Majuli, known to the rest of the world as the largest populated River Island, is also an ideal place for the worshiper of nature. However, it would be an injustice to introduce the Island to the world with that identity only as it also cherishes lot other unique features. The glory of Assam, Majuli is an abode of many rare species of nature, a meeting ground for different ethnic groups and their vibrant cultures. Various tribes , such as the Misings, the Deoris, the Sonowal Kacharis, the Mataks form an accountable part of its inhabitants have their respective cultural dance, music, arts, crafts, rites, rituals and functions, which intensify beauty and colour of the Island. Yet, another pride and glory of the Island is its Satra institutions founded by Mahapurush Sankardeva and Madhavdeva during the 16th century. These Satras achieved success not only in spreading spirituality among the people but it has manifold contribution to the glory of Assamese identity and culture. However, the identity as the largest populated River Island has been the main reason for the arrival of majority of the tourists. It is only when one set foot on the Island that they encounter the diverse colourful faces of the Island. While many tourist leave the Island without exploring and fathoming its diverse colours because of the absence of proper agenda to usher them. Majuli is situated within the present Assam (India) between 260 45/ N to 270 12/ N latitude and 930 39/ E to 940 35/ E longitude. Majuli original name was “Majali”. Towards its north lie the North-Lakhimpur and Dhemaji district, Sivsagar and Jorhat lie its east, Golaghat is the south of Majuli while Nagone and Sunitpur District lie towards its west. Majuli situated in the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra 630km upstream of the Indo-Bangladesh border and 1,100 from its mouth. Prior to 1950 the total area of Majuli was 1256 sq. km. Today total area of Majuli may be 425 sq. km. due to the continuous erosion of the river Brahmaputra. To north of Majuli blows the old stream of the Brahmaputra – the Luhit and Kherkatiya Suti. And on the south lies the Brahmaputra. The two extreme ends, the east and west have been marked by the bifurcation and amalgamation of the two channels of the mighty river. Its elevation from the mean sea level is 84.50 meters. The great earth quake of 1950 brought about astounding natural and geographical changes to the island and the Brahmaputra the left line of Majuli. The river bed swelled-up due to the disposition of silt and alluvium which resulted intense erosion, there by fracturing some fertile areas of the island Majuli now, therefore, a cluster of islands.
Majuli falls under the tropical climate zone. However, the numerous wetlands, streams etc. endow Majuli with a sub-tropical climate. The island is a hot-spot of rare aquatic and non- aquatic flora and boasts of an abundance of medical plants and creepers, some of which are yeat be explored. Indeed, millions of migratory and indigenous bird heaven over Majuli‟s sky.
The history of Majuli is interesting. According to Zugini Tuntra a Khetrya named Dharmpal came from west and founded a kingdom with its capital Guwahati. He was succeeded by Padma Narayan, Chandra Narayan and then by Ram Chandra, whose capital was situated at Ratanpur, Majuli. In the Deepikachand it is mentioned that Ratanapur was perhaps washed away owing to changes in the course of the Brahmaputra. In about 1189 A.D. Gouri Narayan of the Bodo tribe of Sino-Tibetan origin founded the dynasty with the capital at Ratanpur and assumed the name of Ratnadhurajpal. Ratanpur was situated near the Kherkatiya Suti on the south bank of the Lohit. As the two channels were flowing on either sides of Ratanpur, it was also known as Majali or Majuli.
