Barpeta District

Overview of Barpeta District

Formation

      • Established in 1983.
      • Renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance.

Headquarters

      • Located in Barpeta town, known as “Satra Nagari” (Temple Town of Assam) due to its numerous Vaishnavite Satras.

Geographical Area

      • Covers approximately 3,245 square kilometers.

History of Barpeta

1. Ancient & Medieval Periods

    • Part of Ancient Kamrup, ruled by various dynasties:
      • Varmans (380-654 CE)
      • Salasthamas (655-985 CE)
      • Palas (985-1260 CE)
      • Kamatas (1260-1509 CE)
      • Koches (1509 onwards)
    • Koch-Hajo State:
      • Flourished under King Naranarayan.
      • Mahapurush Shrimanta Sankardeva established Satras (monasteries), shaping the region’s cultural identity.

2. Mughal & British Rule

    • Mughal Invasion (17th century):
      • Introduced systematic revenue collection.
      • Issued land grants for Satras.
    • Burmese Invasions (Early 19th century):
      • Widespread destruction, including Barpeta Satra.
      • British intervention restored order.
    • British Administration (1841):
      • Barpeta became a Civil Sub-Division under John Batlor.
      • Increased land revenue, leading to peasant unrest.
      • Lachima Uprising (1893-94) in response to heavy taxation.

Geography

    • Location: Western part of Assam, India.
                        Situated along Northern bank of Brahmaputra
    • Area: Approximately 3,245 square kilometers.
    • Topography: Low-lying with an average elevation of about 35 meters.
    • Boundaries:
      • North: Baksa district
      • East: Bajali district
      • South: Kamrup and Goalpara districts
      • West: Bongaigaon and Chirang districts
    • Rivers: Chaulkhowa, Mora, Nodi (tributaries of the Brahmaputra River),Nakhanda.
    • Beel : Velekee,Vela, Gora ,Bahuwa, chilla
    • Notable Sites: Gateway to Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Socio-Economy of Barpeta District

    • Economy: Primarily agrarian, with most people dependent on agriculture.
    • Main Products: Rice, jute,mustard and various vegetables.
    • Local Trade: Several markets and bazaars support local trade.
    • Industries: Small-scale industries contribute to the economy.
    • Handicraft : Known for bell-metal crafts from Sarthebari.
    • Cultural Influence: Rich cultural heritage linked to Vaishnavism, which also boosts tourism through religious sites.

Transport in Barpeta District

    • Rail Connectivity: Nearest railway station is Barpeta Road, linking the district to major cities in Assam.
    • Road Connectivity: Accessible via National Highway 31, connecting to Guwahati and other regions.
    • Air Connectivity: Nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati.

Demographics of Barpeta District

    • Total Population: 1,693,622
      • Male Population: 867,004 (51.1%)
      • Female Population: 826,618 (48.9%)
    • Sex Ratio: 951 females for every 1000 males
    • Population Density: 632 inhabitants per square kilometer
    • Literacy Rate:
      • Overall: 90.77%
      • Male: 94.86%
      • Female: 86.73%
    • Child Population (0-6 years):
      • Total Children: 287,829
        • Male Children: 146,777
        • Female Children: 141,052
      • Child Sex Ratio: 961 girls for every 1000 boys
      • Child Population Percentage (0-6 years): 16.99% of total population
      • Scheduled Castes (SC): Approximately 19.66% of the population
      • Scheduled Tribes (ST): Approximately 0.28% of the population

      Urban and Rural Distribution

      • Urban Population: Approximately 147,353 (8.70% of total population)
      • Rural Population: Approximately 1,546,269 (91.30% of total population)

      Religious Composition

      • Hindus: Approximately 40.19%
      • Muslims: Approximately 59.37%
      • Other religions account for a small percentage, including Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains.

Administrative Setup of Barpeta District

      • Administrative Headquarters: Barpeta town.
      • Sub-Divisions and Revenue Circles: The district is divided into several sub-divisions and revenue circles.
      • Development Blocks: 9 development blocks.
      • Focus: Governance and development initiatives to improve infrastructure and public services.

Rainfall in Barpeta District

      • Climate: Subtropical climate with distinct seasons.
      • Average Annual Rainfall: Approximately 1,717 mm.
      • Wettest Month: July.
      • Seasons:
        • Winters: Chilly
        • Summers: Hot

Attractive Tourist Places

      • Barpeta Satra: A prominent Vaishnavite monastery established by Madhabdev.
      • Manas National Park: Known for its rich biodiversity and wildlife.
      • Sarthebari: Famous for traditional bell-metal crafts.
      • Temples and Cultural Sites: Various temples and cultural sites reflecting Assam’s heritage.
      • Kirtan Ghar – a prominent Vaishnavite shrine and biggest Vaishnavite monastery of Assam.

Languages Spoken in Barpeta

      • Bengali: Widely spoken by Bengali Hindus and Muslims.
      • Assamese: Common among the local population.
      • Hindi: Spoken by a smaller proportion.
      • Other Languages: Present but in minor proportions.

Let us know any further suggestions ,we at sudurbhai.com will be happy to hear from you in our comment section below ! 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top