Hailakandi district General information
Hailakandi is an administrative district in the state of Assam in India. The district headquarters are located at Hailakandi. The district occupies an area of 1327 km², out of this 50% is resere forest and the district has a population of 542,978 (as of 2001). As of the 2001 Census, over all literacy rate is 59.80. The figure for Males is 68.47% and for females, it is 50.64%. The main language of the District is Bengali.
History
In the known period of history most parts of the erstwhile state of Cachar was under Tripuri administration. Existence of Sakala Dighi near Lala ( in the 5 km. South) is symbol of Tripuri reign. Other parts of the state were captured by the Kochs during the early medieval period and continued as a Koch province till the Dimacha occupied it. But, Hailakandi particularly its southern part remains under Tripura. According to Krishnamala it was then named as Purbakul. But Tripuries could not continue for any longer period due to constant attack by the Kukis who were dominant people in the southern part of Hailakandi and gradually they receded from their Purbakul province . The Dimasas captured Hailakandi, at first the northern part and then towards the end of their rule over Cachar, the southern part was also brought under their rule. Hailakandi went under the British rule in 1830 with Silchar the other part of the state of Cachar. The Britishers built their native club at Monacherra, Hailakandi and Polo Ground at Girin Tilla which is still in existence.
Location
The Hailakandi district is situated in the southernmost corner of Assam in North East India. The distance of the state capital Guwahati from the district Head Quarter is 330 KM.
Boundaries
The Hailakandi district is bounded by River Barak & Cachar district in the North & East, Mizoram State in the South & East and Karimganj district in the west. The inter state border is stretched over 76 KM in the south east.
Demography
As per 2001 census the total population of the district is 542978 showing the decadal growth rate is 20.93. Out of this total population 63832 (12%) are SC & 1063 (.20%) are ST.
Total rural population of the district is 501478 (92%) & urban population is 41500 (8%). Literacy percentage of the district is 59.84%. Male literacy rate is 68.47% & female literacy is 50.65%. Male female ratio is 933.
Rivers & Tributaries
There are 2 main river namely Dhaleswari and Katakhal which runs from south to north through the middle of the district. The river Dhaleswari originates in the Mizo hills where it is known as Thang. Originally it is used to flow along the western side of the district and fall into the river Barak near Panchgram. A former king is said to have diverted its course a little above Rongpur and the channel is now dried up for a considerable distance of about 1.5 km, after the commencement of new channel which is called ‘katakhal’ and the lower reaches of the Dhaleswari is completely cut off from the river that originates form the Mizo hills. The Katakhal river flows along the east of the valley and falls into the Barak river near Katakhal railway Junction. There are also 7 tributaries in the district.
The only Hawor of the district ‘bakri-hawor’ having a considerable area of 20 sq. km. & remains under floodwater almost in every season.
Climate
In summer season there is heavy rainfall with high humidity. The average annual rainfall is 2873.078 & humidity is 85%. In winter the climate is cold and dry. The cold is intense in December, January & February. The maximum temperature is in the month of August 30’ –34’ Celsius and the minimum temperature is 6’-12’ Celsius.
Population
The population of the district has increased from 4.49 lakhs in 1991 to 5.43 lakhs in 2001 by registering an increase of 17%. The increase of rural population is same as the over all increase. On the other hand the increase of urban population is one percent more than the rural and over all growth. The growth of female population of the district is much lower than their male counter part. The male population has increased by 17% and the female population has increased by only 14%.