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Page 1: About Gauripur and Dhubri District

About Gauripur

Gauripur is located at 26.08°N 89.97°E. 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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Page 2: About Gauripur and Dhubri District

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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Page 4: About Gauripur and Dhubri District

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 Kind Name City Distance Bearing

RUP Small Rupsi India Airport 4 nm N 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

PopulationPopulation 0-6 Literates

Perso

nMales

Female

s

Perso

n

Male

s

Female

s

Perso

n

Male

s

Female

s

23,47712,24

811,229 2,620 1,330 1,290 17,683 9,963 7,720

Population

Name Status District Population

(C 1991-03-01)

Population

(C 2001-03-01)

Gauripur Town (Area) Committee Dhubri 19,945 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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Page 6: About Gauripur and Dhubri District

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

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Padmasree Late Pratima Barua Pandey, great Goalpariya Lokageet singer (folk

singer) and Parboti Barua, the Elephant Queen. The building should be kept as

Museum, every body desire.

Bed of Zamindar, Gauripur

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Page 8: About Gauripur and Dhubri District

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

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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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Page 11: About Gauripur and Dhubri District

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Map of Dhubri town

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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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Page 14: About Gauripur and Dhubri District

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 ধু�বু�ৰী� 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.

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