News: A recent survey provided insight into the rising human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in Assam’s Majuli River Island district.
About Majuli Island
- Majuli Island is located on the Brahmaputra River in Assam. It is the largest river island in the world.
- It is formed by the Subansiri River in the north and the Brahmaputra River in the south.
- Tribes: Majuli is home to three main tribes: Mishing, Deori, and Sonowal Kachari.
- Majuli is also famous for ancient pottery-making techniques
- The island is a habitat for several rare and endangered species of birds.
- It is also home to vast rice fields and thriving groves of bamboo, banana, and sugarcane.
- Rice cultivation serves as the primary livelihood for Majuli’s residents, who grow several distinctive rice varieties, including Komal Saul and Bao Dhan.
- Historical significance: It is often called the soul of Assam. It has been recognized as the cultural capital of Assam since the 16th century.
- Religious and cultural significance: In the 15th century, Srimanta Sankardeva, along with his disciple Madhavdeva, established several satras (monastic institutions) on Majuli Island.
- Majuli hosts various religious festivals, with Raas Mahotsav, a celebration of Lord Krishna, being one of the most significant.
- The island is the center of neo-Vaishnavite culture, initiated in the 16th century by Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciple Madhavdeva.
- The Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries) uphold this spiritual and cultural legacy.
- The Indigenous Mising community is particularly identified for its exquisite weaving patterns.
- The Samaguri Satra is particularly famous for creating vibrant, handcrafted masks used in Bhaona performances.
