Dhemaji district General information
Dhemaji is an administrative district in the state of Assam in India. The district headquarters are located at Dhemaji. The district occupies an area of 3237 km² and has a population of 569,468 (as of 2001).
History
It is believed that in 1240 A.D.; (approx). The first King of Ahom reign Chow Chukafa established his capital at a place named Haboong in the district of Dhemaji. Due to perennial flood in the area the King shifted the capital from Haboong and after that the area became under the rule of Chutias and it continued from 1223 to 1523 A.D. During 1523 A.D. the then Ahom King Chuhung - Moong attacked and kill the Chutia king Natipal and as a result the area again became under the kingdom of Ahoms.
The entire Dhemaji district area was originally inhabitated by various indigeneous tribes like Mising, Sonowal Kachari, Bodo Kachari, Deori and Laloong. In addition to this different tribes e.g. Ahom, Rabha, Tai - Khamti, Konch, Keot, Koiborta, Brahman, Kayastha, Kalita etc. were migrated during different moments of time span.
There are a number of mythological and hypothetical believes regarding the origin of the name "Dhemaji". One of the most popular believe is that - there was a river which used to change its course very frequently and resulted unanticipated flood covering different parts of the area. Hence the river was believed to be a kind of evil spirit. The Assamese version of the words flood and playing are "Dhal" and "Dhemali" respectively and therefore the area when flood is a perennial phenomenon may be called as a playground for flood i.e., in Assamese it became to be "Dhal Dhemali" with the ellapsation of time the word "Dhal" was omitted and also the word "Dhemali" started to be pronounced as "Dhemaji".
Initially, the present geographical area of Dhemaji district was a part of the then Lakhimpur District with its headquarter at Dibrugarh. In 1971 Dhemaji was declared as a Sub-Division, Including Jonai and Dhakuakhana (Presently under Lakhimpur District) 14th Aug/1st Oct, 1989 Dhemaji was declared as an independent district covering Jonai and Dhemaji (Sadar) Sub-Divisions.
Geography
The Dhemaji district came into being on 14th August / 1st October 1989. It comprises of erstwhile Dhemaji and Jonai sub-division and parts of Machkhowa mouza and Bordoloni. Forted by arch shaped Arunachal hills on the North and the East, the district emerges from the foot hills and streches to the Brahmaputra river with Subansiri one side and the river Siang on the other. Geographically situated between the 940 12' 18'' E and 950 41' 32'' E longitudes and 270 05' 27'' N and 270 57' 16'' N latitudes, the district covers an area of 3237 Sq. Km and is a basically plain area lying at an altitude of 104 m above the Mean Sea Level.
Soil
The general and average soil character of cultivable land in these districts is mainly alluvial and composed of mixture of sand (coarse to fine) and clay in varying proportions. The general geochemical characteristics of the soil is highly acidic. However, new alluvial soils formed due to inundation of land by river at intervals contain more percentages of fine sand fine silt and are less acidic. Such soils are often neutral and even alkaline. Large expanse of low-lying land characterized by heavy clayish soil with a high percentage of nitrogen is good for rice cultivation. Abundant rainfall and excessive humidity through out the year also greatly favor cultivation of rice in the district .The soil around the Subansiri and Ranganadi rivers are sandy coated with silt which is good for cultivation of winter crops, such as raga, and mustard, potato etc.
Communication
There is total road length of 43.75 Km under the state PWD and 141 Km. under the National Highway. Boarder Roads Organisation is maintaining NH-52. At present BRO is taking measures to avoid unwanted breach of communication at vulnerable points along with repairing of the rest.
Economy
The economy of Dhemaji is generally agro-based. Sericulture, fishing and driftwood business are practiced in smaller scale. However, sand deposition and other adverse effects of chronic floods on fertile agricultural land have made even affluent farmers land-less. Therefore a large number of such people shift to greener pastures within the district to carry out horticultural practices. Lack of good communication system, shortage of power and lack of proper irrigation & marketing facilities add to the poverty of the district. Dearth of any major and small industry worth the name is also responsible for multiplying the problem of unemployment while galloping explosion in the rate of population growth has already shown signs of negative impacts. The local economy is thus characterized by subsistence level of production and consumption.
Climate
As the major part of the Study Area is located near the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh, it exhibits difference in temperature, rainfall, fog, wind etc. The climate of the district is Per-humid characterized by high rainfall, mild summer and winter and falls under cool to warm per-humid thermic-agroecological sub zone. The annual rainfall of the district ranges from 2600 mm to 3200 mm. Rainfall generally begins from April and continues till the end of September. The rainfall generally increases from south east to northeast. July is the rainiest month. On an average there are about 200 days with 3.5 mm or more rain in a year. The relative humidity varies from 90 to 73 per cent. The temperature varies between 39.9°C in summer and 5.9°C in winter.
Forest
Botanically the forest of Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts can be divided into three divisions viz. Mixed, deciduous and mixed deciduous. The forest in the district is either deciduous or mixed evergreen seen scattered in the foothill areas. The forest resources are timber, bamboo and cane with swamps covered with grass and reeds. There are 9 reserved forests covering an area of 53,224.11 hectares which is works out to be just 16% of the total area of the district. These forests contribute annual revenue of Rs.8.14 Lac. to the district's coffers.
Tourist Place
Gerukamukh: is located at a distance of 44 Km from the district Head Quarter in the North-West direction. Regular communication is available from Dhemaji, Lakhimpur and Guwahati. At Gerukamukh Sobansiri, the largest tributary of Brahmaputra touches the plains from the hills giving a scenic beauty with its virginity. The condition is favourable for angling and picnic parties. National Hydro Electric Power Corporation is implementing a mega hydro electric power project at Gerukamukh.
Malini Than: This place has been using for worship to the Goddess Malini from ancient time. Lots of historical monuments have also been excavacated from the spot. It is located 42 kms away in the north eastern direction of Dhemaji.
Ghuguha Dol: It is historically believed that at this place Bamuni Konwar The son of then Ahom King Tyao Khamti was born. The Dol (Temple) Was built in the memory of Bamuni Konwar's mother Ghuguhi and is at a distance of 17 km in south west of Dhemaji.
Maa Manipuri Than: This Than (i.e. place of worship) distance of 25 km in the south west direction of Dhemaji was established by the then Ahom King Gourinath Singha as a monument of help by the Manipuries in controlling Mua-Mariah renaissance during the later period of Ahom reign.
Rajgarh: Under Machkhowa Mouza.
Garakhia Than: 12 km from Dhemaji under Gohain Mouza.
Rajgarh Ali: A road constructed by Prince Gohain Kamal during Konch reigm and is at a distance of 22 km from Dhemaji.