Goalpara distrct General information
Goalpara is an administrative district in the state of Assam in India. The district headquarters are located at Goalpara. The district occupies an area of 1824 km² and has a population of 822,306 (as of 2001). It was a princely state ruled by the Rajbongsi Kings and the then ruler of the undivided kingdom, Presently the goalpara is divided into Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Dhubri, and Goalpara. Mostly inhabited by Koch Rajbongshi and widely spoken language is goalpariya.
History
Goalpara District was created in the year 1983 with two Sub-divisions , Goalpara (Sadar) sub-division & North Salmara (Civil) Sub-division. In 1989 Goalpara Sadar Sub- division was upgraded into a district and North Salmara Sub-division was merged with newly created Bongaigaon District. So , present Goalpara District consists of only one Sub-division.
Geography
The topography of Goalpara District is generally characterised by an almost flat plain except forfew low forested Hills that break the monotony of the terrain. The main Hills are Pancharatna, Sri Surjya , Tukreswari, Nalanga & Paglartek with elevations ranging from 100 to 500 mts. A significance of the District is the existance of a large number of Char (Riverine tracts and sandy river island ) in the river Brahmaputra. The mighty river Brahmaputra flows East to West on the Northern boundary of District and the main tributaries are River Dudhnoi, Krishnai, Jinjiram and Jinary. Dudhnoi and Krishnai River originate from Hills of Meghalaya then join each other on the Western part of Matia and flows as river Mornoi upto its confluence with the Brahmaputra. The Jinjiram originates from Urpad Beel flows parallel to the Brahmaputra and ultimately joins near South Salmara of Dhubri District .The rivers are all perennial in nature. There are a few other minor streams in the District.
Forest
A number of Beels (Natural reserve forests in the District. Lakes) such as Urapd Beel , Hashila Beel , Kumri Beel and Dhamar Risan Beel exist in the District and several other artificial ponds are also seen. There are a number of reserve forests and proposed.
Population
MUSLIMs, KOCH RAJBONGSHIs, YOGIs(Nath), GOALs(Ghose), HIRAs, SUTRADHARs and other make up the rest. As per 2001 census , the total population ( projected) of the district is 8,22,306 ( 4,20,707 -- Male , 4,01,599 -- Female). The density of population is 451 per sq. km. against the state average of 340 per sq. km. Out of the total population of the district , approximately 1,20,000 belong to ST and about 40,000 to the SC communities (as per 1991 census). The disrtict is the home of large number of different communities. There are RABHAs, BODOs, GAROs, Indeginious MUSLIMs , Immigrant population and total of (1991 census) 6,68,168 , only 2,38,423 could read and write. The percentage of literate being 58.56% (2001 census) of the District.
Tourist Place
Hulukunda Pahar: It is a beautyful Hill in Goalpara town where office of the SDO existed during the British period. The entire Goalpara town and beyond can be seen from this point. Especially pleasing is the view of the river Brahmaputra and Naranaryan Setu.
KUMRI BEEL: Kumri Beel is a natural lake is located 11 km North-West of goalpara town, 1 km from Naranaryan Setu & 5 km North-East of Paglatek Mandir. Kumri Beel is having enough space for development of tourist spots, Gardens, Boating and for developing bird sanctuary facilities. It is one of the most attractive and convenient places for development of tourism. It is easily accessible to travellers across the Naranaryan Setu.
Dekhdhowa is 4 km away from Sri Sri Surjya Pahar towards Goalpara town.This place is also known as PAHARSHING PARA.It is a beautyful place on the bank of the river Brahmaputra having fire teak plantation. From Dekhdhowa one can visit Sri Sri Surjya pahar, Goalpara town, Raikhashini Pahar and Nandeswar Devalaya, Sainik school , Goalpara is only 5 away from Dekhdhowa.
BARJHARA CHIBINANG: It is a place of great natural beauty and suitable for short excursions and picnics. Although this place is situated in Meghalaya but it is within the reach of Assam.
Sri Sri Surjya Pahar: is situated about 16 km from Goalpara town on the way to Mornoi and Sainik School. Sri Sri Surjya Pahar is full of different types of statues of Gods and Goddesses. The Staues of Devi Durga , Ganesh, Surjya, Chandra and Buddha are found here. There are 107 Durga, Ganesh, Surjya, Chandra & Buddha are found here. There are 107 dynasty. A three day big mela held every year on the full Moon day of Magh Bihu ( Assamese month).
Srimanta Sankar Math: is situated at Tilapara in the heart of Goalpara Town. It was inagaurated on 11th February 1979. Here one can find the PUTA ASTHI ( a unique bone of forehead) of Sri Srimanta Sankar dev, the great meadival Baishnavian saint of Assam.
Paglartek Mandir: Here is a famous Siva Mandir of ancient historical importance is situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra.
Sri Sri Satyanya Gaudiya Math: is situated at Tilapara in the heart of Goalpara Town. It was inagaurated on 1969 by Sri Sri MADBHAKTI DAEITA Madhab Goswami Maharaj..