Choudhury's great-grandfather, Najib Ali Choudhury, was an Islamic scholar who had founded Madinatul Uloom Bagbari, the first modern madrasa in the Sylhet region, and his grandfather Ghulam Rab Choudhury was also an Islamic scholar. Choudhury was educated in the Islamic tradition and received the title of Moulvi. In 1948, Choudhury was appointed the first Shaykhul Hadith (Professor of Hadith) at the Madinatul Uloom Bagbari madrasa.He was associated with the Indian National Congress party. He won a seat in the Karimganj South constituency after participating in the 1962 Assam Legislative Assembly election.

Achyut Charan Choudhury (5 February 1866 – 25 September 1953) was a Bengali writer and historian. Though he wrote several books regarding Vaishnav Hinduism, Choudhury is most well known for his monumental work on the history of the Sylhet region, the Srihatter Itibritta. Born in the village of Moina in Karimganj (then part of the District of Sylhet), he was the son of Aditya Charan Choudhury and his wife Kotimoni. Through his father, Choudhury was a descendant of the Zamindars of Jafargarh. His extensive work on the history of Sylhet, termed the Srihatter Itibritta. The text was published in two volumes. The first, released in 1910, focused its early chapters on the geography of Sylhet before chronicling the development of the region. This continued on in the second volume, published six years later, which also included the genealogies of prominent Sylheti families, as well as over a hundred short biographies of notable personages. The work was widely praised at the time of its release, with the contemporary historian Jadunath Sarkar applauding its "ideal technique" in chronicling regional history. The Srihatter Itibritta remains a lauded and popular work to the present-day.

Faruq Ahmed Choudhury (4 January 1934 – 17 May 2017) was a Bangladeshi diplomat. He served as Bangladesh's first Chief of Protocol beginning in 1972, Foreign Secretary from 1984 to 1986, and High Commissioner to India from 1986 to 1992. Choudhury was born in Karimganj, Assam, British India, on January 4, 1934. In 1956, Choudhury entered the Foreign Service of Pakistan as a diplomat (Bangladesh, then known as East Pakistan, was part of the country at the time). He held several appointments within the Foreign Office and several Parkistani embassies. In 1972, Choudhury was appointed as Bangladesh's first Chief of Protocol, within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following the country's independence from Pakistan. From 1972 until 1976, Choudhury served as the Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the United Kingdom, where he took part in the negotiations for Bangladesh's entry in to the Commonwealth in 1972. Choudhury was next appointed as Bangladesh's Ambassador to Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates from 1976 to 1978. He then served as Ambassador accredited to both the European Economic Community (EEC) and the Benelux nations - Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands - from 1978 until 1982. Choudhury retired from Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1992. He wrote several books and focused on social causes during his retirement. He served on the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), the world's largest non-governmental development organization, from 1992 until 2006. In 2014, Choudhury was awarded the IFIC Bank Literature Award for his writings on social and political issues. He also received the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 2016.

Khaled Choudhury (20 December 1919 – 30 April 2014) was a theatre personality and artist of Bengal. He worked for various directors of both Bengali and Hindi plays, including Sombhu Mitra, Tripti Mitra, and Shyamanand Jalan in various capacities — creating the Stage, sets and costumes and later as music director. He was a bachelor. He has been awarded the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to theatre.

Najib Ali Choudhury was a 19th-century Bengali Islamic scholar and teacher. He was notable for his founding of the Madinatul Uloom Bagbari, the first madrasa in the Barak Valley region. Choudhury was born to a Bengali Muslim family in the village of Bagbari, near the town of Karimganj, then part of the Sylhet Sarkar of the Mughal Empire's Bengal Subah. Tradition states that while in Mecca, Choudhury dreamt he was visited by the Islamic prophet Muhammad, who instructed him to go back to his homeland and preach Islam and provide Islamic education. Returning to his native village, in 1873, Choudhury established a madrasa in his own home, which received the name "Madinatul Uloom Bagbari Najibia Alia Madrasa" after its founder, shortened to Madinatul Uloom Bagbari. Modelled after the recently established Darul Uloom Deoband, it is considered to be the first true madrasa in the Greater Sylhet region, offering a standardised religious education in contrast to the informal institutions which had existed there previously.

Debashish Roy (born 12 April 1955) is a former Indian footballer. This dynamic centre forward was the only footballer from Assam who played in all three giants of Kolkata Mohun Bagan AC, East Bengal Club and Mohammedan SC. Born in Karimganj, Assam Roy started his football career by representing inter-college football tournaments for Karimganj College. Roy played for two top clubs of Assam - Gauhati Town Club and Navajyoti Club. In 1979, he went to Kolkata to play professional league there. Initially he played for the Aryan FC before moving to bigger clubs like Mohun Bagan AC, East Bengal Club and Mohammedan SC. He was the top goal scorer in Calcutta Football League for East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in 1984 and 1986. Roy got an opportunity to play for a Hong Kong based club but unfortunately due to an injury he turned down the offer.

Gurusaday Dutt (1882–1941) was a civil servant, folklorist, and writer. He was the founder of the Bratachari Movement in the 1930s. His father was a son of the zamindar of Birasri village in Karimganj sub-division of Sylhet district, in eastern Bengal. Members of his family were followers of Vaishnavism. From his youth, Gurusaday started to take active interest in social service and participated in helping fire-fighters and assisting in relief work during floods and other natural disasters. He was one of the social reformers of the first half of the nineteenth century who thought independently about various avenues of service to the rural poor. He realised that in order to establish any progressive idea on firm foundation it was necessary to educate women and make them self-reliant. In 1932, he started the Bratachari movement. In his words in The Bratachari Synthesis, first published in 1937, the Movement is to bring back to humanity, in all countries, the ideal and practice of the wholeness of life which, alike in the individual, the national and the international sphere has been so grievously shattered in the modern world in every country by the fragmentary outlook on, and treatment of, life in education, science, work, play and social functioning. Organisatins founded by him. Mymensingh Folk Dance and Folk Music Society (1929), Pallisampad Raksha Samiti (1931), Bratachari Lokanritya Samiti (1932), South India Bratachari Society (1932), Sarbabharatiya Bratachari Society etc., Gurusaday Museum (1961).

Zohurul Hoque (11 October 1926 – 18 January 2017) was an Indian Islamic scholar and doctor known for his translations of the Qur'an into the Bengali, Assamese and English languages. He later moved to Muscat in Oman. He published a Bengali translation of the Qur'an in 1986, after working on it for 12 years. He had started to work on an Assamese translation before the Bengali translation was complete. Hoque published the Assamese translation of The Quran in three volumes. He started work on an English translation in 1993. He published a book with more than 1250 pages titled Translation and Commentary on The Holy Quran on April 1, 2000. It was part of the Holy Quran Pub Project.

Ādam Khākī, also known as Khaki Pir, was a 14th-century Sufi Muslim figure in the Sylhet region. In 1303, he took part in the final battle of the Conquest of Sylhet led by Shah Jalal. His shrine has become a popular tourist site. After meeting with Shah Jalal, Adam decided to accompany him in his expedition across the Indian subcontinent to propagate the religion of Islam. In 1303, he took part in the final battle of the Conquest of Sylhet under Shah Jalal's leadership against Raja Gour Govinda. Following the victory, Shah Jalal ordered his companions to disperse across Eastern Bengal and surrounding areas. Adam migrated to the modern-day village of Deorail in Badarpur where he preached to the local people.

Abu Taher (14 November 1938 – 21 July 1976) was a Bengali military serviceman, who served in the Pakistan Army, and later in BDF. He crossed into India around early August and reported to the Indian authorities. After a week screening at Dehradun, India, Taher reported to Kolkata, Bangladesh Provincial government at 8 Theatre Rd. He was awarded the medal Bir Uttom for his gallantry in the liberation war. He was released from military service by Indian military medical board in Pune, India after his leg was amputated. After independence, he was inducted into the Bangladesh Army for administrative retirement with legacy rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Later Taher turned into a political activist and leader of the left-wing Jatiyo Samajtantrik Dal. He was responsible for the 7 November coup which was 3rd Coup of 1975 of Bangladesh. After freeing Ziaur Rahman and reinstating him as army chief, many personnel including Taher was found guilty of high treason and murder and executed. However, in 2011, his trial was declared illegal by the high court of Bangladesh.

Sananta Tanty ( 4 November 1952 – 25 November 2021) was an Indian poet of Assamese literature. Tanty was born to an Odia family in Kalinagar Tea Estate. Tanty completed his secondary education at a Bengali-medium school but continued his literary works in the mainland Assamese language. Tanty received numerous awards and distinctions, including the 2018 Sahitya Akademi Award for "Kailoir Dinto Amar Hobo" (Tomorrow Will be Ours), a collection of his poems.. While growing up, Sananta Tanty read a lot of Bengali literature at home. He portrays the emotions of a downtrodden people in elegant words and weaves verses of beautiful human poetry. Hope plays a big part in the poetry of Tanty as he conjures contrasting planes of thought into his works. The plight of the tea gardeners, their lives, a deep sense of longing along with a determined choice to elicit changes in their lives is prominent in verses of Tanty's poetry. During his time in Jorhat, Sananta Tanty came in contact with many prominent litterateurs of the state, which gave an urge to learn the Assamese language. He began writing for a magazine, then edited by Dr. Nagen Saikia and his penchant for words started gaining him notice. He is also credited with revolutionising the field of modern Assamese poetry and has emerged as an important voice within it. It is his indulgence in life of the ordinary people, prominence of society and politics upon which lies no pretense gives him legitimacy and stokes a romanticism for the working class and culture. He is one of the stalwarts in the state today in the field of literature.

Religions

Muslims – 56.4%

Hindus – 42.5%

Christians – 1.00%.

Small populations of Jain, Buddhists and Sikhs also reside in the district.

Languages

Bengali - 86.84%

Hindi - 5.70%

Bishnupriya Manipuri - 2.00%

Bhojpuri - 1.65%

KOKRAJHAR DISTRICT

Kokrajhar district is an administrative district in Bodoland Territorial Region of Assam. It is predominantly inhabited by the Boro tribe. The district has its headquarters located at Kokrajhar Town and occupies an area of 3,169.22 km² (1,223.64 sq mi). It has two civil sub-divisions namely Parbatjhora and Gossaigaon and five revenue circles namely Kokrajhar, Dotma, Bhaoraguri, Gossaigaon and Bagribari. Kokrajhar was a part the undivided Goalpara district. In 1957, under the administration of Bimala Prasad Chaliha as the Chief Minister of Assam, three sub-divisions were created one of which was Kokrajhar. This sub-division was made into a district on 1 July 1983. On 29 September 1989 Bongaigaon district was created from parts of Kokrajhar and Goalpara. Kokrajhar district is located on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra river. It forms the gateway to the Seven Sister States. Kokrajhar shares its boundary with Bongaigaon (now known as Chirang), Dhubri, West Bengal, Barpeta and Bhutan. Part of the district is made up of Manas National Park.

There are four Assam Legislative Assembly constituencies in this district: Gossaigaon, Kokrajhar West, Kokrajhar East, and Sidli. All but Gossaigaon are designated for scheduled tribes. All four are in the Kokrajhar Lok Sabha constituency.

The district is multi-ethnic, with no majority ethnic group but Bodo people form a plurality. Kokrajhar is known as a global center of Bodo culture and language and serves as the capital of Bodoland Territorial Council. Most of the indigenous communities of Kokrajhar are Hindu, with a small Christian minority and few Muslim Minority belongs to Jharua (Koch Muslim), Goria and Deshi Community, Almost all of the Bengalis are Muslim, while more than 90% of the Santhals are Christian. In 1990 Kokrajhar district became home to Manas National Park, which has an area of 500 km². It shares the park with four other districts.

Video Link : Kokrajhar District Profile (Courtesy : The Incognito)

PLACES OF INTEREST

Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary falling under Kokrajhar district and some adjacent areas of Dhubri district of Assam, India. It is famous for the golden langur and is the second protected habitat for golden langurs in India. The sanctuary covers an area of 45.568 km² (4556.8 hectares). It is around 6 km from Kokrajhar town, 68 km from Dhubri town. The lower hilly reaches are covered with sal coppice regeneration while middle and upper reaches are covered with mixed deciduous forests.

Video Link : Chakrashila Wild Life Sanctuary

(Courtesy : Travel with Jugal)

Video Link : Picture of Chakrashila Wildlife

(Courtesy : Kristopar Brahma)

The sanctuary has some tourist accommodation facility at Choraikhola, Kokrajhar and also provides facilities for bird watching, forest trekking, and wildlife and nature photography. Some species of mammals recorded in this sanctuary are Indian short-tailed mole, Indian flying fox, short nosed fruit bat, Indian false vampire, Indian pipistrelle, rhesus macaque, Chinese pangolin, Asiatic jackal and Bengal fox. Hornbills are also spotted here. It is also a safe haven for a variety of endangered animals.

Mahamaya Temple : Located at Bogribari about 24 Kms from Kokrajhar town, Mahamaya temple is regarded as the greatest Pithas for Hindu pilgrims in the lower Assam. The temple is second to Kamakhya temple of Guwahati in terms of pilgrims and tourists. The history of the temple dates back to the years when the local Zamindars (Landlord) of Parvatjora like Kacharis, Koches and Nath used to traditionally worship Goddess Mahamaya and gradually received wide acceptance. If you happen to visit during Durga Puja, you can witness the 400 year told tradition of animal sacrifice. Located a few Kilometers from the main temple near the river, Mahamaya Shnan Ghat temple is the place where Goddess Mahamaya was believed to have taken bath. Therfore now known as Shnanghat. Beautifully crafted, this temple has other places of worship with temples dedicated to Gods and Goddesses like Naba Graha, Bathou, Shani Maharaj etc. Every year, in the month of January, the temple priests perform the Shakti Yagya. Be there to feel the divine vibe.

Video Link : Mahamaya Temple (Courtesy : R K Cinematic)

Daimalu Park : A wonderful Park meant for people of all ages, one can visit it at any time of the day to take a stroll around and enjoy the wonderful ambiance. It is located in Kharigaon.

IMPORTANT TOWNS

Kokrajhar is a town in the Bodoland Territorial Region, an autonomous territory in Assam, one of the North Eastern states of India. Kokrajhar town is located along the bank of the river Gaurang. The North East Indian Railways divides the city into two divisions, north and the south Kokrajhar. Kokrajhar town is the headquarters of Kokrajhar district and the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).

Video Link : Kokrajhar Town (Courtesy : N M Shivam)

Video Link : Kokrajhar Market (Courtesy : Travelling Alfred)

Gossaigaon is one of the developing town in the Bodoland region of Assam, India. This is a sub-divisional headquarter of Kokrajhar district. It shares its boundaries with the neighboring state West Bengal in the west and Dhubri district to the south. It is Also a proposed district. Gossaigaon is well connected by Ground transportation and rails. The town serves a direct route by road to the newly operated Rupsi Airport in the district. It has small rivers Madati and Sankosh, and forested areas which include such saleable trees as Shorea robusta (sal), Tectona grandis (teak). This place practices organic farming, also modern agriculture following recent scientific developments.

Video Link : Gossaigaon Town - Cinematic View (Courtesy : MN VLogs)

Salakati, is a census town in Kokrajhar district in the Indian state of Assam. Salakati is 14km away in the north east direction from Kokrajhar. Salakati Railway Station serves the town of Salakati, Kokrajhar district, Assam. This railway station lies under Alipurduar railway division of Northeast Frontier Railway Zone.

Video Link : Beautiful Water Reservoir of NTPC (Courtesy : Travelling Alfred)

FAMOUS PERSONALITIES

Bineshwar Brahma (28 February 1948 – 19 August 2000) was the president of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha ('Bodo Literary Union') in Assam, India. He was born in a small village of Bhatarmari in Kokrajhar. Bineshwar Brahma was a real Social Worker of the Bodos. He was once the General Secretary of the Students Body in Kokrajhar Higher Secondary School. He was again the General Secretary of the Students Union Body of Assam Agricultural University (1969–71). Bineshwar Brahma participated in the Movement of Assamese Language and jailed for 45 days in Dibrugarh jail(1971). He was also the organizing secretary of A.B.E.F in 1989. Bineshwar Brahma worked for the Bodo Sahitya Sabha as a General Secretary from 1990–93, as Vice-President from 1993–96 and lastly as the Chairperson from 1996-2000. In Bodo language issues, Brahma opposed writing Bodo in Roman script. Instead he advocated the use of Devanagari for writing Bodo, putting him at odds with Christian Bodo groups, like the National Democratic Front of Bodoland.He also worked on peace efforts between the Assam state government, the Indian Government and various Bodo groups.

Upendranath Brahma (31 March 1956 – 1 May 1990) was an Indian Bodo social activist and the former president of All Bodo Students' Union. Brahma was born in Boragari village of Dotma, a small township at Kokrajhar district of Assam, India. He was called "Thopen" during his childhood. He grew up in poverty. Brahma was elected as the President of the Goalpara District Students Union in 1978–79. He was vice-president of the All Bodo Students Union between 1981–1983 and president from 1986. Through this body he worked for the education and wellbeing of the community, which he believed to be losing its culture. Under his leadership, the ABSU agreed to include political issues as part of its agenda to give political matureness to the students. The title of Bodofa (Guardian of Bodos) was posthumously conferred upon Brahma on 8 May 1990 in recognition of his vision and leadership. His life is celebrated each year on the anniversary of his death, which is now called Bodofa Day. A 21-foot-tall (6.4 m) bronze statue of him was unveiled in Kokrajhar on the tenth anniversary of his death.

Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary (born 1947) is an Indian politician who was the Governor of Meghalaya, a state in northeast India, from 2008 to 2013 (1 July 2008 to 6 July 2013). Previously he was an IPS officer, director-general of National Security Guards (NSG) and the Border Security Force (BSF). Mooshahary hails from the Bodo community. He was born in the village Odlaguri near Gossiagaon subdivision in Kokrajhar district, He headed the NSG for nearly three years before being shifted as Director General of the BSF, one of the largest standing paramilitary border guarding forces in the world, in 2005. He was the first IPS officer from northeast India to be appointed the Director-General of the BSF, a position he held till his retirement from active service in February 2006. Mooshahary was awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service and the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service. He has also served in the CRPF, besides the state police force of Assam and has done a commendable job in combating terrorism, and contributing to the security of the Republic of India. In March 2006, Mooshahary was appointed by the Governor of Assam as the first Chief Information Commissioner of the State under the Right to Information Act enacted by the Parliament of India, a legislation aimed at bringing transparency in Government. He was instrumental in operationalising the legislation and setting in motion the legal processes of redressal mandated therein and held this position up to his elevation to Governorship of Meghalaya State by the President of India for a 5-year term in 2008.

Kameshwar Barma is a Padma Shri awarded person. Born on 1 September 1940 in the Kokrajhar district of the north Indian state of Assam, he is reported to have contributed to the development of Bodo language through his writings and activities. He is also involved with different NGOs and the good will activities of different tribal peoples. The government Of India awards him fourth highest civilian award Padma Shri^. He served at different positions . He was awarded the 2020 Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize for his translation Gibi Bharatni Jerimin.

Languages

Languages spoken in Kokrajhar district (2011)

Boro - 28.39%

Assamese -23.78%

Bengali - 17.78%

Santali - 11.90%

Rajbongshi - 7.62%

Rabha - 2.58%

Hindi - 1.76%

Nepali - 1.65%

Kurukh - 1.42%

Garo - 1.21%

Others - 1.91%

RELIGIONS

Hinduism – 59.64%

Islam – 28.44%

Christianity – 11.40%

Others – 0.52%

LAKHIMPUR DISTRICT

The name Lakhimpur is believed to be originated from the word Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. The district is mainly dependent upon agriculture and paddy. Paddy is regarded locally as Lakhimi. The word pur means full. Lakhimpur therefore means full of paddy or the place where paddies are grown abundantly. Besides, the soil of the district is alluvial and fertile for which crops flourish without use of any artificial manure or hard labour. Over and above fish, meat, vegetables, milk were abundant in this district. Others say that the word originated from Lakhsmi Devi, the mother of Bhuyan Raja who was the descendent of King Arimatta. As per Lakhimpur District Gazette (1976:4) , the district was notified as Lakhimpur District through a proclamation issued by then Governor General on July, 1839. On 2nd October, 1971 the district was reorganized with two sub divisions viz. Dhemaji and North Lakhimpur . Later it was again reorganized in the year 1989 with two subdivisions viz. Dhakuakhana and North Lakhimpur leaving Dhemaji as a separate district. The district was earlier regarded as " Koliapani" because there was practically no road communication to this district till 1950. In the year 1954, the temporary aerodrome was started. From 1957 the ASTC buses started plying from Lakhimpur and from 1963 the North East Frontier Railway started train services from this district.

Lakhimpur figures largely in the annals of Assam as the region where tribes from the east first reached the Brahmaputra. The most prominent of them was the Chutiya rulers who held the areas of the present district for long, until the outbreak of the Ahom-Chutiya conflict in the 16th century and eventually the area came under the rule of the Ahom dynasty. The Ahoms created a new position called Bhatialia Gohain to control the region. The area was later given by Ahoms to the Baro-Bhuyans to rule like feudal lords, as they had helped defeat the Chutiya and Kachari kingdoms. There was a Chutia principality formed by the king Lakshminarayan in the start of the 15th century upon which the district has been named. The copperplate inscription of a land grant given by the Chutia king in the year 1403 CE in the west of the Subansiri river as well as the ruins between Dhal and Ghagar rivers (near present-day North Lakhimpur town) shows the evidence of the settlement. The Burmese, who had ruined the native kingdoms, at the end of the 18th century, was in 1826 expelled by the British under the Treaty of Yandabo. They placed the southern part of the state, together with Sivasagar under the rule of Purandar Singha; but it was not till 1838 that the whole was taken under direct British Administration.

Lakhimpur district used to have several other districts of Arunachal Pradesh within its fold and was known as the Lakhimpur Frontier Tract. After independence, the district contained the present day Dibrugarh district, Tinsukia district and Dhemaji district. Its headquarter was at Dibrugarh.

It is bounded on the north by Siang and Papumpare District of Arunachal Pradesh and on the east by Dhemaji District and Subansiri river. The river Brahmaputra along with Majuli District stands on the southern side and Gahpur sub division of Biswanath District is on the West.

Forests of the district are mainly tropical rain forest. The important reserved forests of the district are Ranga Reserve, Kakoi Reserve, Dulung Reserve and Pava Reserve . The varieties of tree species grown in the forest area are Hollock (Terminalia Myriocarpa) , Urium (Bichotia Jauvanica), Nahar (Mesua Ferrea), Ajhar (lagerstroemia speciosa), Simolu (Bombax ceiba/Salmalia Malabarica), Sum (Machilus), Sualu , Gomari (gmelina orborea), Sissoo (Dalbergia Sissoo), Jutuli (Altingia excelsa), Silikha (Terminalia Chebula), Neem (Azadirachta Indica), Sopa (Magnolia) etc. With the increase of human population and large-scale deforestation of existing forest, the wild animal of various species are dwindling due to loss of habitat etc. Presently wild elephants, buffaloes, tigers, deer, wild cat, jackal are seen in the forest area. Varieties of bird species are available in swampy areas. Many migratory birds come every year to the various part of the District

Video Link : Lakhimpur District Profile (Courtesy : The Incognito)

Rivers :

1. The Brahmaputra : The mighty river Brahmaputra is the southern boundary of the district and it touches all along the southern and southeastern boundary.
2. The Subansiri : The river Subansiri is originated from Tibet and enters the plains of Lakhimpur and Dhemaji district. The total length of the river is 326 miles up to the international boarder. The catchments area of the river is 10,148 Sqmiles in Arunachal Pradesh and 440 SqMiles in Assam. The river discharges 2,09,546 Cusecs of water at Bhimpara Ghat.
3. The Ranganadi : The river originates from the Dafla hills of Arunachal Pradesh. The total length of the river is 90 miles and total catchments area is 839 Sqmiles in Arunachal Pradesh and 296 Sqmiles in Assam. It discharges 17,500 cusecs of water at 2 miles up stream of National Highway–52.
4. The Dikrong : The Dikrong originates from the Dafla Hills of Arunachal Pradesh. In Arunachal Pradesh, it is known as Par Nadi. It enters the plains near Harmutty Tea Estate and runs 25 miles to join the Brahmaputra at Badati. It discharges 20,000 cusecs of water at 1 mile down stream of National Highway-52. The catchments area of the river is 512 Sqmiles in Arunachal Pradesh and 101 Sqmiles in Assam.

Minerals :

The river Subansiri has legends of gold washing, but now there is no major exploration of minerals in this district. There is now only some minor exploration for petroleum by ONGC in Dhakuakhana Sub-division

ECONOMY

The economy of Lakhimpur is mainly based on agriculture. Major crops are rice, tea, mustard, sugarcane, etc. A small number of SSc and MSc industries are located in the district.

ADMINISTRATION

The district headquarters is located at North Lakhimpur.

The district is divided into two sub divisions viz. North Lakhimpur and Dhakuakhana. North Lakhimpur Sub-division consists of 4 Police stations viz. North Lakhimpur, Boginadi, Laluk and Bihpuria. Dhakuakhana Sub Division consists of two Police stations viz Dhakuakhana and Ghilamara.

Video Link : North Lakhimpur Town (Courtesy : Facts Market GLP)

PLACES OF INTEREST

Letekupukhuri/Ujiror Tol Rongajan - the birthplace of famous Vaishnav saint Mahapurush Madhabdev is about 15 km from Narayanpur. Maghnowa Doul- a temple dating back to Ahom kingdom era is about 7 km from Narayanpur in Maghnowa village. Madhabdev Thaan (Leteku Pukhuri/Ujiror Tol Rongajan) is located at the near Borbali. It is the birthplace of Madhabdev (1489 AD). There are two big thaans adjacent to each other one Letekupukhuri other at Rongajan. Followers of both these thaans demand it to be the birthplace of Madhabdev. The thaans have a huge collection of holy books, ancient manuscripts and cultural heritages.

Video Link : Latekhu Pukhuri - Birthplace of Madhavdeb (Courtesy : Arpan Das)

Basudev Than or Narua Satra is a satra located in Dhakuakhana, Lakhimpur, Assam. It was first established in the 14th century by the Chutia king Satyanarayan. Originally known as Laumura Satra, this satra is well known in Assam and other parts of India. Damodar Ata established this satra in the 17th century as Laumura Satra. However, the plot of the which was originally donated by Chutia king Satyanarayan was transferred to many people many times.

Video Link : Basudev Than (Courtesy : Anuj Upadhyay)

This led to the name na-rua which might mean 'not stay'. The name Basudev Than is related to the Assamese word for lord Vishnu—Baxudew. Although the original temple was built in 14th-15th century during the rule of Chutia kings Lakshminarayan and Satyanarayan, it was shifted to the present location in mid-17th century by the grandson of Sankardeva, Damodar Ata as Laumura Satra, during the rule of Ahom king Jayadhwaj Singha. There is controversy whether Damodar Ata came from Bijani or from Upper Assam.

Bordaibum Beelmukh : Located in Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts. the Bird Sanctuary covers an area of 11.25 sq. kms. and is a breeding ground of Large Whistling Teal. An ideal habitat for many different species birds, this is the third wildlife santuary primarily for conservation of birds.It was declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1996 by the Gov. of Assam. lt covers parts of both Lakhimpur Et Dhemaji districts of Assam. It comes under the Ghilamora revenue circle of Dhakuakhana sub-division.

Video Link : Bordaibum Beelmukh (Courtesy : Rider HRS)

So far approx 181 species of birds have been recorded.This figure includes several migratory winter visitors. Among the numerous birds found here, some are Little Grebe, Large Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Spotbilled Pelican, Indian Shag, Darter, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Pond Heron, Night Heron, Little Egret, Chestnut Bittern, Openbilled Stork, Greater Adjutant Strok, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Grey Lag Goose, Cotton Teal,Brahminy Duck, Purple Moorhen, Swamp Patridge, Blackheaded Oriole, Wagtail, Indian River Tern, Drongo, Indina Roller, Pied Myna,Bulbul etc.

Maghnoa Doul is also known as Phulbari Doul as it is situated at the Maghnowa Village(Ancient name: Phulbari Village). Also classified as a Devi Doul (abode of the goddess), It was the major place for worshiping Kali (Goddess of Power) and a pilgrimage place. It is a 17^th century doul ( Assamese name for temple), a place of worship and protected site in the Lakhimpur District of Assam. It is situated at the east of the pichola river.

Video Link : Maghnowa Doul (Courtesy : Sam Axom Official)

The temple was constructed during the reign of Rudra Singha in 1705. The temple's surface covers an octagonal area and has a rectangular mandapa. It has sixty sculptures of immense beauty on doul's outer walls fixed on rectangular outlets and stones of serpentine and phallic shape, which the locals worship. The construction of Maghnowa Doul consists of 10,55,020 pieces of bricks along side other materials such as stone, gur (jaggery), lime, pulses and scales of fishes. The height of the main doul is about 75 feet (23 m) in height and is surrounded by boundary wall of about 5 feet (1.5 m) in height.

IMPORTANT TOWNS

North Lakhimpur is a city and a municipal board in Lakhimpur district in the Indian state of Assam, about 394 kilometres (245 mi) northeast of Guwahati. It is the district headquarters of Lakhimpur district. North Lakhimpur is also the name of the subdivision of Lakhimpur district where North Lakhimpur town is located.Significant parts of Lakhimpur include Phulbari, Laluk, Dhakuakhana, Narayanpur, Nowboicha, Town Bantow, Chetia para, Khelmati, NT Road, DK Road, KB Road, CD Road, Nakari, Bormuria, Joyhing and Moidomia, Angarkhuwa, Dhakuwakhania Goan, Hansuwa Tiniali etc.

Video Link : North Lakhimpur Town (Courtesy : Nova Hajong)

Banderdewa is a town in Lakhimpur District, Assam, India. It is known for its vast electronic goods market and Hotels. It is a growing border settlement situated near the Dikrong River. It is well connected by road and railway. The nearest railway station is Harmutty railway station. Its name is derived from a temple of Panchmukhi Balaji. It acts as a gateway to Arunachal Pradesh, and hence is also called as check gate. To enter into Arunachal Pradesh one needs an ILP (Inner Line Permit)

Video Link : Banderdwa Town (Courtesy : Zee Utpal)

Ghilamara is a small town situated in the far east of Lakhimpur district in Assam. Situated in border of Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts; Ghilamara is a beautiful, serene, peaceful, small town in the district of Lakhimpur, Assam, India. Dhemaji is on the east, Gogamukh is on the north, Brahmaputra is on the south and the Subansiri River is on the west of Ghilamara. There is a lack of historical data to detail the source of the name Ghilamara. Based on legends and local oral folklore, the name Ghilamara is originated with the story that revolves around Ghila, a Chutia rebel leader. The Ahom army defeated the Chutia rebels and killed Ghila in a paddy field which was named thereafter as Ghilamara field - which means Field where Ghila was killed.

Video Link : Ghilamara Town (Courtesy : Nova Hajong)

Narayanpur is a town located in Lakhimpur district of the northeastern Indian state Assam. It falls under Bihpuria constituency of Assam Legislative Assembly and under Narayanpur Police Station. Narayanpur is also the name of the development block. It is located between Dholpur and Bihpuria. Narayanpur is famous as birthplace of Madhavdev. Some scholars believe that the name "Narayanpur" is derived from the Koch garrison set up by Naranarayan during the Ahom-Koch conflict of the 16th century. But, this seems to be incorrect as there is mention of Narayanpur several times before this period. These include the Ahom Buranji (translated by G. C. Barua) and the biography of Madhavdev. The name might actually be derived from a previous dynasty of Narayan i.e. of Chutia kings. Narayanpur was earlier known as Bor-Nararayanpur. It was extended up to the Kolabari region of Sonitpur district. Various history writers had different views regarding the origin of the place as well as the origin of its name. It was once the capital of the Chutiya King Satyanarayan. According to John Peter Wade, "Narayanpur is thirty miles in length and fifteen miles in breadth. This district is situated on the bank of Pichala river and Colabari of Zokai chook." Some others have the view that Koch King Naranarayan used this place as a garrison, from where the name became Narayanpur. Many ancient idols of Hindu gods and goddesses were found in the different parts of Narayanpur. It proves the existence of highly civilized society in ancient times in this region.

FAMOUS PERSONALITIES

Madhavdev (1489–1596) is an important preceptor of the Ekasarana Dharma known for his loyalty to his guru, Srimanta Sankardev as well as his artistic brilliance. Madhavdev was born in May 1489 at Baligrama in Lakhimpur District of Assam to Govindagiri Bhuyan and Manorama. Initially a sakta worshipper, he was converted to Ekasarana Dharma by Sankardev and became his most prominent disciple. He became the religious as well as artistic successor of Sankardeva after the latter's death in 1568. He is known particularly for his book of hymns, the Naam Ghosa, as well as a large selection of songs called Borgeets. As an author and saint-poet, Madhavdev's contribution to his Guru's religion is immense. He is the author of the holy Naam Ghosa, (the book of the Lord's Name), which is as great a work as Sankardev's Kirtan ghosa. This work is also known as the Hazari ghosa (the book of thousand couplets). The English version of this book subtitled as The Divine Verses translated by Soroj Kumar Dutta in 1997 in lucid verse. His another significant work is the Bhakti Ratnavali. He is also the author of many Borgeets (noble numbers) (191 of them) besides nine Jhumuras (one-act plays). His first literary work is Janma Rahasya, based on the creation and destruction of the world. Among his other outstanding contributions are Naam Maalikaa and the Assamese rendering of the 'Adi Kanda of Valmiki's Ramayana. His Guru Bhattima the long poem of praise to his Guru, Srimanta Sankardev is also very popular. He also composed a third chapter on having lost the two chapters composed by Sankardev, of the Kirtan-Ghosha titled Dhyana Varnana.

Uddhab Bharali (born 7 April 1962) is an Indian inventor from the Lakhimpur district of Assam. Bharali is credited with more than 160 innovations, starting from the late 1980s. In 2019, he was awarded the Padma Shri. Bharali was born on 7 April 1962 in the Lakhimpur district of Assam. His father was a businessman. In 1988, while his family was in debt, he decided to start a polythene cover making business catering to Tea Estates in Assam. Instead of spending about ₹570,000 (US$7,100) on buying a machine, he designed his own machine for about ₹67,000 (US$840). Bharali was then determined to continue building innovations.Bharali is known for his invention of a pomegranate de-seeder. On 3 July 2012, Bharali qualified for an online voting competition for the NASA Exceptional Technology Achievement Medal for his design of a bench-top pomegranate de-seeder. Bharali has also invented low-cost peeler machines for betel Nut, cassava, garlic, jatropha, coconut and safed musli, and re-designed the Assamese paddy grinder. He also invented a low-cost bamboo processing machine. These agricultural inventions only require one person to operate. Bharali has also focused on inventions that assist people with disabilities, including devices that help with activities of daily living, such as eating and writing. In 2019, he began working on an invention he describes as a "moving lifter", which helps a person move from a wheelchair to a bed or toilet. In 2020, he presented a moving lifter attached to a portable wheelchair to a 15-year-old boy and announced he was making additional lifters for students in the Mangaldoi and Jorhat district of Assam, and that he had released the schematics on YouTube so anyone could build the device.

Homen Borgohain (7 December 1932 – 12 May 2021) was an Assamese author and journalist. He was awarded the 1978 Sahitya Akademi Award in Assamese language for his novel Pita Putra. He was also the President of Assam Sahitya Sabha from 2001 to 2002.Born in a small village in Dhakuakhana, Lakhimpur, Despite his rural upbringing, Borgohain also addressed issues of urban life in his writing. In the early phase of his life Borgohain led an almost bohemian existence and the reflection of that particular life can be visualised in many of his early stories. He later became editor for a variety of publications. He also wrote several novels, short stories, and poems. He married Nirupama Tamuli, famous in Assam as Nirupama Borgohain : one of the most popular writers of her generation and an exponent of early feminist writings in Assam. The writer couple wrote a novel called Puwar Purobi Sandhyar Bibhash, which is the first and perhaps the only joint-novel written in Assamese. Borgohain first edited an Assamese weekly newspaper Nilachal and later he edited the weekly Nagarik. Afterwards, he served as a senior staff member of Bangali daily newspaper Ajkal. Borgohain's editorial articles in Nilachal and Nagarik are edited by Dr. R. Sabhapandit and published in two volumes in Assamese. From 2003 to 2015, he was the editor in chief of Assamese daily Amar Asom; he then worked as the editor in chief of another daily Niyomiya Barta from 2015 until his death.

Pushpalata Das (1915–2003) was an Indian independence activist, social worker, Gandhian and legislator from the north-east Indian state of Assam. Born on 27 March 1915 to Rameswar Saikia and Swarnalata in North Lakhimpur in Assam. She was a member of Rajya Sabha from 1951 to 1961, a member of the Assam Legislative Assembly and a member of the working committee of the Indian National Congress. She served as the chairperson of the Assam chapters of the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust and Khadi and Village Industries Commission. The Government of India awarded her the third highest civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan, in 1999, for her contributions to society. The Government of India honored her with Tamrapatra Freedom Fighter Award but she declined it saying she participated in the Indian freedom struggle without expecting returns.

Ranee Narah (born 31 October 1965) is an Indian National Congress politician from Assam, and former Rajya Sabha MP for the state between 2016-2022. She was previously a three-term Lok Sabha MP from Lakhimpur constituency, 1998-2004 and 2009-2014, and Minister of State in the Union Tribal Affairs ministry from 2012 to 2014. Narah is a graduate of Gauhati University. She played professional cricket as captain of the Assam state team. She was President of the Women's Cricket Association of India (WCAI) until its merger with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2006. She was a member of the BCCI Women's Committee. Narah has also served as President of the Assam Women's Cricket Association, and Vice-President of the Assam Cricket Association and Assam Football Association. Narah was elected President of the Assam Pradesh Youth Congress in 1998. In the same year, she was elected to the Lok Sabha from Lakhimpur constituency. She was re-elected from Lakhimpur in 1999 and 2009. Narah was elected to the National Council of the Indian Youth Congress in 2003. She was appointed Deputy Chief Whip of the Indian National Congress in the Lok Sabha in 2009. In 2012, Narah was inducted into the Union Cabinet of India as Minister of State in the Tribal Affairs ministry. In 2016, Narah was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Assam.

Moirangthem Maniram Singha (born 1970) is an Indian film maker, director, producer and scriptwriter of Assamese and Manipuri cinema. Born in Manipur, he is currently living in North Lakhimpur district of Assam. Maniram could nourish his talent since his childhood. He first acted in a One Act Play at the annual day function of his school while he was a student of class VII. Realizing his potentiality in that field, the school authority entrusted him for scripting and directing the One Act Play. In college days in 1990, he chanced upon being the assistant director of an Assamese Video film. He is a self-taught film maker who later became independent in film making. Since 1995 he has been scripting and directing more than 25 TV serials, documentaries and telefilms in English, Assamese and Meitei for Doordarshan and Government departments.

Tabu Ram Taid known as 'Tabu Taid', (1 August 1942 – 17 August 2019) was an Indian educationist, linguist, author and administrator. Tabu Taid was born on 1 August 1942 in a geographically remote and economically challenged village Ghunasuti Ayengia in Lakhimpur district of Assam, India. He has contributed three research papers on the Mising language published in the journal, 'Linguistics of the Tibeto-Burman Area', University of California, Berkeley, USA. 1987 and 1995. Prof. Tabu Ram Taid was honored with the title of 'Agom Migang' conferred by the Mising Agom Kebang (Mising Sahitya Sabha) in 2007. He was awarded the prestigious ‘Bhasha Samman Award’ by the Sahitya Akademi for his contributions to Mising language and literature, in 2010. The Sahitya Akademi instituted 'Bhasha Samman' in 1996 to be given to writers, scholars, editors, collectors, performers or translators who have made considerable contribution to the propagation, modernization or enrichment of various Indian languages. Mr. Tabu Taid was conferred the Sukapha Award 2011–2012, by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, in recognition of his valuable contribution to education, literature, culture, scholarly work, linguistics, arts, authorship and public service. The ‘Basudev Jalan Award’, 2012, was awarded to Prof. Tabu Ram Taid by the Asam Sahitya Sabha. The award is conferred on an individual who has contributed towards the growth of language, literature and culture of the ethnic communities in the region. Prof. Tabu Taid was honored with the title ‘Axom Shreshtho 2015’ for his lifelong contribution to Education in the state of Assam. The 'Axom Shreshtho 2015' awards are an endeavor of The Telegraph (Calcutta) to celebrate and honor eminent people who have made the state of Assam proud.

Languages

Assamese (57.80%)

Mising (17.64%)

Bengali (12.96%)

Sadri (2.46%)

Nepali (2.35%)

Deori (1.21%)

Hindi (1.17%)

Others (4.41%)

Religion

Hindus - 76.49%

Muslims - 18.57%

Christians - 4.43%

MAJULI DISTRICT

Majuli district is the largest river island in the world, situated on the Brahmaputra River in Northeastern Assam. It is also the first island district of the country. It is populated by Misings. On June 27, 2016 an additional district was announced by Sarbananda Sonowal, taking the total number from 32 to 33 after Majuli was carved out of the Northern parts of Jorhat. Mājuli or Majuli (mazuli) is a river island in the Brahmaputra River, Assam and in 2016 it became the first island to be made a district in India.The island is formed by the Brahmaputra River in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti, an anabranch of the Brahmaputra, joined by the Subansiri River in the north. The island is about 300–400 kilometres (186–249 mi) east from the state's largest city —Guwahati. It was formed due to course changes by the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries, mainly the Lohit. Mājuli is the abode of the Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture. Majuli is since 2004 in the UNESCO Tentative List for nomination as a World Heritage Site.

History

The island was a long, narrow piece of land called Majoli (land in the middle of two parallel rivers) that had the Brahmaputra flowing in the north and the Burhidihing flowing in the south until they met at Lakhu. It was once known as Ratnapur and was the capital of the powerful Sutiya kingdom. Frequent earthquakes in the period 1661–1696 set the stage for a catastrophic flood in 1750 that continued for 15 days, which is mentioned in historical texts and reflected in folklore. As a result of this flood, part of the Brahmaputra discharged southward into what was the Burhidihing's lower channel and Mājuli island was formed. The Ahom king Pratap Singha built a rampart in Majuli called Meragarh. Lakshmi Singha's grant of 1776 says it Majuli Pradesh and refers its Kamalabari Satra, Agnichapori, Gajala Satra and the river Tuni. During Moamaria rebellion, Majuli was controlled by Haoha, a moamaria rebel leader.The Burhidihing's point of confluence moved 190 km east and the southern channel which was the Burhidihing became the Burhi Xuti. The northern channel, which was previously the Brahmaputra, became the Luit Xuti. In due course, the flow in the Luit Xuti decreased, and it came to be known as the Kerkota Xuti; and the Burhi Xuti expanded via erosion to become the main Brahmaputra River. The locals speak in Assamese and Mising language mainly. A few speak in the Deori language as well.

Mājuli has been the cultural capital of Assamese civilisation since the 16th century; based on written records describing the visit of Srimanta Sankardeva — a 16th-century social reformer. Sankardeva, a pioneer of the medieval-age neo-Vaishnavite movement, preached a monotheist form of Hinduism called Vaishnavism and established monasteries and hermitages known as satra on the islet. The island soon became the leading center of Vaishnavinism with the establishment of these satras. After the arrival of the British, Majuli was under the rule of the British until India gained independence in 1947. It is as of 2016 the world's biggest river island.

The population of Majuli comprises the tribals, non-tribals, and the scheduled castes. The tribal communities include the Misings, the Deoris and the Sonowal Kacharis. The non-tribal communities include Koch, Kalitas, Ahoms, Chutias, Keot, Yogis, etc. The Mising community has the largest population in the island who immigrated from Arunachal Pradesh to Majuli centuries ago. Languages spoken are Mising, Assamese, and Deori. The island has 144 villages with a population of over 150,000 and a density of 300 individuals per square km.

Ferry service which operates six times a day connects Majuli to Jorhat city. Night super buses ply between Guwahti to Majuli via Lakhimpur. Despite inherent drawbacks faced, modernism has touched this island, with the setting up of medical centers and educational institutions. Housing, too, has segued from traditional bamboo and mud construction to ones made of concrete.

Festivals

The festival of Ali aye ligang is celebrated during mid-February with great pomp and show. It is celebrated for five days starting from the second Wednesday of February till the next week (first Wednesday of fagun month ) Local dishes like purang apin (rice wrapped in special leaves), apong (rice beer) and dishes made of pork, fish, and chickens are served. Traditional Mising dance Gumrag Soman is performed in every village worshiping the almighty Donyi polo (mother sun and father moon) asking for good year of harvest.

Other festivals like Christmas is celebrated by the majority Christians of Mising tribe in upper Majuli where Jengraimukh village is the epicentre of Christians. Majuli has been the cultural capital and the cradle of Assamese civilization for the past 500 years. The satras set up preserve antiques like weapons, utensils, jewellery and other items of cultural significance. Pottery is made in Mājuli from beaten clay and burnt in driftwood fired kilns in the same mode carried out by the peoples of the ancient Harappan Civilisation. Sociologists have stressed the preservation of these unique peoples, whose culture and dance forms are untouched by modernism. The hand-loom work of these tribes is internationally famous.Virtually every person on the island is involved in the three-day long raas festival, depicting the life of Krishna. People from hundreds of kilometers away come to celebrate this festival including a number of expatriate members of community. The satras have honed certain art and craft traditions, which can now be found only here. In Natun Samuguri Satra for example, one can still find the craft of mask-making; and in the Kamalabari Satra the finest boats are made.

A wetland, Mājuli is a hotspot for flora and fauna, harbouring many rare and endangered avifauna species including migratory birds that arrive in the winter season. Among the birds seen here are the greater adjutant stork, pelican, Siberian crane and the whistling teal. After dark wild geese and ducks fly in flocks to distant destinations. The island is almost pollution free owing to the lack of polluting industries and factories and also the chronic rainfall.The island is under threat due to the extensive soil erosion on its banks. Since 1991, over 35 villages have been washed away. Surveys show that in 15–20 years from now, Mājuli would cease to exist.

MOLAI
FOREST

Local environmental activist Jadav Payeng has planted a 550-hectare forest, known as Molai Forest to combat erosion on the island. Much of the island was barren sandbars that were vulnerable to erosion, but thanks to Payeng's afforestation, has become a lush forest. The forest has become a habitat for animals including elephants, tigers, deer, and vultures.

Administration

The district headquarters are located at Garamur

The district consists of two circle, Majuli.

Economy

The main industry is agriculture, with paddy being the chief crop. Majuli has a rich and diverse agricultural tradition, with as many as 100 varieties of rice grown, all without pesticides or artificial fertilisers. Handloom is a major occupation among the distaff population of the villages. Although largely a non-commercial occupation, it keeps many of the inhabitants occupied. Weaving is exquisite and intricate with the use of a variety of colours and textures of cotton and silk, especially Muga silk.

Among the fascinating arrays of rice produced are the Komal Saul, a unique type that can be eaten after immersing the grains in warm water for 15 minutes and usually eaten as a breakfast cereal; the bao dhan, that grows under water and is harvested after ten months and the Bora saul, a sticky brown rice used to make the traditional cake known as pitha. Fishing, dairying, pottery, handloom and boat-making are other important economic activities.

Places of Interest

Sri Sri Auniati Satra occupied the highest position amongst the various Satras of Assam in the eyes of the Ahom Kings. The slightly elevated land of Majuli, where this Satra was established, was full of Auni Paan (a kind of betel creeper plant). Ati means elevated place. There from the name Auniati Satra came into being. The idol which receives daily worship in the Satra Temple (Manikuta) is the idol of Lord Krishna called Govinda. This idol was originally brought from Jagannath Kshetra (Puri, Orissa) and installed there with all the Vedic religious rituals. Apart from the main idol, there are also other idols for worship here. There are twelve branches of this famous Satra in various parts of Assam. The main branch of Auniati Satra is at North Guwahati, just opposite to Guwahati city, which was established in 1915 A.D. by His Holiness Sri Sri Kamal Dev Goswami With around 550 residents of udasin vaishnavs, SriSri Auniati Satra has been the epicenter of the Vaishnavism and Satriya culture in Assam. In addition to the regular holy practices in the Satra, numerous literary pursuits like biographical works of the Vaishnavite Saints, cultural compositions of 'bhaonas', 'Satriya songs and dances', religious publications and preaching related to religious and societal works are the core activities of the Auniati Satra. The Satriya ritual activities of the Auniati Satra include Sharana, Bhajan, Nam-Prasanga, religious festivals and related devotional performances for the pleasure of Lord Govinda.

Video Link : Sri Auniati Satra

(Courtesy : Fernweh Travel Films)

The Satradhikar, Deka Satradhikar, Govindapuriya with their vaishnava disciples lead an udasin life (celibacy and purely devoted to the thinking of God). The main prayer in the Auniati Satra continues from morning till evening everyday and is being continued without interruption for more than last 350 years. One of the significant festivals of Sri Sri Auniati Satra is Palnaam, commencing from the 25th day of Assamese Kartika Month to the 29th day of the same. Thousands of followers (disciples) gather in the main Majuli satra for offering their prayers during these days. The Auniati Satra with its head quarter in Majuli has two more focal establishments in North Guwahati and Kaliapani (Teok) with more than 1 million followers across the country. The Satra has a circular structure with a row of houses called Baha at the periphery and the Namghara (Temple) and Manikuta at the center of it. The Satradhikar (Main Preceptor) resides just near the premises of the Temple. The Deka Satradhikar (Second Preceptor) resides in the middle part of the north line and Govinda Puriya (Third Perceptor) resides in the middle part of the east line (Pub Hati). All Bhakatas (Vaishnavas Devotees) live on the four lines of the Satra (East, West, North and South). These are called Hati in Assamese - a row of huts.

The Dakhinpat Sattra is located along the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River. An earthen embankment is located along the southern edge of the property. This embankment protects the Island from flood and it also acts as the approach road for the Sattra. The Sattra campus extends over a large area. The entire area can be broadly classified under two categories, the core area and the green buffer area, around the core area. The land form of the core area is flat and is placed on a relatively higher elevation as compared to the immediate surrounding. The core area of this Sattra accommodates all the activities related to religious, administrative and day to day life of the Sattra.

Video Link : Dakshinpath Satra (Courtesy : Stories of India)

It comprises of a prayer hall, locally called as "Namghar", residential units for devotees known as "Hati", entrance gate known as "Batcora", store rooms known as "Bharal ghar", museum, store room for artifacts, library, guest house, cow sheds, ponds, open spaces for daily activities (located at the front and rear side of the Hatis) and small kitchen gardens. The buffer area of this Sattra predominantly consists of wet lands, grazing lands and forests. Most of the parts of the buffer area are covered with thick vegetation, aquatic plants and grass. Dense bamboo grooves and forest of mixed plant species are located at the Northern and Eastern side of the core area. The occupants of the Sattra can be broadly classified in to two categories the Sattradhikar and the Bhakts. The Sattradhikar is the religious and the administrative head of the Sattra and all the devotees who stays permanently with in the Sattra are known as Bhakts. They are responsible for different kinds of duties related to the Sattra activities. These duties varies from administrative, maintenance, religious, and religious cum cultural activities.

Garamur Satra is one of the four major royal Satras of the Majuli Island. The name of the Satra has been derived from two words -Garh and mur - compounded in to one. In Assamese language Garh ,means embankment and Mur means head. The compound word therefore, means the end point of an embankment(Garh). As a Satra established and partonized by the medieval Kings of Assam, Garamur was also one of the most affluent Satras of Assam in the past with thousand of revenue free lands and other movable properties granted by the Kings. It is recorded that King Siva Singha (1 71 4-1 744) himself donated 30,000 puras (ipura = 2.66acres) of revenue free land to the Satra at one time. The Satradhikar of this Satra was also allowed to put on certain insignia reflecting on his dignity and status and to assume all attributes resembling the establishment of a royal palace. And for that reason, the Satra was popularly called Rajaghariya satra.

Video Link : Garmur Satra (Courtesy : Majuli Basu Vlogs)

As matter of fact almost all Satradhikars of this Satra till the time of the great Pitambardeva Goswami exercised power in the style of a king and behaved in all possible ways like that of the royalty. Garamur Satra has a very clean and quiet atmosphere from inception resembling a solitary hermitage distinguished by long and large Bakul trees planted centuries back all around the residence of the pontiff and the common prayer hall. The buildings of the Satra are approached by a good and long road. The namghar is a huge structure with the roof supported by similarly huge wooden pillars. The whole place is dominated by the note of decency and propriety which is so marked a characteristic of Vaishnavism of Majuli. The history of Garamur Satra in modern time consists, in a large part, of the life and works of its great Satradhikar Pitambardev Goswami, who was a great social reformer, a religious leader and a distinguished freedom fighter. A friend of Gandhiji, Nehru and Vinoba, he had a strong personality and vision of life. He fought against caste, inequality, untouchability and against gender- biasness. Garamur Satra is a famous for its various culture activities of which the Ras Lila Festival is the most well known. The satra lost most of its heritage possessions during the internal commotions of the 18th century, the Burmese invasions of the early 20th century, and during the freedom struggle when they were either lost due to the absence of the Satradhikar when he was in jail or due to their confiscation by the British Government. Among the existing valuable possessions a large brass tray (rupar sarai) gifted by the great premir Atan Buragohain Dangariya is noteworthy. Other Classical and archaelogical valuable assets are Ivory, Silver made embrodered utensils, Canon used during Ahom rulers, wheels for elephant cart made in London, ancient literary manuscripts (Sanchipat), Idols, sculptures made of Umber with classical art etc. and a heritage building hundred years old.

The Uttar Kamalabari Sattra is located in the central part of the Majuli Island. A pedestrian pathway connects to the main tarred road (built by the P.W.D.), which runs along the South-Western edge of the property. The Sattra campus extends over a large area. The entire area can be broadly classified under two categories, the site and the green setting around the site. All the components of the site are placed within a rectangular area. The land form of the site is flat and slightly elevated from the immediate surrounding. The site can be divided into the religious zone in the centre and the residential zone on the periphery, except the Eastern side which acts as the administrative zone.

Video Link : Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Courtesy : Dhiraj Bitupon)

It accommodates all the activities related to religious, administrative and day to day life of the Sattra. It comprises of a prayer hall locally refered to as the 'Namghar', which is centrally located; residential units are situated in the formof row housing ('Hati') on all four cardinal directions for devotees except on the Eastern side. The entrance gate known as the 'Batchora' is located at the periphery on the South-Western side. The store rom known as the 'Bharal ghar' is located on the Eastern side of the site. The museum and the treasury is located in the centre on the Southern side of the Namghar. Store room for paddy is adjacent to the Sattradhikar's residence. Cowsheds, open spaces for daily activities (located on the front and on the rear of the Hattis) and small kitchen gardens are also found within the site. The site also has a water body or pond known as Pokhri. The setting of this Sattra consists of wet lands and dense vegetation. Most of the setting is covered with thick vegetation, aquatic plants and grass. Dense bamboo grooves and vegetation of mixed plant species are located around the water bodies. Thick vegetation is located along the edges of the site to create a natural buffer for the Sattra complex. The setting of this Sattra supports and helps to maintain the bio-diversity of this area. Any kindof construction activity is strictly barred in this area.

Benganaati Satra is quite a famous satra of Majuli which is renowned for having a rich collection of antiquities showcasing the culture of the region. It is an important venue that holds the rich culture and values taught by Sankardeva. The Satra also serves as a centre of performed arts established by Muraridev and now has been transformed into a museum housing ancient artifacts. Among the various impressive artifacts preserved here, the royal robe and golden umbrella are much popular which are associated with the Ahom king Gadhadhar Singh.

Video Link : Bengennati Satra (Courtesy : JB VLog)

Sri Sri Samaguri Satra : This satra is famous worldwide for its traditional Mask-making practices. Continued from more than Five Centuries now by successive generations, this satra even recently represented Assam in national platforms and brought glory to the state. Since antiquity the tradition of mask making has been traditionally carried out by the satras, the institutional centers of Vaishnavism. Masks are observed to have different forms and colours making them easily noticeable from the other characters of the bhaonas. These satras in Assam are religious schools where people of different caste, creed or community can join and practice the religion.

Video Link : Sri Samaguri Satra

(Courtesy : The Accidental YouTuber)

Started by Srimanta Shankardeva, satras became popular centers of education for religion, culture and lifestyle; and Vaishnism took a revolutionary turn among all sections of people. The masks of Samaguri satra, are renowned for their creativity in the art form. Samaguri satra was established in 1663 by Sri Sri Chakrapani, grandson of Srimanta Shankardeva. This art form has been passed down through generations of satriya bhakats (priests). This unique piece of art has been able to attract the interest of millions and has recently made its way to the British Museum for the same.

Sri Sri Bhogpur Satra is one of the several ancient Sattras of Assam. Sri Sri Bhogpur Satra is situated in the heart of Majuli, the largest river island of the world, and is located near the Tuni river which is also known as "Bashistha Ganga". The Satra is about four kilometres away from Kamalabari, on the northern side of the Majuli PWD Road. Majuli itself is a sub-division under Jorhat district,and the Satra is exactly located in the Kamalabari Mauza. The Sattradhikar is solely responsible for all and any affairs pertaining to the day-to-day running as well as the development of the Satra.By way of customary practice and tradition, the Satradhikar may adopt any young boy of his same caste for becoming the future Satradhikar.At present the total number of Bhakatas or disciples of the Satra stands at 115. The Satradhikar has set up a managing committee for smooth running of the Satra affairs.

Video Link : Sri Bhogpur Satra (Courtesy : Pallab Borah)

The place where the Bhogpur Satra is now situated was formerly known as Dinapura after the name of Dinanath Bharali Baruah, a reputed gentry belonging to the bureaucratic services of the Ahom rulers of Assam. When Srimanta Sankardev left Bardowa and set off to propagate his teachings all over the region, he also passed through places like Komorakata, Bhalukaguri. Gangmau. etc. to finally land up at Dhuwahat Belaguri of lower Majuli. On hearing the news of his arrival, Dinanath Baruah went to see Srimanta Sankardev and prayed for permitting him to become his disciple. Srimanta Sankardev was highly pleased with his devotion and not only immediately made him a disciple but even gifted him a booklet called "Prahlad Charita". Srimanta Sankardev was initially not in the good books of the Ahom rulers and was even facing various charges, and it was around that time that Swargadeu Swarganarayana (the then Ahom king) asked Srimanta Sankardev to prove his innocence in his palace on Rangpur. On receipt of this information, Srimanta Sankardev started off with several of his disciples for Rangpur, the capital, taking the river route through Tuni. On his way one evening he arrived at Dinapur. He wanted to stay that night in that place. On hearing about the arrival of Srimanta Sankardev there, every resident of the locality rushed to him to offer their devotion and obeisance towards the great saint. They made the best of their arrangements to respect their guru. Incidentally, the place was not only endowed with natural beauty but was also a very flourishing area, abundant with every necessity of life. Srimanta Sankardev was given a rousing welcome by the villagers which highly pleased him. On noticing that the area was a flourishing one, Srimanta Sankardev named the place Bhogpur. He also said that in due time Bhogpur would become a famous place and would be the centre of his religion and would be headed by a popular disciple of his who would render services to the common people selflessly. Apart from the above books and manuscripts, there are a large number of monuments and artifacts in the Satra which have been part of the rich heritage of the state. These include a statue of Vishnu as also a large number of different kinds of vessels dating back to several hundred years. The Satra has been performing its duty of propagation of the Dharma as well as Satriya art and culture putting up the best possible efforts despite various constraints as also keeping in tune with the changing needs of time.

FAMOUS PERSONALITIES

Video Link : Forest Man of India (Courtesy : SBM Pictures)

LANGUAGES

Assamese - 54.47%

Mising - 41.01%

Bengali - 1.66%

Deori - 1.22%

RELIGIONS

Hinduism – 99.04%.

Others – 0.96%

MORIGAON DISTRICT

Morigaon district is an administrative district in the state of Assam in India. The district headquarters is located at Morigaon. The ancient place of occult Mayong is located in this district as well as Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.

The history of Morigaon is obscure. One famous traditional ruler of the region was Arimatta whose history is shrouded in mystery. After Arimattas's death, Jongal Balahu (A Great Tiwa King), his son ruled over the region. Jongal Balahu was ultimately killed by the Kacharis with a bamboo spear near Kajalimukh. The legend further goes on to say that Jongal Balahu to escape his pursuers, submerged himself in Kollong river and emerge at Raha to quench his thirst and again dived here to emerge at Jagi. From this incident were derived the names of present-day Raha and Jagi. The writing of Bhim Singh throws some light on the history of present Morigaon town and its adjoining areas. This region was ruled independently by six rulers. During this time two princes from Darrang, Supradhvaj and Makardhvaj, fled from their homeland due to internal clash, by crossing the mighty Brahmaputra and they settled at Bahakajari. Later on, Supradhvaj married the daughter of Mangal Singh, the King of Baghara. Supradhvaj was then made the seventh king of the region, having an independent kingdom of his own.

During the days of Lachit Borphukan, another two princes from Darrang, Ram Singh and Bhim Singh crossed the Brahmaputra in search of plain lands. After Bhim Singh settled down, meanwhile, Ram Singh left for his home. Bhim Singh was not liked by the local people, hence, he left Brahmaputra and settled down near Mori Beel. This place came to known as Morigaon.

Morigaon became a fully-fledged district on 29 September 1989, when it was split from Nagaon district. The district is bounded by the mighty Brahmaputra on the North, Karbi Anglong district on the South, Nagaon District on the East and Kamrup District on the West. The greater part of the district is an alluvial plain, criss-crossed with numerous rivers and water ways and dotted with many beels and marshes. The mighty Brahmaputra flows along with the northern boundary of the district. Killing, Kolong and Kopili rivers flow through the southern part of the district. The Killing meets the Kopili at the Matiparbat where from Kopili moves westward. The Kolong joins Kopili at the Jagi Dui Khuti Mukh and from here they jointly fall into the Brahmaputra. The general appearance of the district is extremely picturesque. On a clear day in the winter the view to the north is bounded by the blue ranges of the outer Himalayas, behind which snowy peaks glisten brightly in the sun, while to the west and the south of the district lie range upon range of lower hills, whose sides are covered with luxuriant vegetation of the tropical forest.

Video Link : Top 10 Places to Visit (Courtesy : Wide Angle Creation)

ADMINISTRATION

Divisions

There are three Assam Legislative Assembly constituencies in this district: Jagiroad, Morigaon, and Laharighat. Jagiroad is designated for Scheduled Castes. All three are in the Nowgong Lok Sabha constituency

Forests

There are three Reserved Forest constituted under Assam Forest Regulation Act, 1891. These are Sunaikuchi, Khulahat, and Bura Mayong. There is also one wildlife Sanctuary, named Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Mayong which is famous for the Indian one horned Rhinoceros.

IMPORTANT TOWNS

Morigaon is a town of town area committee and the district headquarters of Morigaon district in the Indian state of Assam and including the headquarters of the Tiwa Autonomous Council (TAC), Tiwashong, Assam which was constituted by the Government of Assam on 14 April 1995, The Apex council will consist of 144 villages of Nagaon, Morigaon and Kamrup with 28 blocks.

Video Link : Morigaon Town (Courtesy : Nova Hajong)

Jagiroad is a place located in Mayong Sub-Division,in Morigaon district of Assam state, India. It includes a paper mill (NPM) and World's biggest dry fish market. It was earlier known as Nakhola, but in British Rule of India, due to frequent confusion with the name Noakhali of Bangladesh, it was changed to Jagiroad because the road to Jagi, a place in Morigaon, passes through this place. The Tiwa(Lalung), Assamese and Bengali community form the majority in this area.Jagiroad is centre of fish culture hatching and production of fish in Assam. The Nagaon Paper Mill (NPM) was established in 1970. A unit of Hindustan Paper Corporation Ltd. which is situated on the National Highway 37 at Kagajnagar in Jagiroad. It is the first paper mill in the world to produce Kraft pulp in Kamyr Continuous Digester with 100% bamboo as raw material.

Video Link : Jagi Road Town - Aerial View (Courtesy : JCC Channel)

Mayong (or Mayang) is a village in Morigaon district, Assam, India. It lies on the bank of the river Brahmaputra, approximately 40 km (25 mi) from the city of Guwahati. Mayong is a tourist attraction because of its history. The origin of the name may be based in the Chutia/Tiwa/Deori word Ma-yong which means mother, the Kachari word for an elephant (Miyong), and ongo meaning part. Some believe that Manipuris from the Moirang clan used to inhabit this area therefore; the name Moirang became Mayhong with time. Mayong along with Pragjyotishpura (the ancient name of Assam) find place in many epics, including the Mahabharata. Chief Ghatotkacha of Kachari Kingdom took part in The Great Battle of Mahabharata with his magical powers. It was also said about the Mayong that the Tantrik (one who knows tantra vidya) and the witches take shelter in mayong forest till now. According to recently published article on "Mayong - Land of Black Magic and Witchcraft" - many tales of men disappearing into thin air, people being converted into animals, or beasts being magically tamed, have been associated with Mayong. Sorcery and magic were traditionally practiced and passed down over generations. Narabali or human sacrifices were carried until the early modern period. Excavators had recently dug up swords and other sharp weapons that resembled tools used for human sacrifice in other parts of India, suggesting that human sacrifice may have occurred in the Ahom era in Mayong.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Tourist attractions in Mayong : Mayong, the enchanting land of occult practices is located in the west of the district Morigaon. It is only 40 Kms. away from the capital city of Guwahati, Assam. The place is endowed with a variety of Tourist attractions that can enable to satisfy the Tourists of diverse interests.

Video Link : Mayong - The Land of Black Magic (Courtesy : Petson)

Nature based & wild life Tourism : The main attraction of Mayong is "Pobitora wild life sanctuary" which is having world's highest density of one horned Rhinoceros. Apart from Rhinos it is also a home for wild bores, wild Buffallos etc. Tourist can enjoy it's beauty by Elephant Safary and Jeep Safari. There are number of picturesque hills and hillocks in and around Mayong. Moreover the river Brahmaputra flowing towards the west side of the village has also added to its natural beauty.

Video Link : Pobitora Wild Life Sanctuary
(Courtesy : Jonak The Moonlight)

Archeological Tourism : Mayong is also known for its archeological ruins and monuments. There is a big stone inscription, dating back several hundred years located at a hilly village Burha Mayong. The inscription is 3.85 Mtrs. long and it has been regarded as the longest stone – inscription found in Asia. Again, there exist one beautiful stone image of Shiv-Parvati and three of Lord Ganesha (belonging to 12th century) at Burha Mayong village, one stone image of Shiv-Parvati and one of Lord Ganesha (of about 10th century) at Chanaka village, one king sized stone image of Lord Ganesha (10th Century) at Ganesha Temple of Hatimuris village, two stone images of Shiv-Parvati (of about 9th century) at Shiv Shrine of Kachashila Hill and Many others. Apart from these a lots of other archeological findings of the area like stone-exes, stone-bullets, whet-stones Lotus circles, Yonipeeths, Shiva Lingams and different kinds of earthen vessels and images (terracottas) are preserved at Mayong village Museum and Research Centre.

Eco Tourism : Tourists can enjoy the beauty of nature in or around Mayong which is covered by hills, hillocks, river, natural water bodies etc.

Video Link : Jon Beel Mela - Ancient Barter System (Courtesy : Wild Films India)

Video Link : Aliphukhri Satra - Birthplace of Srimanta Shankardev (Courtesy : Dk Travel World)

Video Link : Nizora Park - Jagi Road (Courtesy : Enamul Creation)

Kachasila Hills

Kachasila Hill has a temple which dates back to the 9th century. The temple has idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Many beautiful idols of Lord Ganesha can also be seen in the temple. Researchers often visit the temple to study the rare statues and coriin stones. Kachasila is located near Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Video Link : Koina Konda (Courtesy : Nandonik Channel)

Deosal

It is situated by National Highway no.37 about 4 kms. away from Jagiroad town, with a big ancient temple of Lord Shiva. Shiva Ratri Mela is observed every Year very colourfully. Local people believe that Deosal was the Ashram of Valmiki, where Sita Devi was left by Rama.

Video Link : Deosal Shiva Mandir - Jagi Road (Courtesy : Swapan multi Creation)

Sitajakhala

It was discovered in the last year of the fourth decade of the last Century. Several steps were made by cutting the stones from the temple to the River Killing at the Sita Jakhala Hills. The wall of the temple is full of statues of Hanuman & Sita herself. So people believe that Valmiki cut those stones as steps for Sita to go to the river from the temple when she was pregnant and leftby Rama. So the steps got the name SITA JAKHALA. This area is very rich in cattle population.

Video Link : Sita Jakhala Temple (Courtesy : Travel QR)

Sivakunda

This is a water fall in the Amsoi hills, located about 10 k.ms.from National Highway no.37 towards south. It is a picturesque spot and a large number of people gather from October to March for picnic. One can have a view of the beautiful Amsoi Tea Estates on the way.

Video Link : Sivakunda Waterfall (Courtesy : Jyosmita Borah)

FAMOUS PERSONALITIES

Machal Lalung was a member of the Tiwa (Lalung) tribe of Assam from the village of Khalagaon (now Silchang) in Morigaon, Assam, who spent 54 years in an Indian jail without facing trial. He was arrested on the charges of "causing grievous harm" in 1951, and transferred to a psychiatric institution in Tezpur, where he was forgotten. In 1967, the doctors certified him as fit, and he was moved to a jail in Guwahati, where he spent nearly four decades. He was released in 2005, after the local human rights groups brought his case to the attention of the National Human Rights Commission of India. The Supreme Court of India ordered the Government of Assam to compensate him and provide him a monthly assistance amount. Lalung died in 2007. Local human rights groups brought Lalung's case to the attention of the National Human Rights Commission of India. As a result of the Commission's intervention, his case was heard and he was released on June 1, 2005, after paying a token bond of one Indian rupee. Following his release, the Indian Supreme Court, taking suo motu notice, ordered the State Government to pay Lalung a compensation of Rs. 3 lakh and a monthly assistance of Rs. 1,000 for life. Freedom at the Edge is a short film by Aneisha Sharma, based on Lalung's story.

RELIGION

Muslims - 52.56%

Hindus - 47.2%.

LANGUAGES

Assamese - 73.02%

Bengali - 22.18%

Hindi - 1.41%

Bodo - 1.21%

Tiwa/Nepali - 2.18%

NAGAON DISTRICT

Nagaon district is an administrative district in the Indian state of Assam. At the time of the 2011 census it was the most populous district in Assam, before Hojai district was split from it in 2016. Bordowa was the birthplace of Vaishnavite reformer Sankardev, who brought about a renaissance in Assamese society. Located in Assam's heartland, Nagaon lies at the center of northeast India. The district dates to 1833. Its British administrators jocularly described Nagaon as a district of 3 C’s; namely: Chickens, Children and Cases. The region was called Khagarijan in older records.On 15 August 2016, the three tehsils of Nagaon district, namely Hojai, Doboka and Lanka were carved out to form the Hojai district. The district headquarters are located at Nagaon. A part of the Kaziranga National Park is located within the Nagaon district. The district is bounded by the Brahmaputra river in the north (across the river is Sonitpur district, West Karbi Anglong district and Hojai district in the south, East Karbi Anglong district and Golaghat district in the east. The district is a perfect example oxoman (un-even in Assamese) from where the word Assam originated, as it possesses rivers, river valleys, hills, jungles and the plains. Many Namghars and associated templates are in Nagaon. These include the Bharali Namghar, which is situated in Hatbar and Borduwa Namghar. This namghar is situated in Nagaon Sattra, where Mahapurush Sankardev was born. Saubhagya Madhav, Dulal Madhav and Gopal Madhav are temples built during the reign of the Ahom King Shiba Singha.

Video Link : Nagaon District Profile (Courtesy : Facts Market GLP)

ECONOMY

In terms of natural resources endowment, the economy is purely agrarian. Agriculture is the backbone of its economy providing livelihood to about 78% of the total population. Rice is the staple food of the inhabitants and paddy is the principal crop of the district. Floods, however, are a major impediment in the development of this sector.

Poultry : People in the district of Nagaon are predominantly non - vegetarian and prefer both eggs and meat of birds of local variety. Production is less than the demand in the district. The climatic condition of the district is suitable for poultry farming.

Dairy The people in rural areas of the district have long tradition of maintaining cows & buffaloes for draught power and milk. The production of milk per local animal is 1.5 litre/day. The low productivity of the dairy animals is apparently due to poor genetic character of the local cows. There is high preponderance of small holdings in the district.

Handloom : The handloom Industry is the most important cottage industry in Assam with a glorious past. It is closely associated with art and culture of the society, Mahatma Gandhi made no exaggeration when he remarked 'Every woman of Assam is a born weaver. No Assamese girl can expect to become a wife if she does not weave. And she weaves fairy tales. Some of the old patterns were of matchless beauty'. Weaving is a traditional activity of the state.

ADMINISTRATION

The district headquarters are located at Nagaon.

Divisions:

The districts consist of four numbers of Urban Local Bodies (ULB)s – the Nagaon Municipal Board having 26 wards, Kampur Town Committee having 5 wards, Raha Town Committee with 7 wards and Dhing Municipal Board with 10 wards. As per the 2011 census the total population of the entire district was 1,57,084. The district covers an area of 3,973 Kms out of the State total area of 78,438 Kms.

The Nagaon town area is situated on both sides of the River Kolong which is the life line of Nagaon and also acts as the natural outlet for carrying the storm water generated within the city. Nagaon is the District Head Quarter of Nagaon district. A fascinating and bewildering mix of cultures, both Hindu and Islamic is seen in the Nagaon district. The Nagaon town is located at a distance of 123 kms, east of Dispur, Guwahati the state capital and has connectivity to nearby urban centers like Hojai (80 kms south-east), Tezpur (70 kms north-east), Kampur (32 kms south-west), Dhing (25 kms north-west) and Raha (22 kms west).

PLACES OF INTEREST

Bordowa Than : This is the birthplace of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev (1494-1568) the artist, author, founder of Vaishnavism religion and dramatist. The two Sattras are Narowa Sattra and Salaguri Sattras. The mini Museum is there in Narowa Sattras. Bordowa than, also known as Batadrava Than, is in Nagaon district, Assam, and is known as the birthplace of Mahapurush Srimanta Sarkardev, born in 1494 AD. A lot of foreigners come to visit here to learn Sattriya dance and also do some research on Vaishnavism, the worship of the God Vishnu of the Hindu trinity. Bordua is known for

· Bordowa Than or Satra established in 1465AD

Video Link : Bordowa Than (Birthplace of Srimanta Shankardev) (Courtesy : Jyotisman Laskar)

· Aliphukhuri a pious pond 600 years old

Video Link : Bordowa Alipukhuri (600 yr old Lake)

· Laikhuta a pillar planted by Changkhan, a Muslim tailor who first saw Sankardev's greatness and sainthood.

· Namghariya Sanskriti, a monolithic culture of believing in one God and no idol worship established by Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev

· Bel Gosh a tree nearly 600 years old near Alipukhuri and Bordowa Than, the leaves of which are used for anjali, the offerings to God and also for prasad distribution.

Champavati Kunda : Champawati Kunda in Chapanala, NagaonChampawati Kunda is a famous fall situated in Chapanala in Nagaon.Chapanala waterfall is a lovely place to visit for weekends and day time leisure creation. The waterfall and Tea Gardens around and birds and different species of breeds are lovely to watch.

Video Link : Champavati Waterfall (Courtesy : Rupam Sarmah)

This place is 1hour (approx) from Nagaon Town. Weekly marketing (Bazaar) on Sunday is a tradition market with local products are point of attraction.The inhabitants are mostly assamese and Bengali peoples with some percentage of Christians and adivasi villagers around the tea gardens. Road condition is quite bad for small cars but good for HUV segment cars to reach at the site. People must arrange their food along with or can cook at site for fresh food.Perfect place for refreshment in weekends.

Maha Mrityunjay Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Hindu God Shiva situated on Ververi Gosaingaon, Nagaon.

Video Link : Maha Mrutyunjay Temple ( Courtesy : SMADHNHAIN)

This Temple is newly constructed and was completed in February 2021. The temple with various features made of unique structures is reportedly the world's largest 126-feet-tall Shivalinga. It is located about 12 km away from Nagaon Town. One can hire a taxi from Nagaon town or can use the local tempo services to reach the place.

The Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuaries are two centrally located Protected Areas of Assam, surrounded by many key PAs like Kaziranga National Park to the east, Orang National park and Pobitora Wildlife sanctuaries to the west, Pakke-Nameri NPs to the north and the rich reserve Forests of Karbi Anglong to the south.

Video Link : Laokhowa Wild Life Sanctuary (Courtesy : Wild Vet)

Video Link 2 : Paradise of 70,000 birds
(Courtesy : Jungles Calling)

The PAs act as connecting corridor for migration of animals between Kaziranga and Orang National parks and hence, has been identified as Buffer Zones of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve. The mighty Brahmaputra River flows through the northern boundary of the Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuaries creating a large number of river islands. The rich ecosystem of the Laokhowa Burhachapori characterized by grasslands, woodlands and numerous wetlands along with the Brahmaputra River Islands are home to numerous species of endangered mammals, reptiles and birds.

Baduli Khurung is a historical cave. The cave is inhabited by thousands of bats of different species. For anyone who likes adventure tourism the place is an attractive spot to travel. It is said that the devotees’ prayers are fulfilled when they light an earthen lamp with a sacred mind here.

Video Link : Baduli Khurung (Courtesy : MoN Vlogs)

It has different local myths on the bats in the cave. The famous Baduli Mela is celebrated every year after two days of Maha Shivaratri and the entrance to the Baduli Khurung i;e; the entrance of the Cave is opened for the visitors during the mela.

Silghat Trishuldhari, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated on the southern bank of the River Brahmaputra. The major attraction of the temple is the fact that it is 2000 years old. It is believed that whoever comes to seek blessings here has his or her wish granted and also lives a prosperous life. The Trishuldhari Silghat Temple gives a panoramic view of the river Brahmaputra and is like a mini paradise for nature lovers and photographers.

Video Link : Silghat Trihuldhari (Courtesy : R_R)

Not only do people visit the temple for Lord Shiva but also visit it to seek the blessings of Maa Kamkhya. It is also a famous picnic spot. People come to this place to enjoy the view of the Silghat hills, Jute Mill, Kamakhya Dewalaya and spend some quality time on the bank of the river Brahmaputra. The best time to visit the temple is from October to April. The Ashok Ashtami Mela is celebrated in the first week of April every year near the Maa Kamakhya temple.

Bharali Naamghar is situated at Hatbar, Bharali village. As the history goes this Namghar was burnt down during the Burmese invasion of Assam and was rebuilt by the local people. One interesting fact of this Namghar is that the ‘laikhuta’, the main pillar is made from the Tulsi tree (Holy Basil). One belief is that if you pray for a wish, your prayer won’t go unanswered.

Video Link : Bharali Namghar (Courtesy : Pallav Pran Goswami)

Magh Purnima or Makar Sankranti has considered a very auspicious day and scores of people gather here to pray. Spirituality lies in the sound of Doba and Borkaah (instruments to play during prayer) that remove the negative power and welcome positivity. To perform ‘Naam-Prasanga'(communal prayer) and ‘Bhaona' (theatrical performance) in Sankar Jayantee and Madhab Janyantee is a rich tradition in Bharali Naamghar.

Jungal Balahu was the son of King Arimatta, the Tiwa King. He was a brave warrior and lots of legendary myths prevailed on the strength of Jungal Balahu. Jungal Balahu set up his temporary capital at this site to fight with the enemies by constructing a high embankment overnight.

Video Link : History of Jungal Balahu (Courtesy : Times Guwahati)

This site is known as Jungal Balahu Garh. A big departmental fishery with multiple ponds is a hub of pisciculture. Recently a statue of the great Tiwa king, brave warrior Jungal Balahu was erected at Jongal Bolohu Garh. The statue is now another attraction for tourists.

Kaziranga National Park : Kaziranga National Park lies partly in Golaghat District and partly in Nagaon District of Assam. It is the oldest park in assam covers an area of 430 Sq kms along the river Brahmaputra on the North and the Karbi Anglong hills on the South. The National Highway 37 passes through the park area and tea estates, hemmed by table-top tea bushes. One can even see the rhinos and wild elephants straying near the highway. Kaziranga National Park a world heritage site is famous for the Great Indian one horned rhinoceros, the landscape of Kaziranga is of sheer forest, tall elephant grass, rugged reeds, marshes & shallow pools. It has been declared as National Park in 1974.
Kaziranga National Park is one of the last areas in eastern India undisturbed by a human presence. It is inhabited by the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as many mammals, including tigers, elephants, panthers and bears, and thousands of birds.

Important Towns:

Nagaon is a town and a municipal board in Nagaon district in the Indian state of Assam. This division was organised on the both banks of Kalang river by Momai Tamuli Borbarua in 1611 during the reign of Pratap Singha. Its settlement was completed during the reign of Gadadhar Singha. Nagoan was under the administration of the Borphukan. From Nagoan 1,310 soldiers took part in the Kachari invasion of Swargadeo Rudra Singha in 1707. The Kolong River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, flows through Nagaon and in the process divides the city into two distinct regions: Nagaon and Haibargaon. Video Link : Nagaon City (Courtesy : Sagar Running VLogs)

Kaliabor, a sub-division town in Nagaon district of Assam situated at a distance of 48 km east of Nagaon town. It was the headquarters of Borphukans during the Ahom era. Kaliabor lies in the middle of assam and surrounded in the north by the Brahmaputra, in the south by the hills of Karbi Anglong district, in the east by Kaziranga National Park under Golaghat district and in the west by Samaguri under Nagaon Sadar Sub-Division. Kaliabor – the rice bowl of Assam – Kaliabor occupies an important place in the annals of Assam history. The name "Kaliabor" owes its origin to the word "Tun-Rung-Dam", which means 'A Place of Black Big Trees' in the Tai language (Tun = Black, Run = Big, Dam = Tree). Kaliabor is famous for its several tourist spots both religious and natural. Distinct religious site includes Bhorali Namghar, Kamakhya Temlple, Hatimura Durga Temple. Video Link : Hatimura Durga Temple (Courtesy : View Point)

Puranigudam is in the Nagaon district of Assam, India. There are several villages in Puranigudam. The main commercial center of Puranigudam, also known as Keyan Patti (most of the shops were established by the businessmen from the Marwar area of Rajasthan, India; who were called Keyans in Assamese. The name Keyan Patti comes from that. Patti means inhabitation) is located closest to Garamur. Puranigudam derives from the Assamese words Purani, or old, and Gudam, or storehouse. During the colonial period, the headquarters of the district was initially established in Puranigudam, as a result of the Kolong river providing easy access to the area. Storehouses were constructed in the river banks, hence the possible reference in the area name. Later the district headquarters was shifted to present Nagaon. There are two notable landmarks.

The first is the century old minaret located inside the campus of a two hundred year old puranigudam Bor Masjid. The old minaret was built with mortar composed by mixing duck eggs, white sticky rice (bora saul) and split black gram (mati dali). The other most notable is a statue of Durga Devi, made from Bael wood. As the folklore goes, more than a century ago, the Durga Puja or, worship of Durga, was celebrated every year in the area and a folk-artist (Lerela Khanikar) used to make the statue of the goddess with mud. After the celebration was over after four days, according to the ritual, the statue was immersed into the river. This made the artist very sad, and so he made the permanent statue with the Bael wood, which would not be immersed after the celebration was over, but a symbol of the statue (a banana tree) would only be immersed. The statue would be used next year again after re-painting. The same statue is still being used for the yearly celebrations, and few years back the statue had crossed 100 years. Video Link 1 : Ancient Minaret (Courtesy : B’Tube Bharghab Hazarika), Video Link 2: : Goddess Durga made from Bael Wood (Courtesy : Parasmita Das)

Silghat is a town located on the southern banks of the Brahmaputra, in Nagaon district in the Indian state of Assam. It is 48 km northeast of Nagaon. With a river and hills, the scenic beauty of Silghat attracts local and visitors throughout the year. Silghat is home to Kamakhya Temple, Trishuldhari (religious cum picnic spot), Samantagiri, Simala Garh, Manuh Kata Tumoni, heritage British era bungalows, Gandhi Asthidham, and Sudhakantha Sammanoi Khetra. Every year in March or April (Chot/Bohag), Ashokastami mela is held at Slighat's holy river bank. The Assam Cooperative Jute Mill Ltd. operates in Silghat. The mill opened in 1970. It is a major producer of jute in Assam. It is the only jute mill in the country in the co-operative Sector. It was registered in 1959 under the Assam Co-operative Societies Act. Silghat Kamakhya Temple is located there. An ancient temple for lord Shiva is on the banks of River Brahamputra. Video Link : Silghat Town (Courtesy : Rup Jyoti Hazarika)

Phulaguri : It is the place where Phulaguri Dhewa happened in the month of October 1861.It is said to be the first Peasants' Movement in the entire north-east India.It happened due to the exploitation on the peasants by the then British Government including exorbitant rate of taxes in various types of agricultural products.Captain Singer, a British officer was killed during the Dhewa & his body was thrown into the Kolong river nearby.

FAMOUS PERSONALITIES

Abhizeet Bormon commonly known by his alias Abhizeet Asom, is the chairperson of the United Liberation Front of Assam (Independent).

Role as ULFA leader

In the 1990s, he chaperoned the organisation's leaders in a number of United Nations's (U.N.) convocations at Geneva. He is believed to be the brain behind the undeterred conference at the U.N. subsequent to the Operation All Clear, which was being strongly opposed by the government of India. Asom had been working as the acting chairman of the United Liberation Front of Assam since Arabinda Rajkhowa's decision to hold talks with the government of India, and was later designated as the chairperson of the organisation on 8 August 2012, following the expulsion of Rajkhowa from all the assigned ranks of the ULFA by the organisation.

Kamal Kumari Barooah (1899–1978) was the matriarch of the Khongiya Barooah family of Thengal, Assam. She was born to Mahendranath Mahanta and Swarnalata Mahanta at Borelengi Satra. In 1917, she married Siva Prasad Barooah of Khongiya Barooah family, the family that emerged as the champion of Assamese interests and repository of Assamese culture and traditions. Noted Indian entrepreneur, tea planter and philanthropist Hemendra Prasad Barooah was her son. After her husband's death in 1938, she had to handle the huge Thengal household alone, starting from running their tea-gardens to retaining the family properties for her children. In order to run their businesses, she educated herself in English as well as in tea craft. The Kamal Kumari Foundation was instituted in her fond memory in 1990. It has been conferring the Kamal Kumari National Award since 1991 to individual or group for outstanding contributions to the field of Art, Culture & Literature and Science & Technology. The other award the foundation has been conferring is the Siva Prasad Barooah National Award in journalism.

Birinchi Kumar Barua (16 October 1908 in Puranigudam, Nagaon, Assam, India – 30 March 1964) was a folklorist, scholar, novelist, playwright, historian, linguist, educationist, administrator and eminent 20th century littérateur of Assam, with both scholarly and creative pursuits. He was the pioneer in the study of folklore in North East India, and was one of the many founders of Gauhati University. Barua's contributions to Assamese literature are significant, both as a novelist and as an early literary critic. He contributed greatly to the setting up of the Gauhati University, at Jalukbari, where a large edifice was later built in his name - Birinchi Kumar Barua Auditorium - cum - Lecture Theatre. He was a member of the Indian Film Censor Board and a founder member of the Indian Language Commission constituted by the Government of India. He was the founder of the socio-cultural organisation Assam Academy for Cultural Relations, which still survives, established mainly to forge harmony and unity amongst the various peoples of the North East, belonging to different castes, creeds, and tribes. In 1963, he was a Visiting Professor of Indian Folklore at the Indiana University, Bloomington, US, sponsored by the Rockfeller Foundation. Barua was the winner of the Sahitya Academy Award in 1964 for his book in Assamese titled Asomar Loka Sanskrit, awarded posthumously in February 1965. His Novels and short stories : Jivanar Batot / On the Road of Life (1946), Seuji Patar Kahini / The Story of Green Leaves (1959), written under the pseudonym Rasna Baru, Pat Parivartan (1948), Aghoni Bai (1950). His Books in English : A Cultural History of Assam (1951), Early Geography of Assam (1952), Studies in Early Assamese Literature (1952), Modern Assamese Literature (1957), Sankaradeva, Vaishnava Saint of Assam (1960), Temples and Legends of Assam, History of Assamese Literature (1964). His Books in Assamese : Kavya Aru Abhivyanjans (1941), Asamiya Katha Sahitya (1950), Asamiya Bhasa Aru Sanskriti (1957), Asomar Loka Sanskriti (1961). His Travel books : Switzerland Bhraman (1948), Professor Baruar Chithi (1968). His Children's books and textbooks : Bharat Buranji, Buranjir Katha (1956)

Jnanadabhiram Barua (1880-1955) was a notable Indian Assamese language writer, dramatist, translator, and barrister from Assam. He also participated in India's freedom struggle. He was born to Gunabhiram Barua and Bishnupriya Devi in 1880. He received his early education in Nagaon. Thereafter he went to Calcutta and London for further education. He became barrister and was appointed as the first principal of BRM Government Law College in Assam. Some of his works include Venishor Saud, Pancharatna, Dodair poja, and Bialator Sithi (Letters from Abroad). Mor Katha is his autobiographical book. He was the president of the Asam Sahitya Sabha in 1933 held at North Lakhimpur, Assam. He translated Laxminath Bezbarua's Burhi aair xadhu into English. He was married to Latika Tagore. Barua's daughter Ira Barua married Gitindranath Tagore and their eldest daughter is noted Indian film actress Sharmila Tagore.

Aimee Baruah is an Indian actress, producer, and director. Aimee Baruah is a National Film Award winning actor-director whose directorial debut, the Dimasa language film "Semkhor, not only garnered rave reviews and critical acclaim domestically and abroad but was also honoured with two National Awards at the 68th National Film Awards. She also became the first actress from Assam to walk down the red carpet at the 75th Cannes Film Festival. Her latest documentary film, "Screaming Butterflies," has been bestowed with the prestigious "Silver Conch" award at the 17th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF). She has also been a jury member at several prestigious film festivals in India and internationally, including the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa. Since starting her career at the tender age of fourteen, she has starred in over twenty-nine feature-length films, including several National Award-winning projects. She firmly believes that films are a potent tool to share untold stories from North East India. She also holds a Masters Degree in Sociology and is a gold medalist in Economics. She is currently pursuing her PhD from Guwahati University on the films of legendary singer, musician, and filmmaker Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. Baruah was born in Nagaon to Mala Baruah and Purna Baruah, a police superintendent. Aimee Baruah married Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) politician and Minister Pijush Hazarika on 1 October 2011.

Luit Konwar Rudra Baruah was one of the foremost music pioneers of Assam. He was an actor, composer, lyricist, singer, and musician. He served with the Government of Assam in the Public Relations Department (since renamed as the Directorate of Information and Public Relations) and established the Culture & Film Division in the 1970s. He was conferred the title Luit Konwar in honour of his sterling work towards the development of music and cinema in Assam. He was born in Bhimor village near Puranigudam in Nagaon district in 1926 and lived in Guwahati later on. He appeared in and directed music for several Assamese films and composed a lot of folk music in the local language. He died on 14 February 1980 leaving behind his wife and three sons.

Prabhakar Barwe (16 March 1936 – 6 December 1995) was a pioneer of Modern Indian painting. He was active in Mumbai, India from the 1959 until his death in 1995 (December 6). Influenced by the esoteric tradition of Tantric painting, Barwe along with G. R. Santosh, P. T. Reddy, K.C.S. Paniker, Biren De, Om Prakash, K. V. Haridasan, Prafulla Mohanti and Mahirwan Mamtani was considered part of the modernist movement Neo-Tantra. He was awarded the Academy of Fine Arts Award in Kolkata in 1963, the Bombay Art Society Award in 1964 and 1968, the Maharashtra State Award and the prestigious Lalit Kala Akademi Award in 1976. He died in Bombay on 6 December 1995

Lakshminath Bezbarua (14 November 1864), was an Assamese poet, novelist and playwright of modern Assamese literature. He was one of the literary stalwarts of the Jonaki Era, the age of romanticism in Assamese literature when through his essays, plays, fiction, poetry and satires, he gave a new impetus to the then stagnating Assamese literary caravan. He responded to the prevailing social environment through his satirical works to bring and sustain positive changes to the former. His literature reflected the deeper urges of the people of Assam. Bezbaroa married Pragyasundari Devi, a niece of the poet Rabindranath Tagore. He presided over the All Assam students conference at Guwahati in 1921. Bezbaroa was honoured by a unique title on 29 December 1931 as'Roxoraj' by Asam Sahitya Sabha at its Sibsagar session. In the felicitation letter by Asam Sahitya Sabha, the word 'Sahityarathi' was used for the first time for Bezbaroa. Roxoraj meaning 'The King of Humour' in Assamese literature for his ever-popular satirical writings under the pen-name "Kripaabor Borbaruah", a pseudo-personality that he created and portrayed as the lead character in such works. He is also known in Assamese literary society as the Sahityarathi which means "Charioteer of Literature" for his expertise in all branches of literature. He died in Dibrugarh on 26 March at the age of seventy only a few months after he went back to live in Assam permanently. The Asom Sahitya Sabha annually observes this day Sahitya Divas. Bezbaroa started his literary career with a farce, "Litikai" serialised from the first issue of Jonaki magazine. He wrote 8 plays, 4 farces, 3 historical works, 1 act drama, 3 biographies and 2 autobiographies. He also wrote for the children. He collected and compiled folk tales of Assam (Xadhukotha) and added on his own to the basket, quite a few new tales to the benefit of nurturing parents and babysitters. Bezbaroa was the pioneer short story writer in Assam. His short stories covered the different features from the Assamese society but with humorous sentiment. Rasaraj Bezbaroa was earmarked as a patriotic playwright while he composed three historical plays, namely- Chakradhaj Singha, Joymoti Konwori and Belimaar. O Mur Apunar Dex, a patriotic song composed by him, is the state anthem of Assam

Ranjan Kumar Bezbaruah is an Indian singer, lyricist, translator and academician engaged in promoting Modern Sanskrit Lyrical Literature. He is a vocal artiste of ‘Sanskrit songs’ contributing to All India Radio, Delhi Doordarshan & other regional & national platforms. He was honoured with 'Rashtriya Sanskrit Geetikavi' in 2020 by an international organisation. Ranjan Bezbaruah was born on 1 August 1971 in Chakalaghat, Hatichong, Nagaon district of Assam. His father Rohit Chandra Bezbaruah was an educationist, writer and his mother Sri Subhadra Bezbaruah is a teacher, artist. Sanskrit version of a number of patriotic Indian songs of the maestros like Rabindranath Tagore & Md. Iqbal, Kazi Nazrul, Kavi Pradeep and so on. Moreover, has been rendering his vocal to a few rare Hindi film songs with dignified lyrics & music encompassing K. L. Saigal to A. R. Rahman along with a few popular Ghazals and Bhajans. He has been translating popular and patriotic songs from Assamese, Bengali and Hindi into Sanskrit and singing them since 1999. Presented the Sanskrit rendition of the patriotic song- Md. Iqbal's 'Sare Jahan se Accha' which was produced and published by the national media, DDNews, Delhi for the first time, on the grand occasion of india's 70th independence day, on 14 August 2016. It was translated and sung by Ranjan Bezbaruah along with other vocalists.

He started 'Prachyaa', the first Sanskrit band from North East India and second in India in 2017.

Rai Bahadur Surya Kumar Bhuyan MBE (1892–1964) was a writer, historian, educator, social activist, storyteller, essayist, professor and a poet from Assam. He has written many books on ancient history, stories, essays, biographies, etc. in the world of Assamese literature. He presided over the Asam Sahitya Sabha (1953) held at Shillong. He was the elected member of Rajya Sabha during 1952–53, and was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1956. Bhuyan was born on 27 January 1892 to Rabilal Bhuyan and Bhubaneshwari Bhuyan at Fauzdaripatty, in Nagaon district, Assam. Bhuyan became the first Assamese to be the Principal of the Cotton College, Guwahati. After which, Bhuyan began to resuscitate the Buranjis and formulate a distinct past for Assam, against its inclusion within the framework of the Indian state. In this, he continued the work of Sir Edward Gait, collecting historical manuscripts from old families and converting them into a readable format. Bhuyan served as the second President of the Governing Body of Nowgong College. He retired as the DPI Assam and took charge as the Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University. Surya Kumar Bhuyan compiled, collated, and edited a number of books and articles in the Assamese language. He also wrote a few books in English and Bengali, which include:Historical books - Assam Buranji by Harakanta Barua; 1930, Kamrupar Buranji (1930), Deodhai Assam Buranji (1932), Assamar Padya Buranji (1933), Padshah Buranji (1935, 2009), Kachari Buranji (1936), Jayantia Buranji (1937), Tripura Buranji (1938), Assam Buranji,S.M with an Analysis in English.1945, Konwar Bidroh (1948), Mirjumlar Asom Akramon (1956), Satsari Assam Buranji (1960,2009), Biographical works in Assamese : Gopal Krishna Gokhale (1916), Ahomar Din (1918), Rabindranath Tagore (1920,2007), Anundoram Borooah,Sanskritist (1920,1924,1956,2007), Jonaki, lives of eminent men (1928,1938,2007), Chaneki,lives of eminent women (1928,2006), Asam Jiyari, Assamese women of history ( 1935,2007), Swargadew Rajeswar Singha (1751-1769,1975,2005), Ramoni Gabharu (1951), Swargadeu Godadhor Singha, Anandaram Dhekial Phukan, Jagannath Barua, Sir Edward Gait etc.

Jatin Bora (born 25 April 1970) is an Indian actor and director who has appeared in Assamese language films since 1989. He is also an actor and director in some mobile theatre groups of Assam, including Aabahan, Hengool, Ashirbaad, Bhagyadevi, Kohinoor, Itihas and Surjya. Jatin Bora was born to Sri Gakul Chandra Bora and Premolata Bora, in Kacholukhowa village, Nagaon, Assam. Bora won the Jyotirupa Joint Media Award for Excellence in Film Television & Music (for Hiya Diya Niya, Nayak, Bidhata, Maa tumi Ananya, Suren Suror Putek), Natasurya Phani Sarma Award (a government of Assam award for Juwe Pura Xun), NE TV people's choice for Kadambari and Maa tumi Ananya, Prag Cine award "Best Actor" for Kadambari in 2005, Moonlight media award for Hiya Diya Niya, Nayak, Kanyadaan and Bidhata.

Lakshmi Nandan Bora (15 June 1932 – 3 June 2021) was an Indian novelist and short story writer in the Assamese language, known for over 60 books he has authored, including award winning novels, Patal Bhairavi and Kayakalpa. A recipient of Sahitya Academy Award and Saraswati Samman, Bora was honoured by the Government of India in 2015 with Padma Shri, the fourth highest Indian civilian award. He died on 3 June 2021 from complications caused by COVID-19. Lakshmi Nandan Bora was born on 15 June 1932 at Hatichung of Kudijah village, a small hamlet in Nagaon district in the Northeast Indian state of Assam to Phuleswar Bora and Phuleswari as the youngest of their five children. Lakshmi Nandan Bora has written a number of plays and books on agriculture and environment, taking his publications to a total of 60 books, composed of twenty nine novels and twenty six short story anthologies. His short stories, 75 selected ones, have been compiled under the name, Lakshminandan Borar Charita Dasakar Galpa Samagra. His published autobiography Kal Balukat Khoj was also serialized in the Assamese fortnightly, Prantik. His other current projects are two books, one on Hem Chandra Baruah, renowned lexicographer and social reformer and the other, on Lakshminath Bezbaroa, a known Assamese literary figure. He has served as the president of Assam Sahitya Sabha (1996–97) and as a member of the Planning Commission of Assam. He has also been the chairman of the Assam Pollution Control Board during the period 1997 - 2003 and served as the editor of Goriyoshi, an Assamese monthly literary magazine.

Mayur Bora is an Indian writer, critic and public speaker from Assam. Bora has 18 books to his credit, 16 in Assamese language, 1 in English and 1 book of translation in which noted litterateur Dilip Bora's short stories were rendered into English. Mayur Bora was born at Nagaon on June 10, 1970 to Bharat Chandra Bora and Banalata Bora. Mayur Bora started writing in Assamese in the year 1982 while he was in class VI in the children's magazine - 'Xofura' edited by Dr Bhabendra Nath Saikia. His first article was on the life and works of one of the greatest Assamese of all times - Anundoram Borooah. Thereafter he also started writing in other newspapers and periodicals - Asom Bani and Prohori. While studying in Cotton College (now Cotton University) from 1987 to 1989, he started writing in English. Some of his pieces on Westernization, Casteism and Dr Bhupen Hazarika's teleserial - Lohit Kinare appeared in The Sentinel, the prominent English daily of Assam. He has written 18 books so far. Out of those, 16 are in Assamese, one in English and one book of translation in which noted writer and retired DGP Dilip Borah's 12 Assamese short stories were rendered into English by Mayur Bora.

Asha Bordoloi is an Assamese film actress from Assam, India. She has acted in a number of Assamese movies and stage dramas. She is best known for her role Malati in the National award-winning film Kothanodi. Asha Bordoloi was born at Barhampur in Nagaon district, Assam. Bordoloi joined Bharatiya Janata Party and currently serving as Cultural Committee In-charge of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha.

Gopinath Bordoloi (6 June 1890 – 5 August 1950) was a politician and Indian independence activist and politician who served as the 1st Chief Minister of Assam from 1946 to 1950.He was also the chairman of North-East Frontier Tribal areas and Assam Excluded and Partially Excluded Areas Sub-Committee. He was a follower of the Gandhian principle of non-violence as a political tool. Due to his unselfish dedication towards Assam and its people, the then Governor of Assam Jayram Das Doulatram conferred him with the title "Lokpriya" (loved by all). After India's Independence, he worked closely with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to secure the sovereignty of Assam against China on one hand and Pakistan on the other. He also helped to organise the rehabilitation of millions of Hindu refugees who had fled East Pakistan due to widespread violence and intimidation in the aftermath of Partition. His work formed the basis for ensuring communal harmony, democracy and stability which effectively kept Assam secure and progressive right up to the 1971 war over Bangladesh's independence. He was instrumental in establishing Gauhati University, High Court of Assam, Assam Medical College, Assam Veterinary College, etc. Gopinath Bordoloi was also a gifted writer. He wrote several books like Annasaktiyog, Shreeramachandra, Hajrat Mohammad, and Budhhadeb while in jail. Throughout his life, he was a stern believer in Gandhian principles. He led a simple life in spite of being a Chief Minister. He died on 5 August 1950. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee conferred upon him the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1999. A life-size statue of Bordoloi was unveiled on 1 October 2002 in the Parliament House by the President of India, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Damodardev (1488–1598) was sixteenth century Ekasarana preceptor from Nalaca, Nagaon. Damodardev was a follower of Sankardeva's Ekasarana dharma order. He started his own order after the death of Sankardeva that came to be called the Brahmasamhati, which admitted Brahmanical rituals and greater adherence to the caste system alongside the namadharma of Sankardev. He was succeeded by Bhattadeva. Damodardev was born in a village called Nalaca in (in present-day Nagaon) in the 1488, the third and youngest son of Sushila and Satananda a Brahmin couple. Nalaca was close to Bordowa than, Sankardev's native place, and Satananda was Sankardev's friend. Damodardev and his family moved from the Ahom territories after Sankardev moved from Dhuwahat to Barpeta in 1546 and settled, after some wandering close to Patbausi, or Chandravatipura near Sankardev's sattra. Damodardev received his education along with his two brothers under Kalpacandra of Navadwip in Bengal, where they studied detailed grammar, derivations and usage of words, four Vedas, fourteen scriptures, Gita, Bhagavata Purana and other religious books.

Hima Das (born 9 January 2000), nicknamed Dhing Express, is an Indian sprinter from the state of Assam. She holds the current Indian national record in 400 meters with a timing of 50.79 s that she clocked at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. She is the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal in a track event at the IAAF World U20 Championships. She was appointed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Assam Police under the state's Integrated Sport Policy. Hima Das was born at Kandhulimari village, near the town of Dhing in her home state of Assam to Ronjit Das and Jonali Das in a Assamese Kaibartta family. Conferred with Arjuna Award by the President of India on 25 September 2018. Das is the second athlete from Assam after Bhogeswar Baruah to win a gold medal at an international event.

Omeo Kumar Das (21 May 1895 – 23 January 1975), was born on 5 May 1895 at Nagaon district in the Northeast Indian state of Assam popularly addressed as Lok Nayak, was an Indian social worker, Gandhian, educationist, writer and a former minister at the Government of Assam. He held various ministerial portfolios such as Education, Labour and Food and Civil Supplies, during various periods, in the state of Assam. He translated The Story of My Experiments with Truth, the autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi, into Assamese language and contributed to the implementation of Tea Plantation Worker’s Provident Fund in the state. The Government of India awarded him the third highest civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan, in 1963, for his contributions to society. India Post honoured Das by issuing a commemorative stamp on him on 15 May 1998. The Government of India included him in the 1993 Republic Day honours list for the civilian award of the Padma Bhushan. He died on 23 January 1975, aged 81, survived by his wife, Pushpalata Das, renowned freedom activist and parliamentarian, and their daughter. Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development (OKD), Guwahati, an autonomous institution funded by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), was named after Das, on his birth centenary in 1995. India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp on him in 1998. A college at Dhekiajuli has been named, Lokonayak Omeo Kumar Das College, in his honour.

Birendra Nath Datta (born 1 March 1935) is an Indian academician, a linguist, a researcher of folklore, a singer and lyricists of Assam. He was born on 1 March 1935 at Nagaon, Assam to Kalpanath Datta, a school teacher and Mandakini Datta. Their original home is in Panera village, near Baihata Chariali. In his career, he mainly worked as a professor in different colleges of Assam. He also wrote scholarly books. In 2009, he was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, in the "Literature and Education" field and in 2010 he received the Jagaddhatri-Harmohan Das Literary award. Datta was elected as the president of Asom Sahitya Sabha for North Lakhimpur Session, 2003 and Hojai Session, 2004. Datta also wrote a number of scholarly books. One of his books, Cultural Contours of Northeast India, was published by Oxford University Press. For his book Sankar Madhavar Manisha Aru Asomar Sanaskritic Uttaradhikar, he won the 12th Jagaddhatri-Harmohan Das Literary award. Datta was also a singer and lyricist.

Pabitra Kumar Deka (29 January 1940 – 5 January 2010) was a progressive writer, columnist, publisher and editor of monthly magazine, film critic and script writer of the State of Assam in India. He was born in the small town of Haibargaon in the district of Nagaon (Assam) to Shri Mahendra Nath Deka and Swarnalata Deka. He is the winner of the Best Film Critic Award in 1988 from the Eastern India Motion Picture Association. The Government of Assam has instituted the State Best Film Critic Award in the name of Pabitra Kumar Deka Award from 2010 after his death. He wrote and translated many social and science fiction novels during this period, some of which were also published in the form of Sihote Sar Paise, Vietnam, Mexicor pora aha gabhorujani, Operation Momba, Frankenstein etc. Deka also wrote many humor articles for the magazine Cartoon, edited by famous painter and filmmaker Pulak Gogoi, another Shree Bhumi publication. From 1975, Deka shifted his focus to film and theatre. He published and edited a film and cultural magazine called Roopkar, the first of its kind in the Northeast India., which was published till early 1990s. Simultaneously, he also started an amateur theatre group called Aikyatan where he produced plays for two decades, including Janani, Surjastak, Sinhasan Khali, Panchatantra, Hewers of Coal, Upahar, Night of 16th January, Putala Ghar etc. Many young artists and technicians who belonged to this group are now established names in Assam today. A music school named Aikyatan Sangeet Vidyalaya was also started in the premises of the club for providing Hindustani classical vocal and tabla and western guitar, violin and mandolin classes. Besides Aikyatan, he was also closely associated with IPTA, Assam chapter. In the field of literature, Deka wrote a regular humor and satire column called Rasheswar Hazorikar Tukabahi for the Assamese weekly Asom Bani under the pen name of Rasheswar Hazarika in late 1970s and early 1980s. Deka formed the Assam Cine-Journalist Association, and was its president until his death. During this time, he wrote many scripts for films. Deka was closely involved in the Mobile Theatre of Assam. He wrote several plays including Thikana, Rajat Drohi, Overcoat, Naginir Amrit Danshan, ET (Adaptation of Steven Spielberg’s film), Laila Majnu, Dr Bezbarua, Godfather (Adaptation of Coppola's film), which were performed by groups like Kohinoor Theatre, Hengool Theatre, Rajashri Theatre, Sankardeb Theatre and Bordoloichila Theatre. Deka was one of those people who promoted the Mobile theatres in his magazine Roopkar to increase its intellectual acceptance and prominence among the classes. Today the Mobile theatre is a huge industry, employing thousands of people in Assam. The family members of late Deka have constructed an archive in his memory named Pabitra Kumar Deka Archive in 2018 in their residence at Pub Sarania, Guwahati. Roopkar Award is also presented every year in his memory to a famous personality from stage, film and media.

Naznin Faruque (born August 1, 1954) is an Indian social worker, politician and a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) elected from Assam, India being an Indian National Congress candidate. Faruque was born on August 1, 1954 in Nagaon in the Indian state of Assam. Faruque was Chairperson of State Weaving Manufacturing Cooperative Ltd., Assam from 1994 to 1996. She was elected to Rajya Sabha in April 2010. She served as a member of "Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers", "Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Minority Affairs", "Committee on Empowerment of Women", "Committee on Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme" and "Court of the Assam Assembly". 2009: "Bharat Jyoti Award"

Jitendra Nath Gohain (d. 1 October 2018) was an Indian surgeon. He was the president of the Association of Rural Surgeons of India, and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Nagaon branch. He also was a member of the Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endosurgeons. In 1981, he established the P & K Memorial Nursing Home at Nagaon. In 2006, he was awarded the Chikitsa Ratna Award.Born in Nagaon, he completed his MBBS at Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, and went to London for his residency. There he worked with British medical doctors like orthopaedist Alan Graham Apley. In 1971, he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and returned to Assam to serve the society. In 2007, his biography Jeebonjoyi Dr. Jitendra Nath Gohain: Tyaag aaru Adarkha, was written by journalist Khekhab Gogoi, which remains unpublished. He died at the age of 85 at Ayursundra Hospital, Guwahati.

Jahnabi Goswami (born 16 September 1976) is an Indian HIV/AIDS activist from Assam. She is the first woman in the Northeast to declare her HIV status. She is the founder and current treasurer of Assam Network of Positive People (ANPP) and the current president of the Indian Network for People living with HIV/AIDS (INP+), the first women to hold the position. Jahnabi Goswami grew up in Kampur, Nagaon. In 2002, Jahnabhi Goswami formed the Assam Network of Positive People (ANPP) with the help of Manipur Network of Positive People. ANPP aimed at building capacity and skills of people living with the virus and creating an enabling environment for them in society which if free from discrimination. ANPP has started a drop-in centre with free counseling and medicinal support to the patient and also provides referral services and free medical check-ups. Goswami held the position of the President of ANPP and is currently its treasurer. She also held the position of the General Secretary of The Indian Network of Positive People (INP+), the largest Network of people living with HIV/AIDS and is currently the President. She is the first women to be the President of INP+. Goswami's work mainly deals with women and children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. In 2012, ANPP, jointly with ASACS opened the Kasturi Special Care Home in Guwahati which offers free shelter, food and education to orphans infected and affected with HIV/AIDS. She has also been campaigning to make pre-marital HIV/AIDS tests mandatory. The life of Goswami was also featured in a 2008 short documentary, Jahnabi's World, directed by Debjani Mukherjee.

Diganta Hazarika is an Indian actor and model. He made his Bollywood debut in the epic adventure film, Mohenjo Daro (2016), directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. He also acted in Shah Rukh Khan's comeback movie Pathaan (2023). Mostly he acts in Assamese and Hindi films. Diganta Hazarika was born on 23 September 1984 in Puranigudam, Nagaon, Assam, India. Hazarika made his acting debut in an Assamese short film, Ki Naam Di Matim. After that he acted in Assamese feature films Grahan, Rishang, Rowd and Anuradha. His latest Assamese film is Pratighaat (2019), directed by Achinta Shankar. Hazarika made his Hindi film debut in Mohenjo Daro (2016), cast as Lothar. Before this he acted in the Indian telenovela Everest, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker.

Gautam Kalita is an Indian bodybuilder from Panigaon in Nagaon, Assam. He won the Mr World title in the Bantam class during ESPN-Musclemania World, a bodybuilding championship held at Wilshire Grand Hotel in Los Angeles on 16–17 November 2007. He was born to Late Golok Kalita and Sabitry Kalita in Nagaon. In Bantam class, his achievements include:Mr. Nagaon (1989–90), Mr Assam (1994–98), five times Mr North East (2001-2002-2003), three times Mr India (2004-2005-2007), Mr World (2007).

Khagen Mahanta was a singer and composer of folk and traditional music of Assam. Khagen Mahanta was born to Kalita caste Harendra Nath Mahanta and Laxmipriya Devi in Nagaon, Assam. Khagen Mahanta was a notable person in Assamese folk music and known as the "King of Bihu". His Bihu songs, Borgeet and other folk songs remain popular in Assam. The artist, along with his wife Archana Mahanta and son Angaraag Mahanta who is known as Papon, represent one of the most influential families in Assamese music. He died on 12 June 2014. n 1958, he gained attention from Delhi Doordarshan (television) Center, which had just been established, and was given the opportunity to perform. His program was a great success. During the "language movement" in 1960, Khagen Mahanta got actively involved in it under the leadership of personalities like Bishnuprasad Rabha, Hemanga Biswas, and Jugal Das. He was a member of the group "Harmony" and promoted human values with his melodious voice and compositions. In 1961, his first gramophone recorded song was broadcast from Guwahati All India radio center. He also participated in the "World Peace" festival in Calcutta. He was recognized as A grade artist in All India Radio and contributed in almost all genres of Assamese music like Lokageet, Okoni Geet, musicals, and dramas.

Prafulla Kumar Mahanta (born 23 December 1952) is an Indian politician who was the leader of the Assam Movement, and the 11th Chief Minister of Assam from 1985 to 1990 and again from 1996 to 2001 and the co-founder and former President of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a major political party in the Indian state of Assam. He was representing the Barhampur constituency in Assam Legislative Assembly from 1991 to 2021 and Nowgong constituency from 1985 to 1991.He also served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly from 2010 to 2014 and again from 1991 to 1996.He became the chief minister in the state when the AGP came to power in 1985, becoming the youngest Chief Minister of an Indian state. He is also a former president of the All Assam Students Union, an organization that spearheaded the Assam Movement from 1979 to 1985. In August 2005, his membership in the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) was terminated. So, he floated a new political party, Asom Gana Parishad (Progressive) on 15 September 2005.

Angaraag Mahanta (born 24 November 1975), known by his stagename Papon, is an Indian playback singer and composer from Assam. Papon has also sung in many languages apart from Assamese like Hindi, Bengali, Tamil and Marathi. He is the lead vocalist and founder of the folk-fusion band Papon and The East India Company. Papon started his musical career in 1998 with the Assamese song "Nasaba Sokule" from the album Snigdha Junak. In 2004 he released his first album, Junaki Raati. Papon made his debut in Bollywood with the song "Om mantra" from the film Strings - bound by faith in 2006. In 2011, his song was "Jiyein Kyun" from the movie Dum Maro Dum which was his first big hit. In 2014, he sang "Lakeerein", which is a poem by Gulzar, for the film Kya Dilli Kya Lahore and "Sun RI Bavli" for Nagesh Kukunoor's film Lakshmi. In 2015, he sang "Moh moh ke dhage" for the film Dum Laga Ke Haisha and "Humnava" in Hamari Adhuri Kahani (2015). In 2016, he sang "Bulleya" for the film Sultan. In August 2016, Red Bull released "Hometown Heroes," a seven-part documentary web series that revisits the story of Papon's youth and rising career. Papon's 2018 song "Baba Bolta Hain Bas Ho Gaya", from the movie Sanju, comments on differences between the real Sanju and the "reel" Sanju. In 2007, Papon formed an electronic folk-fusion band called Papon and The East India Company. The band consists of Papon on vocals, Brin Desai and Hameem Kader on live electronics, Jinti on lead guitars, Kirti on percussion and Dipu on bass and Tanmay on Drums. The six members came from backgrounds varying from Assamese folk to metal and blues to trip hop.

Sarmistha Pritam : (b. 18 December 1987) is an Assamese writer. She is also an advocate for people with spinal muscular atrophy. She started her career as daily writer of various Assamese magazine and newspapers. By 2013, she had published a collection of articles, Daworiya Akaxor Beli (The sun in a gloomy sky), a collection of poems, Dokmokali (Daybreak), and an autobiography Atmakatha. Her fourth book was written for children, titled Aalphulor Xopun (Aalphul's dream). In 2015, she wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for help with obtaining her royalties from the National Book Trust for the English and Hindi versions of her autobiography. By 2021, she had also written Anatahin, Rang, Balukat Biyoli Bela and Poran Nigore. In 2021, filmmaker Bobby Sarma Baruah announced her next film, Deoka (Walking in the Air) is based on the life of Pritam. Pritam is a member of Ellora Vigyan Mancha, an NGO that promotes science. In 2021, she advocated for people with spinal muscular atrophy and assistance from the government for the costs of treatment.

Sheikh Osman Ali Sadagar (1856 – 28 April 1948) was a politician, cultivator and educationist. He served as a member of the inaugural Assam Legislative Assembly, and opposed the integration of Assam into the Dominion of Pakistan. Sadagar is considered to be a pioneer of the cultural and linguistic Assamisation of the Miya community. The Chor Chapori Literary Council named the Osman Ali Sadagar Honorary Award in his memory. In 1902, Sadagar founded a primary school in Alitangani, Nowgong. According to doctoral researcher Hafiz Ahmed, the school was the second Assamese-medium institution from the Bengal-origin Muslim migrant community of Assam.

Bhabendra Nath Saikia (20 February 1932 – 13 August 2003) was a novelist, short-story writer, editor and film director from Assam, India. Dr. Saikia received his doctorate in physics from the University of London. He began his career as a reader in the Department of Physics, University of Guwahati. He later played an important role in the publication of college level textbooks in the Assamese language during his tenure as the Secretary of the Co-ordination Committee for production of textbooks in regional languages. Saikia was the founding editor of the Assamese language weekly Prantik and the children's magazine Safura. He has written plays for radio and theatre. He was the director and screenplay writer for eight Assamese language films, receiving the Rajat Kamal Award from the Government of India for seven. He won many literary awards, including Sahitya Academy (1976), and was also recognised with the Padma Shri in 2001. He was awarded the 'Assam Valley Literature Award' in 1990. Many Saikia's stories have been translated into English, Bengali, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati etc. He had also written a large number of plays for All India Radio (AIR). The plays Kolahal, Durbhiksha, and Itihaas were taken up by the AIR as national plays. He has written many plays for the Mobile Theatre of Assam, and a number of one-act plays.Saikia directed eight feature films, which have been screened at International Film Festivals held at various places such as Cannes, Madras, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Bangalore, Calcutta, Karlovy Vary (Czechoslovakia), Nantes (France), Valladolid (Spain), Algiers (Algeria), Pyong Yong (North Korea), Sydney, Munich, Montreal and Toronto. He received the Sahitya Akademi (India) Award in 1976, the Rajat Kamal Award of the Government of India for the film Sandhyarag in 1978, Anirban in 1981, Agnisnan in 1985, Kolahal in 1988, Sarothi in 1992, Abartan in 1994 and for Itihaas in 1996. He was adjudged as one of the "Twenty one Great Assamese Persons of the twentieth century" in a literary weekly news magazine of Assam. He was actively involved with the Assamese Mobile Theater industry, most notably with Abahan Theater.

Srimanta Sankardev (1449–1568) was a 15th–16th century Assamese polymath; a saint-scholar, poet, playwright, dancer, actor, musician, artist social-religious reformer and a figure of importance in the cultural and religious history of Assam, India. He is widely credited with building on past cultural relics and devising new forms of music (Borgeet), theatrical performance (Ankia Naat, Bhaona), dance (Sattriya), literary language (Brajavali). Besides, he has left an extensive literary oeuvre of trans-created scriptures (Bhagavat of Sankardev), poetry and theological works written in Sanskrit, Assamese and Brajavali. The Bhagavatic religious movement he started, Ekasarana Dharma and also called Neo-Vaishnavite movement, influenced two medieval kingdoms – Koch and the Ahom kingdom – and the assembly of devotees he initiated evolved over time into monastic centers called Sattras, which continue to be important socio-religious institutions in Assam and to a lesser extent in North Bengal. Sankardev inspired the Bhakti movement in Assam just as Guru Nanak, Ramananda, Namdev, Kabir, Basava and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu inspired it elsewhere in the Indian subcontinent. His literary and artistic contributions are living traditions in Assam today. The religion he preached is practised by a large population, and Sattras (monasteries) that he and his followers established continue to flourish and sustain his legacy.

Begum Parveen Sultana (born May 1950) is an Indian Hindustani classical singer of the Patiala Gharana. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014 by the Government of India and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1998. Begum Parveen Sultana received training from Acharya Chinmoy Lahiri, among others. Begum Parveen Sultana started her professional career with Abdul Majid's Assamese Film Morom Trishna. She has sung for Bollywood movies such as Gadar, Kudrat, Do Boond Pani, and Pakeezah, and several other Assamese films. Recently, she sang the theme song of Vikram Bhatt's 1920. She also sang Humein Tumse Pyaar Kitna for the film Kudrat in 1981. She has recorded for HMV, Polydor, Music India, Bharat Records, Auvidis, Magnasound, Sonodisc, and Amigo.

LANGUAGES

Assamese - 77.17%

Bengali - 16.75%

Hindi - 1.31%

RELIGIONS

Islam - 56.20%

Hinduism – 42.33%

Christianity – 1.15%.

Others – 0.32%

NALBARI DISTRICT

Nalbari is an administrative district in the state of Assam in India. The district headquarters is located at Nalbari. The origin of Nalbari District is created from Nal+ Bar. The word Nalbari is derived from nal and bari. Nal is a variety of reed, while bari means 'enclosed ground with plantation'.Nalbari was declared a sub division of undivided Kamrup District in 1967. The district was created on 14 August 1985 when it was split from Kamrup district. 1 June 2004 saw the formation of Baksa District from parts of three districts, including Nalbari. The tributaries of the Brahmaputra, the Nona, Buradia, Pagaldia, Ghogra, Borolia and Tihu, which originate in the foothills of the Himalayan Range, are wild in nature and make an enormous contribution to the agrarian economy of the district. The population composition of Nalbari district is ethnically dominated by the Assamese, Bodo, Bengali, Nepali, Hindustani (people outside Assam). Linguistic uniformity brought greater harmony amongst the different ethnic groups who used to differ not only in their spoken languages, but also in their administrative organizations, customary laws, and social and societal institutions. Such harmony as is expected, has been at work positively in the growth of Nalbari despite the fact, that different groups maintain their identities. Inter-ethnic relationship within the district generally appears to be harmonious not only in the economic field, but also in social context.

HISTORY

'Nalbari' means a place of reeds. The name was founded by the British Railway Engineers sometimes in A.D. 1890-91. Former name of this place was -Satra, Govindapur, Khata etc.

Video Link : Nalbari District Profile (Courtesy : Facts Market GLP)

This region was a part of ancient Kampitha, Pagarjotic, Pragjyotisha, Kamarupa, Kangoor, Rumi, Vaisali etc. Nalbari is a district name today.The history of Nalbari is connected with king Jarashandha and Lord Krisna such as Haribhanga. Nalbari region was under the Ashuras, Danavas, Varmanas, Salastambhas, Palas, Bhuyans, Koch, Tai-Ahoms, Mughals etc. The famous earlier villages are: Khata, Bahjani, Baska, Dhamdhama, Barbhag, Sonkuriha, Tihu, Janigog etc. Religious shrines are: Sri Sri Sri Bilveswar Maharudra, Balilecha mandir, Jaypal mandir etc.In early time, famous Sages like Vasistha, Atri, Kanva passed through this land to Guwahati. The Pandavas and Kauravas also came down to Kamarupa during Duryodhana’s marriage through this route only. Nalbari is known as 'Navadivipa' of Assam. There are good numbers of Sanskrit Toals in Nalbari. This region was once the hub of the activities of Haradatta and Biradatta revolutionary Heroes in the last days of the Tai-Ahoms. The story of Kumedan Bangal and Padma Kumari daughter of Haradatta still echoed this area. The history of Nalbari dates back to many centuries B.C. Arthashastra of Kautilya mentioned the import of various economic products from Nalbari. The Suvarnakundya village near Nalbari town produced the finest silk of Kautilya's time. The area also produced a special perfume among others. The Chandan and Aguru products were highly exported to faraway places including north India.Western Assam was known as Kamarupa from earlier times to the pre-modern period; which existed in harmony with Davaka of central Assam. Kamarupa was divided into Kamarupa Pithas or geographical divisions; Nalbari was placed in Kamapitha division.

ECONOMY

The District of Nalbari is one of the economically backward districts of Assam as it is characterised by low per capita income, agricultural based poor Socio-economic infrastructure, and heavy percentage of rural population below the poverty line and poor industrialization. Agriculture occupies the most dominant position in the economy of Nalbari. Nearly 97 per cent of the district population lives in rural areas. According to the 2001 census report more than 71 per cent of the working force are engaged in agriculture and its allied activities.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Hari Mandir : Built in 1965 on land donated by Rambahadur Pratap Narayan Choudhury, the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Video Link : Hari Mandir (Courtesy : Jagadish Bhaisya)

In 1968 the puja Mandab was built with financial help from Lt. Damahuram Mahajan. The new Math was constructed from 1976 to 1985. The temple is unique throughout Assam because of the annual Ras festival celebrated here in the month of November since 1946 with much pomp and grandeur; the festival, of course, being held much earlier from 1933 elsewhere.

Billeswar Devalaya : Billeswar Devalaya in Belsor of Nalbari district is an ancient Hindu temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.Believed to have been built 500 years ago, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Video Link : Billeswar Temple (Courtesy : Bhaskar Barman)

As the legend goes, a priest once had a cow which refused to be milked. Upon following the cow, the priest found that the cow gave milk on a bush of “virina” (type of grass). When the king came to know about it he got the place dug and found a Shiva Linga on that spot. A temple was built which was first called Birreswar or God or Virina, then Billeswar and now Belsor. Nowadays Belsor is a developed village with easy accessibility. Throughout the ages this temple has attracted many devotees and received royal patronage, including the Ahom King, Lakshmi Singha, who rebuilt the temple after it was devastated by natural calamity. It is situated about ten k.m. south-west from Nalbari Town.

Balilecha (Balilesa) Kali Mandir : It's an ancient temple of Goddess Kali. Although the ancient temple is in ruins, a newly constructed temple stands tall at the site.

Video Link : Balilesa Kali Mandir (Courtesy : My Space)

It's a highly revered religious shrine of Nalbari district.Believed to have been built by the Ahom King, Siba Singha (1718-1744) this Kali Mandir situated at Ballilesha village is a living Sakti Peeth. There is an 18 inch high statute of Kali made of Asta Dhatu inside the temple. Though there were also Bishnu Doul and Shiva Daul, the carthquake of 1897 almost destroyed them. A Kali Pukhuri covering 8 Pura of land however still exists. It is situated in a beautiful location on river bank of Pagaldia about seven k.m. away south-east of Nalbari town.

Basudev Devalaya : Basudev Devalaya in Balikaria of Nalbari district is an ancient Hindu temple and is dedicated to Basudev.

Ganga Pukhuri : Ganga Pukhuri is a large pond situated in Barkuriha of Nalbari district. Every year there is a festival held in Ganga Pukhuri on Ashok Astami and devotees throng here from different parts of the country to pay homages to departed souls.

Video Link : Ganga Phukhuri (Courtesy : Nabajit Barman)

This pond is situated in Vill Barkuriha of Upper Barbhag about 7(seven) kms south of Nalbari. It is said to had been dug by Gangadhar, a Brahmin. Each year, at Ashok Astami a mela is held here and devotees throng here from different parts of the country to pay homages to departed souls. The name of King Fengua, is associated with this tanks whose capital Subarna Koriwa or SonKuriha was nearby. A place famous for migratory bird. It is a perfect picnic spot during winter season. 7(seven) kms south of Nalbari.

Thetha Gohain Than : Built in Dokoha, Nalbari district, Assam is a 19th-century Hindu temple and is dedicated to Krishna.

Video Link : Thetha Gohain Than (Courtesy : Mix Anita Creation)

The temple was established at the end of the 19th century, on a piece of land donated by the late Janmi Majumdar who was an inhabitant of Kamarkuchi of Nalbari district. ThethaGohain means child Krishna. Land development and plantation plan have been registered under NREGA for further development of this temple.

IMPORTANT TOWNS

Nalbari is a town and a municipal board in Nalbari district in the Indian state of Assam. Nalbari town is also the headquarters of Nalbari District. The town is one of many towns covered under the proposed State capital region. The word Nalbari is derived from nal and bari. Nal is a variety of reed, while bari means 'enclosed ground with plantation'. The native speech of Nalbari is Nalbariya dialect, a dialect of the Kamrupi group of Assamese language. The Nalbari area is important archeologically; there have been various discoveries of copper plate inscriptions of Kamrupi kings from Nalbari. The village Guwakuchi near Nalbari town is one such archeological site where several ancient inscriptions were discovered. Educational opportunities in Nalbari are of high quality. It boasts of producing the highest number of exceptional students at the school level. Nalbari is famous for its Sanskrit education and is known as Nabadeep for the presence of various Sanskrit education institutions like Kamrup Sanskrit Sanjivani Sabha. First School was set up in Nalbari in the year 1887, which later became known as Nalbari Govt Gurdon H.S School. Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University named after the king of Kamarupa, Bhaskar Varman, and the Planetarium and the Science Centre at Sariahtali have been added to this existing system. Video Link : Nalbari Town (Courtesy : JituMani Creation)

FAMOUS PERSONALITIES

Raju Baruah (real name Hitesh Kalita), alias Anees Ahmed, is the Deputy Commander-in-Chief, the Chief of military operations, military spokesperson and the head of the near-autonomous 'Enigma Force' of the banned outfit ULFA in Assam. When the outfit's Commander-in-Chief Paresh Baruah was said to be critically ill, Raju Baruah was reportedly assumed to be the new military head.ULFA's C-in-C Paresh Baruah has reportedly been speaking to various associates about a confederal agreement with the Government of India if the outfit's General Body approves. Raju Baruah is known to have strongly opposed talks for which a trouble has been brewing between the two. He was also believed to be publicly chastised by the C-in-C. Any decision-making power had been taken away from him and he said to be 'under treatment' - but in fact in quasi-detention - at the Mirpur Military Hospital.

Seema Biswas (born 14 January 1965) is an Indian actress who works in Hindi films and the theatre. She gained prominence after playing the role of Phoolan Devi in Shekhar Kapur's film Bandit Queen (1994), for which she won the National Film Award for Best Actress. She won the 2000 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the 2006 Best Actress Genie Award for her role as Shakuntala in Deepa Mehta's Water (2005). Her other mainstream films include Khamoshi: The Musical (1996), for which she won the Screen Award for Best Supporting Actress, Bhoot (2003), Vivah (2006) and Half Girlfriend (2017). In addition to films, Biswas has appeared in many television shows.

Abani Chakravarty was an Indian humanitarian poet of the late twentieth century Assamese literature. Apart from original poetry his works included two novelettes and translations of the third-world poetry. Chakravarty was born in Nalbari subdivision (now Nalbari district) of Undivided Kamrup district of Assam, India on 3 January 1941 to a Brahmin family. Chakravarty published a number of books including poetry anthologies, translations and two novelettes. He published his poems in most of the major Assamese newspapers and magazines. His books were primarily published by publishers based in Assam apart from his own publication Kabita Prakashan. Abani was the joint editor for the Assamese magazine Antaranga (meaning "The Intimate", six-monthly, 1969), Asomiya Kabita("The Assamese Poetry", monthly, 1970) and the editor of Chirantan ("The Eternal", three-monthly, 1972). Pratibadar Kantha ("The Voice of Rebellion", recorded in 1985), a cassette of recitation of his poems, was the first ever cassette of recitation of Assamese poetry. His anthologies are Deha Romeromai Mor (1970), Slogan(1980), Kabikantha (1987), autobiographical novelette Sankardev Uddyan, Si aru Apurba (1990), edited anthologies Britta Bhangar Samay (1972), Ai Samay (1972), Parashu Goswamir Kabita (1989) and Amulya Baruar Jeevan aru Kabita (1990).

Sashadhar Choudhury or Sasha Choudhury (real name Sailen Choudhury is the Foreign Secretary of the outlawed group ULFA, Assam. His predecessor was Javed Bora. He hails from Helosa gaon in Nalbari district of Assam. He is married to Runima Choudhury and they have a daughter Shishir. Choudhury is a diploma in civil engineering and educated himself in diplomacy in Philippines. At times he represented ULFA at international foras including the UN. He is known to be the only English speaking ULFA who even interrupts his interrogators to correct their language. On Sunday night, November 1, 2009, some unidentified gunman took Choudhury, along with the group's finance secretary Chitrabon Hazarika away from a house in sector 3 of Uttara in Dhaka. Later they were pushed back to the Indo-Bangladesh Border where they were detained by BSF in Tripura while trying to infiltrate. They were handed over to Assam Police on November 6 by the BSF. But according to the Assam Police, the leaders surrendered before BSF in Tripura fleeing the crackdown against them in Bangladesh. Choudhury had earlier been arrested in Mizoram in 1996 and came out on bail.

Mithinga Daimary (alias Deepak Das) was the Central Publicity Secretary of the banned outfit ULFA since the previous publicity secretary Siddhartha Phukan's surrender in 1992. He was born in the Barama village in Nalbari district of Assam on 17 May 1967 with the birth name Deepak Kachari. Daimary joined B. Borooah College in Guwahati in 1986. But he could not complete his graduation since he joined ULFA in the same year and went underground. Later he became the Central Publicity Secretary of the outfit. He was captured by the Royal Bhutan Army during the Operation All Clear in December 2003. He was handed over by Bhutan to the Indian Army who in turn handed him over to Assam Police on 20 December 2003. ‘‘I will not surrender before the government and will fight to the end,’’ said Daimary in a show of defiance when produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Nalbari. He further said that the Bhutanese operation was quite unexpected. He has now been released from jail for peace talks between the Government of India and the ULFA. Apurba Baruah became his successor after his arrest. Daimary wrote poetry under the pseudonym Megan Kachari and has three collections of it. In 2006, the World Book Fair in Frankfurt released an English translation of some of his poems. Melodies and Guns is a collection of his poems published by UBSPD in response to the efforts taken by Jnanpith Awardee Mamoni Raisom Goswami. Memsahib Prithibi is the collection of his Assamese poetry now translated into English as "Melodies and Guns" by Pradeep Acharya and Manjeet Baruah.

Bijoy Das, known as Bijoy Chinese, is a commanding officer of 28th battalion of ULFA, the banned terrorist organisation in Assam. He hails from Nalbari district of Assam. He was working as an adjutant to Prabal Neog, the former commanding officer of the battalion, till Neog's arrest. He had also been holding the post of deputy commander of the battalion with Bhaskar Hazarika, another top ULFA leader. According to police he is a moderate who favours a political solution to insurgency in Assam. After Arabinda Rajkhowa and his followers joined peace talk with Union of India, Paresh Baruah ranked up Bijoy Chinese from Lieutenant to Major and appointed as Deputy C-in-C of Eastern Command of the ULFA.

Dr. Dinesh Chandra Goswami is an Assamese writer and winner of the Sahitya Akademi's Bal Sahitya Puraskar for 2014. He was born at Ulubari Sattra village of Nalbari district of Assam in 1949. He did MSc and PhD degrees from Gauhati University. He started writing in the children's corners of newspapers at the age of 11. His first book (Abhinava Abiskar) was published in 1975. He has published about seven novels, eight short story collections, one children's drama, 53 popular science books, and various text books and guide books. Some of his significant works include novels such as 'Jonakir Jilikani', 'Atmajivanir Prayas', 'Sabda Nirontor Sabda', 'Divya Upaban', 'Atmajibonir Dwitiy Prayas', 'Tritonor Abhiyan' (drama), 'Abhinna Hriday' (short stories), 'Kalpajagat'(short stories), 'Antarvahi' (short stories), 'Mantur Parivesh' (children's novel), and 'Asha aru Akangshar Kusum Butali' (Gathering the threads of hopes and aspirations—an autobiography). A collection of his self-selected science fiction short stories in Assamese has been published by the National Book Trust, India, and its English version (The Hair Timer) has also been published by them. More than 40 of his science fiction dramas and more than 100 of his science features, besides a large number of his talks and discussions, have been broadcast by AIR. He has been regularly publishing popular science and social columns in newspapers and magazines. Dr. Goswami was the President of the Assam Science Society and the Founder President of the Assam Science Writers' Association. He is associated with many other social and scientific organizations.

Sarat Chandra Goswami (1887-1944) was a prominent writer of Assam who enriched the Assamese literature with his short stories. Goswami was a founder member of Asam Sahitya Sabha and elected as a Secretary of the Sabha for the first time. He continued in the same post from 1920 to 1927. Goswami was born on 12 May 1887 at Narayanpur Sattra (now Nalbari Sattra) in Nalbari district of Assam. His father Lalit Chandra Goswami was also a writer and known for his "Keli Rohoishyo" book.

Trailokyanath Goswami (1906-1988) was noted writer from Nalbari, Assam, India. He wrote various novels and short stories in Assamese language. He is known for realistic variety in his works. Having understanding of both eastern and eastern aesthetics, has sound judgement and wide sympathy. He made critical analysis of trends in modern literature. He was born in 1906 in Nalbari district. He started his career as school teacher in Gordon High School in Nalbari. He served A.K Institute in North Guwahati as head master. He edited and published magazine named Mandakini in 1967. He was president of Asam Sahitya Sabha for sessions held in Palasbari (1960) and Goalpara (1961). He was well versed in Sanskrit, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali and English languages. He was story-teller with some novels in his name. He published various collections of short stories, which has realistic portrayal of various facets of society and criticism of the dwindling morals and values of the same. His works are distinguished by poise and balance, which has faith in ultimate regeneration of society. His notable works are Aruna (1948), Marichika (1948), Shilpir Janma (1957) and Jivanar Jiya Jui (1970), Jiya Manuh (satirical novel), Sahitya Alochana (1950), Adhunik Galpa Sahitya (1961), Samudra Manthana (1968), Ingraji Samalochanar Dhara aru Asamiya Sahitayar Prabhav (1970), Sahitya Kala aru tar Vichar (1972), Sahitya Samiksha and Nandanattava:Pracharya aru Pashchatya (1980).

Satish Chandra Kakati was an Indian journalist, writer, the editor of The Assam Tribune, an Assam based English-language daily, and one of the founders of Assam Bani, a vernacular weekly started in 1955 by The Assam Tribune group. He was the vice president of the Editors' Guild of India and authored seven books in Assamese and English. A 2005 recipient of the Kanaklata Barua and Mukunda Kakati Memorial Award, Kakati was awarded the fourth highest civilian award of the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1991. Kakati was born at Ulabori, a small hamlet in Nalbari district, in the Northeast Indian state of Assam, in October 1912 and did his schooling at The Kamrup Academy, a school born out of nationalistic movement in Assam. Kakati was a regular contributor to other publications and continued his social activism after his retirement. He was a columnist for The Statesman. He served as a visiting faculty at the Guwahati University for some time. He was involved in the organizational activities of Assam Media Trust, and served as the vice president of the Editors' Guild of India. He authored seven books, in both English and Assamese languages and Jivanimala, Jawaharlal Nehru Aru Soviet Russia and Smriti Bichitra are some of his notable works. Months before his death, a book on his life and times was released, in 2005, on the occasion of his 94th birth anniversary. Kakati died on 20 June 2006 at Guwahati. The Government of India awarded him the civilian honour of the Padma Shri in 1991. He received the Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi Memorial Award from the Government of Assam in 2004. A year later, he was awarded the Kanaklata Barua and Mukunda Kakati Memorial Award.

Dwipamani Kalita (aliases Sima Sonowal Sima Sonowal, Moina) is the first ULFA hit-woman of the outfit. She was responsible for all the mortar attacks executed during 2002–2003 in Assam. She joined the outfit in 1998. As she told to police, though she was an expert in mortar shelling, she was used to RPGs. Her accomplices were Dilip Roy and Pranoy Roy who formed a three-member elite group.Dwipamani hails from Jabjabkuchi village under Ghagrapar PS in Nalbari. Her father Karuna Kalita died while she was an infant forcing her to live with her step mother. According to DGP Harekrishna Deka, she was a victim of social ostracism and trauma which made a militant out of her. She was separated from her mother at a very young age and saw her father killed by the villagers. Her elder brother was also killed in an accident. Being unable to bear the atrocities of her step mother she joined the outfit in 1998 through one Minati Kalita, and ULFA activist Manoj Goswami of Nalbari. On Sunday, April 20, 2003, Dwipamani surrendered before DGP Harekrishna Deka and IGP (Special Branch) Khagen Sharma. She was only 20 at the time of surrender. She said at the press conference that she was not aware of the ideology of the ULFA and only joined the outfit due to family problems

Heerak Jyoti Mahanta, also spelled as Hirakjyoti Mahanta, Hirak Jyoti Mahanta, alias Jayanta Medhi alias Naren Deka (Real name: Heerak Jyoti Mahanta) was the first Deputy Commander-in-chief of the United Liberation Front of Axom (ULFA). He was killed on the eve of 31 December 1991. He was said to be one of the hardcore cadres of the outfit. He strongly opposed any kind of surrendering and lateral talk with the Indian government and it never happened within the outfit till his death. After his death, a large section of second-rung leaders and members surrendered to government authorities in 1992.

Adya Sharma was a producer of mobile theatre from Nalbari district of Assam. Sharma was born in Makhibaha, Nalbari district. He was known as Guruji and Kaka (brother). His first production was at the Purbajyoti Theatre in 1966. One of his achievements was staging Titanic in Kohinoor Theatre, one of the leading mobile theatre groups in Assam.

RELIGIONS

Hinduism – 69.11%

Islam – 30.55%

Others – 0.33%

LANGUAGES

Assamese - 85.87%

Bengali - 11.00%

Boro - 2.53%

Others - 0.61%

Saturday, January 6, 2024

INDIAN STATES - ASSAM

It was created from parts of Barpeta, Nalbari and Kamrup districts.

On 23 January 2022, Tamulpur district was created by separating Tamulpur sub-division of Baksa district.

Geography

This district is bounded by Bhutan in the north, Udalguri district in the east, Barpeta, Nalbari and Kamrup districts in the south and Chirang district in the west. Area of the district is 2,400 km2 (930 sq mi).

National protected area: Manas National Park (Part)

Divisions

The district has three sub-divisions: Mushalpur, Salbari and Tamulpur. These sub-divisions are further divided into 13 revenue circles: Baksa, Barama, Tamulpur, Goreswar, Baganpara, Ghograpar, Barnagar, Bajali, Jalah, Patharighat, Rangia, Sarupeta and Tihu.

Three Vidhan Sabha constituencies of this district are Tamulpur, Barama and Chapaguri. All of these are part of Kokrajhar Lok Sabha constituency.

Administration

Mushalpur town is the headquarters of the district.

Demographics

Administration

Nagsankar Mandir

Gang mou than

The district has three subdivisions: Bongaigaon, Bijni, and North Salmara. In 2004, parts of the Bongaigaon district (mainly areas under Bijni subdivision) were given over to form the Chirang district, under the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), with its district headquarters at Kajalgaon.

Languages

Assamese (49.00%)

History

Administration

The district headquarters are located at Silchar.

Video Link : Silchar City (Courtesy : Debraj Chakraborty Photography)

The district occupies an area of 3786 sq.km with a population of 17,36,319 and 80.36% Literacy Rates(2011 Census).

Religions

Languages

Charaideo was established by the first Ahom king Chaolung Sukaphaa. The name Charaideo originated from Tai-Ahom word Che Rai Doi or Doi Che Rai which means the shining city on the hills. The Che-Rai-Doi Assamised into Charaideo or Charai-khorong.

History

Video Link : Charaideo District (Courtesy : Sunrise Entertainment)

Religion

Language

Economy

Video Link : Dibrugarh District Info (Courtesy : GTV Assam)

Administration

There are seven Assam Legislative Assembly constituencies in this district: Moran, Dibrugarh, Lahowal, Duliajan, Tingkhong, Naharkatia, and Chabua. Chabua is in the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency, whilst the other six are in the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency.

Important Towns

PLACES OF INTEREST

Video Link : Dehing Patkai National Park (Courtesy : Bachelor Life)

Video Link : Bezor Doul (Courtesy : Mysterious Assam)

Video Link : Tai phake Village and Buddhist Monastry (Courtesy : Unexplored Northeast)

Video Link : Namphake Ethnic Village and Its Food (Courtesy : Anubhav Sapra)

Hindus - 90.35%

Muslims - 4.86%

Christians - 3.99%

The main indigenous Assamese communities inhabiting the district includes Ahom, Chutia, Sonowal Kachari, Motok, Moran people, etc. There are also some indigenous Assamese Tai Buddhist communities like Tai Phake, Khamti and Khamyang.

LANGUAGES

Assamese - 76.01%

Bengali - 5.93%

Hindi - 5.80%

Sadri - 4.83%

Nepali - 1.72%

Bhojpuri - 1.13%

Odia - 1.00%

NEEPCO - Kopili Hydro Electric Project

Languages

National protected area

Administration

The district headquarters are located at Golaghat.

Divisions :

Within the merged establishment of the Deputy Commissioner, Golaghat are the Offices of the Sub-Divisional Officers, Dhansiri and Bokakhat.

There are four Assam Legislative Assembly constituencies in this district: Bokakhat, Sarupathar, Golaghat, and Khumtai. All four are in the Kaliabor Lok Sabha constituency.

Economy :

Video Link : Agar Wood Oil - Wood of Gods (Courtesy : One India Hindi)

MAJOR TOWNS

PLACES OF INTEREST

Video Link : Top 10 Resorts of Kaziranga National Park (Courtesy : Wide Angle Creation)

Video Link : Jugibari Beel (Courtesy :Advisor Assam)

This district is bounded by Bhutan in the north, Udalguri district in the east, Barpeta, Nalbari and Kamrup districts in the south and Chirang district in the west. Area of the district is 2,400 km² (930 sq mi).