Majuli
Mājuli or Majoli (Pron: ˈmʌʤʊlɪ) (Assamese: মাজুলী) is a large river islandin the Brahmaputra River, Assam, India. The island had a total area of 1,250 square kilometres (483 sq mi)[when?], but having lost significantly to erosion it has an area of only 421.65 square kilometres (163 sq mi) in 2001. Majuli has shrunk as the river surrounding it has grown.[1]Majuli is the largest river island in the world.[2]
The island is formed by the Brahmaputrariver in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti, an anabranch of the Brahmaputra, joined by the Subansiri River in the north. Mājuli island is accessible by ferries from the City of Jorhat. The island is about 200 kilometres east from the state's largest city —Guwahati. The island was formed due to course changes by the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries, mainly the Lohit. Mājuli is also the abode of the Assamese neo-Vaisnavite culture.[3]
History
Originally, the island was a narrow and long piece of land called Majoli (land in the middle of two parallel rivers) that had Brahmaputra flowing in the north and the Burhidihing flowing in the south, till they met at Lakhu. Frequent earthquakes in the period 1661–1696 set the stage for a catastrophic flood in 1750 that continued for 15 days, which is mentioned in historical texts and reflected in folklore. As a result of this flood, the Brahmaputra split into two anabranches—one flowing along the original channel and the other flowing along the Burhidihing channel and the Mājuli island was formed. The Burhidihing's point of confluence moved 190 km east and the southern channel which was the Burhidihing became the Burhi Xuti. The northern channel, which was previously the Brahmaputra, became the Luit Xuti. In due course, the flow in the Luit Xuti decreased, and it came to be known as the Kherkutia Xuti; and the Burhi Xuti expanded via erosion to become the main Brahmaputra River. The locals speak in the Mising and Assamese language. Reference regarding the early existence of Majuli is found in Yogini Tranta that Sutiya kingRatnadhajpal founded his capital in Ratanpur, Majuli which was perhaps washed away by the Brahmaputra.[4]However, what is certain is Mājuli has been the cultural capital of Assamese civilisation since the 16th century; based on written records describing the visit ofSrimanta Sankardeva — a 16th-century social reformer. Sankardeva, a pioneer of the medieval-age neo-vaishnavite movement, preached a monotheist form of Hinduism called as Vaishnavism and established monasteries and hermitages known as satra on the islet.
The island soon became the leading center of Vaishavinism with the establishment of these satras. After the arrival of the British, the island was under the rule of the British until India gained independence in 1947. It is one of world's biggest river islands.
Economy
The main industry is agriculture, withpaddy being the chief crop. Mājuli has a rich and diverse agricultural tradition, with as many as a hundred different varieties of rice grown, all grown withoutpesticides or artificial fertilisers. Among the fascinating arrays of rice produced are the Komal Saul, a unique type of rice that can be eaten just after immersing the grains in warm water for fifteen minutes, and usually eaten as a breakfast cereal; the bao dhan, that grows under water, and is harvested after ten months and the Bora saul, a sticky brown rice used to make the traditional cake known as pitha. Fishing,dairying, pottery, handloom and boat-making are other important economic activities.[5]
People
A village in Majuli
The dwellers of Mājuli are mostly of theMising tribes from Arunachal Pradeshwho immigrated here centuries ago. Apart from them, the inhabitants are also from the Deori and Sonowal Kacharis tribes. Languages spoken here are Mising, Assamese, Deori. The island has one hundred and forty four villages with a population of over 150,000 and a density of 300 individuals per square km. The only mode of association to the outside world is through a ferry service which operates only sixth a day. Despite inherent drawbacks faced, modernism has touched this island, with the setting up of medical centers and educational institutions. Housing too, has segued from traditional bamboo and mud construction to ones made of concrete.
The heart of all villages is the Namghar, where villagers episodically gather to sing and pray. It is the most important public place for the villagers. After the rituals are complete, villagers decide here on issues concerning the village such as auctioning of fishing rights, what to do with money raised, and other topics of significance to the community as a whole.
The inhabitants are expert navigators by boat; their expertise is most visible during the monsoon season when they navigate the turbulent waters of the Brahmaputra.
Culture
The festival of Ali aye ligang is celebrated during mid February with great pomp and show. It is celebrated for five days starting from second Wednesday of February month till the next week. Various kinds of local dishes like purang apin (rice wrapped in special leaves), Apong (rice beer) and cuisines made of pork, fish and chickens are served. Traditional mising dance Gumrag Soman is performed in every village worshiping the almighty Donyi polo (mother sun and father moon) asking for good year of harvest. Other festivals like Christmas is also celebrated by the majority Christians of mising tribe in upper Majuli where Jengraimukh village is the epicentre of Christians. Majuli has been the cultural capital and the cradle of Assamese civilization for the past five hundred years. The satras set up preserve antiques like weapons, utensils, jewellery and other items of cultural significance. Pottery is made in Mājuli from beaten clay and burnt in driftwood fired kilns in the same mode carried out by the peoples of the ancient Harrappan Civilisation. Sociologists have stressed on the preservation of these unique peoples, whose culture and dance forms are untouched by modernism. The hand-loom work of these tribes is also internationally famous.
Virtually every single person on the island is involved in the three-day longraas festival, depicting the life of Krishna. People from hundreds of kilometers away come to celebrate this festival including a number of expatriate members of community. The satras have also honed certain art and craft traditions, which can now be found only here. In Natun Samuguri Satra for example, one can still find the craft of mask-making; and in the Kamalabari Satra the finest boats are made.
The island has been the hub of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture, initiated around 15th century by the revered Assamese saint Srimanta Sankardeva and his discipleMadhavdeva. Many Satras or monasteries constructed by the saint still survive and represent the colourful Assamese culture. The saint took refuge in Mājuli and spent a couple of months at Beloguri in West Mājuli, which was a place of grandeur for the historic and auspicious, 'Manikanchan Sanjog' between Shankardeva and Madhavdeva, this was the first satra in Mājuli. After the "Manikanchan Sanjog", sixty five satras were set up. However, today only twenty-two of the original sixty-five are operational. Sixty-five out of the six hundred and sixty-five original satras in Assam were situated in Mājuli.
The main surviving Satras (Satra) are:
- Dakhinpat Satra: Founded by Banamalidev, a supporter of Raasleela, which is now observed as one of the National Festivals of Assam.
- Garamurh Satra: This "Satra" was founded by Lakshmikantadeva. During the end of autumn, the traditional the Raasleela is enacted with pomp and celebrations. Ancient weapons called "Bartop" or cannonss are preserved here.
- Auniati Satra: Founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva, the satra is famous for the "Paalnaam" and Apsara Dances and also its extensive assortment of ancient Assamese artefacts, utensils, jewelleryand handicrafts. It also has a hundred and twenty five disciples and over seven hundred thousand followers worldwide.
- Kamalabari Satra: The Kamalabari Satra, founded by Bedulapadma Ata, is a centre of art, cultural, literature and classical studies on the island. Its branch the Uttar Kamalabari Satra has performed cultural programmes of theSatria Art all around the country and abroad.
- Benegenaati Satra: It is a reliquary of antiques of cultural importance and an advance centre of performing art. Muraridev, the grandson of Sankaradeva's stepmother was the founder of the Satra. The royal raiment belongs to the Ahom king Swargadeo Godadhar Singha, is made of gold. Also preserved is the royal umbrella made in gold.
- Shamaguri Satra: The satra is famous for the mask making in India.
These satras are also the treasure house of "Borgeet" Matiakhara, Satriya Dances (Jumora Dance, Chali Dance, Notua Dance, Nande Vringee, Sutradhar, Ozapali, Apsara Dance, Satria Krishna Dance and Dasavater Dance), all promulgated by Srimanta Sankardeva. It has also become a center for shuddhi in the Northeast of India, due to the efforts of Pitambar Deva Goswami.
Photo Gallery
Ecosystem
Majuli wetland
The island is shrinking due to erosion.
A wetland, Mājuli is a hotspot for flora and fauna, harbouring many rare and endangered avifauna species including migratory birds that arrive in the winter season. Among the birds seen here are: the greater adjutant stork, pelican,Siberian crane and the whistling teal. After dark wild geese and ducks fly in flocks to distant destinations. The island is almost pollution free owing to the lack of polluting industries and factories and also the chronic rainfall.
The island is under threat due to the extensive soil erosion on its banks. The reason for this magnitude in erosion is the large embankments built in neighbouring towns upriver to prevent erosion there during the monsoonseason when the river distends its banks. The upshot is a backlash of the tempestuous Brahmaputra's fury on the islet, eroding most of the area. According to reports, in 1853, the total area of Mājuli was 1,150 km2 and about 33% of this landmass has been eroded in the latter half of 20th century. Since 1991, over 35 villages have been washed away. Surveys show that in 15–20 years from now, Mājuli would cease to exist.
To save the island, the Union Government of India has sanctioned ₹ 250 crores (US $55 million) for the protection of the island.The water resource department & The Brahmaputra Board are struggling to solve the erosion problem of this island for the last three decade but without much success . Recently it is suggested that a four lane Highway protected by concrete mat along the southern boundary of Majuli & excavation of river bed of the Brahmaputra River, only can solve the problem .The project also includes two numbers of Flood way gates for the Kherkatia suti which is a tributary of the River Brahmaputra.This Project, namely The Brahmaputra River Restoration Project is yet to be implemented by the Government. However a nomination has been sent to the UNESCO for the declaration of Mājuli to be as a world heritage site.[6]
Tourist interests
An exotic view of Majuli
Mājuli is situated at a distance of 20 km from Jorhat. One can take the bus or a hired taxi to the Nimati Steamer Ghat from where ferry services ply. The distance takes over three hours to cover, with three bus rides and two ferry rides.
On the north-bank is the river Subansiri and on the South bank, the mightyBrahmaputra has excided the island from the main land. Lakhimpur town is to the North and Golaghat is to its southwest. The town of Sibsagar is on the southeast and Jorhat is to the south. On the extreme east 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
- Madhya Majuli
- Namoni Majuli
- Ujoni Majuli
- The sunset in winter
- Exotic homespun masks crafts
- the natural beauty.
Birdwatching
.The southern part of the island is a bird lover's paradise. The best time to visit is between November to March; as the weather and wildlife view is satisfactory.
There are three locals for birdwatching:
1.The southeast of the island
2.The southwest of the island
3.The northern part of island
There are three locals for birdwatching:
1.The southeast of the island
2.The southwest of the island
3.The northern part of island
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