Majuli: India՚s First Island District

Majuli is decided as India՚s first island district of Assam by the Assam Government and it will cover 400 square kilometers island in the Brahmaputra River. At the state cabinet meeting headed by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in Guwahati Decision in this regard was taken.

  • And now erosion-troubled Majuli Island will become the 34th district of Assam.
  • Previously it was sub-division of Jorhat district.

About Majuli island

Majuli Island in India

1. Geographical occurrence:

  • The Brahmaputra river system has formed fluvial Riverine Island.
  • It is the world՚s largest mid river delta (island) system.
  • The island is enclosed by Subanisri River in the North, main Brahmaputra River on the South and kherkatia Suli, split channel of Brahmaputra River in northeast.

2. People and Culture:

  • Mishing tribal people had inhabited most of the Majuli Island.
  • It is the center of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture which was introduced by saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva in 15th century.
  • The island had around 65 monasteries adhering to Vaishnavism.
  • However large numbers of them were shifted to the mainland after existence washed away.
  • The main surviving satras contain:
    1. Garamurh
    2. Dakhinpat
    3. Kamalabari
    4. Auniati
    5. Bengenaati

3. Flora and Fauna:

  • Majuli Island is a rich environmental hotspot harboring.
  • It is like a home for numerous infrequent and endangered avifauna species with migratory birds.

4. Erosion:

  • It has shrunk because of attrition of river-bank of the island from about 1250 sq km in 1891 to about 515 sq. km.

Examrace Team at Aug 21, 2021