Majuli River Island, Assam
Majuli is a large river island in Assam. It is located between 27°N and 94°E in the river Brahmaputra. The total area of Majuli was 1,250 sq km (483 sq mi). But due to strong erosion, it’s area is now less than 421 sq km. The population of Majuli is about about 140,000. Majuli is a principal place of pilgrimage for the Vaishnavites in Assam.
Majority of the inhabitants in Majuli are tribal folks: Misings, Deoris and Sonowal Kacharis. Major languages spoken in Majuli are Mishing, Assamese and Deori. The island is rich in flora and fauna. Plenty of migratory birds arrive here during winter.
Majuli is 200 km away from state capital Guwahati. Nearest airport is Rowriah, Jorhat. The Jorhat city is just 20 km away from the river island.
History:
Originally, the Majuli island was a narrow and long piece of land that had Brahmaputra flowing in the North and the Burhidihing river flowing in the South. It was called Majoli (land in the middle of two parallel rivers). After frequent earthquakes of 1661-1669 and catastrophic flood of 1750, mighty river Brahmaputra split into two anabranches. In this way Majuli island was formed.
Majuli Satras:
Majuli is a hub of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture and there are several Satras of Vaishnava religious creed. The Vaishnava Satras were founded by Srimanta Sankardeva, saint, social-religious reformer and the father of Assamese culture. Of these holy seats, Auniati, Daksinpath, Garamur, Kamlabari and Bengenaati are the most prominent. The Satras of Majuli are regarded as the main centres for Assamese art, music, dance, drama, handicrafts, literature and religion.