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Page 1: CHAPTER III - Shodhganga...CHAPTER III SOCIO-CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC SETTINGS OF MAJULI 1.1 Introduction Socio-economic condition of any particular region is determined by its socio

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Page 2: CHAPTER III - Shodhganga...CHAPTER III SOCIO-CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC SETTINGS OF MAJULI 1.1 Introduction Socio-economic condition of any particular region is determined by its socio

CHAPTER III

SOCIO-CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC SETTINGS OF MAJULI

1.1 Introduction

Socio-economic condition of any particular region is determined by its socio

cultural factors. It plays a vital role in shaping the economic structure of the region.

Historical and demographic characteristics as well as socio-cultural activities of the

people of study area are discussed in this chapter.

1.2 Historical Background of Peopling in Majuli

Majuli Sub-division, according to the report of the last census (2011), is the

homeland of 1,65,245 people consisting of both castes and tribes, pursuing various

religious beliefs including animism, although its major belief is Vaishnavism of the

order of Srimanta Sankardeva(1449-1568).

The geographical formation and situation influence the climate and peopling in

Majuli. The environment was serene and beautiful. The picture of the Sub-division

more or less was to be found till sixties of the natural growth of the population. The

present Majuli is therefore, after half a century thickly populated area. The

geographical isolation has made it an ideal place for religious importance. This was

possibly the major reason as to why the Ahom king selected Majuli for establishment

of great satras. By the last part of 17th century, Majuli became place of numerous

satras belonging to different sanghatis into which Neo Vishnavism was parcled out in

the Post-Sankardev period. So, being geographically isolated and cut off from the

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main land of Assam the island provided the secluded place of a distant locality from

the capital city at Gargaon or Rongpur.

Historical evidence shows that the prior to its occupation by the Ahom, the

area (Majuli) was under the control of the Chutyas, an aboriginal tribe of north eastern

part of India. Naturally, this area might have been peopled by members of the Chutya,

Deori and other communities. Chutyas are concentrated in the northeastern part of

Majuli centering round Ratanpur, the traditional name for the capital city of the

Chutya King Ratnadhaspal. Majuli once formed a part of the Chutya kingdom, and

some remains of the times of the Chutya (Chutiya) state are still to be seen on the

northeast at Dhakuwakhana across the Brahmaputra. Belonging to the greater

Mongoloid tribes, the Chutyas belong to the Bodos, and are akin to the Morans and the

Kacharis. In such a social complex, Srimanta Sankardeva found a fertile place for

proporgating his Vaishnavism. Historical record and social survey testify to the

settlement of Kaivartas in Majuli much earlier to whom the profession of fishing was

traditionally associated with. Kaivartas, form another numerous castes in Majuli’s

population. According to Risley, they present a distinctly intermediate one equally

removed from the extreme type of Aryan and Dravidian races found in Bengal. They

are included among the Scheduled Castes, who, according to the estimation of the year

2001, form 21,479 souls. The Kaivartas are found in almost all places in Majuli,

living in their own exclusive villages. Some of their known villages are at Salmora,

Sensowa, Kamalabari, Kamalabari, Garamur, Kharjan, Nagargaon, Dhekiajuli,

Kakarikata, Chilakala, Dakhinpat and so forth. The biographical work (Charitputhis)

of Vaishnava Saints have recorded the establishment of Mayamara Vaishnava as

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Yogis or Katanis, who at present form a considerable part of Majuli’s total population

had their habitation since atleast the days of Chutyas. The Yogi or Nath of Majuli

earlier called as Katani might occupy a good status so far as their population strength

is concerned. Acoording to a recent (2011) estimation their number exceeds 20,000 in

Majuli. They spread over 20 odd villages located in the middle and southeastern part

of Majuli. The Nathas are an agricultural community in Majuli. Their traditional craft

of producing silk is no longer their vocation today. Other comparative early habitants

of Majuli the name of the Koches would also come who probably started to settle here

since long past. It is difficult to presume their strength as many of them would like to

enroll themselves as Kalita hiding their identity as Koch. The Koch belongs to one of

the aboriginal tribes of the Brahmaputra valley. Koches are the next advanced group of

people among the castes and tribes of Majuli. From the invasion of the Ahom

Kingdom in 1562 and the ruling tribe who ruled Assam from the early part of the 13th

century till the close of the first quarter of 19th century, who might have started to

settle in Majuli not later than the days of the king Suhungmung alias Dihingia Raja

(1494-1539) who conquered this part of the land and annexed it to his kingdom. In

Majuli there are two Ahom villages- Ratanpur Lahon Gaon and Chaorekia, both are

located in the extreme, southeastern part of Majuli bordering the Brahamaputra. There

is no record to know about the time of settlement of these two villages when the whole

Majuli is populated by the non Ahom communities. Be that as it may, being minority

in Majuli, the people of these two villages are developing the overall Vaisnava

character which govern the people of Majuli at large. The Misings, one of the major

plain tribes of Assam inhabitating Majuli, accounting for more than 30% of the total

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population of Majuli. The Ahom records for the medieval period, which are still the

main and probably the only recorded sources to study the early history of Misings, do

not contain any references as to the period of the beginning of their settlement in

Majuli. It appears that they migrated to the north and north eastern part of Majuli from

the Suvansiri valley in the early 19th

century, first occupying the small islands on the

border and then gradually advancing towards the mainland of Majuli. Politically and

culturally the Misings are one of the best advance populations of Majuli. The Misings

are an agriculturalist community in Majuli. The Misings carried their hill culture till

they came to Majuli, so much so that many of them till the early part of 20th

century

did not know the Assamese language, and the male members used bow and arrows for

hunting and defence. But during the last one hundred years the Misings have

undergone significant changes in their socio-economic life. They have now changed

their dress, ornaments, and food habits and have adapted to the lifestyle of the plains.

In some advantageous places, such as Jengraimukh and Phulani, they are also

accustomed with the other plain communities along with their socio-cultural activities.

Kacharis are one of the most well known aboriginal tribes of Assam. In Majuli there

is only one village inhabited by the Kachari people. It is called Sonowal Kachari Gaon

after the name of the clan to which they belong. This village is situated on the extreme

southeastern border of Majuli on the bank of the Brahmaputra. The Deorist form

another significant tribal population group of Majuli. There are three villages inhabited

by the Deoris. They are Majar Deori Gaon, Sriram Deoroi Gaon and Deori Pam Gaon.

According to the 2001 census report, the Deoris form less than 2% of the total

population of Mjuli, and a little less than 4% of the total tribal strength. The main

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occupation of Deoris of Majuli is agriculture and they are now significantly inclined

towards Assamese Vaishnavite culture. Even in their dresses and ornaments changes

are noted. While the above is the list of indigenous inhabitants of Majuli, there are

immigrants settlers coming from other parts of the country. During the late 19th

and

early 20th

centuries a few of the trading communities from other parts of India began

to pour into Majuli exclusively for trade purposes. They included mostly Marwaries

and Telis. During the partition period, a number of Bengali speaking Hindu Sylhaty

families migrated to the peripheral areas of Majuli. Besides these, Biharis are also

found in Majuli. Recently some immigrants Muslims also have their settlement in

Majuli. These people are found in imitation of the local people. They are settled all

over Majuli, particularly in the township or in the distant peripheral areas. The major

occupation is business- in milk, fish or grocery. Most of them belong to Scheduled

Castes. The topography of Majuli provided them with ample opportunities to trade in

milk and fish, and to pursue agriculture. There are two villages of Nepali community

in Majuli. They are Sriram Devottar Nepali Gaon, and the Karkichuk Nepali Gaon-

both located in upper Majuli in the suburb of Jengraimukh and Phuloni township with

a tentative population of about 350. The two Nepali villages grew in the Post-

Independence period. They are mainly agriculturalists. Some of them maintain herds

of cows and sell milk. The Muslims (Goriya) form a small hamlet in the heart of

Majuli in the vicinity of the Kamalabari township. It is called Borhola Muslim Gaon.

It is not known how and when the Muslims came to Majuli and formed a settlement

there. They are still alien to the local situation. Their alien nature is reflected in the

nature of their settlement in a low-lying swampy place. And having no cultivable land

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and more particularly in the use of some alien mood of speech in their family

communication. It is to be noted that in the beginning of 20th

century, in 1901,

Majuli’s population was some 35,000, while according to 2001 census recorded

population of Majuli was 1,53,400 and in 2011 it was 1,65,245.

The society of Majuli is composed of both castes and tribes. While the caste

fraction is composed of the Brahmins, Kalitas amd other Brahmanised communities

assuming caste rank, the tribes consist of the Mising, the Deori and the Kachari

elements. The society in Majuli consist of two distinct divisions- caste and tribe. The

immigrants communities like Bengalis, Marwaris, Biharis, Nepalis, and the Muslims

come under the caste hierarchy.

3.3 Demographic Characteristics

Socio-economic development of a region or area is to a great extent, influenced

by its demographic features. Some of the population variables like growth rate,

population density, sex ratio, and literacy, pattern of age group as well as occupational

pattern are some determinants of socio-economic well being of a society.

Keeping that fact in view, an attempt has been made here to study some of the

important demographic features of Majuli. Mention may be made that this study is

primarily based on the available data of 2001 census. However, for purpose of

comparision, some old data pertaining to the previous year census reports were taken

into account.

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3.3.1 Population Size and Growth

Majuli is characterized by a population growth in many cases lower than that

of the state average. At the beginning of the last century, the population of Majuli was

31,219, which was increased to 1,35,378 in 1991 and 1,53,362 in 2001. During the

period of 1901 to 1951, the population of Majuli went up by 103.81 percent. In this

period, Assam as a whole registered a growth rate of 97.71 percent. However, between

the period of 1961 and 2001, Majuli experienced a population growth rate of 70.86

percent as against 142.04 percent in Assam as a whole. The comparatively higher

growth rate experienced in Majuli prior to 1951 might be due to immigration of people

in view of the better living in Majuli. But, after 1951, relatively slow growth of

population in Majuli may be because of out-migration of the people (particularly from

Ahataguri and Salmora Mouzas) owing to the rampage of flood and erosion.

Table 3.1: Demographic profile of Majuli, Jorhat district, Assam (2001)

Population Majuli Sub-Division Jorhat District Assam

Total 1,53,400 9,99,221 2,66,55,528

Male 79,481 517.15 1,37,77,037

Female 73,919 4,82,206 1,28,78,491

ST Population 68,198 1,23,134 33,08,570

ST Male 34,676 62,465 16,78,117

ST Female 33,522 60,669 1,63,453

Density/sq.km 366 350 340

Literacy (%) 75.40 86.89 64.28

Source: Census Report, Assam, 2001

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3.3.2 Density of Population

The density of population indicates the total number of persons per square

kilometer. In Majuli, the population density is increasing day by day because of

decrease in inhabitable area owing to erosion, and constant pressure of growing

population. The density of population of Majuli according to 1901 census was 24

persons per square kilometer, which went upto 146 persons in 1991. As per 2001, the

density of population of the sub-division was 366 persons per square km. This figure

of 2001 was higher as compared to the corresponding figure of Assam as a whole.

3.3.3 Sex-ratio

Sex composition of a population is necessary to know the prevailing

demographic charactistics of a place. It is indicated in terms of sex-ratio. Sex-ratio is

expressed in terms of the number of females per thousand males.

According to 1991 census, the sex-ratio in terms of female population per

thousand males in Majuli was 923. But, it became a little favourable for the females in

2001, the figure stood at 929 females per thousand males. In case of Assam as a

whole, the ratio became 932 females per thousand males, in 2001, which in case of

India the ratio was 933 females per thousand males. Thus, it becomes evident that

female population in Majuli is marginally lower as compared to the male population

than that of Assam and the country as a whole.

3.3.4 Literacy Rate

Literacy is an important indicator of demographic study. Census of India

defines that a person aged 7 and above who can both read and write with

understanding in any language is considered as literate. A Person, who can only read

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but cannot write, is not considered as literate. Thus, the effective literacy rate is

calculated by excluding the population of 0-6 years of age group.

So far as the literacy rate of Majuli is considered, it was 60.89 percent in 1991

in the Sub-division. As per 2001 census, this rate stood at 75.40 percent (85.40 percent

for males and 64.58 percent for males), which was higher than that of Assam as a

whole which was 64.28 percent (comprising 71.93 percent males and 56.03 percent

females) and all India average 65.38 percent (75.85 percent for males and 54.16

percent for females). Thus, it is apparent that the male literacy rate in Majuli as per

2001 census was higher than those of state level and national level averages.

3.3.5 Occupational Pattern

The scenario of the overall economic development of a region can best be

understood by looking at the proportion of its total population engaged in different

economic activities (i.e. work participation ratio). The classification of the work force

of Majuli according to occupational pattern shows that, as per 1971 census, 84.06

percent of the total working population was engaged in primary sector, 5.84 percent in

secondary sector and remaining 10.1 percent in tertiary sector. The percentage of the

working force engaged in tertiary sector was increased to 14.22 percent as per the

census of 1991. However, the percentages of working force engaged in primary and

secondary sectors have marginally declined in 1991. Yet, more than 80 percent of the

working force was engaged in primary sector of which about 78 percent was

cultivators. Thus, agriculture and its allied activities is still the prime source of

livelihood of the inhabitants of Majuli. The engagement of as low as 4.41 percent

(1991 census) of the working force in the secondary sector reflected the grim picture

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of industrial activities in the sub-division. Out of 14.22 percent of the working

population engaged in the tertiary sector, workers engaged in trade and commerce,

transport, storage and communication together accounted for more than one fourth of

the total workers engaged in this sector.

3.4 Economic Set Up in Majuli

Economy of Majuli sub-division, till a few decades ago, was a continuum of

the medieval system, self-sufficient and subsistence in nature, and it has been still

continued to a certain degree. The system had its root in the Paik system of the Ahom

days and was dependent on the local geographical conditions.

Villages were organized in terms of either profession or caste. Since one caste

followed on was made to follow a certain profession, there was combination of caste

and profession, and a village could be marked from the same name itself which either

spoke of the caste or of the profession of its people. Thus, even now anyone finds in

Majuli, villages like Katani gaon, Patiya gaon, Kamar gaon, Kumar gaon, Kanrhal

gaon, Tanti gaon, Pohardiya gaon, Yogi gaon, Sonariati gaon, Sonowal Kachari gaon

etc.1 The present economic activities of the people of Majuli are as shown below

3.4.1 Agriculture

Agriculture has always been the mainstay of economy in Majuli, and is based

on its geographical situation. It has been stated earlier how the climate and its soil

system have been conductive to an agrarian economy since known past. Its climate

being moist and the soil being alluvial throughout, Majuli has always been suitable for

cultivation of various crops.

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Table 3.2: Classification and Utilization of Agricultural Land in Majuli,

(Ref. Year 2009-10)

Item Area (in Hect.)

Total cropped area 50,010.00

Net area shown 45,421.00

Area shown more than once 4,589.00

Land put to non-agricultural uses 3,452.10

Barren and uncultivable land 2,119.00

Permanent pastures and other grazing land 10,779.53

Land under misc. tree, crops and groves not included in net area 30,164.10

Cultivable waste land 15,387.47

Fallow land other than current fallow 10,590.22

Current fallow 2,608.14

Forest land 0

Social forestry 49.79

Water logged land 820.32

Land under still water 3,120.33

Source: Deputy Director of Economics & Statistics, Jorhat

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Different Agricultural Land Categories of Majuli

Fig 3.1

In the naturally fertile soil of Majuli, both food and cash crops are grown in the

crop-seasons, viz, rabi and kharif. The main kharif crops are autumn (Ahu) pady,

winter (Sali and Bao) pady along with different summer vegetables, whereas the Rabi

crops include summer rice, wheat, oilseeds, pulses, potato and other vegetables. Rape

and mustard is the main oilseeds grown in the sub-division. Recently, sunflower is

also cultivated in some areas successfully. Among the various pulses cultivated in the

sub-division, black gram, green gram, peas and lentil are important. Sugarcane is an

important annual crop grown in the sub-division. According to Agriculture

Department of Majuli cropping pattern of the Sub-division in the year 2010-2011

0.00

10,000.00

20,000.00

30,000.00

40,000.00

50,000.00

60,000.00

Area (in Hact.)

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indicates that the paddy is dominating the cropping pattern covering about 55 percent

of the gross cropped area. Among the three varieties of paddy cultivated in the sub-

division, winter paddy is gaining ground occupying 64.76 percent of the total area

under paddy and 35.57 percent of the gross cropped area. In recent years, cultivators of

Majuli have started cultivating different varieties of high yielding paddy like Joya,

Pusha, I.R.-8, I.R.-38, culture-1, Lachit, Kolong, Hybrid-6201 and 6444. Besides, they

cultivate autumn (Ahu) paddy as it is generally considered flood-free season crop.

Next to paddy, rape and mustard are the second import crops grown in the sub-

division. They covered 23.14 percent of the total cropped area of the sub-division in

2010-2011, which is much higher than that of Assam. Similarly, percentage of area

under pulses is also higher in Majuli as compared to the state’s average. The three

other important crops, viz, wheat, pulses and potato occupy 1.90 percent, 6.15 percent

and 3.16 respectively of the total cropped area. The individual allocation of area under

other crops is very negligible. Mention may be made that although the allocation of

area under sugarcane too is not significant, yet it appears to be one of the most viable

cash crops which can be grown successfully in the sub-division, particularly in the

char-chapori areas.2

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Table 3.3: Production of Principal Crops in Majuli, 2009-10

Crops Area (Hectares) Production (in tonnes) Yield (Kg/Hect).

Autumn Paddy 2300 4747 1053

Winter Paddy 15500 33193 1762

Summer Paddy 3820 4192 1079

Wheat 88 282 1312

Pulses 10698 3276 436

Rape & Mustard 9987 6463 647

Matikalai 7120 1955 419

Potato 1428 2568 1543

Sugarcane 449 8722 31833

Peas 1418 590 447

Source: District Statistical Hand Book, Jorhat

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Principal Crop Production

Fig 3.2

3.4.2 Fisheries

Besides agriculture, fishery is an important allied activity profitably running in

Majuli. A section of SC and ST communities primarily depends on the fishing

occupation. The fisheries are completely natural. Majuli Sub-division has

approximately 21,321.54 Hec. Of water for fisheries which produce approximately 10

MT. of fish per day. There are than 150 wetlands, which are good source of fish. The

fishing occupation is traditional and the catch is mostly for domestic consumption. In

Majuli, where the caste specific occupation structure still exists, only the Schedule

Castes and Schedule Tribes engage in this activity. The right to fishing in such

fisheries is put to auction by the government and is settled with the highest bidder

usually for a period of three years. The auction sale of lucrative fishes is often keenly

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contested. Though no fish processing industry exists in Majuli, the curing of fish is

done by the local people. Small dried fish is one of the delicacies to almost all the

tribes in Majuli. The small fish is cured on prepared simply by drying them in the

sunlight. In the market, fishes are sold to commission agents who in turn sell them to

retailers. Fishes were found to be sold in various daily, weekly and bi-weekly markets

spread throughout the Sub-division and surplus of fishes are generally exported to

Jorhat and Sivasagar towns.

3.4.3 Animal Husbandry

Natural environment gives impetus for rearing livestock as well as poultry in

Majuli. On the other hand dairy business of Majuli is also famous in outside. The

abundance of left green grasses in wet lands and in the char-chapories of Majuli is

suitable for rearing buffaloes, cows and goats. Besides these, among the tribal

communities almost all farm families rear pigs traditionally and earn substantial

income. Next to piggery, goattery farming appears to be second viable as well as

profitable occupation in Majuli. Moreover, small fishes, snails, earth-worms, water-

born insects and other plants usually found in the natural swamps make the duck

farming easy in this sub-division. These rearing food staffs not only fulfill the

domestic demand of the Sub-division but also can export to surrounding districts of

Majuli.3

3.4.4 Sericulture and weaving

Sericulture and weaving have been playing an important role in generating

subsidiary income to a section of the people of Majuli. Especially for tribal and non-

tribal female population, weaving is a main source of additional earning. A large

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section of the women engage themselves in weaving various kinds of Silk, Endi and

Cotton cloths. The products are generally concentrated in Ratanpur Miri, Jengraimukh,

Rangachahi, Borgoya, Rawanapar, Phumora and some parts of Namoni Majuli. The

tribal women weave various attractive handloom products. Ribi Gasheng, Mibu Galok,

Mirijim, Gamosa, Endi Chador etc. All these handloom Cotton and Endi items have

market potentiality within and outside the state.4

In view of the suitability in producing sericulture item, government has taken

some steps in the sub-division. According to a government report of sericulture, in

Kamalabari (Majuli) around 7079 numbers of families are engaged in producing Endi,

Muga and Silk of different quantities and 151 numbers of villages are considered to be

the sericulture village. The Endi Concentration Centre at Rawanapur, Collective

Mulberry Garden of Sonariati and Muga Food Plantation Centre at Luhitpar have

extended facilities to the rearers for their economic upliftment.

3.4.5 Some Existing Cottage Industries in Majuli

Cottage industries are small-scale-industries which the workers carry on in

their own homes with simple and cheap tools and with a small capital. The goods

produced by them, are not only satisfied the needs of local people but are also sent to

domestic and foreign markets. They provide work during spare hours to the villagers

and can hold to their income. So cottage industries can play a significant role in case

of creating livelihood and employability among rural masses for rural development.

From very past Majuli is one of the most important floors for cottage

industries. It has evergreen forests, seasonal crops, paddy fields, wetlands with

varieties of virgin waterborne plant species. As we know the cottage industry is an

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important socio-economic activity which is now recognized as a grassroot industry

generating a number of social as well as economic benefits for rural people. In many

places in the world it is the prime source of income of indigenous people. So far

Majuli is concerned; it is a land of various ethnic groups with colorful traditional

culture. It is also famous as the nerve centre of Vaishnavite Assamese cultural

heritage.

The almost tribal and non-tribal people and inmates of most of the satras keep

themselves engaged with some specific cottage industries. These industries not only

give the identity of its own community but also give the special identity of Majuli

among the world communities. These are earning source of some indigenous

communities of Majuli. They have been doing these traditionally, generation after

generation.5 Although Majuli is not developed in the sphere of industrial activities a

few important units of cottage industry still exist occupying a significant place not

only within the sub-division but also in the entire state. A brief account of the

handicraft activities, practiced by the people of Majuli, has been given in the chapter

seven relating to the Rural and Ecotourism.

3.4.6 Transport and Communication

The Majuli sub division is connected to the district headquarters Jorhat and

with other parts of the state by road and water ways. Rail and air transport is totally

out of service in the sub division. On the other hand Majuli is almost surrounded by

water. There are about 10 ghats (Ferry services) in Majuli as shown in the table 3.3

which have connected the sub division with Sivasagar, Jorhat and Lakhimpur districts.

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Table 3.3: Name of the river ghats with ferry services

Ferry Service In between Number of Services

Kamalabari - Neemati Majuli – Jorhat 3 times

Dakhinpat – Neemati Majuli – Jorhat 2 times

Aphalamukh – Neemati Majuli – Jorhat 1 times

Phulani – Neemati Majuli – Jorhat 1 times

Salmora – Neemati Majuli – Jorhat 2 times

Chumaimari – Neemati Majuli – Jorhat 1 times

Namoni Majuli – Bodoti Majuli – Bihpuria More than 10 times

Luhit – Khaboli Majuli – Lakhimpur 10 times

Phulani – Dikhowmukh Majuli – Gourisagar 1 times

Sikari – Dikhowmukh Majuli – Gourisagar 1 times

Source: SDO Office, Majuli

According to PWD Office, Garamur, the sub division has a total length of

646.015 km PWD road with 10 Concrete (RCC) bridges. Out of which only 100 km is

black topping. Besides these, 124.164 km gravel road and 503.737 km village road

(Kutcha) are in Majuli. It is worth mentionable that there is no national and state

highway connectivity.

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3.5 Conclusion:

Peculiar geographical formation, location as well as geographical isolation and

suitable climatic elements not only influence peopling in Majuli but also Socio-

economic setup of the Majuli Sub-division. In other words effects of the above

geographical parameters on transport and communication, agriculture, fisheries animal

husbandry as well as traditional handicraft sector of Majuli are very significant. In the

next chapter the researcher will discuss about the causes of flood.

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Reference:

1. Nath, D. (2009), The Majuli Island Society, Economy and Culture,, ANSHAH,

Publishing House Delhi.

2. Saikia, D. & Borah (2013), Traditional Handicrafts in Majuli Sub-Division: In:

Nath, R. (Ed), Souvnier Chinaki, Pubished by Golden Jubilee Celebration

Committee, R.T.N.H.S. School, Majuli, pp. 107-108.

3. Hazarika, C. K. (2010-11), The Treasure Trove: A resource book on Majuli,

the mid-river delta, National printers, Kalapahar, Guwahati.

4. Nath, B.K. (2012), Potentiality of Rural and Ecotourism for Rural

Development in Majuli, MRP Report, UGC, New Delhi.

5. Ibid.

*****

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PHOTO PLATE I

Rice Cultivation at Major Chapori Area

Mustard Cultivation in Bali Chapori Area

Potato and Vegetable Cultivation in Bhakat Chapori Area

Source: Collected by researcher

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