SONITPUR DISTRICT

Sonitpur is an administrative district in the state of Assam. The district headquarters are located at Tezpur. Sonitpur District is a land of natural beauty, ancient monuments, and rich cultural heritage. The district has an area of 5324 sq.km and has a population of 19,25,975 (as of 2011 Census). In terms of area Sonitpur is the second largest district of Assam after Karbi Anglong district. The name 'Sonitpur' literally means 'the city of blood.' It is bounded by Arunachal Pradesh in the north, Lakhimpur District in the east and Darrang District in the west. Sonitpur, located between the mighty Brahmaputra and the Himalayan foothills of Arunachal Pradesh, is largely plain with some hills. Brahmaputra River forms the south boundary of the district. A number of rivers which originate in the Himalayan foothills flow southwards and ultimately fall in  Brahmaputra River.

Sonitpur District falls in the Sub-Tropical climatic region, and enjoys Monsoon type of climate. Summers are hot and humid, with an average temperature of 29 Degree C. The highest temperature is recorded just prior to the onset of Monsoon (around May-early June). Summer rain is heavy, and is principally caused from late June to early September by the moisture-laden South-West Monsoon, on striking the Himalayan foothills of the north. Such rain is both a boon and a bane for the people. A boon, for it provides natural irrigation to the fields; and a bane, as it causes the rivers to overflow their banks and cause floods. Autumns are dry, and warm. It gets cooler as the months progress. Winters extend from the month of October to February, and are cold and generally dry, with an average temperature of 16 Degree C. It gets quite chilling in late December and early January, on account of snowfall in the upper reaches of Arunachal Pradesh. Springs are cool and pleasant, occurring in the months of late March and April. Of course, during these months, flash rains and thunderstorms are at times caused by cyclonic winds, known in local parlance as Bordoichila.

Attractions

Tezpur  - 'City of Eternal Romance' : Situated on the northern bank of the mighty Brahmaputra, Tezpur also known in the ancient days as Sonitpur- is a serene quite town, famous for its  beautiful parks , ancient Hindu temples and archaeological ruins steeped in mythology, legend and folklore. One can either avail the package tours provided by private tour operators or can contact the Tourist Information Officer , Tezpur, Tourist Lodge .(phone- 91-03712-21016)

Chitralekha Udyan (Cole Park) : Cole Park, Tezpur is a very picturesque park near the centre of Tezpur. It has had a long tradition of hosting painting/drawing competitions for the nearby schools due the various features it possesses.  It is, undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful places in Tezpur. Established by a British  Deputy   Commissioner,   Mr. Cole in   1906,  the  park  has  two   massive ornamented  stone pillars, and other  sculptural  remnants . It was recently renovated and revitalized in 1996 under  the stewardship   of the then   Deputy Commissioner, Mr.  M.G.V.K.Bhanu, IAS.  It has water sports facility, walk ways, restaurant and  open air stage. There is a water feature in the form of a lake where small rowing and paddle boats are allowed. The famous Bhomoraguri inscription which recorded the ancient plans to build a bridge across the Brahmaputra where the current Kolia Bhomora Setu exists has been transported to this park for public viewing.

Agnigarh : Agnigarh is the site of the fortress which was built by Banasura to keep his daughter Usha in isolation. The name itself is derived from the words 'Agni' (meaning fire) and 'garh' (meaning fortress or wall) in Sanskrit. This hillock  on bank of river Brahmaputra  is the site of legendary romance of princess Usha (the only daughter of king Bana) and Anirudha, grand son of lord Krishna. Usha was kept on this hillock which was surrounded by fire,hence the name of Agnigarh. Agnigarh provides a panoramic view of the great river and Tezpur. Present day Agnigarh is a hill on the banks of the Brahmaputra which is one of the big tourist attractions in Tezpur. There is a circular stairway leading up to the crest of the hill where there are now sculptures depicting Usha's abduction of Aniruddha, the grandson of Krishna and the ensuing battle by Krishna to free them. There is also a viewing platform with the scenery around the river banks as well as the town centre and the Kolia Bhomora Setu bridge across the Brahmaputra.

Padum Pukhuri : This is a beautiful lake with an island. The island has been developed into a beautiful park with a musical fountain. There is an iron bridge to take you to the island. On the lake one can boat.

Kolia Bhomora Bridge : Kolia Bhomora Setu is a pre-stressed concrete road bridge over the Brahmaputra River near Tezpur in Assam (India). It is named after the Ahom General Kalia Bhomora Phukan. This bridge connects Sonitpur on the north bank with Nagaon District on the south bank. It is not only an  engineering master piece of  3.015 kms  length but also a  sight to watch. The construction of the bridge took place from 1981 to 1987.

Bhairabi Temple : The Goddess Durga is worshipped here. The backdrop of the temple is a view looking towards the Kolia Bhomora Setu across the Brahmaputra River. The temple site is also locally known as Maithan and Bhairabi Devalaya. Legend has it that Usha (daughter of mighty Asura King Banasura) regularly came here for the worshipping of the Goddess. About a couple of kilometres away lie the Bamuni Hills where one can view the ruins of the palace that stood many centuries ago. The art work on stone carvings that were used within the structure are from the 9th century. The temple is now managed by the Government through the office of the District Deputy Commissioner. There are sacrificial offerings of goats and bulls that still occurs regularly here. The entrance to the temple is through a very long staircase that leads up from the approach road to the temple itself. There are numerous facilities for the purchase of ghee lamps, incense sticks, sweets and fruits etc. that are offered during prayers for blessings.

Ketakeshwar Dewal : Ketakeshwar Dewal (shrine) is a holy site in the Ketakibari area of Tezpur in Assam. It is reputed to have one of the largest Shiva lingas in the world. The actual site has two parts - one part where the actual linga is located and another part a few metres away where the original base of the linga is located. Legend has it that during a severe earthquake in the past the linga was uprooted from its base and deposited where it currently stands.

Mahabhairav Temple : The ancient Mahabhairav Temple is located in Tezpur town, Assam. This temple is believed to have been established by king Bana in the pre-historical times. This Shiva temple was originally built of stone but the present one was renovated and built with concrete. During the Ahom rule, the kings especially of the Tungkhungiya dynasty donated large area of Devottar land to the Temple and pujaris and Paiks were appointed to look after the temple. The responsibility of management was in the hands of a Borthakur. The temple is now managed by the Government through a managing committee headed by the District Deputy Commissioner. Shivaratri is celebrated in the temple with big festivity and people from all over the country visit it.

Haleswar : It is 10 km to the north of Tezpur, near Tezpur- Balipara main road. A linga was found by a cultivator ( Hallowa) while he was ploughing in the field. A temple was constructed initially on this linga. Later, the Ahom King Rudra Singha constructed the temple in 1705 AD.

Rudrapada Temple : To the east of Tezpur town, on the bank of river Brahmaputra the Rudrapada temple is situated. It is believed that Rudra ( Lord Shiva ) had left the print of his left foot (pada) on a stone found in the temple. It is believed that Mahadeva showed his real self to king Bana here. Rudrapada temple was later built by Siva Singha in the year 1730 A.D. The main temple was destroyed, due to erosion of river Brahmaputra.

Tezpur is considered to be the cultural capital of Assamese culture. Being from the core Assamese cultural region, the town has produced many stalwarts such as Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Jyoti Prasad Agarwala (1903–51), Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha (1909–69), Phani Sarma (1909–70) and Ananda Chandra Agarwala (1874–1939). It is also the birth place of the former Speaker of the Indian Parliament (2004–2009), Somnath Chatterjee.

Economy

The economy of the district is Agriculture based-the traditional one. The economy of Sonitpur is underdeveloped and has its own pace, trend, tradition and development process . Sonitpur is trade  center  for Bomdilla, Tawang,Seppa  and Itanagar of Arunachal Pradesh. Tezpur, Dhekiajuli, Rangapara, Biswanath Chariali and Gohpur are important trading centers in the district. Sonitpur is  basically  an  agrarian economy. Approximately 80 percent    of the population depends on agriculture allied( primary sector) activities for their livelihood .  Rain fed cultivation of single paddy crop still continues in most areas of the district. However with the help of irrigation facilities like shallow tube wells, high yielding variety of seeds  and  tractors  have made multiple cropping possible.  Both Rabi and kharif cropping is done in the district .

Tea Gardens : The next most important feature of the economy of Sonitpur is the existence  of large number of tea gardens.  There are all together . Seventy three  tea gardens in Sonitpur district. The area covered under these tea gardens is approximately 2,81,660 Bighas. Monabari near Biswanath Chariali is Asia's largest tea garden. With an area of 1096 hectares with annual tea production of 2632670 Kgs in year 2000. Borgang tea estate is the 2nd largest with 1018 hectors of a total production 1689941 Kgs. (for list of tea gardens click here) Most  tea gardens were  previously owned by European concerns like Mecnill & Magor, George Williamson Ltd., Mcleod Russel, British Assam tea garden company, Empire  Plantation Limited. etc. However in recent years many Indian owned companies like Tata Tea,  Brooke Bond etc.  are taking over the ownership of the tea gardens. Apart from the big companies recently small tea gardens with area of 40 to 100 bighas have come up in many number near the big gardens. They basically sell tea-leaves to the big gardens who own factories.

Piggeries : Tribals and other weaker sections of the society are traditionally involved in pig rearing in the district.

Pig is one of the most efficient feed converting animals having  the shortest generation intervals high    prolificacy and faster growth rate , all these traits are directly  and positively correlated with the overall   economy in production.  Pig farming as a commercial venture is still to be established in the district .

Poultry Production : The poultry production in district is mainly Desi bird oriented and is mainly in the hands of the rural people who rears mostly the desi or non descript type of poultry.

Fishery : As we know people here are fond of fishes and they catch fishes for their food. Basically fishing   here is a tradition rather  than commerce,  as 90 % fish products are imported.   In the district fishery is  quite  popular  commercial  activity but it is also not developed to the desired level. River Brhmaputra and  about  1000 no.of ponds provide huge scope of fish production.

Weaving : Handloom weaving is an important cottage industry that has been flourishing in Assam from ancient times. It still occupies a place of pride in every Assamese household which invariably maintains a handloom besides other articles for spinning and weaving. It is universally practised cottage industry by rich and poor alike and has no stigma of caste or creed attached to it. Most of its products are of utility value.

Sericulture : Chinese records dating as far back as 248 AD mentioned about the trade route from South China through the Shen states. Brahmaputra river and Kamrupa to Pataliputra includes Tezpur. Sonitpur is well known for excellent quality of silk. Here following types of silk are found: Muga, eri and Pat ( Mulberry silk)

Education

Tezpur University : Tezpur University was established by an Act of Parliament in  1994. The objects of this Central University as envisaged in the statutes are that it shall strive to offer employment oriented and interdisciplinary courses to meet the regional to national aspirations and the development of the state of Assam and also offer courses and promote research in areas which are of special and direct relevance to the region and in the emerging areas in Science and Technology. Address : Tezpur University, Napaam, Tezpur, Sonitpur, Assam-784 028, Phone :     +91-3712-267007/8/9

Assam Valley School : Founded in 1995 by The Williamson Magor Education Trust and spread over a sprawling 95 sylvan hectares, The Assam Valley School aims to prepare children for life and for global citizenship in the twenty-first century. This school has been established for the education of both boys and girls from primary through secondary school, from the State of Assam and beyond. The Assam Valley School (AVS) is the only exclusive co-educational boarding school in the North East of India. It is affiliated to the Council for Indian School Certificate Examination. AVS is committed to nurturing pupils to develop to their full potential and be well- equipped to face the challenges of the future with confidence and enthusiasm. Address : P.O. Balipara - 784101, Dist. Sonitpur, Asom , India.,Phone : +91 - 9678074320,9678074321,9678074322,9678074323,9678074325

Darrang College : Darrang College is located at Tezpur, the Headquarters of the Sonitpur District of Assam. Motto of the College: "Be a jewel among men". Darrang College stand firm to reach the top among the best  institutions of the country by generating fruitful social, economics, cultural and humane resources through  promotion of quality education and thus to mould the society to cope with the changing need of time. Established in 1945 by the people of Tezpur, Darrang College is permanently   affiliated to Gauhati University since 1953. Address: Tezpur, Dist. Sonitpur, Pin: 784001, Phone Numbers : 03712 - 220014/225590

Tezpur College : Tezpur College , established in the year 1965, is one of the premier Institutions of higher education in the north bank of the Brahmaputra at Tezpur. The college is recognized by the UGC under 2(f) and 12B in 1970 and affiliated to Guwahati University. As a single faculty college it offers B.A. (Major) programme in two shifts. It was brought under Deficit grants-in-aid system, which recieves salary grant from Govt. of Assam. Since its inception, the college has been imparting higher education with brilliant perfomance and extracurricular activites of the students. Address: Tezpur College, Tezpur - 784001,Assam, India, Phone : 03172 236796,
+91 94351 85339 (M)

Chaiduar College : Chaiduar College with Arts Stream was established in 1967 at Gohpur by few humble citizens of this region with active financial and moral support from the neighbouring populace. being the only full-fledged institution of higher learning in Chaiduar, the college is continuously serving the academic as well as social needs of this region stretching from Buroi to Howajan. Address: CHAIDUAR COLLEGE GOHPUR-784168, SONITPUR -ASSAM, Phone :  03715-43158

Banks

1) Central Bank Of India, LOKRA, phone : (03714) 234447
2) Central Bank Of India, SIRAJULI, Phone : (03712) 246050
3) Central Bank Of India, BALIPARA, Phone : (03714) 234448
4) Central Bank Of India, BISWANATH CHARIALI, Phone : (03715) 223839
5) Central Bank Of India, DHEKIAJULI (BATACHIPUR), Phone : (03712) 245180
6) Central Bank Of India, KARCHANTALA, Phone : (03715) 26444
7) Allahabad Bank, NORTH TRUNK ROAD, Phone: 03712-220637
8) Axis Bank, TEZPUR, Phone : 03712-232 279/ 280
9) Bank Of Baroda (BOB), BORGHA    BORGHAT BRANCH, VILL.BORGHAT, HALIHAMARI, Phone :     03712-221912
10) Central Bank Of India, SOHAN BHAWAN, BINJRAJ ROAD, Phone : (03712) 221286/220640
11) HDFC Bank, PARMESHWARI BUILDING, N T ROAD, NEAR HIMATSINGHKA PETROL PUMP, Phone : 03712-230088 / 230495
12) ICICI Bank, KAMRUPIYA SANATAN DHARMA MANDALI, Phone : 03712-232296
13) Indian Bank (IB), A H ROAD, Phone :    03712 220210
14) Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), KAMARCHUBURI, Phone : (03712) 220604
15) IndusInd Bank, DUGAR MANSION, GROUND FLOOR, MAIN ROAD, Phone : 03712 230922/924/926 223417
16) Punjab National Bank (PNB), MAHATAMA GANDHI ROAD, Phone : 03712-220205
17) State Bank Of India (SBI), Phone : 03712-220592/225456
18) State Bank Of India (SBI), TEZPUR BAZAR EVENING BRANCH, Phone :  STD-03712-220978,221174
19) Federal Bank, K C ROAD, Phone : 03712-221633(SM)
20) UCO Bank, MAIN ROAD, RIKHABCHAND SOHALL BUILDING, Phone : 03712220399
21) Union Bank Of India (UBI), A.C.PLAZA,1ST FLOOR,MAIN ROAD, Phone: 03712 - 252961 / 252979
22) Vijaya Bank    TEZPUR, MAIN ROAD
23) Bank of Maharashtra, A C PLAZA, 1ST FLOOR, N B ROAD, Phone : +91-9678664504