Morigaon District

District Overview: Morigaon District

• • Location: Central Assam, India.
  • Significance: Known for agriculture, cultural diversity, and historical importance.
  • Formation: Became a separate district on September 29, 1989, after splitting from Nagaon.

History of Morigaon District

1. Early Rulers and Legends

Arimatta: The Mysterious King

• • One of the most famous traditional rulers of Morigaon was Arimatta, whose history is steeped in mystery.

  • There is little historical evidence about him, but folk traditions regard him as an important figure in the region’s past.

Jongal Balahu: The Warrior Prince

• • After Arimatta’s death, his son Jongal Balahu ruled over the region.

  • He faced resistance from the Kachari kingdom, who ultimately killed him near Kajalimukh.

  • According to local legend, when the Kacharis chased him, Jongal Balahu jumped into the Kolong River and reappeared at Raha and Jagi.

  • These modern-day locations are said to be named after this legendary incident.

2. Migration of Princes from Darrang

Arrival of Ram Singh and Bhim Singh

• • During the era of Lachit Borphukan, two princes from Darrang—Ram Singh and Bhim Singh—crossed the Brahmaputra River in search of fertile plains.

  • Bhim Singh settled near Mori Beel, which later gave rise to the name Morigaon.

Supradhvaj and Makardhvaj: New Rulers of Morigaon

• • Another historical account speaks of two Darrangi princes, Supradhvaj and Makardhvaj, who fled their homeland due to internal conflicts.

  • They crossed the Brahmaputra and settled at Bahakajari.

  • Supradhvaj married the daughter of Mangal Singh, the King of Baghara, and later became the seventh ruler of the region.

3. Historical Context and Dynastic Rule

Connections to Ancient Assam (Pragjyotisha and Kamarupa Kingdoms)

• • The history of Morigaon is closely linked with that of Nagaon, particularly during the reign of the Pragjyotisha and Kamarupa kingdoms.

  • The region was ruled by the Varman, Salastambha, and Pala dynasties, who controlled large parts of Assam between the 4th and 12th centuries CE.

The Puwali Rajas: The Local Kings

• • Before the arrival of the British in the 19th century, Morigaon was ruled by twenty small rulers, known as the Puwali Rajas.

  • These rulers governed independent petty kingdoms, which collectively formed the political landscape of the region.

Geography of Morigaon District

• • Area: Covers about 1,551 square kilometers.
  • Coordinates: Approximately 26°03′ N to 26°30′ N latitude and 91°58′ E to 92°34′ E longitude.
  • Boundaries:
    • North: Bordered by the Brahmaputra River.
    • South: Adjacent to Karbi Anglong district.
    • East: Borders Nagaon district.
    • West: Shares its boundary with Kamrup district.
  • Topography: Mostly alluvial plains, with fertile soil for agriculture. The district has numerous rivers and wetlands.
  • Rivers: Major rivers include Kopili, Kolong, and Dikrong.
  • Climate: Humid subtropical climate with 1,500 mm to 2,600 mm of rainfall annually, mostly during the monsoon months from June to September.

Socio-Economy of Morigaon District

• • Agriculture: Main source of livelihood. Key crops include rice, jute, mustard, potatoes, and vegetables. The adoption of new farming techniques has boosted crop production.
  • Livestock Farming: Common activities like cattle farming, goats, and poultry contribute significantly to the economy.
  • Small-scale Industries: Limited industries, with small units focusing on food processing and bamboo crafts.
  • Trade: Agriculture remains the backbone, generating a significant portion of the district’s revenue.

Transport in Morigaon District

• • Roadways: Well-connected via National Highway 37, which links Morigaon to other parts of Assam.
  • Railways: Nearest railway station is in Jagiroad, connecting the district to the rest of Assam.
  • Airways: Guwahati (100 km away) is the nearest airport, offering connections to major cities across India.

Demographics of Morigaon District

• • Population

    • Proportion to Assam Population: Morigaon district accounts for 3.07% of Assam’s total population.

    • Rural Population: 92.34% of the population lives in rural areas.

    • Urban Population: 7.66% of the population lives in urban areas.

    • Child Population (0-6 Age): Children under 6 constitute 17.11% of the population.

    Literacy

    • Average Literacy Rate: 68.03%.

      • Male Literacy Rate: 71.90%.

      • Female Literacy Rate: 64.04%.

    • Rural Literacy: The average literacy in rural areas is 66.60%.

      • Male Literacy (Rural): 70.46%.

      • Female Literacy (Rural): 62.63%.

    • Urban Literacy: The average literacy in urban areas is 84.17%.

      • Male Literacy (Urban): 88.07%.

      • Female Literacy (Urban): 80.09%.

    Child Population (0-6 Age)

    • Child Population: 17.11% of the total population.

      • Male Child Population: 17.21% of the child population.

      • Female Child Population: 17.01% of the child population.

    • Rural Child Population: 17.54% of the rural population.

      • Male Child Population (Rural): 17.65%.

      • Female Child Population (Rural): 17.44%.

    • Urban Child Population: 11.87% of the urban population.

    Religion

    • Hindus: 47.20% of the population.

    • Muslims: 52.56% of the population.

    • Christians: 0.09% of the population.

    • Sikhs: 0.01% of the population.

    • Buddhists: 0.01% of the population.

    • Jains: 0.03% of the population

Administrative Setup of Morigaon District

• • District Headquarters: Located in Morigaon town.
  • Sub-Divisions: Three sub-divisions – Morigaon Sadar, Jagiroad, and Laharighat.
  • Revenue Circles: Five revenue circles – Bhuragaon, Laharighat, Morigaon, Mayong, and Mikirbheta.
  • Development Blocks: Several blocks for local governance and development.

Rainfall in Morigaon District

• • Annual Rainfall: Ranges from 1,500 mm to 2,600 mm, mostly during the monsoon season.
  • Impact: Heavy rainfall can cause flooding in low-lying areas, but it also helps improve soil fertility for farming.

Tourist Places in Morigaon

• • Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary: Known for its high density of one-horned rhinoceros, as well as wild pigs, buffaloes, and various bird species. Visitors can enjoy elephant and jeep safaris.
  • Mayong: An ancient place known for its history of occult practices.
  • Sitajakhala: A site discovered between 1949 and 1950, believed to be where a pregnant Sita was left by Lord Ram.
  • Kachasila Hill: Home to an ancient temple with statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati dating back to the 9th century.
  • Deosal Siva Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, where the Shiv Ratri Mela is celebrated annually.
  • Sivakunda: A scenic waterfall in the Amsoi Hills, popular for picnics during the winter.
  • Asia’s Largest Dry Fish Market: Here, one can find a wide assortment of dry fishes

Languages Spoken in Morigaon District

• • Assamese: 73.02%
  • Bengali: 22.18%
  • Hindi: 1.41%
  • Bodo: 1.21%
  • Other languages (including Tiwa, Nepali): 2.18%