West Karbi Anglong District

District Overview: West Karbi Anglong

• • Location: In Assam, India, formed on February 9, 2016, from Karbi Anglong district.
  • Headquarters: Hamren.
  • Significance: Part of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, governed by the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

History of West Karbi Anglong District 

Early History & Formation

• • The Karbi people, a Tibeto-Burman group, migrated from western China and settled near the Kalang and Kopili rivers before moving into the hills due to Dimasa Kachari rule.
  • They later lived under Jaintia suzerainty in the Jaintia Hills.
  • Hill tribes of the region, including present-day Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao, remained independent until British colonization.
  • As per the Government of India Act, 1935, the region was classified as a “Partially Excluded Area,” administered directly under the Governor’s special powers.
  • Semsonsing Ingti and others demanded a separate administrative unit for Karbis, leading to the formation of Karbi-A-Dorbar in 1946.

Post-Independence & District Formation

• • November 17, 1951: United Mikir & North Cachar Hills district was created under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
  • February 2, 1970: The district was split into Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills districts.
  • October 14, 1976: Mikir Hills district was renamed Karbi Anglong.
  • 2016: Karbi Anglong was further divided, creating West Karbi Anglong, with Hamren as its headquarters.

Geography of West Karbi Anglong

• • Area: 3,035 square kilometers (1,171 square miles).
  • Coordinates: Between 25°33′ N and 26°09′ N latitude and 92°08′ E and 93°04′ E longitude.
  • Boundaries:
    • North: Borders Dima Hasao district.
    • South: Shares boundary with Karbi Anglong district.
    • East: Adjacent to Nagaland.
    • West: Borders Baksa district.
  • Topography: The district is hilly, with valleys, plateaus, dense forests, and rivers.
  • Rivers: Major rivers include Myntriang, Karbi Langpi, Kopili, and Amreng.
  • Climate: Subtropical climate with mild winters and warm summers. Average annual rainfall: 2,416 mm (mostly from June to September).

Socio-Economy of West Karbi Anglong

• • Agriculture: The district has ginger, sugarcane, maize, cotton, coconut, chilies, and black pepper as main crops. It is also known for its horticultural products.
  • Livestock: Pig farming, poultry, and dairy farming are common.
  • Small-scale Industries: Includes food processing, bamboo crafts, and potential for handicrafts and tourism.
  • Challenges: Despite good agricultural productivity, the district faces limited infrastructure and market access.

Transport in West Karbi Anglong

• • Roadways: Well-connected by roads to major towns and cities in Assam, including state highways for easier travel.
  • Railways: The nearest railway station is Hamren, around 10 km away.
  • Airways: The nearest airport is in Dimapur, 90 km from Hamren.

Demographics of West Karbi Anglong

• • Population (2011 Census): Approximately 295,358.
  • Sex Ratio: 954 females for every 1,000 males, indicating a slightly imbalanced gender ratio.
  • Literacy Rate: 63.35%, with challenges in educational access in rural areas.
  • Ethnic Composition: Mainly Karbis, Bodos, and other tribal groups.

Administrative Setup of West Karbi Anglong

• • District Headquarters: Hamren.
  • Sub-Division: One sub-division – Hamren.
  • Revenue Circles: Multiple revenue circles within the district.
  • Development Blocks: The district has four development blocks:
    • Amri
    • Chinthong
    • Rongkhang
    • Socheng

Rainfall in West Karbi Anglong

• • Average Annual Rainfall: 2,416 mm, with the most rain during the monsoon (June to September).
  • Impact: Heavy rainfall can cause flooding but helps enrich soil for farming.

Attractive Tourist Places in West Karbi Anglong

• • Karbi Anglong Hills: Known for scenic beauty and opportunities for trekking and eco-tourism.
  • Kheroni Jiri Waterfall: A beautiful waterfall popular with nature lovers.
  • Traditional Villages: Showcasing indigenous culture and crafts.

  • Umswai Valley:

    • Part of the ancient Karbi-Meghalaya plateau, known for eco-tourism.
    • Home to Hill Tiwa tribes, preserving their unique culture.
    • Notable villages: Bormarjong, Amsai Pinung, Shikdamakha.

  • Nothengpi:

    • Symbolic Karbi earring, culturally significant since pre-colonial times.
    • Karbi Heritage Museum in Taralangso is designed after Nothengpi.
    • Venue for the Karbi Youth Festival, showcasing Karbi culture.

Languages Spoken in West Karbi Anglong

• • Karbi : 49.68%
  • Bhojpuri : 10.37%
  • Nepali : 6.98%
  • Bengali : 5.89%
  • Garo : 5.73%
  • Tiwa : 5.43%
  • Assamese : 4.69%
  • Khasi : 3.27%
  • Hindi : 3.18%
  • Dimasa : 1.45%
  • Boro : 1.28%