Lakhimpur : Assam

Lakhimpur district is a district in the state of Assam with its administrative headquarters located in North Lakhimpur town. The natives of the district believe that the name "Lakhimpur" of the district is derived from the word "Lakshmi", the goddess of prosperity. Paddy is locally called "Lakhimi". On the other hand, the word "pur" means "full". So both the words Lakhimi and Pur together mean the place where paddy is grown in abundance. The name Lakhimpur is derived from the name "Lakshmipur", which was given by a Chutia king named Lakshminarayan, who ruled the region during the 15th century. After some time, it was changed to Lakhimpur by the Baro-Bhuiyans.

On July, 1839, they declared Lakhimpur as a separate district. On October 2, 1971, the district was divided into two subdivisions named Dhemaji and North Lakhimpur. After some time Dhemaji came into existence as a separate district in the year 1989, it was again reorganized with two new subdivisions namely Dhakuakhana and North Lakhimpur. Earlier, the district was popularly known as "Koliapani".

Area

The district has a geographical area of ​​2,277 sq. km. and is bounded by Siang and Papumpare districts of Arunachal Pradesh on the north, Dhemaji district and Subansiri river on the east, Majuli subdivision of Jorhat district on the south and Gahpur subdivision of Sonitpur district on the west. The district is divided into 4 towns and 1,184 villages. The district comprises 2 subdivisions namely North Lakhimpur and Dhakuakhana.

Population

The district has a population of 10,42,137 as per the 2011 census. The district has a sex ratio of 968 females per 1000 males. The major languages ​​of the district are Assamese, Miri and Bengali.

Economy

The economy of the district is mainly dependent on the agricultural sector. More than half of its population is engaged in agriculture to earn their livelihood. The main agricultural products in the district are rice, tea, mustard, sugarcane. The district is famous for its forestry products.

Education

The literacy rate in the district is 77.2%. The district is known for its many prestigious educational institutions. It provides an ideal platform for higher education. North Lakhimpur College, Lakhimpur Girls College, Lakhimpur Commerce College, Lakhimpur Law College, Kendriya Vidyalaya, North Lakhimpur Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Lakhimpur Academy, etc. are some of the best educational institutes in the district.

Attractions

The district has many centers of attractions that attract many travelers coming from different parts of the country and the world. Moitree Ashram, is a prestigious ashram which is mainly associated with Gandhian philosophy and is maintained by women. 

Apart from this, the tea gardens in Sajuli of the district also attract many travellers from far off places. Bordoibam Bilmukh Wildlife Sanctuary and Pobha Sanctuary in Lakhimpur district are ideal places for nature lovers. Some other notable sightseeing places in the district are Lilabari, Leteku Pukhuri, Maghnova Gudiya, Madhabdev Than Rangjan, Belaguri Satra, Badala Satra, Phulani Than, Basudev Than etc. The climate of the district remains pleasant throughout the year but October to December and February to April are considered the best times to visit.