About Gauripur Gauripur is located at 26.08N 89.97E. It has an
average elevation of 26 metres (85 feet). The nearest airport is
situated at Rupsi adjacent to the village Khudimari. Gauripur is a
small beautiful town in the western side of district head quarter
Dhubri. The main town is situated by the river Gadadhar on its
eastern side. There is a lake on its north-western side named
Laokhowa beel and in the north-eastern side on the bank of Gadadhar
is a small hill top called Matiabagh on which the palace named
"Hawakhana" made by the Zamindar of Gauripur is situated. On the
other side of the Gadadhar River is the famous village Asharikandi,
of international fame for its terrakota industry. The Gauripur town
is served by the Northeast Frontier Railway of the Indian Railway
network. The national highway 31 runs across the town. A place of
great historical importance, Gauripur is just two hours drive from
Astha Nature's Home. Also famous for the Elephantman Lalji
(Prakitish Baruah), birth place of the pioneer of Indian Cinema
Pramathesh Barua, Legenedary Folksinger Padmashree Pratima Pandey
Barua and Hastir kanya Parbati Barua.
Pramathesh Chandra Baruah
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Padmashree Pratima Pandey Barua Gauripur is a birth place of the
eminent Indian Film personality Late Pramathesh Chandra Barua,
Padmashree Late Pratima Barua Pandey the melody queen of Goalparia
folk-song, Mrs. Parbati Barua the world famed elephantine. Gauripur
is a rural based area inhabited by Hindus, Muslims, Jains and
Cristians representing of various cultures like Assamese,
Goalparia, Bodo, Rabha, Garo, Santhal etc. With full of unity in
diversity. This place was ruled by Zamindars and the college was
built by their donations with Dr. Birendra Nath Datta as the
founder Principal and Mr. Alakesh Chandra Barua, the eldest son of
Pramathesh Chandra Barua as its founder Vice-Principal. Gauripur is
situated on the bank of the river Gadadhar, the tributary of the
mighty river Brahmaputra. It is well connected wtih 31st National
Highway and also likely to be connected with Broad gauge Railway
from Mainagori in West Bengal to Jogighopa in Assam. Asharikandi, a
terracotta village 2 kms away from Gauripur is famed nationally and
internationally for its terracotta (fine art) products. Mr.D.N.
Paul, the pioneer of terracotta products, a recipient of Rastrapati
Award earned reputation nationally and internationally. Asharikandi
has become the frequent visiting place of VIPs.
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Gauripur is about 15 kms away from Indo-Bangladesh Border. Also,
there is an Asias largest Aerodrome at Rupshi built during British
rule(likely to start its operation very soon) which is about 6 kms
away from Gauripur. History of Gauripur: The establishment of the
town and the name "Gauripur", has an interesting story associated
with the main architect of Gauripur, Raza Pratap Chandra Baruah,
Zamindar of Rangamati. It is believed that one day Raza Baruah was
hunting in the forest and came across a frog which was eating a
snake. He was very much astonished to see this unnatural and
unheard sight. Being a very strong devotee of Goddess Mahamaya, he
was convinced that it was some sort of supernatural message for
him. Shortly afterwards, he established a temple for Goddess
Mahamaya and named the place as Gauripur after the alias "Gauri" of
Mahamaya. He even shifted his capital of his Zamindari from
Rangamati to Gauripur (adapted from the book "Hai Hastir Kanya"
written by Dr. Dhiren Das of Gauripur). The Gauripur Town Committee
was established in the year 1919 having its 4 Nos. of Wards in this
area. Demographics As of 2001 India census, Gauripur had a
population of 23,477. Males constitute 52% of the population and
females 48%. Gauripur has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher
than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 81%, and
female literacy is 69%. In Gauripur, 11% of the population is under
6 years of age. Politics Gauripur is part of Dhubri (Lok Sabha
constituency). Latitude 26.0833 Longitude 89.9667 Altitude (feet)
85 Lat (DMS) 26 4' 60N Long (DMS) 89 58' 0E Altitude (meters) 25
Time zone (EST). Approximate population for 7 km radius from this
point: 64519 Nearby Airports IATA RUP Kind Small Name Rupsi India
Airport City Distance 4 nm N Bearing 317
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COH
Closed
COOCH BEHAR
30 nm W
299
Population in the age group 0-6 and literates by sex 2001: Total
Population Person 23,477 Males 12,248 Population 0-6 Literates
Females Person Males Females Person Males Females 11,229 2,620
1,330 1,290 17,683 9,963 7,720
Population Name Status District Population (C 1991-03-01)
Gauripur Town (Area) Committee Dhubri 19,945 Population (C
2001-03-01) 25,002
Area: 2.95 sq.km - Density: 8475.3 inh./sq.km - Change:
+2.29%/year
Attached to National Highway 31, Gauripur town, Gadadhar
River
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Attached to National Highway 31, , Gauripur town, Gadadhar
River
Hawakhana of Gauripur It is a very very beautiful old building
at Matiabag hill top and bank of the Godadhar river used as
Hawakhana by the Zamindars of Gouripur estate. Many flims were shot
here. It was used by the great film personality Late Pramathesh
Chandra Barua and now belonged to Late Prakritish Chandra Barua
(Lalji). It is also residence of Padmasree Late Pratima Barua
Pandey, great Goalpariya Lokageet singer (folk Page 6 of 19
singer) and Parboti Barua, the Elephant Queen. The building
should be kept as Museum, every body desire.
Bed of Zamindar, Gauripur
Page 7 of 19
Rajgaddi of Zamindar, Gauripur
DHUBRI DISTRICT AT A GLANCE (The Gateway of Western Assam)
Dhubri District - the gateway of western Assam happened to be in
the past a meeting place of different racial groups which mingled
together and formed a unique Cultural Heritage and Historical
Background. The growth of blended culture in this region
particularly in case of Language, Art and Religion is due to
continuous process of assimilation of various races, scaste &
creed of local people, invaders & migrated people. Dhubri
District is bounded both by inter-state and international border
i.e. West Bengal and Bangladesh in the west, Goalpara and Bogaigoan
district of Assam and Garo Hills district of Meghalaya in the east,
Kokrajhar district in the north, Bangladesh and state of Meghalaya
in the south.Covering an area of 2,838 Sq. Kms. including forests,
riverines, hills etc. the district has become the most densely Page
8 of 19
populated district in India with a density of 584 persons per
Sq. Km.(As per 2001 census). Dhubri district is primarily dependent
on agriculture and forest products. Main source of income is paddy
with surplus production than its requirment Jute and mustered seed
occupy the major share of cash crops. From forest mainly timber and
bamboo add to the income though boulder and sand also available.
Fish, milk, meat and egg have small contribution to the economy.
Land revenue collection is very small in amount whereas excise duty
occupies a lion's share of the Govt. exchequer. History Assam
starts with its south western boundary with the District Dhubri.
The present Dhubri District is one of the three Civil Sub-divisions
of erst-while Goalpara district, established in 1876 during British
regime. In 1879 the District head quarter was shifted from Goalpara
to Dhubri. In the year 1983 Goalpara district was divided into four
separate districts and Dhubri is one of those.Covering an area of
2,838 Sq. Kms. including forests, riverines,hills etc. the district
has become the most densely populated district in India with a
density of 584 persons per sq. Km. (As per 2001 census).
Agriculture is the main livelihood for majority of the people of
the district. As per 1991 census reports, 73.21% of the total
workforce has taken agro-based activities as means of livelihood.
The principal crops are autumn paddy, winter paddy, Mustard, Rape
seeds, Wheat and Jute. Other than agriculture, a small portion of
work-force is engaged in live- stock, forestry, fishery etc., while
a very small number is engaged in mining & quarry and in
manufacturing and processing units. Dhubri district is considered
to be the most industrially backward district of Assam. The
Agricultural as well as natural resource is not satisfactorily
exploited for industrial purpose. However, the district could
attain an appreciable grade qualitatively in the sphere of
Handicraft, such as Terracotta, Pith Crafts, Cane & Bamboo
Crafts, Weaving, Jute Crafts etc. With the backwardness in literacy
and in absence of rich-industrial infrastructure the general
socio-economic condition of the district is very poor. The economic
growth
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rate of population multiplied by influx problem from across the
border is causing severe pressure on agricultural land holding.
Rupshi-airport is situated about 15 km away from Dhubri which was
constructed during last World War II by the British Govt.
exclusively for millitary operation. Number of private companies
operated regular flights (Decota) carrying passengers as well as
goods between Calcutta/Dhubri via Jalpaiguri / Coochbehar (West
Bengal) after Independence.The Indian-Airlines also operated
regular air flights between Calcutta/Dhubri. At present the Airport
is under the National Airport Authority of India and lying unused.
Dhubri Dist. also witnessed the glorious visit of many of the
historical personalities like - Guru Nanaka, Srimanta Sankardeva,
Guru Teg Bahadur, Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas
Chandra Bose, Gopinath Bordoloi and others. The Dhubri Town had a
very busy river port on the bank of the river Brahmaputra which was
used as an international trade centre with the neighbouring
countries. At present, this port is lying idle. Though the town is
connected with railway lines, its importance was decreased when
direct line to Calcutta was snapped after partition as the line ran
through the erst-while East Pakistan (presently Bangladesh).The
present Dhubri Town was first constituted as a Municipality in
1883. The Dhubri Town is 290km far from the StateCapital at
Dispur.The Bench mark ofthe town is about 34 mts. above sea level.
Geography Dhubri District is bounded both by inter-state and
international border i.e. West Bengal and Bangladesh in the west,
Goalpara and Bogaigoan district of Assam and Garo Hills district of
Meghalaya in the east, Kokrajhar district in the north, Bangladesh
and state of Meghalaya in the south.
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Map of Dhubri town Page 12 of 19
This district is located on the globe between 89.42 to 90.12
degree east longitude and 26.22 to 25.28 degree north latitude. The
district is situated at 30 meters abovethe sea level on average.
General topography of Dhubri district is plain with patches of
small hillocks like Tokorabandha, Dudhnath, Chandardinga,
Boukumari, Boropahar, Chakrasila etc. All these are situated in the
north eastern part of the district. Mighty river Brahmaputra is
flowing through this district from east to west with its
tributaries like Champabati, Gourang, Gadadhar, Gangadhar, Tipkai,
Sankosh,Silai, Jinjiram etc. People & Culture Dhubri posseses a
rich Archaeological and Cultural heritage from the ancient time.
This region came in contact with the foreign invaders earlier than
the rest of Assam. As Dhubri is called the gateway of Assam, people
of diverse ethnic identity came to this region with different aims
and a major portion of whom settled in this region. As a result of
which Dhubri District witnesses the growth of blended culture,
particularly in case of language, art and religion due to the
continuous process of assimilation of various races, castes and
creed of local people , invaders and migrated people. The main
local language of this district isGoalporia, popularly known as
"Desi Bhasha". Other than this, Assamese and Benglai language are
simultaneously spoken in the urban area. Regarding dress, Sari is
commonly used by both urban and rural women folk. In earlier days
the rural women wore a piece of unsewn cloth which was called
"Patani". This style of clothing is still seen in some rural areas.
Male hindus generally wear Dhuti and Lungi is used by muslims. The
most important ingredient of the cultural built-up of this district
is its rich and indigenous folksongs and dances which are very
popular from ancient time. The themes of these songs and dances are
mainly based on religion and love affairs. Goalporia folk song is
the soul of every people of this district.
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Places of Interest in Dhubri District: Dhubri District is
bestowed with attractive scenic beauties by the mother nature. Both
the banks of river Brahmaputra with its lush green fields, blue
hills and hillock is a feast to the eyes of the onlookers. The
Chakrasila wild- life sanctuary, the Tegbahadur Gurudwara, the
Rangamati Mosque, Mahamaya Dham and the royal palaces attract the
people for their unique structures, religious sanctity and
mythological importance. Some attractive spots with salient
features and pictorial views are depicted below: Mahamaya Dham
Mahamaya Dham of Bogribari, about 30-35 Km. east from Dhubri
town is next to Kamakhya Than (Guwahati) and Madan-Mohan (Cooch
Behar) in its attraction to the pilgrims and tourists. Originaly
the famous mother Goddess Mahamaya of Parvatjowar was worshipped by
the local people like Kacharies, Koches and Nath etc. It was the
presiding deity of the Jaminder of Parvatjowar. Now-a-days the
mother Mahamaya is worshipped by all Hindus.
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Rangamati Mosque
The very famous Rangamati Mosque was built during 17th century
by Hussain Shah, the Governor of Bengal. This Mosque belongs to
pre-Mughal period which can be recognised from its typical
architectural design. It is about 25Kms away from Dhubri Town. It
may be mentioned that Rangamati area was once a very prosperous
during thereign of the Koch rulers.It was also frontier post of the
Koch rulers. During Mughal regime Rangamati was a great fort of the
invading Mughal Army. This unique Mosque was used as a prayer place
by the Mohmmedan Soldiers. There is also a Idgah and a deep Well
which were also constructed during the same period.
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Gurudwara Sri Guru Tegbahadur Sahibji In the heart of the Dhubri
Town and on the bank of the river mighty Brahmaputra, this famous
Gurudwara is situated. Sikh Guru Nanaka visited this place in 1505
A.D. & met Sri Sankardeva during Nanaka's way from Dhaka to
Assam. Thereafter the 9th Guru Tegbahadur came to this place and
established this Gurudwara during 17th century. Sikh devotees from
all over India and abroad assembled in this Gurudwara pevery year
in the month of December to mark the Martydom of Sri Guru
Tegbahadur with due solemnity and ceremony. Sikh devotees called
this festival as Sahidee-Guru-Parav.
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Netail Dhubuni Ghat Dhubri
The word Dhuburi comes from a legendary lady named
Netai-Dhubuni. The story is connected with Behula-Lakhindar. The
word Dhubuni is considered a corruption of 'Dhuburi'. According to
Bodo-Kacharis, the word is of Bodo origin and derived form Dubra, a
kind of grass. The story of lady Netai-Dhubuni is widely accepted
for the naming history of Dhubri and that is where the Gurdwara Sri
Tegh Bahadur Sahib stands.
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Panchpeer Dargaha
It is Mazar Sharif of five Sufi Saints who accompanied Raja Ram
Singh during his time of invassion to Assam.This Dargaha is the
best example of religious harmony where all section of people
irrespective of their religion pay visit with great respect.
Ramraikuti Satra
It is situated atIndo-Bangladesh and West Bengal border at
Satrasal of Dhubri Dist.It is a holy place where the marriage
ceremony of Chilarai and Bhubaneshwari (daughter of Ramrai, cousin
of Sri Sankardev) took place.Paramguru Sri Sankardeva established
this satra in order to promote propagate the Satriya Culture in
this region.A brass made historical RATHA (Chariot) is preserved
here.
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Terracotta of Asharikandi
This craft is practised among the kumbhakara or Kumara (potter)
community of Asharikandi village near Gauripur. Terracotta (means
burnt clay) craft was previously confined to their families &
neighbourhood areas. But at present it occupies a prominent
position through out the country and abroad. Chakrasila Wildlife
Sanctuary
In the year 1994, Chakrasila Hill Reserve Forest was declared as
Chakrasila Hill Wildlife Sanctuary by the Govt. of India covering
an area of 4558.7 hectares of land. The distribution of varities of
plant species in Chakrasila provides diverse niches for many Wild
Life. The Significant Golden Langur exists in Chakrasila Wildlife
Sanctuary in addition to other mammals plike Leopard, Leopard cat,
Porcupine, Pangoline, Flying Squirrel, Civet cat etc. Adjutants
Stork, Indian Owl, Myna, Parrakit, Dove, Hornbil, Jungle Fowl,
Kingfisher, Harren, Darter, Snipe, Teal etc. are the birds commonly
found. Python, Monitor, Crait, Cobra, Turtle, Tead and frog are
some reptiles and amphibia that are also found. Page 19 of 19
