Dhemaji District

Dhemaji district is an administrative district in the state of Assam in India. The district headquarters is located at Dhemaji town and the commercial headquarters of the district is located at Silapathar. There are many mythological and imaginary beliefs among the local people regarding the origin of the name "Dhemaji". One of the most prominent beliefs is that – once upon a time there was a river which frequently changed its course and as a result unpredictable floods covered different parts of the area.

Thus, the river was considered a type of evil spirit in this region. The word 'Dhemaji' is derived from two Assamese words namely "Dhal" means flood and "Dhemali" means "to play". Both words together mean "a place where floods occur frequently". Dhemaji became a full-fledged district on 14 October 1989 when it was separated from Lakhimpur district. Dhemaji is located in the foothills of the lower Himalayas, it is a relatively small town. Prior to this, from the period of the 12th to the 16th century until the Ahom-Sutiya war, the area of the present district, as well as the districts of Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Sonitpur, were part of the greater Sutiya kingdom. The ruins of the previous Sutiya kingdom are still present in the district but due to lack of conservation the monuments are getting destroyed day by day.

Attraction in Dhemaji District 

A part of this district has many centers of attraction which attract many travelers coming from different parts of the country and the world. Gerukamukh, situated at a distance of 44 km. Situated in the north-west direction from the headquarters, the town is an ideal place for fishing and picnic parties. Gerukamukh Sobansiri, the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra River, flows from the hills to the plains and offers mesmerizing scenic views to its visitors. National Hydro Electric Power Corporation is implementing a mega hydro electric power project here. Malini Than, is situated at a distance of 42 km. There is a place in the north eastern direction of Dhemaji where every year a large number of devotees come to worship Goddess Malini and offer prayers before the deity. 

Many historical objects have also been excavated from the spot. Ghuguha Dol, a historically important place is where Bamuni Konwar, son of the then Ahom king Tyao Khamti, was born. The famous Dol (temple) was built in the memory of Ghughuhi, the mother of Bamuni Konwar, at a distance of 17 km. To the south-west of Dhemaji. Maa Manipuri Than, is situated 25 km away. It was built by the then Ahom king Gaurinath Singha, far to the south-west of Dhemaji. It is a monument built by the Manipuris to help control the Mua-Maria renaissance during the later period of Ahom rule. Some other notable tourist places in the district are Rajgarh, Garkhiya Than, Rajgarh Ali and many others.

How to reach Dhemaji District

The nearest airports to Dhemaji are Lilabari Airport near North Lakhimpur, 66 km (41 mi) away, and Mohanbari Airport near Dibrugarh, 80 km (50 mi) away. Dhemaji railway station is the main railway station of the district which is connected to all the major railway stations of the district. National Highway NH15 passes through Dhemaji and it is well connected to all major cities of Assam.

Area of Dhemaji District 

The area of the district is 3237 square km. Dhemaji, Sisiborgaon, Jonai and Gogamukh are tehsils of the district. The district is divided into 5 development blocks, 65 gram panchayats and 1315 villages. It is bounded by the hill ranges of Arunachal Pradesh in the north and east, Lakhimpur district in the west and the Brahmaputra River in the south. The major rivers of the district with various tributaries that flow through the district are Dihingia, Jiadhal, Moridhal, Telijan, Kaitongjan, Laipulia River, Kapurdhuwa, Sisi, Gai, Tangani and Gutong.

Population of Dhemaji District 

The population of the district is 6,86,133. The sex ratio in Dhemaji is 949 females per 1000 males. The major languages of the district are Assamese and Miri.

Economy of Dhemaji District 

The economy of Dhemaji is based on agriculture. More than half of its population is engaged in agriculture to earn their livelihood. The nursery business has grown in recent decades. The main agricultural products in the district are rice, sugarcane and mustard. Sericulture, fishing and driftwood business are some of the additional sources of income for the natives here.

Schools in Dhemaji District  / Colleges in Dhemaji District 

The district is known to be home to many prestigious educational institutions. It provides a platform for higher education. The literacy rate of the district is 69.07%. Borpataria L. P. School, Bhairabpur Netaji M.E. School, Dhemaji Public School, Shankar Dev High School, Mother's Pride School, Dhemaji College, Dhemaji Commerce College, Moridhal College, Gogamukh College, Silapathar College, Dhemaji Engineering College, Dhemaji Polytechnic are some of the best institutes. Are from the district.