Dhubri District, Assam, India
Total Area : 2,838 sq km (including forests, riverines,hills etc)
Total Population : 1949258
Male : 9,97,848
Female : 9,51,410
Sex Ratio : 953 female per 1000 male
Density : 896 persons per sq km
Literacy Rate : 58.30%
Mal : 63.10%
Female : 53.33%
District HQ : Dhubri
Sub-Division : Two
Sub-Division HQ
Dhubri Dhubri
Bilasipara Bilasipara
Boundaries: Dhubri District is bounded both by inter-state and international border i.e. West Bengal and Bangladesh in the west, Goalpara and Bongaigaon 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.
Rivers & Tributaries: Brahmaputra, Gadadhar, Manas, Sonkosh, Saralbhanga.
Beel : Tamranga, Dhalani, Dipul, Chatla.
Dhubri is a frontier district of west Assam. From the data available so far, Dhubri has the second highest density of population, i.e. 896 per sq km (as per 2011 census). The district has the lowest literacy rate (58.30%).
The district head-quarter town Dhubri is a place of historical importance and legends are woven around some of the sites in its vicinity. The Netai Dhubuni Ghat related to the myth of Beula and Lakhindar is in here. The Gurudwara here is said to be the oldest Sikh temple of Assam. The mosque of Hussain Shah, supposed to be erected during Mir-Zumla’s time is located here. Well connected by road, rail and river, Dhubri is one of the biggest business centres of the State. The Assam Match Factory located at Dhubri is a major industry of the State. This town is also the main centre of higher education of west Assam.
Bilasipara, the sub-divisional town, is situated at a distance of 44 km north-east of Dhubri. It is an important river port and a trade centre. Its principal exports are jute, kalai and fish. Biscuits and bidi are manufactured here. Industrial importance of Bilasipara has been enhanced by the cigarette factory, a major industry, set up by AIDC under joint sector. Chandardinga hill, believed to have been formed by the spoils of the drowned vessles of Chand Sadagar; is located near Bilasipara. According to Padma Purana, fourteen vessles full of treasure of the opulent merchant, Chand Sadagar, were drowned near this hill as a result of a curse by Manasa or Bishahari, the daughter of Shiva. This hill, situated at the east of the town, is 245 m high from the sea level. This hill, which look like a boat turned upside down was the vessel of Chand Sadagar according to the local belief. Situated on the left bank of the Gadadhor river, Golakganj -is an important railway station and noted for its timber trade. An aluminium industry has also come up at Golakganj. There is Satrasal Satra about 11 km west of Golakganj which was established by Ramrai, brother of Sri Sankardeva. Gauripur, located at about 10 km north of Dhubri was the seat of the former Zamindar of Gauripur since 1850. Many relics of historical importance particularly the cannons of Raghudev, Lakhminarayan and Sher Shah are in possession of Gauripur Raj fam(ly. This Raj family of Gauripur has contributed a great deal towards the field of art and culture of the State. The legend of Indian cinema, Pramothesh Chandra Barua, the accomplished folk artist Pratima (Barua) Pandey and wild life activist (known as the Queen of Elephants) Parbati Barua, all belong to this famous family. Mankachar, situated at 100 km south of Dhubri, is an important commercial centre. Mir-Zumla. Commander-in-chief of Aurangzeb, constructed a mosque in 1 7th century who encamped here for a few days while coming to invade Assam. On 15 August, 2015 Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi announced the formation of a new district named South Salmara-Mankachar. This district is curved out of Dhubri district. Due to creation of the new district, the area, population etc. of Dhubri district is affected.
Dhubri possesses a rich Archaeological and Cultural heritage from the ancient time. This area came in contact with the foreign invaders before the rest of Assam. As Dhubri is called the entrance of Assam, people of diverse ethnic identity came into this area with a different purpose and settled in this area. As a result, Dhubri district is witness to the development of mixed culture especially in languages, arts and religion due to the continuous process of assimilation of different cultures, castes and 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 constituent of the cultural building of this district is its rich and indigenous population and the dance which is very popular since ancient times. The themes of these songs and dances are mainly based on religion and love affairs. Golporia folk song is the soul of every person in this district.
How to Reach Dhubri:
By Road
From Guwahati
Government & Private Buses are available from Guwahati to Dhubri. One can board a bus at Inter State Bus Terminus(ISBT), Betkuchi, Guwahati, Ph.: 0361-6010838.
Day & night Private Buses are available. It takes about 5.30 to 6.30 Hrs. from Guwahati.
From Siliguri
Buses are available from Siliguri (West Bengal) to Dhubri. It takes about 5.30 hours.
By Train
From Guwahati: The following trains are available from Guwahati.
- Raja-Rani Express – Departure: 21:45 – Arvi: 05:00 – runs on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday.
- Passenger train (from Kamakhya Station) – Departure: 22:15 – Arrival: – 05:15 – Daily runs
From New Jalpaiguri: The : Following train is available from New Jalpaiguri.
- Dhubri-NJP (Intercity) – Departure: 05:45 – Arrival: 12:30 – runs per day
Tourism Places:
Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary:
In the year 1994, the Chakashila Hill Reserve Forest was declared as the Chakrishila Hill Wildlife Sanctuary covering the area of 4558.7 hectares of land by the Indian government. Distribution of different types of plant species in Chakrasila. Important golden lungs are present in other mammals such as leopards, leopard cat, porpine, pangolin, flying squirrel, Civet cat etc. Adjutant storks, Indian owls, myna, Parrakit, hornbills, jungle fowls, kingfishers, Harrens, darters, snipes, tealies, etc. are commonly found in birds. Python, Monitor, Crait, Cobra, Turtle, Tead and Frog are some reptiles and amphibians, which are also found.
Mahamaya Dham:
Mahamaya Dham of Bogri Bari is about 30-35 kilometers from Dhubri town. The center of attraction for pilgrims and tourists is Kamakhya Station (Guwahati) and Madan-Mohan (Cooch Behar). Originally the great God of Parvatjaywar, Mahamaya was born by indigenous people such as cats, cocoons and naths etc. In the present days, the statue of Mother Mahamaya is established by all the Hindus.
Rangamati Mosque:
The terribly famed Rangamati Mosque was built during seventeenth 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.
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.
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.
Other Significant features:
Two world famous Wetlands – Dheer Beel and Diplai Beel adjoins Chakrasila W.L. Sanctuary. These two Beels are home of a large number of fishes, turtles, prawn and birds both indigenous and migratory.
It is about 70 Km away from Dhubri Town. This sanctuary provides facilities / activities such as : (i) Bird Watching (ii) Forest Trecking (iii) Wildlife & Nature Photography (iv) Local guide available on payment (v) Site for errecting tent (vi) Free of cost accommodation for a group of 15 / 20 person with hygenic dringking water in the camp Tapoban provided by the local NGO, the Natures Beckon.
Other important places:
There are many other important places in this district. Matiyabagh Palace in Gauripur, Netai Dhubuni Ghat in Dhubri Town, Chandardinga Hillock and Dudhnath Temple in Salkocha, Ramraikuti in Satarsal, Airport of World War II and Sorsevara Beel in Rupsi.
Official Website: