From: Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: Rajen Barua <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
CC: mc mahant <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, [EMAIL PROTECTED],
[email protected]
Subject: Re: [Assam] OUR RIVER ISLANDS ARE GONE!!
Date: Fri, 9 Sep 2005 13:50:27 -0500
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
> >
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