About District
About District
Origin of Darrang
The name Darrang is thought to have originated from the Sanskrit word 'Dwaram' meaning 'Duar' or pass. The region was significant for its passes through which various hill tribes descended from the Himalayas. Other theories trace the name to 'Devaranga', meaning the playground of Devas.
Introduction
The District of Darrang was created with effect from July 1983 by converting the erstwhile Sub-Division of Mangaldai. It was reorganized again in 2003 with the creation of new districts under BTAD. The name Darrang comes from the Bodo word "Dourang," meaning 'Playground of Gods'. It was historically part of the Kamrupa kingdom and later passed under British rule.
Geographical Features
Darrang lies between the Himalayas and the Brahmaputra River in Assam. It has a congenial climate with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C and an annual rainfall of 2120 mm. It is a fertile area with important crops such as paddy, jute, and oilseeds, as well as significant tea production.
Geography of Darrang District
Introduction
The District Darrang is situated at the center of the state, which comes under North Bank Plain Zone (NBPZ) of Assam, occupies a geographical area of 1850.58 sq. km between longitudes 20o09'N to 26o95'N and latitudes 91o45'E to 92o22'E.The district is surrounded in the north by Udalguri District, in the east Sonitpur District and in the west by Kamrup District. The major physiographic variation of the district is in general considered to be plain except high land areas, flood prone areas, char lands and swampy areas. The mighty Brahmaputra flows along the southern periphery of the district. Thus, the district is also well connected with the water ways. The river Brahmaputra is the main river in the border of the south of the district flows from the east to west direction. Other important tributaries of the Brahmaputra are Barnadi, Nanoi, Mangaldai, Nowanodi, Saktola, Dhansiri,which are the main River flowing through the district and the rivers are perennial in nature.
Weather Information
The climate of the district is congenial. In the winter, the northern part of the district is colder than the rest of the district The average temperature ranges from 10o to 30o C. Average annual rainfall is about 1791 mm. The relative humidity is about 37% in the month of February/ March and about 82% in other months. The monsoon of the district commences from the end of March and intensity gradually increases up to August and then declines to the minimum during November and December.
Demographic Features of the District
Total Population (2001-2011)
| District/State | 2001 | 2011 | % Share to Total Pop 2011 | Decadal Growth Rate | Population Density 2001 | Population Density 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darrang | 759858 | 908090 | 2.91 | 19.51 | 411 | 491 |
| Assam | 26655528 | 31169272 | 100.00 | 16.93 | 340 |
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Male and Female Population (2001-2011)
| District/State | Male Population 2001 | Male Population 2011 | Female Population 2001 | Female Population 2011 | Sex Ratio 2001 | Sex Ratio 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darrang | 392362 | 472134 | 367496 | 435956 | 937 | 923 |
| Assam | 1377037 | 15954927 | 12878491 | 15214345 | 935 | 954 |
Rural and Urban Population (2001-2011)
| District/State | Rural Population 2001 | Rural Population 2011 | Urban Population 2001 | Urban Population 2011 | % Urban Population 2011 | Urban DGR 2001-11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darrang | 718155 | 852692 | 41703 | 55398 | 6.10 | 32.84 |
| Assam | 23216288 | 26780516 | 3439240 | 4388756 | 14.08 | 27.61 |
Religion Wise Population (%) in Darrang
| Year | Hindu | Muslim | Christian | Sikh | Buddhist | Jain | Other Religions | Not Stated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 60.54 | 31.98 | 6.3 | 0.02 | 0.10 | 0.10 | 0.99 | 0.01 |
| 2001 | 57.74 | 35.59 | 6.47 | 0.03 | 0.12 | 0.12 | 0.01 | 0.03 |
Economy of Darrang District
The economy of the Darrang district is basically agrarian, where the majority (about 85%) of the population is engaged in agriculture and allied activities.
Irrigation Potentiality in the District
The Brahmaputra is the main river along the border of the south of the district, flowing from east to west. Other important tributaries include Barnadi, Nanoi, Mangaldai, Noanodi, Saktola, and Dhansiri, which are perennial in nature.
Ground Water Potential
The district is divided into three belts regarding ground water potential:
- North Belt: 5 to 10 ltrs./sec.
- Central Belt: 10 to 25 ltrs./sec.
- South Belt: 25 to 40 ltrs./sec.
A Note on The Tribes in Darrang
Darrang has a rich tapestry of tribes, each contributing to the region's cultural heritage. The prominent tribes include:
- Bodos: A significant ethnic group known for their unique traditions and language.
- Sonowal Kacharis: Known for their distinct festivals and lifestyle.
- Mikir: Famous for their craftsmanship and vibrant festivals.
- Rabhas: Renowned for their dance and music forms.
- Gorkhas: Known for their bravery and martial culture.
The Scheduled Castes and Schedule Tribes Amendment Act, 1976 specifies 14 tribes in the two Autonomous Hill Districts, viz. Karbi-Anglong and the North Cachar Hills, and nine in the plains districts of Assam as Scheduled tribes. Numerically, the Bodo-Kacharies are the largest group among the plains tribes.
Besides the above-mentioned tribes, the Nepalis, the ex-tea garden labourers, the Muslims - both Assamese and Bengali, the Hindu Bengalis, the Hindu Assamese, and the Buddhists have been living in this region since the coming of the British. Therefore, this region may be called the cauldron or the melting pot of different races having different languages and customs.
Long before the arrival of the British, the population of this region was scanty. After the British took over the charge of this district, the tea-tribes and the Bengali people migrated here as labourers and clerks, respectively. Owing to inter-district migration, the local people, particularly the Bodo-Kacharis, began to feel that they had been exploited politically, socially, economically, linguistically, and culturally by outsiders.
The Bodo-Kacharis are numerically the largest plains tribe of this region. The term 'Bodo-Kachari' is used to include splinter groups like Sarania, Mahalia, Sonowal-Kacharis, Thengals, Brahmas, and the Burmans.
The Bodo-Kacharis of Assam belong to the Tribeto-Burman group of the Indo-Chinese race. The Assamese call them Kacharis, and they are known as Meches in Bengal. The word 'Bodo' is derived from 'Bod', which means Tibet, suggesting that the people of this region likely entered through Bhutan passes. They are called Kachari because they lived in the 'Kassar' or below the Himalayan range.
Originally, the Bodos were a linguistic group, and the term 'Bodo' is used in an ethnic sense as well. Historically, they had no script of their own, and their language remained a dialect until the government of Assam introduced Bodo M.I.L. in Higher Secondary education in 1930, with subsequent developments in Bodo language education.
While the Bodo-Kacharis, Rabhas, Garos, and Hajongs belong to the Mongoloid stock, their morphological features differ. The Kacharis are generally taller, while the Rabhas have broader faces and noses. Rev. S. Endle noted that the Bodo-Kacharis of Darrang district were not tall or handsome, resembling the shorter, stouter Nepalis. However, this perception is outdated, as many changes have occurred over the past century.
According to Endle, the Bodos were known for their sincerity and truthfulness. An example he documented involved a Bodo peasant who confessed to killing a co-worker in court, even when he could have denied his guilt.
The Bodo society is predominantly patriarchal, with some matriarchal features. If a man dies without paying bride-money, his daughter can inherit his property. Traditionally, grooms did not visit the bride's house, but this practice has become obsolete. The Bodo-Kacharis recognize marriages between Hindu and Christian communities, contrasting with non-tribal customs.
Historically, Bodo marriages lasted seven days and nights, often leading to financial strain. Today, Bodo marriage ceremonies are simpler, following the Braha Cult, with feasts held similarly to those of caste-Hindus. Despite some dietary differences, both tribals and non-tribals enjoy similar foods like fish, meat, and various creepers.
Though Bodo-Kacharis traditionally avoided milk due to its adverse reaction with rice-beer, they have a fondness for rice-beer, served during significant occasions like marriages and festivals. Fifty years ago, Bodo-Kacharis faced significant challenges, lacking infrastructure and access to education, leading to high mortality rates from diseases.
Since independence, educational opportunities have improved, with schools and colleges established in the region. However, frustrations persist due to limited job opportunities for qualified Bodos. The government has launched various initiatives for tribal development, emphasizing the importance of securing tribal land against non-tribal acquisition.
Despite these efforts, the tribal population continues to face challenges related to poverty and unemployment, with limited representation in professional fields. Political consciousness among Bodos emerged during British rule, leading to representation in local governance.
