Dibrugarh is a major gateway of Upper Assam and is an important commercial centre of the state. It serves as the headquarters of the Dibrugarh district, Assam and is very often referred to as the 'Tea City of India', as it accounts for a major share of the total tea production of the country. The city derives its name from Dibarumukh, which means from the 'mouth (mukh) of the river Dibaru or Dibru'. Dibrugarh was a very famous encampment of the Ahom Dynasty during the Ahom Chutia war. After the war ended, it became the headquarters of the Lakhimpur district of Assam. Later on, in 1971, the sub- division separated from Lakhimpur and became an independent district, with its headquarters in Dibrugarh town itself.
Dibrugarh is situated on the banks of the vast river Brahmaputra and is bounded on the north by Dhemaji district, on the east by Tinsukia district, on the southeast by Arunachal Pradesh and on the north and southwest by Sibsagar district. The city is mainly formed by the Brahmaputra and its major tributary, the Burhi Dihing, and has an altitude ranging between 99 and 474 meters. The entire region can be divided into three zones - the active floodplains and charland, the middle plains and the southern foothills. The foothills consist of isolated hills, which are composed mainly of lateritic soils. This is particularly suitable for the cultivation of tea and hence, the entire area can be seen dotted by tea gardens and dense forests.
A major event in the history of the region was the vicious earthquake in 1950, which claimed the lives of thousands of people in the city. The earthquake measured an overwhelming 8.5 on the Richter scale and changed the entire course of the river Brahmaputra, leading to the destruction of a major portion of the city. Although the city was rebuilt after the devastating earthquake, its impressions can still be seen in certain areas of the city. With such an exquisite landscape, the city has much to offer in terms of attractions or tourists spots for travelers and nature lovers.
The major places to visit in and around Brahmaputra are Koli Aai Thaan, Barbarua Maidam, Bogibil Bridge, Dibru Saikhowa Park and the Sarumechow-Bormechow Maidam. Apart from this, there are a number of Satras around the region, depicting a strong influence of the Vaishnav culture and customs. Modern Dibrugarh has progressed rapidly economically and also educationally. It is often regarded as the education hub of Upper Assam. Dibrugarh University and a number of other such reputed institutions have been established in the city, with the idea of promoting better and enhanced education to the masses.
Places to See:
Koli Aai Thaan
Koi Aai Thaan is a very famous tourist spot of Dibrugarh, which is dedicated to Koli Aai, the daughter of the head priest of the Dibaru Satra of Assam. It is said that due to the lack of male heir, the satra started disappearing. However, Koli Aai kept the Satra alive by preaching its ideals and principles. It is believed that Koli Aai was bestowed with divine powers and she vanished from the site one day, leaving behind a strong religious hold in the minds of the people.
Barbarua Maidam
At a distance of 14 km to the south of Dibrugarh, just adjacent to the NH37, there are two ancient graveyards that were raised to honor two officials of the Ahom Dynasty. Historian Sarbananda Rajkumar believes that these two maidams or graveyards were erected for Bura Dihinigia Barbarua and Deka Dihingia Barbarua. Apart from these, there are several other smaller maidams at the same site, which were constructed to honor other soldiers of the same regime.
Sarumechlow and Bormechow Maidam
These two maidams are found in the Lengeri mouza locality of Dibrugarh city and are said to be the graveyards of Sarumechlow and Bormechow, who were the queens of King Sukhampha Khura (1552 – 1611) of the Ahom regime.
Lekai Chetia Maidam
This maidam is dedicated to Lekai Chetia, an officer of the Ahom Kingdom, during the term of Swargadeo Pratapsingha. Located in the Sessa area, near Mankata road of the Dibrugarh district, the maidam has now become a revered spot in Assam.
Bahikhowa Maidam
The Bahikhowa Maidam is found in the Khowang Tea Estate area of Dibrugarh. This graveyard is dedicated to Bahikhowa Dasarath Dowerah. He was the Chief of the Army staff of Ahoms, during the reign of Swargodeo Rajeswar Singha. Apart from this huge maidam, there are several other smaller maidams located in the nearby places, but all of them are in ruins now.
Dehing Satra
The ruins that are seen on the banks of the Dehing River under Larua mouza in present Dibrugarh, was a very famous satra during the rule of the Ahom king Rajeswar Singha. During the famous Moamoria revolution, the satra received royal support from Rajeswar Singha and also from a number of other kings like Lakhi Singha and Gaurinath Singha.
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