THE FORMATION OF MAJULI
--The following is an extract from:Origin and some geomorphological changes of Majuli Island of the Brahmaputra River
in Assam, India, J. N. Sarma and M. K. Phukan, Department of Applied Geology,
Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh 786004, Assam, India
Note: - It appears that the Majuli Island was formed by an ‘extreme flood’, which
occurred only around 1750 (see bold italicized lines below), whereas the genesis of the
Sattras of Majuli is in the 16th century [refer to accompanying extract ‘The Sattras of
Majuli’]. Thus, the founding of the Sattras in Majuli predates the formation of the island.
---
Abstract
The present study on Majuli, the largest river island of the Brahmaputra, aims at
exploring its origin and geomorphological evolution during the last century. According to
the earlier official data, in 1901 the island covered an area of 1255 km2. The databases of
the study comprised historical reports, SOI topographic maps of 1917, 1966–1972 and
satellite images of 1996 and 2001. The Brahmaputra and one of its major tributaries, the
Dihing, once flowed parallel and close to each other. An extreme flood, which occurred
around 1750, appears to have diverted part of the flow of the Brahmaputra through the
channel of the Dihing about 190 km upstream of its confluence. When the two rivers
joined, the intervening land area formed the Majuli Island. According to the first
geographical report, Majuli was a cluster of 15 large and numerous small islands in 1792.
The description of the island during the 19th century has been given based on various
written reports. Whereas the changes in the island during 20th century have been assessed
in detail at different parts of the island by superimposing the bank lines of 1917, 1966–
1972, 1996 and 2001 and subdividing the island into an array of twenty-six 5′ latitude×5′
longitude blocks. The rate of bank line shift has not been uniform throughout the island in
time and space; migration leading to erosion along the Brahmaputra is dominant at the
south bank, the maximum rate of retreat being 0.480 km/year. Bank line migration
leading to silting is confined chiefly to the north bank due to the Subansiri River, the
maximum rate of advance being 0.146 km/year. In 1917, the island had an area of 751.31
km2, which gradually shrank to 564.01 km2 in 1966–1972, 453.76 km2 in 1996 and
421.65 km2 in 2001. Similar changes were noticed in the length and width of the island.
The average annual rate of erosion was 1.77 km2 from 1917 to 1972, 1.84 km2 from 1972
to 1996 and 6.42 km2 from 1996 to 2001, indicating a gradual increase in the rate of
erosion in later periods. In 1917, the number of named streams draining Majuli was 49,
which decreased to only 7 in 1966–1972. Drainage density was 0.963 km/km2 in 1917,
which decreased to 0.442 km/km2 in 1966–1972. Similarly, stream frequency also
decreased from 0.346/km2 in 1917 to 0.144/km2 in 1966–1972. Majuli has a fairly large
number of swamps and wetlands. The larger swamps owe their origin to pre-existing
rivers. The total number of swamps and wetlands observed during 1917 was 112 covering
total area of 20.13 km2, which decreased to 50 occupying a composite area of 17.88 km2
during 1966–1972.
There are a total of 30 Sattras in Majuli many of which are in the mainland, few of them
are in Chapori areas, with a distinct spiritual influence region. These are located primarily
towards the middle of the island.
Each Sattra, represents, within its region, a centre for cultural activities and even acts as a
democratic institution to settle local disputes. Most of the villages associate with
respective Sattra, and the villagers partake in the activities of their own Sattra during
festivals and occasions. These Sattra Villages house the Narnghar (council house) where
all the activities related to the Sattra are carried out. Many of these Sattra villages are also
important centers for the Majuli Island. For instance Kamalabari, Garmur and Dakhinpat
are the semi-urban places, juxtaposed with Natun Kamalabari Sattra, Garamur Sattra and
Dakhinpat sattra, which are the main commercial places of trade and commerce.
--The full paper may be accessed at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V93-4B4RVJ41&_user=8842853&_coverDate=05%2F03%2F2004&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=gateway&_or
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