Biswanath District

Overview of Biswanath District

1. Creation

• • Formed on August 15, 2015, by bifurcating parts of Sonitpur district.
  • Includes Gohpur and other areas.

2. Headquarters

• • Located in Biswanath Chariali.

3. Historical Significance

• • Part of historical kingdoms: Chutiya and Ahom.
  • Home to Biswanath Temple, known as “Gupta Kashi” for its spiritual value.
    
    

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    Ancient & Medieval History of Biswanath

    1. Chutiya & Ahom Kingdoms

    • Chutiya Kingdom ruled most of Biswanath until the 16th century.
    • Ahoms annexed the region, while Bhuyan chieftains controlled the western parts.
    • Major rivers like Dikarai & Ghiladhari marked kingdom boundaries.

    2. Fortifications

    • Chutiya kings built Buroi Fort & Pratapgarh Fort for defense.
    • These forts indicate Biswanath’s strategic importance in medieval Assam.

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Geography of Biswanath District

1. Location

• • North bank of the Brahmaputra River.
  • Borders:
    • North: Arunachal Pradesh
    • East: Lakhimpur district
    • South : River Brahmaputra
    • West : Sonitpur district

2. Coordinates

• • Latitude: 26°30’ N to 27°01’ N.
  • Longitude: 92°16’ E to 93°43’ E.

3. Topography

• • Predominantly flat and fertile plains, ideal for agriculture.

3. Rivers :

• • Brahmaputra River, Ghiladhari River, Borgang River, Buroi River, Jiabharali River, Burhiganga River, Behali River, Solengi River, Kharoi River, Mornoi River

Socio-Economy of Biswanath District

1. Agriculture

• • • • Primarily agrarian economy with significant tea cultivation.

2. Credit Potential

• • • • Focus on MSMEs, including agriculture and renewable energy sectors.

3. Employment

• • • • Majority dependent on agriculture and related activities.
      • Industries: Small-scale industries and handicrafts contribute to the local economy.

Transport in Biswanath District

• • • Transportation Hub: Biswanath Chariali serves as the main town and transport hub.
    • Road Connectivity: National Highway 15 runs through the district, linking it to major cities in Assam.
    • Waterways: The Biswanath multimodal waterways terminal on the Brahmaputra River enhances trade and transportation.
    • Major stations:
      • Dubia
      • Gohpur
      • Brahmajan
      • Helem
      • Niz Borgang
      • Monabari
      • Biswanath Chariali
      • Niz Sotea

Demographics of Biswanath District

• • • Population Overview

      • Total Population: 612,491

        • Male Population: 311,234

        • Female Population: 301,257

      • Sex Ratio: 968 females per 1000 males

      Urban and Rural Distribution

      • Urban Population: 31,368 (5.12%)

      • Rural Population: 581,123 (94.88%)

      Age Distribution

      • Children (0-6 years): 88,453

      Literacy Rates

      • Overall Literacy Rate: Approximately 75.41%

        • Male Literacy Rate: 81.36%

        • Female Literacy Rate: 69.06%

      Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

      • Scheduled Castes (SC): 43,763 (7.15%)

      • Scheduled Tribes (ST): 93,174 (15.21%)

      Religious Composition

      • Hinduism: 514,259 (83.96%)

      • Islam: 52,155 (8.52%)

      • Christianity: 42,408 (6.92%)

      • Others/Not Stated: Approximately 0.60%

Administrative Setup of Biswanath District

1. 1. 1. Administrative HQ: Biswanath Chariali.
      2. Sub-Divisions:
         Includes Biswanath Chariali and Gohpur
      3. Revenue Circles/Tehsils:
         Biswanath Chariali, Gohpur, and Helem.

      4. Development Blocks:

         • Includes Pub-Chaiduar and Behali blocks.
      • Gohpur holds historical significance in India’s freedom struggle.
      • On September 1942, freedom fighters Kanaklata Barua and Mukunda Kakati were martyred.
      • They were killed in police firing while attempting to hoist the national flag at Gohpur Police Station.

Rainfall in Biswanath District

• • • Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate.
    • Average Annual Rainfall: Approximately 1,800 mm.
    • Monsoon Season: Most precipitation occurs from June to September, which supports agricultural activities.

Attractive Tourist Places

• • • Biswanath Temple: A significant pilgrimage site, also called “Gupta Kashi.” (Located at confluence of Burhiganga River and Brahmaputra River)
    • Eco-Tourist Resort at Uma Tumoni Island: Scenic beauty and recreational activities.
    • Historical Sites: Various archaeological sites and historical landmarks reflecting the region’s heritage.
    • Biswanath Ghat has been selected as the Best Tourism Village of India 2023 by Ministry of Tourism

Languages Spoken in Biswanath District

• • • Assamese (34.06%)
    • Sadri (13.56%)
    • Bengali (8.58%).
    • Nepali: 7.93%
    • Boro: 7.23%
    • Mising: 7.09%
    • Other Languages: Includes Hindi and various tribal dialects.