Naharkatiya

Naharkatia
—  city  —
Naharkatia Location of Naharkatia in Assam and India
Coordinates	27°17′N 95°20′E / 27.28°N 95.33°E / 27.28; 95.33Coordinates: 27°17′N 95°20′E / 27.28°N 95.33°E / 27.28; 95.33
Country	India
State	Assam
District(s)	Dibrugarh
Population	15,528 (2001[update])
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area • Elevation	• 121 metres (397 ft)

Naharkatia (also spelt as Naharkatiya or Nahorkatiya) is a town and a town area committee in Dibrugarh district in the Indian state of Assam. It is well known for petroleum and gas reserves. Earlier, Duliajan, the head office town of Oil India Limited was in its circle. However both the towns are close packed within a distance of 30 minutes journey.

Demographics

As of 2001^[update] India census,^[1] Naharkatia had a population of 15,528. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Naharkatia has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 82%, and female literacy is 74%. In Naharkatia, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

The town is an amalgamation of many communities from different states of India, mainly Assamese, Bengali, Rajasthani, Bihari and many Marwari people reside in the town area. A few Punjabi families have also lived in the town for many years. However, Buddhist descendants of a Mongolian tribe known as Phakials or Taiphakes, also reside outside the town . Their village houses a Buddhist monastery and handicrafts woven by them are very beautiful. The monastery is a tourist attraction and is considered to be meditation center in a serene atmosphere. The town is more attractive due to the three tea estates.

Transport

The Naharkatia Railway station serves as the railhead. Buses ply frequently to and from Duliajan, Namrup, Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Moran, Jorhat, Sibsagar etc.

Geography

Naharkatia is located at 27°17′N 95°20′E / 27.28°N 95.33°E / 27.28; 95.33.^[2] It has an average elevation of 121 m (397 ft).

Burhi Dihing, a tributary of Brahmaputra runs through the town. There are some agitation and appeals by some organizations to make this town a subdivision of the district, but the town always lags behind in improvements, according to official data.

History

Naharkatia, the place name is connected with history of killing or punishment of one Prince Nahar, an adopted son of Tai-Ahom king Siukhapha alias Khora Raja punished by one Kalia Chaodang. According to local saying, 'one Ahom Noble Kalia Chaodang' was entrusted to punish 'Prince Nahar' at Bardoiyamukh for his misdeeds against the important Tai-Ahom nobles including the Ministers. This Kalia alias Kola Chaodang was finally settled near today's Naharkatia Railway Station and from this episode, the area is known to be Nahakatia. Nahar+katiya, i.e., the person who cut or beheaded Nahar at the instance of Tai-Ahom king Siukhampha was settled here.

Naharkatiya was frequented by Austric King Sung-Saumara, Kachari kings Bicharpatipha, Mahamanukyapha, Tai-Ahom kings Chaolung Siukapha, Siukhampha alias Khora Raja during the attack of Koch General Chilarai to capital Gargaon in A.D. 1562 also Jaydhvajsimha while he was on exile during the Mughal invasion by Nabab Mirjumla A.D. 1662, etc.

The Burmese General Mingimaha Tilwa, came via this route to Mung-dun-chun-kham in the late Tai-Ahom rulers Chandrakantasimha and Purandersimha some times in early part of A.D. 19th century.

The Ahom General Patalsing Barbarua founded Jaypur garh against the advancing Burmese through this route, who finally sacrificed his life in the hands of Burmese at Jaypur.

Sriram Ata founded his Vaisnavi Satra here. One Nocte Chief Narottama accepted Vaisnav faith here.

Nearby Naharkatiya, historical Tipam, Jaypur and Namrup(derived from Namruk) rests. The oldest oil pool is located here. It is also famous for tea gardens. It has produced several sports persons and sports organisers who had a great contribution in the field of sports.

Economy

The town is considered to be commercial hub for the nearby tea gardens and villages. A few kilometres on, there is the rainforest along Jaypur, and cross it to get into Arunachal Pradesh. The illegal wood business has been minimized by regulation, but that has hit the economy of the town.

Culture

The AASU ( All Assam Students Union) and the Rotaract Club of Naharkatia are active organizations in the town. While the former is mainly involved in political activities.

Sasoni(Gojpuria), Achabam, Kaliapani ,Merbill Echo-Tourism are beautiful villages a few kilometres away from the town and the lifestyle of the simple villagers is quite eye catching.

Bihu The major festival of Assam, during this season Bihu dance competition is held in Langharjan stadium. Its a week long celebration for all the youngsters in the region. Durga Puja is another major festival observed in the town. During this season the idol of goddess Durga is prayed and the town is decorated with lights. In the last day of the celebration a processions is organized.

Mangal (Tuesday) Bazaar is worth a visit for the shoppers. There is a sports stadium in Langharjan T.E. which is situated just at the outskirts of the town.Managed by tea veteran Probin Bora, Langharjan is one of the most successful tea gardens in the World.

Baba Loknath Mandir, situated at Balughat which is the important temple in the city

Notable personalities

The most respected person in this locality is Dr Tankeswar Swargari, a retired military surgeon, who has been rendering notable selfless service in the field of health and social reform in the locality. Ven. Gyanpal Mahathero, head priest of Namphake Buddhist Monastery, is also an honourable person here. Sri Devananda Das is one of the pioneer in leading the activities of Naharkatia in sports and culture in late 1960s. He represented Assam State Football Team, he had also scripted and directed many well known dramas like 'Octupus'. Late Phatik Gogoi, retired head of Naharkatia Higher Secondary School, has been a personality who had a great contribution in the field of education and in sports, the initiative of which legendary personality has uplifted the scenario of education and sports in this locality and given birth to several noted personalities and skilled sports-persons. Sasha Kamal Handique, who served as a Member of Legislative Assembly of Naharkatia constituency of Assam Legislative Assembly is a noted social worker here. Tridip Mahanta is a renowned craftsman who crafts bamboo cutlery which are not only eco-friendly but also completely washable and reusable the creation of whom has been a part of many renowned handicraft exhibition nationally and internationally. Dr Kalyan Baruah, principal of Naharkatiya College is also a respectful person. Dr.J.M. Das who was in army now a dentist(1st) in Naharkatia over 22 years serving this town is an well known person in this area.

Education

Naharkatiya College is the only institution of Higher Education here, which offers bachelor degree in Arts and Commerce. It has also a study center of Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University (KKHSOU) with Dr. Dipankar Gogoi as Coordinator. Naharkatia Higher Secondary School, St. Mary's School, New High School, R K Jitani Hindi Vidyalaya, Naharkatia Vidyamandir H.E. School are the important schools surrounding Naharkatiya.

Sports

Naharkatia is very active town when talked about sports. It has given given birth to several sports-person representing the state and the nation. The natives are very good with football and cricket. The youths are more drawn towards Cricket and Tae-Kwon-Do (Korean Martial arts).

Politics

Naharkatia is an Assembly constituency, which is a part of Dibrugarh (Lok Sabha constituency).^[3]

References

1. ^ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. http://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999. Retrieved 2008-11-01. 
2. ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Naharkatia
3. ^ "List of Parliamentary & Assembly Constituencies". Assam. Election Commission of India. http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S03/AS_ACPC.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-06.