Hojai District

District Overview: Hojai District

• • Location: Central part of Assam, India.
  • Established: August 15, 2016.

  • Origin of the Name “Hojai”

    • The name “Hojai” is believed to come from the Dimasa tribe’s priestly class, called “Hoja” or “Hojaisa”.

    • This reflects the indigenous heritage of the region.

    • Even today, the Dimasa community remains an important part of Hojai’s population and culture

History of Hojai  

1. Ancient & Medieval History

• • Kapili Valley Kingdom (Davaka Kingdom) (Pre-6th Century CE):

    • An independent kingdom until the 6th century.

    • Mentioned in historical texts as Dabak or Tribeg.

  • Kachari Rule (1365–1400 CE):

    • Kachari dynasty took control under King Kashyap.

    • Expanded into Kapili-Jamuna Valley, establishing Kacharipar Kingdom.

  • Ahom Invasion (1695–1707):

    • Ahom King Gadadhar Singha defeated Kachari King Tamradhwaja Narayan.

    • Kachari lands annexed into the Ahom Kingdom.

2. Colonial & Modern Era

• • Post-Partition Migration (1947):

    • Sylheti Hindu refugees migrated after Sylhet became part of Pakistan.

    • This changed Hojai’s social and cultural landscape.

  • Formation of Hojai District (2016):

    • Became a separate district on August 15, 2016, carved out from Nagaon.

    • Area: 1685 sq km.

    • Known as the “Rice Bowl of Assam” due to high rice production.

    • Famous for its Agarwood processing industry, boosting the local economy.

Geography of Hojai District

• • Area: 1,685 square kilometers.
  • Coordinates: Approximately 26°00′ N latitude and 92°52′ E longitude.
  • Boundaries:
    • North: Nagaon district.
    • South: Dima Hasao district.
    • East: East Karbi Anglong district.
    • West: West Karbi Anglong districts.
  • Topography: The district features a mix of flat plains and hilly terrains, with rivers like the Kapili River flowing through it.
  • Rivers –  Kopili is the Major river and several smaller rivers and streams, including:
    
    • Khringkhring River
    • Lumding River
    • Dimoru River
    • Nikhari River
  • Climate: Humid subtropical climate with an annual rainfall of around 2,500 mm (mostly during monsoon from June to September).

Socio-Economy of Hojai District

• • Economy: Primarily agrarian, with most people depending on farming.
  • Major Crops: Rice, jute, mustard, and various fruits and vegetables. Jute production is important.
  • Livestock: Cattle, goats, and poultry farming are common.
  • Small-Scale Industries: The district has industries like agar wood distillation, sawmills, and bamboo/cane furniture manufacturing. Traditional crafts like weaving are practiced by ethnic groups.
  • Cultural Activities: The district is home to diverse ethnic communities that engage in traditional cultural activities that contribute to the local economy.

Transport in Hojai District

• • Roadways: Well-connected by roads, with National Highway 27 passing through Hojai, linking it to other parts of Assam.
  • Railways: Hojai town has a railway station connecting it to Assam and beyond.
  • Airways: The nearest airport is in Silchar, about 50 km away.

Demographics of Hojai District

• • Population

    • Total Population: 931,218

      • Males: 476,480 (51.1%)

      • Females: 454,738 (48.9%)

    • Population Density : 550 persons per sq. km

    Urban and Rural Distribution

    • Urban Population: 172,350 (18.51%)

    • Rural Population: 758,868 (81.49%)

    Sex Ratio

    • Overall Sex Ratio: 954 females per 1000 males

    • Urban Sex Ratio: 952 females per 1000 males

    • Rural Sex Ratio: 957 females per 1000 males

    Age Distribution

    • Children (0-6 years): 151,731 (15.5% of total population)

      • Male Children: 78,414

      • Female Children: 73,317

    Literacy Rate

    • Overall Literacy Rate: Approximately 62.8%

      • Urban Literacy Rate: 90.66%

        • Male Literacy in Urban Areas: 93.77%

        • Female Literacy in Urban Areas: 87.39%

      • Rural Literacy Rate: Approximately 76.2%

    Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

    • Scheduled Castes: 109,437 (11.75%)

    • Scheduled Tribes: 28,731 (3.09%)

  • Ethnic Composition: Primarily Dimasa Kacharis, with other communities like Assamese and Bengali.

Administrative Setup of Hojai District

• • Formation: Hojai was carved out from Nagaon district, consisting of three tehsils – Hojai, Doboka, and Lanka.
  • Revenue Circles: Three revenue circles – Hojai Circle, Doboka Circle, and Lanka Circle.
  • Development Blocks: Five blocks – Hojai, Doboka, Lanka, Murajhar, and Jamunamukh.
  • Administrative Headquarters: Located at Sankardev Nagar, around 8 km from Hojai town.

Rainfall in Hojai District

• • Annual Rainfall: Between 2,500 mm to 3,000 mm.
  • Most rainfall occurs during the monsoon (June to September), which helps enrich the soil and supports agriculture.

Attractive Tourist Places

• • Sankardev Nagar: Known for its historical significance and local markets.
  • Kapili River: A picturesque river that is perfect for relaxation.
  • Rajbari Archaeological Site: This site consists of nine Shiva temples within a brick boundary. The site features temple relics dating back to the 11th century CE.
  • Na-Nath Archaeological Site, Hojai, Assam This archaeological site features the ruins of eight brick-built Shiva temples, each housing a Shiva Linga.
  • Shiv Mandir at Murajhar: A revered temple attracting pilgrims.
  • Archaeological sites reflecting the district’s ancient cultures.

Languages Spoken in Hojai District

• • Bengali: 52.67%
  • Assamese: 33.72%
  • Hindi: 4.31%
  • Meitei (Manipuri): 1.91%
  • Dimasa: 1.31%
  • Bhojpuri: 1.21%