Majuli

Majuli is the world's largest freshwater river island located in the Jorhat district of Assam in India. It is situated at about 20 km from Jorhat town in the midst of the river Brahmaputra.

The total area of Majuli has been steadily decreasing due to strong erosion of the river Brahmaputra. The area of the island has reduced from 2,82,165 acres in 1853 to less than 1250 sq km today.

This is a centre of Vishnava culture. There are over fifteen Vaishnava monasteries or satras on Majuli. The major satras are Kamalabari, Natun Kamalabari, Auniati, Garmur, Samoguri, Dakhinpat and Bengenaati. These satras are regarded as the main centres for Assamese art, music, dance, drama, handicrafts, literature and religion etc. Auniati is famous for its considerable collection of Assamese old utensils, jewellery and handicrafts. At present there are only 22 Satras in Majuli and rest have been shifted to other safer places due to flood and erosion.

Upper Majuli is inhabited by tribes like the Mising and the Deoris and is the centre of a living heritage of colourful costumes and festivals.

Plenty of migratory birds of great varieties are also seen here.

Nearby pages
Majuscule, Makhan Lal Dey, Makranda, Malabar, Malacca, Malachi