District Overview: Udalguri
- Location: Part of the Bodoland Territorial Region in Assam, India.
- Established: June 14, 2004 (formed from Darrang district).
- Headquarters: Udalguri town.
- Significance: Known for its rich culture, diverse communities, and agricultural activities.
History of Udalguri
Origin of the Name
Derived from “Odal” (a tree) + “Goor/Guri” (roots or surroundings), meaning a place surrounded by Udal trees.
Some believe it refers to a location centered around an Odal tree.
Another theory links it to the Bodo words “ORDLA” (wide/spacious) and “GUNDRI” (powdered object), evolving into “Odal Guri” (still pronounced as such by Bodos).
Early History & Trade
Located in Darrang Duars, specifically Buriguma Dooar and Killing Dooars.
Served as a trade hub between Assam and Tibet (now China), with routes passing through Nyamjang Chu and Tawang Chu rivers.
Monpas from Tibet visited Tangla and Udalguri to trade silk with Bodos and Ravas, weaving and selling the final product in Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh.
Governance
17th century: Jointly ruled by Bhutan’s Druk Desi and Ahom King Sutamla.
1841: British East India Company ended Bhutanese rule in the area.
1949: Merged into undivided Darrang district.
Modern History
1932-33: Railway extended from Tangla to Udalguri to Rangapara, with passenger trains starting in 1935.
1942: Udalguri played a role in India’s Independence Movement, with Congress leaders from Darrang mobilizing local support.
2011: District Judiciary established (September 29).
Pre-district status: Was a civil subdivision under Darrang district.
2003: Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) was formed after a Tripartite Peace Agreement involving Bodo Liberation Tigers, Government of India, and Government of Assam.
BTC creation: Led to the formation of Bodoland Territorial Autonomous District (BTAD), with Udalguri as one of its four districts.
Geography of Udalguri
- Area: 1,852.16 square kilometers (715.77 square miles).
- Coordinates: Approximately 26°44′ N latitude and 92°05′ E longitude.
- Boundaries:
- North: Borders Bhutan.
- South: Shares boundary with Darrang district.
- East: Adjacent to Sonitpur district.
- West: Borders Baksa district.
- Topography: Mainly flat plains with some hills and valleys. The district has low-lying areas that are prone to flooding, especially during the monsoon season.
- Rivers: Major rivers include Bamodi, Dipila, and Jiya Dhansiri.
- Climate: Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Average rainfall is about 2,000 mm (mostly during the monsoon from June to September).
Socio-Economy of Udalguri
- Agriculture: Agriculture is the backbone of Udalguri’s economy. Key crops include rice, jute, mustard, tea, and various vegetables. The region also grows oranges and bananas.
- Livestock: Dairy farming, poultry, and goat rearing are common.
- Industries: The industrial sector includes small-scale businesses like food processing, bamboo crafts, and handicrafts.
- Commerce: Local markets are essential for trade, particularly in agricultural products and handicrafts.
Transport in Udalguri
- Roadways: Well-connected by roads linking it to major cities in Assam. State highways help in internal travel.
- Railways: The nearest railway station is Tangla, about 20 km away, providing access to other regions.
- Airways: The nearest airport is in Guwahati, about 120 km from Udalguri.
Demographics of Udalguri
Population
Total Population: 831,668
Male: 421,617
Female: 410,051
Percentage of Assam’s Population: 2.67%
Rural Population: 794,094 (95.48%)
Male: 402,442
Female: 391,652
Urban Population: 37,574 (4.52%)
Male: 19,175
Female: 18,399
Sex Ratio
Overall: 973 females per 1000 males
Rural: 973 females per 1000 males
Urban: 960 females per 1000 males
Literacy Rate
Overall Literacy: 65.41%
Male: 72.58%
Female: 58.05%
Rural Literacy: 64.43%
Male: 71.75%
Female: 56.92%
Urban Literacy: 85.14%
Male: 89.08%
Female: 81.03%
Child Population (0-6 years)
Total: 113,274 (13.62% of the population)
Male: 57,410
Female: 55,864
Rural Child Population: 109,653
Urban Child Population: 3,621
Child Sex Ratio: 973 females per 1000 males
Rural: 972 females per 1000 males
Urban: 994 females per 1000 males
Other Demographics
Scheduled Castes: 4.55% of the population
Scheduled Tribes: 32.15% of the population
Administrative Setup of Udalguri
District Headquarters: Udalguri town.
Sub-Divisions: The district has two sub-divisions – Udalguri and Bhergaon.
Revenue Circles: There are five revenue circles: Udalguri, Majbat, Harisinga, Kalaigaon, and Khoirabari.
Development Blocks: There are eleven development blocks that focus on local governance and development.
Rainfall in Udalguri
- Average Annual Rainfall: 2,000 mm to 2,500 mm, with the heaviest rainfall occurring during the monsoon months.
- Impact: Heavy rainfall contributes to fertile soil for farming but can cause flooding in low-lying areas.
Attractive Tourist Places in Udalguri
Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks
Manas National Park: UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in biodiversity, home to the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros.
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary: Near Udalguri, known for diverse flora and fauna.
Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary: At the Himalayan foothills, home to tigers, elephants, and leopards.
Orang National Park: Famous for rhinoceroses, offers scenic landscapes along the Brahmaputra River.
Religious & Cultural Sites
Bhairabkunda: Hindu pilgrimage site with a Shiva temple at the Bhutan-Assam-Arunachal Pradesh tri-junction; also a picnic spot.
Bathou Temple: Dedicated to the Bathou religion, reflecting Bodo cultural heritage.
Old Namghar: Traditional Assamese worship place showcasing local architecture.
Old Hanuman Temple: Religious site in Udalguri town attracting devotees.
Gethsemane Man-made Forest (Bhairabkunda): A serene, man-made forest ideal for nature walks.
Languages Spoken in Udalguri
- Boro: 26.90%
- Assamese: 22.62%
- Bengali: 19.43%
- Sadri: 7.88%
- Nepali: 5.60%
- Santali: 2.79%
- Odia: 2.64%
- Kurukh: 2.08%
- Hindi: 1.66%
- Mundari: 1.57%
- Bhojpuri: 1.45%
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