Majuli
From top, left to right: Doriya River of Majuli; Kherkoitia River; an anabranch of the Brahmaputra
Majuli is located in Assam
Majuli
Majuli
Geography
LocationBrahmaputra River
Coordinates27°00′N 94°13′E / 27.000°N 94.217°E / 27.000; 94.217
Area352 km2 (136 sq mi)
Highest elevation84.5 m (277.2 ft)
Administration
Country  India
StateAssam
DistrictMajuli
Demographics
Population167,304 (2011)
Pop. density300/km2 (800/sq mi)
Ethnic groupsMising, Deori, Kaibarta, Sonowal Kacharis, Koch, Ahom, Sutiya, Kalita, Brahmin, Sut, Nath(yogi) groups
Additional information
Time zone
PIN785102, 785104, 785105, 785110, 785106
Telephone code03775
Vehicle registrationAS-29
Deputy Commissioner Cauvery B. Sharma

Mājuli or Majuli (mazuli)[1] is a river island in the Brahmaputra River, Assam state, India. On September 8, 2016 an additional district was announced by Sarbananda Sonowal, it became the first island to be made a district in India.[2] In the 1790s, the island covered an area of 1,300 km2 (500 sq mi).[3] It had an area of 1,255 square kilometres (485 sq mi) at the beginning of the 20th century,[4] but having lost significantly to erosion it covers 352 square kilometres (136 sq mi) as at 2014.[5] Majuli has shrunk as the river surrounding it has grown.[6]

The Island lies in the Brahmaputra River, formed by the convergence of the Kherkutia Xuti an anabranch of the Brahmaputra and Subansiri River in the north.[7] It's reachable by ferry from Jorhat, about 300-400 kilometers east of Guwahati. The island's creation is due to river course changes, particularly the Brahmaputra and its tributaries, mainly the Lohit. Majuli is a hub of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture.[8]

Majuli is since 2004 in the UNESCO Tentative List for nomination as a World Heritage Site.[9]

History

The island, known as Majoli, was a long and slender piece of land , located between two parallel rivers, the Brahmaputra to the north and the Burhidihing to the south, where they converged at a place called Lakhu. Originally, it bore the name Ratnapur and served as the capital of the mighty Sutiya kingdom. In the years between 1661 and 1696.[10] A series of earthquakes in the 17th century set the stage for a massive flood in 1750, which reshaped the region. This flood caused the Brahmaputra to change course, resulting in the formation of Majoli island.[11]

The Ahom king Pratap Singha built a rampart in Majuli called Meragarh. Lakshmi Singha's grant of 1776 says it Majuli Pradesh and refers its Kamalabari Satra, Agnichapori, Gajala Satra and the river Tuni. During Moamaria rebellion, Majuli was controlled by Haoha, a moamaria rebel leader[12]

The Burhidihing's confluence moved east by 190 km. The southern channel became the Burhi Xuti, and the northern channel turned into the Luit Xuti. Over time, the Luit Xuti diminished, becoming the Kerkota Xuti, while the Burhi Xuti expanded to become the main Brahmaputra River.[13]

Locals primarily speak Assamese and Mising languages, with a few using Deori. Majuli has been Assamese civilization's cultural hub since the 16th century, connected to the visit of Srimanta Sankardeva, a 16th-century social reformer. Sankardeva, a pioneer of the neo-Vaishnavite movement, preached Vaishnavism and established monasteries called satras on the island[14]

Majuli became a major hub of Vaishnavism with the establishment of satras. It was under British rule until India gained independence in 1947 and is the world's largest river island..[15]

Culture and demography

Population

A village in Majuli
A Deori Community Women weaving Gamusa
From Kamalabari
Kamalabari Satra

The population of Majuli comprises the scheduled tribes, scheduled castes, and the non-tribal caste Hindu Assamese. The indigenous ST/SC communities include the Misings, the Deoris, the Kaibartas and the Sonowal Kacharis. The non-tribal caste Hindu Assamese communities include Koch, Kalitas, Ahoms, Sutiyas, Yogis, etc. The Mising community has the largest population in the island who immigrated from Arunachal Pradesh to Majuli centuries ago along with the Deori, Kaibarta and Sonowal Kacharis. Languages spoken are Mising, Assamese, and Deori. The island has 144 villages with a population of over 150,000 and a density of 300 individuals per square km.[16]

A ferry service connecting Majuli to Jorhat operates six times daily. Night buses run from Guwahati to Majuli via Lakhimpur. Despite challenges, modernization has reached the island with the establishment of medical centers and schools. Housing has also transitioned from traditional bamboo and mud structures to concrete ones.[16]

Festivals

Gayan Bayan in Majuli
Raas leela in Majuli

The Ali aye ligang festival, celebrated in mid-February for five days, is a grand event starting on the second Wednesday and ending on the first Wednesday of the Fagun month. Local dishes like purang apin, apong (rice beer), and various pork, fish, and chicken dishes are served. Traditional Mising dance Gumrag Soman is performed in every village to worship Donyi polo (mother sun and father moon) for a good harvest.[17]

In upper Majuli, the majority of Christians in the Mising tribe celebrate Christmas, centered in Jengraimukh village. For 500 years, Majuli has been the cultural capital and the cradle of Assamese civilization.[18] The satras on Majuli Island safeguard ancient artifacts like weapons, utensils, jewelry, and culturally significant items. Traditional pottery is crafted using clay and fired in driftwood kilns, following the methods of the ancient Harappan Civilization. These unique cultures and dance forms remain untouched by modernism, emphasizing their preservation according to sociologists. The hand-loom work of these tribes enjoys international acclaim.

The three-day long raas festival, portraying Krishna's life, involves virtually everyone on the island. People from afar, even expatriates, come to celebrate. The satras have mastered various art and craft traditions, some of which are exclusive to this region. For instance, mask-making is a craft found in Natun Samuguri Satra, and Kamalabari Satra is renowned for crafting exceptional boats.

Neo-Vaishnavite Satras

Majuli has long been the center of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture, which started in the 15th century under the guidance of Assamese saint Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciple Madhavdeva. Many of the monasteries (Satras) built by Sankardeva still stand, reflecting the vibrant Assamese culture. Sankardeva sought refuge in Majuli, spending time in Belguri in West Majuli, where the historic 'Manikanchan Sanjog' event took place when he met Madhavdeva for the first time. The first satra in Majuli was established in Belguri by Sankardeva, leading to the creation of 65 satras in total. However, today, only 22 of the original 65 are still active. Out of the 665 original satras in Assam, 65 were located in Majuli.

The main surviving Satras (Satra) are:

During Rass Mahotsav, artists perform Bhawna wearing masks.
  • Dakhinpat Satra: Founded by Banamalidev, it's known for celebrating Raasleela, now recognized as one of Assam's National Festivals.
  • Garamur Satra: Garamur Satra, founded by Lakshmikantadeva, consists of two parts: Garamur Bor Satra and Garamur Saru Satra. They celebrate the traditional Raasleela with grandeur at the end of autumn and house ancient weapons known as "Bartop" or cannons.
  • Auniati Satra: Founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva, this satra is renowned for "Paalnaam" and Apsara Dances, as well as its extensive collection of ancient Assamese artifacts, utensils, jewelry, and handicrafts. It has 125 disciples and over 700,000 global followers.
  • Kamalabari Satra: The Kamalabari Satra, founded by Bedulapadma Ata, is a centre of art, cultural, literature and classical studies on the island. Its branch the Uttar Kamalabari Satra has performed cultural programmes of the Satria Art all around the country and abroad.
  • Narashingha Satra: In the year of 1746 Shri Shri Alengi Narasingha Satra was established by Ahom King Promottra Singha.
  • Benegenaati Satra: It is a reliquary of antiques of cultural importance and an advanced centre of performing art. Muraridev, the grandson of Sankaradeva's stepmother was the founder of the Satra. The royal raiment belongs to the Ahom king Swargadeo Godadhar Singha, is made of gold. Also preserved is the royal umbrella made in gold.[19]
  • Shamaguri Satra: The satra is famous for the mask making in India.
  • Bihimpur satra Satra: These satras hold the treasures of "Borgeet," Matiakhara, and Satriya Dances, including various forms like Jumora Dance, Chali Dance, Notua Dance, Nande Vringee, Sutradhar, Ozapali, Apsara Dance, Satria Krishna Dance, and Dasavater Dance, all propagated by Srimanta Sankardeva. They've also become a center for spiritual purification (shuddhi) in Northeast India, thanks to the efforts of Pitambar Deva Goswami.[19]

Ecology

Majuli wetland
The island is shrinking due to erosion.

Majul is a wetland, serves as a habitat for various rare and endangered avian species, particularly migratory birds that visit during the winter. Notable species include the greater adjutant stork, pelican, Siberian crane, and whistling teal. After dark, wild geese and ducks take flight to distant destinations.[20] The island remains relatively pollution-free due to the absence of industrial activity and consistent rainfall.[21]

However, Majuli faces a significant threat from extensive soil erosion along its banks. Large embankments built in nearby towns upstream to prevent monsoon-season erosion have had unintended consequences. The turbulent Brahmaputra River now erodes much of the island. Reports indicate that by 1853, Majuli's total area was 1,150 km², and roughly 33% of this landmass eroded in the latter half of the 20th century. Since 1991, more than 35 villages have been washed away, and surveys predict that Majuli may cease to exist within the next 15-20 years.[22]

To save the island, the Union Government of India has sanctioned ₹ 2.50 billion (US$55 million) for the protection of the island. The water resource department & The Brahmaputra Board have been struggling to solve the erosion problem of this island for the last three decades but without much success. Recently it was suggested that only a four-lane highway protected by concrete mat along the southern boundary of Majuli and the excavation of river bed of the Brahmaputra River can solve the problem. The project also includes two flood gates for the Kherkatia Suti which is a tributary of the Brahmaputra. The Brahmaputra River Restoration Project is yet to be implemented by the government. However, a nomination has been sent to UNESCO for the declaration of Mājuli as a World Heritage Site.[23]

Local environmental activist Jadav Payeng has planted a 550-hectare forest, known as Molai Forest to combat erosion on the island.[24] Much of the island was barren sandbars that were vulnerable to erosion, but thanks to Payeng's afforestation, has become a lush forest. The forest has become a habitat for animals including elephants, tigers, deer, and vultures.[25][26]

Economy

A household in Majuli

Industries

The main industry is agriculture, with paddy (unmilled) rice being the chief crop. Mājuli has a rich and diverse agricultural tradition, with as many as 100 varieties of rice grown. Fishing is also among the main industry after agriculture. Among the fascinating arrays of rice produced are the Komal Saul, a unique type that can be eaten after immersing the grains in warm water for 15 minutes and usually eaten as a breakfast cereal; the bao dhan, that grows underwater and is harvested after ten months; and the bora saul, a sticky brown rice used to make the traditional cake with fish is known as pitha. Fishing, dairying, pottery, handloom and boat-making are other important economic activities.[27]

Jengraimukh

Handloom is a major occupation among the distaff population of the villages. Although largely a non-commercial occupation, it keeps many of the inhabitants occupied. Weaving is exquisite and intricate with the use of a variety of colours and textures of cotton and silk, especially Muga silk. On 4 November 2017, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched 647 schemes with a total financial outlay of Rs. 246 million to boost Majuli's development.

Education sector

There are following higher learning institutions:

Tourism sector

A view of Majuli
Falgu Rath Yatra
Majuli – A paradise for bird watchers

Mājuli is 20 km from Jorhat. One can take the bus or a hired taxi to the Nimati Steamer Ghat from where ferry services ply. The distance takes over three hours to cover, with three bus rides and two ferry rides.

On the north bank is the river Subansiri and on the south bank, the mighty Brahmaputra has exited the island from the mainland.[28] Lakhimpur town is to the north and Golaghat is to its southwest. The town of Sibsagar is on the southeast and Jorhat is to the south. On the extreme east is Dibrugarh District.[29]

  • The Vaishnava Satras founded by Sankardeva
  • The colourful culture of the tribes
  • Migratory birds
  • The Ali-ai-ligang festival in Feb–March
  • Pottery making
  • Mask making
  • Paal Namm festival in the end of winter
  • Folgu Utsav (Holi)
  • Madhya Majuli[30]
  • Namoni Majuli
  • Ujoni Majuli
  • Homespun masks crafts
  • Porag Utsav
  • Handmade Mekhla Chadar

Birdwatching

The southern part of the island is a bird lover's paradise.[31] The best time to visit is between November and March as the weather and wildlife view is satisfactory. There are some locales for birdwatching:[32]

  • The southeast of the island
  • The southwest of the island
  • The northern part
    • Sakuli Beel, near Kamalabari
    • Magurmari Beel, Dakhinpaat Satra
    • Verki Beel, near Kamalabari

Transport sector

Majuli Port has a roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferry service with 2 low draft vessels operated on National Waterway 2 (NW2) by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAR) with capacity of 200 passenger, 4 cars and 2 trucks. Foundation stone has been laid on 18 February 2021 for the two-lane bridge on the Brahmaputra between Majuli (North Bank) and Jorhat (South Bank) that will connect Neematighat (on Jorhat side) and Kamalabari (on Majuli side).[33]

Politics

Majuli Assembly constituency falls under the 126 constituency of legislative assembly of Assam. Mājuli is one of the 9 assembly segments of Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency. It is a reserved seat for the Scheduled tribes (ST). It is under jurisdiction of Mising Autonomous Council having three constituencies. Rajiv Lochan Pegu [2001–2006 & 2006–2011, 2011– 2016] was MLA (Member of legislative assembly) from Mājuli in Assam Assembly until 2016.[34] He was bearing the portfolio of Minister of State (Ind.), Water Resources Dev., WPT & BC, in the Government of Assam. Bhuban Gam of the BJP received 36,105 and was leading over Chittaranjan Basumatary of the Assam Jatiya Parishad by over 22,000 votes.[35]

Literary scenario

Majuli island played a pivotal role in the literary landscape of Assam. Literary doyen, Neo Vaishnavite preacher Madhavdev met his guru Shankar Dev, the founder of Neo Vaishnavism in the island which is termed as "Mani Kanchan Sanjog". Madhavdev enriched Assamese literature with Namghosa, Borgeet and Bhatima, etc. Following the footsteps of the Vaishnavite leaders Satra institutions encouraged writing of plays and devotional songs. Second Assamese newspaper Asom Bilasini was published from Majuli in 1871 which played an active role in introducing blank verse in Assamese poetry. Majuli gave birth to a host of literary luminaries that includes well-renowned writers like Dhruba Jyoti Borah, poet and critic Rajib Borah, bilingual critic and writer Bhaskar Jyoti Nath, Juri Borah Borgohain, Deba Bhusan Borah, historian Dambarudhar Nath, novelist Gobin Khound, and poet Danny Gam.[36] The island is very rich in the realm of art and literature which has significantly contributed to Assamese literature.[37][38]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Official Website
  2. ↑ Majuli, District (8 September 2016). "World's largest river island, Majuli, becomes India's first island district". FP India. Retrieved 13 September 2016.
  3. ↑ Guha, Amalendu (1984). Neo-Vaishnavism to Insurgency: Peasant Uprisings and Crisis of Feudalism in Late 18th Century Assam. p. 30.
  4. ↑ Sarma, J. N.; Phukan, M. K. (3 May 2004). "Origin and some geomorphological changes of Majuli Island of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India". Geomorphology. 60 (1–2): 1–19. Bibcode:2004Geomo..60....1S. doi:10.1016/j.geomorph.2003.07.013.
  5. ↑ Manogya Loiwal (18 February 2014). "Majuli, world's largest river island is shrinking and sinking". India Today. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  6. ↑ Yardley, Jim (14 April 2013). "A Capricious River, an Indian Island's Lifeline, Now Eats Away at It". The New York Times. Majuli, India.
  7. ↑ "Majuli is declared the largest river island in world by Guinness World Records: 10 facts about it". India Today. 3 September 2016. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
  8. ↑ World Heritage Nominee Archived 23 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine, India-north-east.com
  9. ↑ "River Island of Majuli in midstream of Brahmaputra River in Assam". UNESCO. 2004. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
  10. ↑ , Agrarian System of Medieval Assam, by Jahnabi Gogoi, pg 21
  11. ↑ Phukan, S.K, A linguistic study of 24 places of Assam, p.299
  12. ↑ Nityananda Gogoi, Historical Geography of Medieval Assam. p. 271.
  13. ↑ "District at a glance Details Page | Majuli District | Government Of Assam, India". majuli.assam.gov.in. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  14. ↑ SiliconIndia, Honey Kumari. "Lesser-known Cultural Destinations to Explore". siliconindia. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  15. ↑ Majuli, River Island. "Largest river island". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  16. 1 2 Datta, Sudipta (27 April 2023). "Mitul Baruah's Slow Disaster: Life of the storytellers of Majuli". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  17. ↑ "Less known facts about Majuli, the largest river island in the world". Hindustan Times. 12 July 2021. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  18. ↑ "How an Assam village is building its own tank for safe water during floods". The Indian Express. 6 February 2020. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  19. 1 2 Das, Bijoyeta. "The slow death of India's Majuli Island". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  20. ↑ Cruz, Cristina; Vishwakarma, Kanchan; Choudhary, Devendra Kumar; Varma, Ajit (24 May 2021). Soil Nitrogen Ecology. Springer Nature. ISBN 978-3-030-71206-8.
  21. ↑ Nath, D. (2009). The Majuli Island: Society, Economy, and Culture. Anshah Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-8364-056-5.
  22. ↑ Phartiyal, Binita; Mohan, Rahul; Chakraborty, Supriyo; Dutta, Venkatesh; Gupta, Anil Kumar (17 January 2023). Climate Change and Environmental Impacts: Past, Present and Future Perspective. Springer Nature. ISBN 978-3-031-13119-6.
  23. ↑ "Majuli's largest river island status to help UNESCO World heritage bid: Mahesh Sharma". The Indian Express. 7 September 2016. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  24. ↑ PTI (21 March 2023). "'Forest man of India' wants tree plantation to be taught at schools in world". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  25. ↑ Kalita, Jitu. "India Man Plants Forest Bigger Than Central Park to Save His Island". National Geographic. National Geographic Society. Archived from the original on 20 October 2014. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
  26. ↑ "How one man saved an island and brought its animals back". Newsner. 17 May 2017.
  27. ↑ The Only Govt Jobs updates website open from Majuli Archived 1 May 2017 at the Wayback Machine
  28. ↑ Samrat (1 July 2017). "Samrat follows the trail of the mighty Brahmaputra". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  29. ↑ "Manufacturing identities?". Frontline. 6 October 2005. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  30. ↑ MODY, SRI ANUJ BORAH, DR PHILIP. Socio-economic and environment impacts of tourism. Archers & Elevators Publishing House. ISBN 978-93-90996-34-6.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  31. ↑ "World's largest river island is in India!". India Today. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  32. ↑ Phukon, Pallabita Bora (7 October 2021). Jajabor: Wanderlust Assam. Notion Press. ISBN 978-1-68538-338-1.
  33. ↑ "Importance of Mahabahu-Brahmaputra project, Majuli bridge on PM Modi itinerary on 18 February explained". 17 February 2021.
  34. ↑ Gam, Bhuban (10 March 2022). "Majuli By-polls Results: BJP's Bhuban Gam heading for a landslide victory » News Live TV » Assam". News Live TV. News Live tv. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  35. ↑ Gam, Bhuban (10 March 2022). "Assam bypoll result: BJP set to retain Majuli seat once held by ex-CM Sonowal". Hindustan Times. No. 10 March 2022. Hindustan Times. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  36. ↑ Tamuly, D. N. (2013). The Blessed Island: A Selection of Writings on Majuli and the Neo-Vaishnavite Movement in Assam. Programme Production Centre (North-East), Doordarshan.
  37. ↑ "Majuli the famous pilgrim place in Assam". 23 March 2013.
  38. ↑ "সমালোচক আৰক্ষী বিষয়া ভাস্কৰজ্যোতি নাথ ৰাষ্ট্ৰীয় যুৱ লেখক সন্মিলনলৈ নিমন্ত্ৰিত".


  • Majuli travel guide from Wikivoyage
  • Majuli.org maintained by Majuli Island Protection & Development Council (MIPDC)
  • MajuliIslands.com An A to Z information website about the river island Majuli
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