Hi Barua: I was intrigued. I always thought Majuli was the largest river island on earth. So I looked into the absolute astronomy site
> I wonder if there is any professional Report with feasibility study on the > above proposal for public knowledge for ignorant guys like me. Yes, there are. Incidently, Majuli DOES figure in on River Linking and I saw some reference to it. But, purely from a scientific viewpoint, there are some great sites. Here are a couple. (1) http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/encyclopedia/m/ma/majuli.htm (2) www.ias.ac.in/currsci/apr102003/929.pdf You will be surprised to read some of the facts about Majuli. I am sure we easily hunt down some more scientific material on Majuli. --Ram _____________ (from Absolute Astronomy). Majoli (A large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)) River (An Asian river; flows into the Bay of Bengal) Brahmaputra (Click link for more info and facts about State) State (State in northeastern India) Assam District Jorhat Location (A particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)) Area 880 sq km Elevation 84.5 m ((statistics) the entire aggregation of items from which samples can be drawn) Population 140,000 Majuli or Majoli is a (A large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)) river (A land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water) island in the (Click link for more info and facts about Brahmaputra river) Brahmaputra river, in the (A republic in the Asian subcontinent in southern Asia; second most populous country in the world; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1947) Indian state of (State in northeastern India) Assam. It is the second largest island in a freshwater body after (Click link for more info and facts about Ilha de Marajo) Ilha de Marajo in the (A major South American river; flows into the South Atlantic; the world's 2nd longest river (4000 miles)) Amazon. Majoli is often erroneously mentioned as the largest river island in the world by the Indian media, the island however is the largest freshwater island in (The largest continent with 60% of the earth's population; it is joined to Europe on the west to form Eurasia; it is the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations) Asia. Majuli occupies an area of about 880 km². The isle is about 200 (A metric unit of length equal to 1000 meters (or 0.621371 miles)) kilometres east from the (Click link for more info and facts about state's) state's largest city — (Click link for more info and facts about Guwahati) Guwahati, and is accessible by ferries from the town of (Click link for more info and facts about Jorhat) Jorhat. The island was formed with change of course of the river Brahmaputra (locally known as Dihing); and its tributaries, mainly the (Click link for more info and facts about Lohit) Lohit. Majoli is also the abode of the (The Magadhan language spoken by the Assamese people; closely related to Bengali) Assamese neo-Vaisnavite culture. HistoryAlthough the origins of Majuli remain hazy, (8th and most important avatar of Vishnu; incarnated as a handsome young man playing a flute) Krishna, the famous (A person who adheres to Hinduism) Hindu god is supposed to have played here with his friends. While this is speculative, the locals speak in the Brijabali dialect, the tongue of (Click link for more info and facts about Mathura) Mathura, (A state in northern India) Uttar Pradesh suggesting links since ancient times. However, what is certain is Majuli was the cultural capital of Assamese civilisation since the (Click link for more info and facts about 16th century) 16th century; based on written records describing the visit of Shankardeva — a 16th century social reformer. Shankardeva preached a form of (A body of religious and philosophical beliefs and cultural practices native to India and characterized by a belief in reincarnation and a supreme beingof many forms and natures, by the view that opposing theories are aspects of one eternal truth, and by a) Hinduism called as (Hindu sect worshiping of Vishnu) Vaishnavism and established monasteries and hermitages known as satras on the islet. The island soon became the leading centre of Vaishavinism with the establishment of these satras. After the arrival of the (The people of Great Britain) British, the island was under the rule of the British till (Click link for more info and facts about India gained independence) India gained independence in 1947. In 1997, Majuli became the centre of media attention after the kidnapping and subsequent execution of social worker Sanjoy Ghosh by the Assamese extremist organisation, the (Click link for more info and facts about ULFA) ULFA. EconomyThe main industry is (The class of people engaged in growing food) agriculture, with ((slur) a person of Irish descent) paddy being the chief crop. Majuli has a rich and diverse agricultural tradition, with as many as a hundred different varieties of (Grains used as food either unpolished or more often polished) rice grown, all grown without (A chemical used to kill pests (as rodents or insects)) pesticides or artificial (Any substance such as manure or a mixture of nitrates used to make soil more fertile) fertilisers. Among the fascinating arrays of rice produced are the koomol saool, a unique type of rice that can be eaten just after immersing the grains in warm water for fifteen minutes, and usually eaten as a breakfast cereal; the bao dhan, that grows under water, and is harvested after ten months and the bora, a sticky brown rice used to make the traditional peetha, a sweet dish made during the (Click link for more info and facts about spring) spring festival of (Click link for more info and facts about Bihu) Bihu. (The act of someone who fishes as a diversion) Fishing, (The business of a dairy) dairying, (Ceramic ware made from clay and baked in a kiln) pottery, handloom and boat-making are other important economic activities. Handloom is a major occupation among the distaff population of the villages. Although largely a non-commercial occupation, it keeps many of the inhabitants occupied. Weaving is exquisite and intricate with the use of a variety of colours and textures of (Erect bushy mallow plant or small tree bearing bolls containing seeds with many long hairy fibers) cotton and (A fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae) silk. PeopleThe dwellers of Majuli are mostly tribal folk. These tribal are the mishing tribes from (Click link for more info and facts about Arunachal Pradesh) Arunachal Pradesh and who immigrated here centuries ago. Apart from them, the inhabitants are also from the Deori and Sonowal Kacharis tribes. Languages spoken here are (The Magadhan language spoken by the Assamese people; closely related to Bengali) Assamese, Mishing, Deori. The island has twenty-three villages with a population of 150,000 and a density of 300 individuals per square km. The only mode of association to the outside world is through a ferry service which operates only twice a day. Despite inherent drawbacks faced, modernism has touched this island, with the setting up of power, medical centres and educational institutions. Housing too, has segued from traditional bamboo and mud construction to ones made of concrete. The heart of all villages is the namghar, where villagers episodically gather to sing and pray. It is usually the temple of the village. After the rituals are complete, members decide on issues concerning the village such as auctioning of fishing rights, what to do with money raised, and other topics of significance to the community. The inhabitants are expert navigators by boat; their expertise is most visible during the monsoon season when they navigate the turbulent waters of the Brahmaputra. Extremism is also a major concern in the region. The insurgent group the ULFA, has a wide network in the region and was responsible for the execution of social worker Sanjoy Ghosh who was trying to uplift the people of the island. CultureMajuli has been the cultural capital and the cradle of Assamese civilization for the past five hundred years. The satras set up preserve antiques like weapons, utensils, jewellery and other items of cultural significance. Pottery is made in Majuli from beaten clay and burnt in driftwood fired kilns in the same mode carried out by the peoples of the ancient (Click link for more info and facts about Harrappan Civilisation) Harrappan Civilisation. Sociologists have stressed on the preservation of these unique peoples, whose culture and dance forms are untouched by modernism. The handloom work of these tribes is also internationally famous. Virtually every single person on the island is involved in the three-day long ras festival, depicting the life of Krishna. People from thousands of kilometres way come to celebrate this festival including a number of expatriate members of the community. The satras have also honed certain art and craft traditions, which can now be found only here. In Natun Samugri satra for example, one can still find the craft of mask-making; and in the Kamlabari satra the finest boats are made. Neo-Vaishnavite satrasThe island has been the hub of Assamese neo- (Click link for more info and facts about Vaishnavite) Vaishnavite culture, initiated around (Click link for more info and facts about 15th century) 15th century by the revered Assamese saint Srimanta Sankaradeva and his disciple Madhabdeva. Many satras or monasteries constructed by the saint still survive and represent the colourful Assamese culture. The saint took refuge in Majuli and spent a couple of months at Beloguri in West Majuli, which was a place of grandeur for the historic and auspicious, 'Manikanchan Sanjog' between Shankardeva and Madhavdeva, this was the first satra in Majuli. After the "Manikanchan Sanjog", sixty five satras were set up. However, today only twenty-two of the original sixty-five still survive. Sixty-five out of the six hundred and sixty-five original satras in Assam were situated in Majuli. The main surviving satras are: Dakhinpat Satra : Founded by Banamalidev, an supporter of Raasleela, which is now observed as one of the National Festivals of Assam. Garamurh Satra : This "Satra" was founded by Lakshmikantadeva. During the end of (The season when the leaves fall from the trees) autumn, the traditional the Raasleela is enacted with pomp and celebrations. Ancient weapons called "Bartop" or (A large artillery gun that is usually on wheels) cannonss are preserved here. Auniati Satra: Founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva, the satra is famous for the "Paalnaam" and Apsara Dances and also its extensive assortment of ancient Assamese artefacts, utensils, (An adornment (as a bracelet or ring or necklace) made of precious metals and set with gems (or imitation gems)) jewellery and (A craft that requires skillful hands) handicrafts. It also has a hundred and twenty five disciples and over seven hundred thousand followers worldwide. Kamalabari Satra: The Kamalabari Satra, founded by Bedulapadma Ata, is a centre of art, cultural, literature and classical studies on the island. Its branch the Uttar Kamalabari Satra has performed cultural programmes of the Satria Art all around the country and abroad. Benegenaati Satra: It is a reliquary of antiques of cultural importance and an advance centre of performing art. Muraridev, the grandson of Sankaradeva's step-mother was the founder of the Satra. The royal raiment belongs to the Ahom king Swargadeo Godadhar Singha, is made of gold. Also preserved is the royal umbrella made in gold. Shamaguri Satra: The satra is famous for the masks making in India. These satras are also the treasure house of "Bongeet" Matiakhara, Jumora Dance, Chali Dance, Notua Dance, Nande Vringee, Sutradhar, Ozapali, Apsara Dance, Satria Krishna Dance and Dasavater Dance, all promulgated by Shankardeva. EcosystemA (A low area where the land is saturated with water) wetland, Majuli is a hotspot for flora and fauna, harbouring many rare and endangered avifauna species including migratory birds that arrive in the winter season. Among the birds seen here are: the Greater Adjutant Stork, (Large long-winged warm-water seabird having a large bill with a distensible pouch for fish) Pelican, (Click link for more info and facts about Siberian Crane) Siberian Crane and the Whistling Teal. After dark wild (Click link for more info and facts about geese) geese and (Small wild or domesticated web-footed broad-billed swimming bird usually having a depressed body and short legs) ducks fly in flocks to distant destinations. The island is almost (Undesirable state of the natural environment being contaminated with harmful substances as a consequence of human activities) pollution free owing to the lack of polluting industries and factories and also the chronic rainfall. The island is under threat due to the extensive (The washing away of soil by the flow of water) soil erosion on its banks. The reason for this magnitude in erosion is the large embankments built in neighbouring towns upriver to prevent erosion there during the (Any wind that changes direction with the seasons) monsoon season when the river distends its banks. The upshot is a backlash of the tempestuous Brahmaputra's fury on the islet, eroding most of the area. According to reports, in 1853, the total area of Majuli was 1,150 sq km and about 33 % of this landmass has been eroded in the latter half of (Click link for more info and facts about 20th century) 20th century. Since 1991, over 35 villages have been washed away. Surveys show that in 15-20 years from now, Majuli would cease to exist. To save the island, the Union Government of India has sanctioned Rs 250 (The number that is represented as a one followed by 7 zeros; ten million) crores (US $ 55 million) for the protection of the isle. A petition has been sent to the (An agency of the United Nations that promotes education and communication and the arts) UNESCO for the declaration of Majuli to be a world natural site and furthermore it a world heritage site. Tourist interestsMajuli is situated at a distance of 20 km from Jorhat. One can take the bus or a hired taxi to the Nimati Steamer Ghat from where ferry services ply. The distance takes over three hours to cover, with three bus rides and two ferry rides. On the north-bank is the river Subansiri and on the South bank, the river Brahmaputra has excided the island from the main land. Lakhimpur town is to the North and Golaghat is to its southwest. The town of Sibsagar is on the southeast and Jorhat is to the south. On the extreme east is Dibrugarh District. The Vaishnava Satras founded by Sankardeva The colourful culture of the tribes Migratory birds The Ali-ao-lvignag festival in Feb-March Pottery making Mask making Paal Namm festival in the end of winter The sunset in winter Exotic homespun masks crafts External links History and culture of Majuli Life in Majuli Majuli factoids Culture of Majuli Satras of Majuli Majuli travel information On 9/9/05, Rajen Barua <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > If and when The Luit is dug up rationally we will get 15 Lakh Ha new > /Virgin > > farmland with > > massive crop yields.Communize these new Lands > > mm > Dear MC: > I wonder if there is any professional Report with feasibility study on the > above proposal for public knowledge for ignorant guys like me. > How do I believe this is not another RIL scheme? Is there any lobby going > on? How do I believe it is not another slogan? > Rajen > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "mc mahant" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Cc: <[email protected]> > Sent: Friday, September 09, 2005 11:41 AM > Subject: Re: [Assam] OUR RIVER ISLANDS ARE GONE!! > > > Anupam, > > You discovered SCORES of Islands. There are Thousands. > > Mias went there because your ancestors did not know soil nutrients > science. > > Mias also know nothing of that. They have only these as their" > > Lebensraum".How did they get in? > > Majuli is no Island. Come to me -I shall show at Guahati > > If you are in USA you can see with Chan Mahanta > > If and when The Luit is dug up rationally we will get 15 Lakh Ha new > /Virgin > > farmland with > > massive crop yields.Communize these new Lands > > mm > > > > > > > > > > > > >From: "mc mahant" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > >CC: [email protected] > > >Subject: Re: [Assam] OUR RIVER ISLANDS ARE GONE!! > > >Date: Fri, 09 Sep 2005 07:03:29 +0530 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >From: anupom rajkhowa <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > > >To: [email protected] > > > >Subject: [Assam] OUR RIVER ISLANDS ARE GONE!! > > > >Date: Thu, 8 Sep 2005 11:44:52 -0700 (PDT) > > > > > > > >I happen to travel from Dibrugarh to Tezpur by motorboat on the mighty > > > >Brahmaputra some time back on a documentary assignment. You will have > to > > > >see to believe the immense beauty and massiveness of the natural river > > > >islands. Assam is I think the only such place in India with such a huge > > > >natural treasure. But beauty and richness apart, what shocked me was > the > > > >unending presence of Bangladeshi illegal immigrants on most of the > bigger > > > >islands including Majuli. And trust me, there are scores of such large > > > >sized islands. As these islands are hidden from the mainland, these > > >illegal > > > >immigrants go unnoticed. And I was shocked to learn that most of them > are > > > >voters. These islands are very rich with natural manure and as a result > > > >yield very rich organic crops. And the products are sold in the > mainland. > > > > > > > >Bangladeshi problem is the mother of all problems in Assam. What is the > > > >solution? Another andolan?? But where is the leader?? I wonder what > ULFA > > > >plans on this front. But they have already made Dhaka their capital !! > > >What > > > >to do?? > > > > > > > > > > > >Anupom Rajkhowa > > > > > > > > > > > >--------------------------------- > > > > Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. > > > > > > > > > >_______________________________________________ > > > >assam mailing list > > > >[email protected] > > > > >http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org > > > > > > > > > > > >_______________________________________________ > > >assam mailing list > > >[email protected] > > >http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > assam mailing list > > [email protected] > > http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org > > > _______________________________________________ > assam mailing list > [email protected] > http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org > > > _______________________________________________ assam mailing list [email protected] http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
