Nagaon District

District Overview: Nagaon District

• • Location: Central Assam, India.
  • Significance: Known for agricultural richness, cultural diversity, and historical importance. Nagaon plays a key role in the socio-economic landscape of Assam.
  • Administrative Headquarters: Nagaon town.

History of Nagaon

• • Early History:

    • The name “Nagaon” derives from “Na” (new) + “Gaon” (village) → meaning “New Village.”

    • Eastern, western, and southern fringes were ruled by small feudal kings or their agents.

  • Under Burmese Rule:

    • Nagaon remained under Burmese rule until 1826.

  • British Rule:

    • Came under British control after the Treaty of Yandaboo (1826).

    • Nagaon was established as a separate administrative district in 1832 (or 1833, as per another source).

    • 1839: Present-day Nagaon town, initially called Khagorijan, was settled as district HQ, later renamed Nowgong.

    • 1893: Became a municipality.

  • Recent History:

    • Judicial activity began in 1967 with the formation of the District Judge Court.

    • August 15, 2016: Three tehsils were separated to form the Hojai district.

Geography of Nagaon District

• • Area: Covers about 2,287 square kilometers.
  • Coordinates: Between 25°45′ N to 26°45′ N latitude and 91°50′ E to 93°20′ E longitude.
  • Boundaries:
    • North: Borders Brahmaputra River and Sonitpur district.
    • South: Shares boundaries with Hojai and Dima Hasao districts.
    • East: Adjacent to Golaghat and Karbi Anglong districts.
    • West: Bordered by Morigaon district.
  • Topography: Mostly fertile alluvial plains with some hilly areas. The district has numerous rivers and wetlands.
  • Rivers: Major rivers include Kopili, Kalong, Sonai, and Dikrong.
  • Climate: Humid subtropical climate with an average annual rainfall of about 1,500 mm, mostly between June to September.

Socio-Economy of Nagaon District

• • Agriculture: The district’s economy is largely agrarian. Major crops include rice, jute, mustard, potatoes, and various vegetables.
  • Livestock Farming: Cattle, goats, and poultry farming play an important role in the economy.
  • Small-scale Industries: Includes industries focused on food processing, jute manufacturing, and bamboo crafts.
  • Trade and Commerce: Nagaon is a trade hub for agricultural products and handicrafts, with a strong presence of jute mills.

Transport in Nagaon District

• • Roadways: Well-connected with roads, including National Highways 36 and 37, making travel easy within the state.
  • Railways: Nearest railway stations are in Chaparmukh and Lumding, providing connections to other regions.
  • Airways: The nearest airport is in Guwahati, about 120 km away, linking Nagaon to major Indian cities.

Demographics of Nagaon District

• • Population Overview

    • Total Population: 2,823,768

      • Males: 1,439,112 (50.94%)

      • Females: 1,384,656 (49.06%)

    • Sex Ratio: 962 females per 1000 males

    • Child Population (0-6 years): 459,940 (16.29% of total population)

      • Male Children: 234,203

      • Female Children: 225,737

    • Child Sex Ratio: 964 girls per 1000 boys

    Rural and Urban Distribution

    • Rural Population: 2,454,234 (86.91%)

      • Males: 1,250,985

      • Females: 1,203,249

    • Urban Population: 369,534 (13.09%)

      • Males: 188,127

      • Females: 181,407

    Literacy Rates

    • Overall Literacy Rate: 72.37%

      • Male Literacy Rate: 76.51%

      • Female Literacy Rate: 68.07%

    • Urban Literacy Rate:

      • Average: 87.23%

        • Male: 90.58%

        • Female: 83.76%

    • Rural Literacy Rate:

      • Average: 69.96%

        • Male: 74.22%

        • Female: 65.52%

    Caste Composition

    • Scheduled Castes (SC): Constitute approximately 9.4% of the population.

    • Scheduled Tribes (ST): Constitute about 4.1% of the population.

Administrative Setup of Nagaon District

• • District Headquarters: Nagaon town.
  • Sub-Divisions: The district has three sub-divisions – Nagaon Sadar, Kaliabor, and Raha.
  • Revenue Circles: Seven revenue circles in the district.
  • Development Blocks: Thirteen blocks for local governance and development.

Rainfall in Nagaon District

• • Annual Rainfall: Ranges from 1,500 mm to 2,600 mm, mostly from June to September.
  • Impact: Heavy rains may cause flooding, but they also enrich soil fertility, benefiting agriculture.

Attractive Tourist Places in Nagaon

• • Kaziranga National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
  • Lowkhowa Wildlife Sanctuary: A protected area with diverse flora and fauna.
  • Champawati Kunda Waterfall: A scenic waterfall near Chapanala.
  • Temples: Including Bratadowa Than (Baishanvi Temple), showcasing Assamese traditions.
  • Historical Sites: Relating to the Ahom dynasty and local folklore.
  • Samaguri Beel: An ox-bow shaped wetland and lake, also known as Pokhi Tirtha (bird pilgrimage). It is a haven for migratory birds, especially during the winter months.
  • Samaguri Satra: A religious and cultural center preserving the tradition of mask-making and local artworks.
  • Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to the great Indian one-horned rhino, leopard, tiger, hog deer, and wild cat.
  • Silghat: Known for its ancient temples and a river port along the Brahmaputra River. The Trishuldhari Silghat Temple offers a panoramic view of the Brahmaputra.
  • Jungal Balahu Garh: This site features a statue of the Tiwa king and brave warrior, Jungal Balahu, and a departmental fishery.
  • Hodhodi: A natural waterfall in Lung Chung, approximately 35 km from Nagaon, surrounded by tea gardens and hills

Languages Spoken in Nagaon District

• • Assamese: 77.17%
  • Bengali: 16.75%
  • Hindi: 1.31%