Information about Jorhat District of Assam

Jorhat is a beautiful district situated in Assam State. Jorhat town is the district headquarters of Jorhat District. It was declared as administration head quarter of the Sibsagar district in 1911. This is a second largest district of Assam in India. This District consists of three Sub-divisions namely Jorhat, Majuli and Titabor and divided into six circles and eight blocks. It is located between the Brahmaputra River on the north and Nagaland on the south. The area of this district is around 2852 sq km. "Jorhat" or "Jorehaut" means two hats - "Macharhat" and "Chowkihat" that existed on the two different banks of the River Bhogdoi. Earlier Jorhat was a sub-division of undivided Sibsagar District. In 1983 Jorhat was curved out of Sibsagar District and was made a separate district. During the 18th century, Jorhat was the last capital of the Ahom Kingdom. In 1794 the Ahom king Gaurinath Singha shifted the capital from Sibsagar to Jorhat. Jorhat today has grown into a thriving cosmopolitan town with a strong sense of character and identity.

Jorhat is an important agricultural town for Assam. The Economy of Jorhat is mainly dependent on Tea & Agriculture. Jorhat is a centre for the tea industry. The entire district is surrounded by tea plantations and has tea factories. There are about 135 tea gardens surrounded in Jorhat district. This District is popular for its nice culture. So, Jorhat is also known as "The Cultural Capital of Assam". People of Jorhat have traditionally displayed a high interest towards arts and culture. The cultural environment which prevails in Jorhat is the result of untiring effort of people trying to preserve its culture. Jorhat has been able to produce many creative writers, historians, journalists etc. The world's largest River Island, Majuli is located in Jorhat district which is spreading over 924.6 km². The island is rich in both natural and cultural history. The bird life is particularly varied. A population of the island lives in the 23 villages on the island and is primarilly tribal people. Majuli is a principal place of pilgrimage for the Vaishnavites of Assam since the Ahom days. There are several Satras resembling medieval monastries headed by Satradhikars preaching and teaching the Vaishnavism which was initiated by Sankardeva. Each Satra has unknown wealth of Vaishnav Scriptures and exensive revenue free lands being cualativated by the "Bhakats" of the Satras.

Jorhat is one of the most attractive cities in Assam. The main attraction of this district are Bangalpukhari, Thengal Bhawan, Burigosain devalay, Purnananda Buragohain Maidam, Eastern Theological College, Kunwori pukhari, Garh Ali, Bilvesvar Siva Temple, Gazpur, Magolu Khat, Ladaigarh, Raja Maidam, Baduli Pukahuri, Borbheta, Karanga, Nimati. Another attraction of Jorhat is the annual tea festival. Jorhat is also famous for the Temple of Buri Gohoni and for storing British Imperial mementos as travel destination.