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Majuli

Coordinates: 27°00′N 94°13′E / 27.000°N 94.217°E / 27.000; 94.217
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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 Ratul Chandra Pathak.

Majuli (Mazuli)[1] is a large river island located in Assam,(a north eastern state) India. It is formed by the Brahmaputra River to the south and east, the Subansiri River to the west, and an anabranch of the Brahmaputra River.

 The island is inhabited by members of the Mising, Deori, and Sonowal Kachari tribes and serves as a hub of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture.[2] It is accessible by ferry from Jorhat, which is located about 250 kilometers northeast of Guwahati

It was the first island in the country to become a governmental district in 2016.[3] Since 2004, Majuli has been on the UNESCO Tentative List for nomination aWorld Heritage Site.[4]

Largest river island

[edit]
Main article: River island § Largest and smallest

Majuli is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's largest inland river island.[5] However, the Encyclopædia Britannica cites Bananal Island in Brazil as the largest in the world.[6]

The dispute stems from the Araguaia River, which forms Bananal Island by either splitting into two separate rivers that later rejoin or remaining as one river that forms an island in its middle.

History

[edit]

The island 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. Between 1661 and 1696,[7] 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 its course, resulting in the formation of Majuli Island.[8]

The Ahom king Pratap Singha built a rampart on Majuli called Meragarh in the first half of the 17th century. Lakshmi Singha, who reigned as Ahom king from 1769 to 1780, wrote a grant in 1776 referring to "Majuli pradesh" and its Kamalabari Satra, Agnichapori, Gajala Satra, and the Tuni River. During the Moamaria rebellion, the island was controlled by Howha, a Moamaria rebel leader.[9]

The Burhi Dihing's confluence moved east by 190 km[when?]. The southern channel became the Burhi Xuti, while 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.[10]

Majuli has been the cultural hub of Assamese civilization since the 16th century, largely due to the visit of Srimanta Sankardeva, a social reformer of that era. Sankardeva, a pioneer of the neo-Vaishnavite movement, preached Vaishnavism and established monasteries called satras on the island.[citation needed]

Majuli became a major hub of Vaishnavism with the establishment of satras. It remained under British rule until India gained independence in 1947 and is recognized as the world's largest river island.[11]

Over the last 200 years, Majuli has shrunk in size as the river surrounding it has expanded.[12] In the 1790s, the island covered an area of 1,300 km2 (500 sq mi).[13] By the beginning of the 20th century, it had an area of 1,255 square kilometres (485 sq mi);[14] however, due to significant erosion, it covered only 352 square kilometres (136 sq mi) as of 2014.[15]

Culture and demography

[edit]

Population

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

The population of Majuli consists of[quantify] scheduled tribes and castes, as well as non-tribal caste[clarification needed] Hindu Assamese. The indigenous communities include members of the Mising (the majority), Deori, Kaibarta, and Sonowal Kachari tribes, who immigrated from Arunachal Pradesh to Majuli centuries ago[citation needed]. The non-tribal caste Hindu Assamese communities include Koch, Kalita, Ahom, Sutiya, and Jogi. The languages spoken are Mising, Assamese, and Deori. The island has 144 villages with a population of over 150,000, resulting in a density of 300 individuals per square kilometer.[16]

A ferry service connecting Majuli to Jorhat operates six times daily, and night buses run from Guwahati to Majuli via Lakhimpur. Despite various 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 buildings.[16]

Festivals

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Gayan Bayan in Majuli
Raas leela in Majuli

The Ali aye ligang festival, celebrated in mid-February for five days, is a grand event that starts on the second Wednesday and ends on the first Wednesday of the Falgun month. Local dishes such as purang apin (packed boiled rice), apong (rice beer), and various pork, fish, and chicken dishes are served. The traditional Mising dance called 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 from the Mising tribe celebrate Christmas, particularly in the village of Jengraimukh. For the last half millennium, Majuli has served as the cultural center and cradle of Assamese civilization.[18] The satras safeguard ancient artifacts such as weapons, utensils, jewelry, and other culturally significant items. Traditional pottery is crafted using clay and fired in driftwood kilns, following the methods of the ancient Harappan Civilization. Despite pressure from modernizing forces, these ancient cultural practices and dance forms remain largely intact. The handloom work of these tribes enjoys international acclaim.

The three-day-long Raas Mahotsav festival, which portrays Krishna's life, involves virtually everyone on the island. People from afar, including 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, while Kamalabari Satra is renowned for crafting exceptional boats.

Neo-Vaishnavite Satras

[edit]

Majuli has long been the center of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture, which began in the 15th century under the guidance of the Assamese saint Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciple Madhavdeva. Many of the 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 a total of 65 satras. 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 is known for celebrating Raasleela, which is now recognized as one of Assam's national festivals.
  • Garamur Satra: Founded by Lakshmikantadeva, Garamur Satra consists of two parts: Garamur Bor Satra and Garamur Saru Satra. Both parts 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: Founded by Bedulapadma Ata, Kamalabari Satra is a center of art, culture, literature, and classical studies on the island. Its branch, the Uttar Kamalabari Satra, has performed cultural programs of Satria art both across the country and abroad.
  • Narashingha Satra: Established in 1746 by Ahom King Promottra Singha, Shri Shri Alengi Narasingha Satra is a notable institution on the island.
  • Benegenaati Satra: This satra is a reliquary of culturally significant antiques and an advanced center of performing arts. It was founded by Muraridev, the grandson of Sankaradeva's stepmother. Among its notable artifacts is the royal raiment belonging to Ahom King Swargadeo Godadhar Singha, which is made of gold. The satra also preserves a royal umbrella crafted from gold.[19]
  • Shamaguri Satra: This satra is famous for mask-making in India.
  • Bihimpur Satra: This satra holds the treasures of "Borgeet," Matiakhara, and Satriya dances, including various forms such as Jumora Dance, Chali Dance, Notua Dance, Nande Vringee, Sutradhar, Ozapali, Apsara Dance, Satria Krishna Dance, and Dasavater Dance, all propagated by Srimanta Sankardeva. Additionally, it has become a center for spiritual purification (shuddhi) in Northeast India, thanks to the efforts of Pitambar Deva Goswami.[19]

Literature

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Neo-Vaishnavi preacher Madhavdev met his guru, Shankar Dev, the founder of neo-Vaishnavism, on the island in an event termed the "Manikanchan Sanjog."[20] Madhavdev and his mentor enriched Assamese literature by writing, among other works, Nam Ghosa, Borgeet, and Bhatima. Following the footsteps of these Vaishnavi leaders, the temples (satras) encouraged the writing of plays and devotional songs.

Majuli has also given birth to a host of literary luminaries, including well-renowned writers such as Dhruba Jyoti Borah, poet and critic Rajib Borah, bilingual critic and writer Bhaskar Jyoti Nath, Juri Borah Borgohain, Deba Bhushan Borah, historian Dambarudhar Nath, novelist Gobin Khound, and poet Danny Gam.[21]

The second Assamese newspaper, Asom Bilasini, was published from Majuli starting in 1871.[22]

Ecology

[edit]
Majuli wetland
The island is shrinking due to erosion.

Majul is a wetland that 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.[23] The island remains relatively pollution-free due to the absence of industrial activity and consistent rainfall.[24]

However, Majuli faces a significant threat from extensive soil erosion along its banks. Large embankments built in nearby towns upstream to prevent erosion during the monsoon season 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 to 20 years.[25]

To save the island, the Union Government of India has sanctioned ₹ 2.50 billion (US$55 million) for its protection. The Water Resources Department and the Brahmaputra Board have been struggling to solve the erosion problem for the last three decades but have had little success. Recently, it was suggested that constructing a four-lane highway protected by a concrete mat along the southern boundary of Majuli, along with the excavation of the riverbed of the Brahmaputra River, could help address the issue. The project also includes two floodgates for the Kherkatia Suti, a tributary of the Brahmaputra. The Brahmaputra River Restoration Project has yet to be implemented by the government. However, a nomination has been submitted to UNESCO for declaring Majuli as a World Heritage Site.[26]

Local environmental activist Jadav Payeng has planted a 550-hectare forest known as Molai Forest to combat erosion on the island.[27] Much of the island was once barren sandbars that were vulnerable to erosion, but thanks to Payeng's afforestation efforts, it has become a lush forest. The forest has become a habitat for various animals, including elephants, tigers, deer, and vultures.[28][29]

Economy

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A household in Majuli

Industries

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The main industry on Majuli is agriculture, with paddy (unmilled) rice being the main crop. The island has a rich and diverse agricultural tradition, with as many as 100 varieties of rice grown. Fishing is also a major industry, following agriculture. Among the fascinating varieties of rice produced are Komal Saul, a unique type that can be eaten after immersing the grains in warm water for 15 minutes and is usually consumed as a breakfast cereal; Bao Dhan, which grows underwater and is harvested after ten months; and bora saul, a sticky brown rice used to make a traditional cake with fish known as pitha. Other important economic activities include fishing, dairying, pottery, handloom, and boat-making.[30]

Jengraimukh

Handloom weaving is a major occupation among the female population of the villages. Although largely a non-commercial activity, it keeps many of the inhabitants occupied. The weaving is exquisite and intricate, utilizing a variety of colors 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 ₹246 million to boost Majuli's development.

Education sector

[edit]
Main article: List of educational institutes in Majuli

The following higher learning institutions are present:

  • Garamur College, Garamur

Tourism sector

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

Mājuli is located 20 km from Jorhat. One can take a bus or a hired taxi to Nimati Steamer Ghat, where ferry services are available. The journey takes over three hours to cover, involving three bus rides and two ferry rides.

The northern bank of Majuli is bordered by the Subansiri River, while the southern bank features the Brahmaputra River, which delineates the island from the mainland.[31] Lakhimpur town is situated to the north, and Golaghat lies to the southwest. Sibsagar is located to the southeast, and Jorhat is positioned to the south. To the extreme east of Majuli is Dibrugarh District.[32]

  • 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[33]
  • Namoni Majuli
  • Ujoni Majuli
  • Homespun masks crafts
  • Porag Utsav
  • Handmade Mekhla Chadar

Birdwatching

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The southern part of Majuli is recognized as a significant area for birdwatching, attracting avian enthusiasts and researchers alike.[34] The optimal time for visits is between November and March, when the weather conditions are favorable and the opportunities for wildlife observation are enhanced. Notable birdwatching locales on the island include:[35]

  • 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

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See also: RORO ferries in India

Majuli Port features a roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferry service operated by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAR) on National Waterway 2 (NW2). The service utilizes two low-draft vessels, each with a capacity of 200 passengers, four cars, and two trucks. Additionally, the foundation stone for a two-lane bridge connecting Majuli (North Bank) and Jorhat (South Bank) was laid on 18 February 2021. This bridge will link Neematighat on the Jorhat side with Kamalabari on the Majuli side.[36]

[edit]
  • Kamalabari Satra
    Kamalabari Satra
  • Dakhinpat Satra
    Dakhinpat Satra
  • Pooja at Dakhinpat Satra
    Pooja at Dakhinpat Satra
  • From one of the Satras
    From one of the Satras
  • Aauniati Satra gate
    Aauniati Satra gate
  • Kamalabari Post Office
    Kamalabari Post Office

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Official Website
  2. ^ World Heritage Nominee Archived 23 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine, India-north-east.com
  3. ^ Majuli, District (8 September 2016). "World's largest river island, Majuli, becomes India's first island district". FP India. Retrieved 13 September 2016.
  4. ^ "River Island of Majuli in midstream of Brahmaputra River in Assam". UNESCO. 2004. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
  5. ^ https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-river-island- [bare URL]
  6. ^ "Bananal Island | Amazon Rainforest, Wildlife & Conservation | Britannica". 2 March 2024.
  7. ^ [1], Agrarian System of Medieval Assam, by Jahnabi Gogoi, pg 21
  8. ^ Phukan, S.K, A linguistic study of 24 places of Assam, p.299
  9. ^ Nityananda Gogoi, Historical Geography of Medieval Assam. p. 271.
  10. ^ "District at a glance Details Page | Majuli District | Government Of Assam, India". majuli.assam.gov.in. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  11. ^ Majuli, River Island. "Largest river island". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  12. ^ Yardley, Jim (14 April 2013). "A Capricious River, an Indian Island's Lifeline, Now Eats Away at It". The New York Times. Majuli, India.
  13. ^ Guha, Amalendu (1984). Neo-Vaishnavism to Insurgency: Peasant Uprisings and Crisis of Feudalism in Late 18th Century Assam. p. 30.
  14. ^ 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.
  15. ^ Manogya Loiwal (18 February 2014). "Majuli, world's largest river island is shrinking and sinking". India Today. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  16. ^ a b 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. ^ a b Das, Bijoyeta. "The slow death of India's Majuli Island". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  20. ^ "Manjuli Tourist Attractions". 19 June 2018.
  21. ^ 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.
  22. ^ "Assam Bilasini to Asom Barta : Majuli's Newspaper of News and Views". 4 October 2021.
  23. ^ Cruz, Cristina; Vishwakarma, Kanchan; Choudhary, Devendra Kumar; Varma, Ajit (24 May 2021). Soil Nitrogen Ecology. Springer Nature. ISBN 978-3-030-71206-8.
  24. ^ Nath, D. (2009). The Majuli Island: Society, Economy, and Culture. Anshah Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-8364-056-5.
  25. ^ 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.
  26. ^ "Majuli's largest river island status to help UNESCO World heritage bid: Mahesh Sharma". The Indian Express. 7 September 2016. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  27. ^ 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.
  28. ^ 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.
  29. ^ "How one man saved an island and brought its animals back". Newsner. 17 May 2017.
  30. ^ The Only Govt Jobs updates website open from Majuli Archived 1 May 2017 at the Wayback Machine
  31. ^ Samrat (1 July 2017). "Samrat follows the trail of the mighty Brahmaputra". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  32. ^ "Manufacturing identities?". Frontline. 6 October 2005. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  33. ^ 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)
  34. ^ "World's largest river island is in India!". India Today. 8 February 2016. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  35. ^ Phukon, Pallabita Bora (7 October 2021). Jajabor: Wanderlust Assam. Notion Press. ISBN 978-1-68538-338-1.
  36. ^ "Importance of Mahabahu-Brahmaputra project, Majuli bridge on PM Modi itinerary on 18 February explained". 17 February 2021.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Majuli.
  • 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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