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Majuli (also spelled Majoli) is the largest
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in
Assam Assam (, , ) is a state in Northeast India, northeastern India, south of the eastern Himalayas along the Brahmaputra Valley, Brahmaputra and Barak River valleys. Assam covers an area of . It is the second largest state in Northeast India, nor ...
, a state in northeastern
India India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, seventh-largest country by area; the List of countries by population (United Nations), most populous country since ...
. It is bordered by the
Brahmaputra River The Brahmaputra is a trans-boundary river which flows through Southwestern China, Northeastern India, and Bangladesh. It is known as Brahmaputra or Luit in Assamese language, Assamese, Yarlung Tsangpo in Lhasa Tibetan, Tibetan, the Siang/Dihan ...
to the South and East, the
Subansiri River The Subansiri (Chayul Chu in Tibet) is a trans- Himalayan river and a tributary of the Brahmaputra River that flows through Tibet's Lhuntse County in the Shannan Prefecture in Southwestern China, and the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and A ...
to the West, and an
anabranch An anabranch is a section of a river or stream that diverts from the main channel or stem of the watercourse and rejoins the main stem downstream. Local anabranches can be the result of small islands in the watercourse. In larger anabranches, ...
of the
Brahmaputra River The Brahmaputra is a trans-boundary river which flows through Southwestern China, Northeastern India, and Bangladesh. It is known as Brahmaputra or Luit in Assamese language, Assamese, Yarlung Tsangpo in Lhasa Tibetan, Tibetan, the Siang/Dihan ...
. The island is inhabited by members of the Mising, Deori, and Sonowal Kachari tribes and serves as a hub of Assamese neo- Vaishnavite culture. It is accessible by ferry or boat from
Jorhat Jorhat ( /) is a major city in Upper Assam division, Upper Assam and among the fastest growing urban centres in the state of Assam in India. Etymology Jorhat ("jor" means twin and "hat" means market) means two hats or mandis - "Masorhaat" and ...
, which is located about 250 kilometers northeast of
Guwahati Guwahati () the largest city of the Indian state of Assam, and also the largest metropolis in northeastern India. Dispur, the capital of Assam, is in the circuit city region located within Guwahati and is the seat of the Government of Assam. Th ...
. It was the first island in
India India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, seventh-largest country by area; the List of countries by population (United Nations), most populous country since ...
to become a
district A district is a type of administrative division that in some countries is managed by the local government. Across the world, areas known as "districts" vary greatly in size, spanning regions or county, counties, several municipality, municip ...
in 2016. Since 2004, Majuli has been on the
UNESCO The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO ) is a List of specialized agencies of the United Nations, specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) with the aim of promoting world peace and International secur ...
Tentative List for nomination as a
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.


Largest river island

Majuli is recognized by ''
Guinness World Records ''Guinness World Records'', known from its inception in 1955 until 1999 as ''The Guinness Book of Records'' and in previous United States editions as ''The Guinness Book of World Records'', is a British reference book published annually, list ...
'' as the world's largest inland river island. However, the ''
Encyclopædia Britannica The is a general knowledge, general-knowledge English-language encyclopaedia. It has been published by Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. since 1768, although the company has changed ownership seven times. The 2010 version of the 15th edition, ...
'' cites Bananal Island in
Brazil Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in South America. It is the world's List of countries and dependencies by area, fifth-largest country by area and the List of countries and dependencies by population ...
as the largest in the world. The dispute stems from the
Araguaia River The Araguaia River ( , Karajá language, Karajá: ♂ ''Berohokỹ'' eɾohoˈkə̃ ♀ ''Bèrakuhukỹ'' ɛɾakuhuˈkə̃ is one of the major rivers of Brazil, and a tributary of the Tocantins River. Geography The Araguaia River comes from ...
, 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

The island is a long and slender piece of land located between two parallel rivers: the
Brahmaputra The Brahmaputra is a trans-boundary river which flows through Southwestern China, Northeastern India, and Bangladesh. It is known as Brahmaputra or Luit in Assamese, Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibetan, the Siang/Dihang River in Arunachali, and ...
river to the north and the Burhi dihing river to the south. Between 1661 and 1696, a series of earthquakes set the stage for a massive flood in 1750, reshaping the region. This flood caused the Brahmaputra to change its course which resulted in the formation of Majuli Island. The Ahom king Pratap Singha built a
rampart Rampart may refer to: * Rampart (fortification), a defensive wall or bank around a castle, fort or settlement Rampart may also refer to: * LAPD Rampart Division, a division of the Los Angeles Police Department ** Rampart scandal, a blanket ter ...
on Majuli in the first half of the 17th century, called Meragarh.
Lakshmi Singha Sunyeopha also Lakshmi Singha ( – 13 December 1780), was the 34th Ahom kingdom, Ahom Swargadeo, king, who reigned from 1769 to 1780. After the death of Rajeswar Singha, Suremphaa, he married the Queen Kuranganayani and became the king of the ...
, 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. The Burhi Dihing's
confluence In geography, a confluence (also ''conflux'') occurs where two or more watercourses join to form a single channel (geography), channel. A confluence can occur in several configurations: at the point where a tributary joins a larger river (main ...
moved east by 190 km due to the 1750 flood. The southern channel became the Burhi Xuti, while the northern channel turned into the Luit Xuti. Over time, the Luit Xuti has diminished, becoming the Kerkota Xuti(the diminished channel of the Brahmaputra River), and the Burhi Xuti expanded to become the main Brahmaputra River. 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 Vaishnavism () ), also called Vishnuism, is one of the major Hindu denominations, Hindu traditions, that considers Vishnu as the sole Para Brahman, supreme being leading all other Hindu deities, that is, ''Mahavishnu''. It is one of the majo ...
and established monasteries called ''satras'' on the island. Majuli became a major hub of Vaishnavism with the establishment of satras. It remained under British rule until India gained independence in 1947 and became recognized as the world's largest river island. Over the last 200 years, Majuli has shrunk in size as the river surrounding it has expanded. In the 1790s, the island covered an area of . By the beginning of the 20th century, it had an area of ; however, due to significant erosion, it covered only as of 2024.


Culture and demography


Population

The population of Majuli consists of 46.38% scheduled tribes and 14.27% Scheduled castes, as well as non-tribal castes of Hindu Assamese. Majority of the island's population is Hindu with 99.04% following Hinduism. The Indigenous communities include members of the Missing (41.01%), Deori, Kaibarta, and Sonowal Kachari tribes. 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. A ferry service connecting Majuli to Jorhat operates six times a day, 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.


Festivals

The '' Ali-Ai-Ligang'' festival, celebrated 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. 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. 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 still prevail. The handloom work of these tribes enjoys international acclaim. The three-day long Raas Mahotsav festival, which portrays the life of
Lord Krishna Krishna (; Sanskrit: कृष्ण, ) is a major deity in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme God in his own right. He is the god of protection, compassion, tenderness, and love; and is wi ...
, 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 practiced at Natun Samuguri Satra, while Kamalabari Satra is renowned for crafting exceptional boats.


Neo-Vaishnavite Satras

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 incident 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: * 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
cannon A cannon is a large-caliber gun classified as a type of artillery, which usually launches a projectile using explosive chemical propellant. Gunpowder ("black powder") was the primary propellant before the invention of smokeless powder during th ...
s. * 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. * 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.


Literature

Neo-Vaishnavite preacher Madhavdev met his guru, Shankar Dev, the founder of neo-Vaishnavism, on the island in an event termed the "Manikanchan Sanjog." Madhavdev and his mentor enriched Assamese literature by writing, among other works, '' Nam Ghosa'', '' Borgeet'', and ''Bhatima''. Following the footsteps of these Vaishnava 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. The second Assamese newspaper, ''Asom Bilasini'', was published from Majuli starting in 1871.


Ecology

Majuli is a
wetland A wetland is a distinct semi-aquatic ecosystem whose groundcovers are flooded or saturated in water, either permanently, for years or decades, or only seasonally. Flooding results in oxygen-poor ( anoxic) processes taking place, especially ...
that serves as a habitat for various rare and endangered avian species, particularly migratory birds that visit during the winter. Species include the greater adjutant stork,
pelican Pelicans (genus ''Pelecanus'') are a genus of large water birds that make up the family Pelecanidae. They are characterized by a long beak and a large throat pouch used for catching prey and draining water from the scooped-up contents before ...
,
Siberian crane The Siberian crane (''Leucogeranus leucogeranus''), also known as the Siberian white crane or the snow crane, is a bird of the family Gruidae, the crane (bird), cranes. They are distinctive among the cranes: adults are nearly all White, snowy whi ...
, and whistling teal. After dark, wild geese and ducks take flight to distant destinations. The island remains relatively pollution-free due to the absence of industrial activity and consistent rainfall. However, Majuli faces a significant threat from extensive
soil erosion Soil erosion is the denudation or wearing away of the Topsoil, upper layer of soil. It is a form of soil degradation. This natural process is caused by the dynamic activity of erosive agents, that is, water, ice (glaciers), snow, Atmosphere of Ea ...
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. 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 The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO ) is a List of specialized agencies of the United Nations, specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) with the aim of promoting world peace and International secur ...
for declaring Majuli as a
World Heritage Site World Heritage Sites are landmarks and areas with legal protection under an treaty, international treaty administered by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, or scientific significance. The sites are judged to contain "cultural and natural ...
. Local environmental activist Jadav Payeng has planted a 550-hectare forest known as Molai Forest to combat erosion on the island. 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.


Climate Threat

The island faces threats of complete disappearance due to shrinking wetlands and climate extremes.


Economy


Industries

The main industry in Majuli is
agriculture Agriculture encompasses crop and livestock production, aquaculture, and forestry for food and non-food products. Agriculture was a key factor in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created ...
, with paddy (unmilled) rice being the main crop. As many as 100 varieties of rice are grown on the island. Among the varieties of rice produced are '' Komal Saul'', which is eaten after immersing the grains in warm water for fifteen 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 Fishing is the activity of trying to catch fish. Fish are often caught as wildlife from the natural environment (Freshwater ecosystem, freshwater or Marine ecosystem, marine), but may also be caught from Fish stocking, stocked Body of water, ...
, dairying,
pottery Pottery is the process and the products of forming vessels and other objects with clay and other raw materials, which are fired at high temperatures to give them a hard and durable form. The place where such wares are made by a ''potter'' is al ...
,
handloom A loom is a device used to weaving, weave cloth and tapestry. The basic purpose of any loom is to hold the Warp (weaving), warp threads under tension (mechanics), tension to facilitate the interweaving of the weft threads. The precise shape of ...
, and boat-making. 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 utilizes a variety of colors and textures of
cotton Cotton (), first recorded in ancient India, is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective case, around the seeds of the cotton plants of the genus '' Gossypium'' in the mallow family Malvaceae. The fiber is almost pure ...
and
silk Silk is a natural fiber, natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be weaving, woven into textiles. The protein fiber of silk is composed mainly of fibroin and is most commonly produced by certain insect larvae to form cocoon (silk), c ...
, 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

The following higher learning institutions are present: * Majuli University of Culture * National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology * Majuli College Kamalabari * Jengraimukh College, Jengraimukh *Ujani Majuli Kherkatia College, Nayabazar, Majuli * Rangachahi College * Pub Majuli College, Bongaon *Garamur College, Garamur


Tourism sector

Mājuli is located 20 km from
Jorhat Jorhat ( /) is a major city in Upper Assam division, Upper Assam and among the fastest growing urban centres in the state of Assam in India. Etymology Jorhat ("jor" means twin and "hat" means market) means two hats or mandis - "Masorhaat" and ...
. 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 The Brahmaputra is a trans-boundary river which flows through Southwestern China, Northeastern India, and Bangladesh. It is known as Brahmaputra or Luit in Assamese, Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibetan, the Siang/Dihang River in Arunachali, and ...
River, which delineates the island from the mainland. Lakhimpur town is situated to the north, and Golaghat lies to the southwest.
Sibsagar {{Infobox settlement , name = Sivasagar , settlement_type = Metropolis , image_skyline = Sivasagar.jpg , image_alt = {{multiple image , border = infobox , total_width = 270 , image_style ...
is located to the southeast, and
Jorhat Jorhat ( /) is a major city in Upper Assam division, Upper Assam and among the fastest growing urban centres in the state of Assam in India. Etymology Jorhat ("jor" means twin and "hat" means market) means two hats or mandis - "Masorhaat" and ...
is positioned to the south. To the extreme east of Majuli is Dibrugarh District. * 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 Madhya Majuli is the middle part of Majuli, Jorhat, Assam Assam (, , ) is a state in Northeast India, northeastern India, south of the eastern Himalayas along the Brahmaputra Valley, Brahmaputra and Barak River valleys. Assam covers an a ...
* Namoni Majuli * Ujoni Majuli * Homespun masks crafts * Porag Utsav * Handmade Mekhla Chadar


Birdwatching

The southern part of Majuli is recognized as a significant area for birdwatching, attracting avian enthusiasts and researchers alike. The optimal time for visits is between November and March, when the weather conditions are favorable and the opportunities for wildlife observation are enhanced. Birdwatching locales on the island include: * 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 features a
roll-on/roll-off Roll-on/roll-off (RORO or ro-ro) ships are cargo ships designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, buses, Trailer (vehicle), trailers, and railroad cars, that are driven on and off the ship on their ...
(RORO) ferry service is operated by the
Inland Waterways Authority of India Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is the statutory authority in charge of the waterways in India. It was constituted under IWAI Act-1985 by the Parliament of India.http://iwai.nic.in/showfile.php?lid=882 See section 3 of the act Its he ...
(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.


Photo gallery

File:Kamalabari Satra.jpg, Kamalabari Satra File:Dakhinpat Temple.jpg, Dakhinpat Satra File:Filial Piety Rituals.jpg, Pooja at Dakhinpat Satra File:Assam 098.jpg, From one of the Satras File:Aauniati satra gate.jpg, Aauniati Satra gate File:Majuli Island , Assam (19).jpg, Kamalabari Post Office


See also

* Majuli Assembly constituency *
Hindu pilgrimage sites Unlike some other religions, Hindus are not required to undertake pilgrimages during their lifetime. However, most Hindus go on such journeys to numerous iconic sites including those below: India Char Dham (Famous Four Pilgrimage sites): Th ...
* National Geological Monuments of India * List of villages in Majuli * Tourism in Assam *
Yatra ''Yatra'' (, ), in Indian religion, Indian-origin religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, generally means a pilgrimage to holy places such as confluences of River#Sacred rivers, sacred rivers, Sacred mountains#India, sacred mount ...


References


External links

* * maintained by Majuli Island Protection & Development Council (MIPDC)
MajuliIslands.com
An A to Z information website about the river island Majuli {{Authority control Islands of Assam Tourist attractions in Assam Hindu pilgrimage sites in India Islands of the Brahmaputra River Tourism in Northeast India Biodiversity Heritage Sites of India Islands of India Populated places in India