Majuli Island (inhabited by Mishing tribal people)
Assam Chief Minister launched the Roll on Roll off (RoRo) service which will help ferry people and goods vehicles to provide much needed connectivity to Majuli river island. The RoRo service was launched in collaboration between Inland Waterways Authority of India and Assam government. Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ships are vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo.
What is Majuli Island?
- Majuli is a river island in the Brahmaputra River, Assam.
- In 2016 became the first island to be made a district in India.
- The river island covers an area of around 880 sqkm.
- It was formed due to course changes by the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries, mainly the Lohit.
Culture of the island
- Majuli island is the home of the Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture.
- Sankardeva, a pioneer of the medieval-age neo-Vaishnavite movement, preached a monotheist form of Hinduism called Vaishnavism and established monasteries and hermitages known as satra on the islet.
- Satras are institutional centers associated with the Ekasarana tradition of Vaishnavism.
- Sankardev inspired the Bhakti movement in Assam.
- Sankardev used the form of Krishna to preach devotion to a single God (eka sarana), who can be worshiped solely by uttering His various names.
Ecology in the island
- Majuli island is home of many rare and endangered avifauna species including migratory birds.
- In this Island around 100 varieties of rice grown organically i.e. without pesticides or artificial fertilizers.
World fame for Majuli Island
- Majuli Island was declared the largest river island in the world, by Guinness World Records.
- The island has been nominated for the World Heritage Site status.
- It has been included in the tentative list by UNESCO.
Tribes in the island
- Majuli island is mostly inhabited by Mishing tribal people.
- They were earlier called as Miris in historical days and the Constitution of India still refers to them as Miris.
- They are recognised as a Scheduled Tribe by the Indian government under the name ‘Miri.‘
- Ali-Aye-Leegang and the Pohrag are the two famous festivals celebrated by the Mishing people.
Prepared By: Sai Eswar
<
p style=”text-align: justify;”>