Dhubri District, Assam, India
Dhubri District is the gateway of western Assam. It’s geographical location is between 89.42 to 90.12 degree East longitude and 26.22 to 25.28 degree North latitude. The district covers an area of 2,838 Sq. Kms and has a population of 1,948,632 (2011 census). Population density is 686.6 sq km and sex ratio is 952 females per 1000 males. This district has a poor literacy rate of 59.36 %. Dhubri is the second most populous district in Assam after Nagaon. Muslim, Hindu and Christian are the major religious groups in the district.
The Dhubri district is situated at 30 meters above the sea level on average. It’s general topography is plain with patches of small hillocks like Tokorabandha, Dudhnath, Chandardinga, Boukumari, Boropahar, Chakrasila etc. Mighty river Brahmaputra flows through this district from east to west. Major tributaries of Brahmaputra in Dhubri are Champabati, Gourang, Tipkai, Gadadhar, Gangadhar, Sankosh,Silai and Jinjiram. Dhubri shares it’s border with different states and Bangladesh. It has Kokrajhar district in the north and Bangladesh & state of Meghalaya in the South. State of West Bengal and Bangladesh lies in the West. The Goalpara district & Bongaigoan district of Assam and Garo Hills district of Meghalaya are situated in the East of Dhubri.
History:
Since ancient times, Dhubri area has been a meeting place of different racial groups. The present Dhubri District is one of the three Civil Sub-divisions of erstwhile Goalpara district, established in 1876 during British regime. In 1879 the District head quarter was shifted from Goalpara to Dhubri. In the year 1983 Goalpara district was divided into four separate districts, one of which was Dhubri.
Agriculture is the main occupation of people living in the district. The principal crops are Autumn paddy, Winter paddy, Rape seeds, Wheat, Mustard, and Jute. A small portion of work-force is also engaged in livestock, forestry and fishery. Dhubri district is the most industrially backward district of Assam.
Dhubri Town was first constituted as a Municipality in 1883. The Dhubri Town is 290km away from the Assam State Capital at Dispur.. Rupshi-airport is situated about 23km away from Dhubri. It was constructed during last World War II by the British. At present the Airport is under the National Airport Authority of India and lying unused. The Dhubri Town had a very busy river port on the bank of the river Brahmaputra which was used as an international trade centre with the neighbouring countries. At present, this river port is lying idle.
Connectivity:
Dhubri district is well connected with other parts of the state via road. Regular Guwahati-Dhubri bus services are available. The journey takes about six hours. Bus services are also available from Siliguri in West Bengal. The Dhubri Town can be reached from Coochbehar Town in West Bengal via a 1-1/2 hours journey by road.
Places of Interest in Dhubri District:
Mahamaya Dham: Mahamaya Dham of Bogribari is located about 30-35 Km.east from Dhubri town. It is an attraction to the pilgrims and tourists.
Rangamati Mosque: The very famous Rangamati Mosque was built during 17th century by Hussain Shah, the Governor of Bengal. This Mosque belongs to pre-Mughal period which can be recognized from its typical architectural design. It is about 25Kms away from Dhubri Town.
Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary: It covers an area of 4558.7 hectares of land and is a home to varieties of wildlife species and plants. Some of the important species found in Chakrasila include Golden Langur, Leopard, Leopard cat, Porcupine, Pangoline, Flying Squirrel, Civet cat etc.Adjutants Stork, Indian Owl, Myna, Parrakit, Dove, Hornbil, Jungle Fowl, Kingfisher, Harren, Darter, Snipe, Teal etc. are the birds commonly found. Python, Monitor, Crait, Cobra, Turtle, Tead and frog are some reptiles and amphibia that are also found.
Gudwara Sri Guru Tegbahadur Sahibji: This famous Gurudwara is situated in the heart of the Dhubri Town and on the bank of the river Brahmaputra. Sikh Guru Nanaka visited this place in 1505 A.D. and met Sri Sankardeva during Nanaka’s way from Dhaka to Assam. The 9th Guru Tegbahadur came established this Gurudwara during 17th century..
Panchpeer Dargaha: It is Mazar Sharif of five Sufi Saints who accompanied Raja Ram Singh during his time of invassion to Assam. All section of people irrespective of their religion pay visit to this dargaha.
Florican Garden: A garden cum natural park located at Bilasipara about 50 Km from Dhubri Town.