Majuli (Assam) – the River Island of India
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Majuli (Assam) – the River Island of India
April 02, 2022
Assam is also famous for being home to Majuli, the world's largest river island. It has been the core of the Assamese civilization since the sixteenth century and is formed by the Brahmaputra river and its tributaries Luit and Kherkatia.
Connectivity to Majuli has improved with time. It is located 20 kilometers from Jorhat (a district in Assam). Jorhat has flight connectivity from Guwahati, which establishes a passage for traveling to Majuli.
Majuli River Island, Assam (North East India)
North East India is a testimony to the rich culture and craft of India. The communities in this region have an incredible zest for preserving their heritage and cultural elements such as festivities, biodiversity, craft, and architecture. Assam, a state in North East India, is famous for its expansive tea plantation, wildlife, and evergreen forests.
Assam’s cultural landscape is vibrant, having been shaped by people from communities/tribes such as Austro-Asiatics, Tibeto-Burmans, and Aryans who have lived in this area, enriching a diverse culture in the State. Assam also has a rich craft tradition. Cane craft, bamboo, woodcraft, musical instruments, and terracotta are the popular crafts of the region. The forests of Assam are home to a variety of endangered wildlife and plant species.
The Festivals of Majuli
There are several Satras (institutional centers found in the Indian state of Assam) on the Majuli island that actively promote and preserve tradition, drama, music, art, and craft. In Majuli, celebrations are mainly meant for spiritual rejuvenation, with the festivals being related to seasonal variations. Bihu (the national festival of Assam), Bisu, Deo Puja, and Raas Utsav are some of the popular festivals celebrated in this region.
The Music of Majuli
- Ankiya Geet: The Ankiya Geet are songs that are sung in dramas. They have rhythmic compositions and are written for entertainment purposes.
- Borgeet: Borgeet is a set of devotional songs that are mentioned in the ancient Indian musical treaties and were composed in the 15th and 16th centuries A.D.
The Livelihood of People of Majuli
People engaged in boat-making
Women engaged in pottery making
- Fishing is one of the main sources of livelihood for the people of Majuli. This river island presently has a wide variety of fishes such as Ceryle Rudis and Alced Atthis. Residents of Majuli have generally a pond in the back or front of their houses.
- Monsoons are prent in Majuli, which makes it a flood-prone area. Commuting through water bodies is the only mode of transportation on this river island. As a result, residents are proficient in boat-making. Majuli is sustaining this boat-making craft by producing boats for consumption on the island.
- Approximately 5000 people on the island are dependent on pottery making for their livelihood. Pottery practices are passed on from generation to generation, and the potters depend upon the Brahmaputra river for clay. The tools used in pottery are made from locally available timber and bamboo. The pottery by the women of Majuli is popular for its resemblance to the pottery of the Harappan civilization.
The charm of Majuli River Island
The pollution-free environment and scenic sights of Majuli make it a key tourist attraction in Assam. People who enjoy experiencing regional art and crafts can relish the same experience on Majuli river island. Majuli promises a peaceful and calming experience for a tourist.