Charaideo District

District Overview: Charaideo District

• • Location: Eastern Assam, India.
  • Established: August 15, 2015 (carved out from Sivasagar district).
  • Historical Significance: First capital of the Ahom kingdom, founded by Chao Lung Siu-Ka-Pha in 1253 CE.
  • Name Meaning: “The shining city on the hills” in Tai-Ahom language.

History of Charaideo District

1. Establishment as Capital

• • Founded in 1253 CE by Chao Lung Siu-Ka-Pha, the first Ahom king.
  • Served as the first capital of the Ahom kingdom.
  • Though the capital shifted over time, Charaideo remained the symbolic center of Ahom power & culture.

2. Etymology

• • Derived from Tai-Ahom words Che-Rai-Doi meaning “Shining City on the Hills.”
  • Name reflects its geographical & historical prominence.

3. Historical Context

• • Pre-Ahom Era:
    • Originally a worship site for Moran & Borahi tribes.
    • Transformed into an important settlement under Sukapha, blending local & Tai-Ahom traditions.
  • Burial Practices:
    • Ahoms practiced elaborate royal burials, including personal items & servants in tombs.
    • Reflects beliefs in the afterlife and unique cultural death rituals.

Geography of Charaideo District

• • Area: Approximately 1,069.15 square kilometers.
  • Boundaries:
    • North: Dibrugarh district
    • South: Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
    • West: Sivasagar district.
  • Topography:
    • Hilly landscapes with valleys and rivers.
  • Major rivers: Desang, Towkak, Suffry, Timon, and Teok.
  • Biodiversity: Rich diversity due to varied geography, contributing to fertile agricultural land.

Socio-Economy of Charaideo District

• • Economy: Primarily agrarian, with a focus on farming.
  • Key Agricultural Products: Rice, tea, and various fruits and vegetables.
  • Industries: Small-scale industries and handicrafts also provide local employment.
  • Challenges: Infrastructure development and access to markets remain significant challenges despite agricultural potential.

Transport in Charaideo District

• • Connectivity: Well-connected by road and rail.
  • Main Town: Sonari, serves as a transport hub with links to major highways.
  • Railway Station: Simaluguri, connects the district to broader railway networks.
  • Public Transport: Buses and auto-rickshaws facilitate local travel.

Demographics of Charaideo District

• • Population Statistics

    • Total Population: 471,418

      • Males: 234,543 (49.7%)

      • Females: 224,072 (50.3%)

    • Sex Ratio: 955 females per 1000 males

    Urban and Rural Distribution

    • Urban Population: 29,723 (6.31%)

    • Rural Population: 428,695 (93.69%)

    Age Distribution

    • Children (0-6 years): 60,889

    • Population aged 7 years and above: 397,726

    Literacy Rate

    • Overall Literacy Rate: 71%

      • Literates: 294,762

      • Illiterates: 102,964

    Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

    • Scheduled Castes: 7,643 (1.62%)

    • Scheduled Tribes: 11,909 (2.53%)

    Religious Composition

    • Hinduism: 88.00%

    • Christianity: 5.24%

    • Islam: 4.58%

    • Other tribal religions: 1.25%

    • Buddhism: 0.72%

    • Others/not stated: 0.21%

Administrative Setup of Charaideo District

• • Formation: Carved from Sivasagar district on August 15, 2015.
  • Administrative HQ: Located in Sonari.
  • Sub-Division: 1.
  • Revenue Circles: 4 (Sonari, Sapekhati, Mahmora, Nazira).
  • Development Blocks: 4.
  • Towns: 2 (Sonari Municipality Board, Moran Town Committee).

Rainfall in Charaideo District

• • Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate.
  • Average Annual Rainfall: Approximately 2,500 mm.
  • Monsoon Season: Most precipitation occurs from June to September, supporting agriculture.

Tourist Places in Charaideo

• • Charaideo Maidam: Burial mounds of Ahom kings, resembling pyramids. These are important archaeological sites which was granted the UNESCO World Heritage Site status on July 26, 2024.
  • Borhat Bazar: A historical market area with cultural significance.
  • Raja Pukhuri: A scenic water body ideal for relaxation.
  • Temples:
    • Sri Sri Haridev Bornamghar
    • Cholapathar Shyam Gaon Buddhist Monastery.
    • Borpatra Pukhuri

Languages Spoken in Charaideo District

• • Assamese: 75.64% of the population
  • Sadri: 7.64%
  • Bengali: 4.22%
  • Odia: 3.20%
  • Hindi: 1.92%
  • Nepali: 1.38%