Dhubri District

Ancient References: Dhubri is mentioned in ancient texts such as the Kalika Purana and Yogini Purana as part of the Kamarupa kingdom, ruled by dynasties like the Varmans, Mlechhas, and Palas (350–1100 CE).

Etymology: The name “Dhubri” is believed to derive from a local legend involving Netai Dhubuni, a woman who washed clothes on the Brahmaputra’s banks, as recounted by the merchant Chand Sadagar (3rd century CE).

Medieval Era: In the late 15th century, the Bengal Sultanate briefly controlled Dhubri, transforming it from a fishing village to a trading post along the Brahmaputra.

Religious Heritage: The Panbari Mosque, built between 1493–1519 CE by Hussain Shah, Governor of Bengal, is one of Assam’s oldest mosques and a significant Islamic site.

Mughal-Ahom Conflicts: The area saw major conflicts between the Mughals and the Ahoms in the 17th century, notably the Battle of Saraighat (1671) and the Battle of Itakhuli (1682), after which the Ahoms regained control.

Sikh Influence: Guru Nanak visited Dhubri in the early 16th century, and later, Guru Tegh Bahadur’s visit led to the founding of the Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. Dhubri became a Sikh pilgrimage center, especially after the arrival of Sikh soldiers in the early 19th century.

Colonial Period: The British established Goalpara district in 1876, with Dhubri as one of its three subdivisions. The district headquarters shifted from Goalpara to Dhubri in 1879.

Cultural Melting Pot: Under British rule, Dhubri developed as an administrative and commercial hub, attracting diverse communities and fostering a unique blend of languages, religions, and art.

Post-Independence: After the 1947 partition, Dhubri lost some prominence but remained a significant border district, with the Brahmaputra River marking the end of its journey in India here.

Formation as District: On July 1, 1983, Dhubri was carved out as a separate district from Goalpara, becoming an administrative center in western Assam.