Majuli District

District Overview: Majuli District

• • Location: Located in the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India, Majuli is the largest river island in the world.
  • Significance: Known for its cultural heritage, biodiversity, and being a center of Assamese Vaishnavism.
  • Formation: Majuli became its own district on September 8, 2016, making it the first island district in India.

History of Majuli District

1. Early History and Formation

Geological and Natural Formation

• • Majuli’s formation is attributed to earthquakes, erosion, and river channel migration over centuries.

  • The island was originally part of a long, narrow landmass known as Majoli, with the Brahmaputra River to the north and Burhidihing River to the south.

Chutiya Rule (Before the 17th Century)

• • Around the 16th century, Majuli was known as Ratnapur, the capital of the Chutiya kingdom.

  • The Chutiyas ruled over this area until they were defeated by the Ahoms in the early 17th century.

Major Natural Events Leading to the Island’s Formation

• • Between 1661 and 1696, a series of earthquakes altered the river’s course.

  • A massive flood in 1750 caused the Brahmaputra River to shift, leading to the isolation of Majuli as an island.

2. Ahom Rule and Political Developments

Early Ahom Influence

• • After annexing the Chutiya kingdom, the Ahoms took control of Majuli in the early 17th century.

  • Ahom King Pratap Singha built a protective rampart to strengthen the island’s defenses.

Role in the Moamaria Rebellion (1769–1805)

• • During the Moamaria rebellion, a major uprising against the Ahoms, Majuli became a center of conflict.

  • A Moamaria rebel leader named Howha controlled the island for a period before the Ahoms reclaimed it.

Ahom Records and Grants

• • In 1776, Ahom King Lakshmi Singha referred to the region as “Majuli Pradesh” in an official land grant.

British Rule (1826–1947)

• • The British took control of Assam after the Treaty of Yandabo (1826) and governed Majuli as part of their colonial administration.

  • The island remained under British control until India’s independence in 1947.

3. Majuli as a Neo-Vaishnavite Cultural Hub

Srimanta Sankardeva’s Influence (15th–16th Century)

• • Majuli gained prominence as the spiritual center of Neo-Vaishnavism, a reformist Hindu movement led by Srimanta Sankardeva.

  • Sankardeva, along with his disciple Madhavdeva, established monasteries called satras, which became centers of spiritual learning, performing arts, and Assamese culture.

  • The first satra in Majuli was founded at Belguri by Srimanta Sankardeva himself.

Growth and Decline of Satras

• • At its peak, Majuli had 65 satras, which played a crucial role in spreading Vaishnavite philosophy, art, and literature.

  • Today, due to erosion and socio-political changes, only 22 satras remain active on the island.

4. Modern Developments and District Status

Recognition as an Island District

• • On September 8, 2016, Majuli was declared a separate district, making it the first island district in India.

  • This recognition was aimed at preserving its unique cultural heritage and addressing environmental challenges.

Judicial and Administrative Advancements

• • The S.D.J.M. (Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate) Court was established in 1992 to handle local legal matters.

  • On May 21, 2022, the Majuli District Judiciary was officially inaugurated.

    • Shri Nogen Senabaya Deori became the first District & Sessions Judge.

    • Shri Bankim Sharma was appointed the first Chief Judicial Magistrate.

Geography of Majuli District

• • Area: Covers 880 square kilometers.
  • Coordinates: Approximately 26°57′ N latitude and 94°10′ E longitude.
  • Boundaries:
    • North: Bordered by the Subansiri River.
    • South: Surrounded by the Brahmaputra River.
    • East: Adjacent to Dhemaji district.
    • West: Borders Jorhat district.
  • Topography: Flat alluvial plains and wetlands formed by river sedimentation.
  • Rivers: Major rivers include the Brahmaputra and Subansiri, with various tributaries and channels.
  • Climate: Humid subtropical climate with 3,000 mm of annual rainfall, mostly from June to September.

Socio-Economy of Majuli District

• • Agriculture: Main source of livelihood with crops like rice, jute, mustard, and various fruits. Notable rice varieties include Komal Saul and Bora Saul.
  • Handloom and Handicrafts: Weaving of traditional textiles, especially Muga silk and cotton.
  • Fishing and Dairying: Fishing in surrounding rivers and dairying are important economic activities.
  • Tourism: The district attracts tourists due to its scenic beauty, cultural festivals, and satra monasteries.

Transport in Majuli District

• • Roadways: The island is connected to the mainland by ferries from Nimati Ghat in Jorhat.
  • Ferries: The main mode of transport to reach Majuli and also used for trade and commuting.
  • Airways: The nearest airport is in Jorhat, about 70 km from Majuli.

Demographics of Majuli District

• • Population

    • Total Population: 167,304

    • Entirely rural

    Language (as of 2011 census)

    • Assamese: 54.47%

    • Mising: 41.01%

    • Bengali: 1.66%

    • Deori: 1.22%

    • Hindi: 0.90%

    • Nepali: 0.46%

    • Others: 1.64%

    Caste

    • Scheduled Castes (SC): 14.3%

    • Scheduled Tribes (ST): 46.4%

    Religion

    • Hinduism: 99.04%

    • Muslim: 0.35%

    • Christian: 0.15%

    • Sikh: 0.01%

    • Buddhist: 0%

    • Jain: 0.01%

    • Other Religion: 0.31%

    • No Religion Specified: 0.12%

    Literacy (Circle data)

    • Total Literacy Rate: 78.56%

    Sex Ratio (Circle data)

    • Sex Ratio: 955 females per 1000 males

    • Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years): 948

    Children (Age 0-6 years)

    • Constitute 13% of the total population

Administrative Setup of Majuli District

• • District Headquarters: Located in Garamur.
  • Sub-Divisions: The district has one sub-division – Majuli.
  • Revenue Circles: Two revenue circles – Majuli Circle and Kamalabari Circle.
  • Development Blocks: Two development blocks for local governance.

Rainfall in Majuli District

• • Annual Rainfall: Between 2,500 mm to 3,000 mm, mostly during the monsoon months (June to September).
  • Impact: Heavy rainfall can cause flooding but also enriches soil fertility, benefiting agriculture.

Attractive Tourist Places in Majuli

• • Kamalabari Satra: A prominent center of art, culture, and literature with beautiful architecture and intricate designs depicting Assamese culture
  • Dakhinpat Satra: A historical monument established in 1584, known for its aesthetic architecture, paintings, and sculptures. It hosts the annual ‘Rasleela’ festival, depicting the life of Lord Krishna
  • Auniati Satra: Known for its collection of Assamese artifacts, jewelry, and utensils. It features lion statues at the gateway and serves as an epicenter of Vaishnavism and Satriya culture
  • Garmur: A prominent cultural and historical center known for its ancient Satras (monasteries)
  • Tengapania: A golden temple-like structure representing Ahom architecture with exquisite statues and pointed pillars, located near the Brahmaputra River with affluent greenery
  • Samaguri Satra: Known for mask-making
  • Mishing Village: To experience the culture and traditions of the local Mishing tribe

Languages Spoken in Majuli District

• • Assamese: 54.47%
  • Mising: 41.01%
  • Bengali: 1.66%
  • Deori: 1.22%