In the local language of Assam the word "MAJULI" itself means an island.It's created by the mighty Brahmaputra and the Kherkotia Xuti, an anabranch of the Brahmaputra, joined by the Subansiri River on north.
Originally, the island was a long, narrow piece of land called Majoli (land in the middle of two parallel rivers) that had the Brahmaputra flowing in the north and the Burhidihing flowing in the south, till they met at Lakhu. Frequent earthquakes in the period 1661–1696 set the stage for a catastrophic flood in 1750 that continued for 15 days, which is mentioned in historical texts and reflected in folklore. As a result of this flood, the Brahmaputra split into two branches — one flowing along the original channel and the other flowing along the Burhidihing channel and the Mājuli island was formed.
The Burhidihing's point of confluence moved 190 km east and the southern channel which was the Burhidihing became the Burhi Xuti. The northern channel, which was previously the Brahmaputra, became the Luit Xuti. In due course, the flow in the Luit Xuti decreased, and it came to be known as the Kherkutia Xuti; and the Burhi Xuti expanded via erosion to become the main Brahmaputra River.
The locals speak in the Assamese, Mising languages mainly.Few of them speak in the Deori language as well.
Reference regarding the early existence of Majuli is found in Yogini Tranta that King Ratnadhajpal founded his capital in Ratanpur. which is now in the east from kamalabari.
Majuli has been the cultural capital of Assamese civilisation since the 16th century; based on written records describing the visit of Srimanta Sankar Deva — a 16th-century social reformer. Sankar deva, a pioneer of the medieval-age neo-Vaishnavite movement, preached a monotheist form of Hinduism called Vaishnavism and established monasteries and hermitages known as Satra on the islet.
The island soon became the leading centre of Vaishavinism with the establishment of these satras. After the arrival of the British, Majuli was under the rule of the British until India gained independence in 1947. It is one of world's biggest river islands.(souce:Wikipedia)
But the question comes why this much culturally rich & geographically surreal place can't reach to the people even in this 21st century?
- Lack of Transportation connectivity
- Lack of Government policies when it comes to tourism
- Poor central policy for flood control
- Inadequate infrastructure to lift up all the resources to the limelight
- With Change of government the policies changes but the promises they made still remains a promise.
Recently,A local environmental activist Jadev Payeng has planted a 550 hectare forest, known as Molai Forest to combat erosion on the island. Much of the island was barren sandbars that were vulnerable to erosion, but thanks to Payeng's afforestation, has become a lush forest. The forest has become habitat for animals including elephants, tigers, deer, and vultures.Later he was awarded Padmashree (2015) by the President of India.One may also visit his site http://www.jadavpayeng.org/ to get update about his recent activities.
Government of India though now proposed on bridge connecting Majuli and Jorhat over the river Brahmaputra still people are not applauded as they saw slowly the government departments are working in the Bogibel Bridge can also refer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogibeel_Bridge since 2002 till now.So it might need another 15 years to complete a bridge to Majuli.
Recently after changing of state government department of Tourism slightly taking moves while other states like Gujarat are already moving in a F1 car.Glad that Assam is at least moving.I think rather than proposing a bridge (though for far down the timeline it will help) for now government should give a focus on on going boat and the Ferries services and should design a proper marina on both the sides so that people can easily access it.
As it done by foreign countries.There should be two Large Light house on each of the bank as so many times due to mist boats lost their paths. While it comes to culture the Monasteries are never given the importance it needed. Not only Satriya Culture but also Mask making is significant. During Rass-Lella Majuli turns to be something else.
pic:wearing masks of Hanuman and Garura Pakhii
From Guwahati jorhat it is about 300 km which takes around five and half hours and from Jorhat to Majuli it is almost 50 km which takes another three more hours.And during day time only ferries service is available. If Majuli can be included in the syllabus of CBSE and NCERT as The Himalayas are mentioned on the north it would itself create an awareness.
From potential side near by Majuli There are so many sand bars where Luxury Resorts can be build, the sand precipitated by the river is of silver colour so it has a unique charm.Hope someday "Majuli" will be a destination in proper sense.
As it done by foreign countries.There should be two Large Light house on each of the bank as so many times due to mist boats lost their paths. While it comes to culture the Monasteries are never given the importance it needed. Not only Satriya Culture but also Mask making is significant. During Rass-Lella Majuli turns to be something else.
Comments
Post a Comment