Hailakandi District

District Overview: Hailakandi District

• • Location: Southernmost part of Assam, India.

  • Established: Officially declared as the 24th district of Assam on September 29, 1989.

  • Origin of the Name

    • The name “Hailakandi” may have come from the Kuki language, where “halam” means small state and “kundia” means temporary farmland.

    • Another theory links it to Sailkandi paddy, a rice variety grown in the region, which may have evolved into “Hailakandi.”

History of Hailakandi District

Origin of the Name

• • The name “Hailakandi” may have come from the Kuki language, where “halam” means small state and “kundia” means temporary farmland.

  • Another theory links it to Sailkandi paddy, a rice variety grown in the region, which may have evolved into “Hailakandi.”

Role in India’s Freedom Struggle

• • Hailakandi was involved in the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny, with local fighters resisting British rule at Ron Tila, Mohanpur.

  • Abdul Matlib Mazumdar, a key freedom fighter, worked to unite Hindus and Muslims and opposed India’s partition.

British Rule and Development

• • The British established tea gardens, which boosted the local economy.

  • Railways were built to transport tea, improving connectivity.

  • Several schools and institutions were founded during this period, shaping the district’s education system.

Geography of Hailakandi District

• • Area: 1,327 square kilometers.
  • Coordinates: Between 24°39′ N and 25°08′ N latitude and 92°35′ E and 92°55′ E longitude.
  • Boundaries:
    • North: Cachar district and Barak River.
    • South: Shares boundary with Mizoram.
    • East: Cachar district.
    • West: Sribhumi (Karimganj) district.
  • Topography: The landscape features hills (locally called tilla), flat plains, and beels (waterlogged areas). The southern part is hilly, while the north is flat.
  • Rivers : Barak River,Dhaleswari River, Katakhal River
  • Climate: Humid subtropical climate with heavy rainfall during monsoon. The average annual rainfall is about 3,000 mm (April to October).

Socio-Economy of Hailakandi District

• • Economy: Primarily agrarian, with agriculture as the main occupation.
  • Major Crops: Rice, jute, mustard, and fruits. Sali paddy is especially significant.
  • Livestock: Cattle, goats, and poultry farming are common.
  • Handicrafts & Small Industries: The district has a tradition of cane and bamboo products. It is relatively industrially backward compared to other regions.
  • Tourism: The district has tourism potential due to its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Transport in Hailakandi District

• • Roadways: Connected by National Highway 6 linking major towns and cities in Assam.
  • Railways: The nearest railway station is in Hailakandi town, providing connectivity to other parts of Assam.
  • Airways: The closest airport is in Silchar, about 50 km away.

Demographics of Hailakandi District

Population Statistics

• • Total Population: 659,296 (Hailakandi district constitutes about 2.11% of Assam’s total population )

    • Male Population: 337,890 (51.24%)

    • Female Population: 321,406 (48.76%)

Sex Ratio

• • Overall Sex Ratio: 951 females per 1000 males

  • Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years): 954 females per 1000 males

Literacy Rate

• • Overall Literacy Rate: 74.33%

    • Male Literacy Rate: 80.74%

    • Female Literacy Rate: 67.60%

Population Distribution

• • Rural Population: 611,156 (92.70%)

  • Urban Population: 48,140 (7.30%)

Age Distribution

• • Total Child Population (0-6 years): 111,278

    • Male Children (0-6 years): 56,936

    • Female Children (0-6 years): 54,342

  • Child Proportion (0-6 years): 16.88% of total population

Scheduled Castes and Tribes

• • Scheduled Castes: 70,659

  • Scheduled Tribes: 691

Area and Density

• • • • Geographical Area: 1,327 square kilometers

      • Population Density: Approximately 496 people per square kilometer

Administrative Setup of Hailakandi District

• • Sub-Divisions: Two sub-divisions – Hailakandi and Katlicherra.
  • Revenue Circles: Four revenue circles – Hailakandi, Algapur, Katlicherra, and Lala.
  • Development Blocks: Five development blocks – Algapur, North Hailakandi, South Hailakandi, Lala, and Katlicherra.
  • Administrative Head: The Deputy Commissioner is the administrative head.

Rainfall in Hailakandi District

• • Annual Rainfall: Between 2,500 mm to 3,000 mm.
  • Most rainfall happens during the monsoon (June to October). This heavy rainfall causes flooding in low-lying areas but also enriches the soil.

Attractive Tourist Places

• • Hailakandi Town: Known for its historical significance and local markets.
  • Katlicherra Block: Famous for scenic landscapes and its proximity to Mizoram.
  • Pach Pir Mukam (Pach Pir Dargah) – site featuring the tomb of the Sufi saint Pach Pir.
  • Madhabkunda Waterfall
  • Dawki River (nearby): Known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings.
  • Temples & Cultural Sites: Showcasing Assamese traditions.

Languages Spoken in Hailakandi District

• • Bengali: 84.64%

  • Hindi: 7.74%

  • Tiprasa Kachari: 2.11%

  • Manipuri (Meitei): 1.92%

  • Dimasa Kachari: 1.81%

  • Bhojpuri: 1.65%