Golaghat, Assam

An important sub-division of the North-Eastern state of Assam, Golaghat is n administrative district, with its district headquarters at Golaghat town. It gained the status of being a district in the year 1987 and covers a total area of 3502 sq km with a population of 946,279. It is one of the oldest existing former sub-division formed in the pre-independence India, formed into a district that has three main subdivisions, namely Dhansiri, Golaghat and Bokakhat. Bounded by the River Brahmaputra on the north, Jorhat district in the east, Nagaland in the south and to its south lies Karbi Anglong and Nagaon district, this district is one of the most enchanting places of the state owing to its natural beauty. In addition, the World Heritage Site Kaziranga National Park lies within this district, which adds to its popularity.
 

The name Golaghat is derived from the shops established by the 'Marwari' businessman during the mid part of 20th century AD at the bank of river Dhansiri near present Golaghat town and literally the word “Gola” means shop and “Ghat” means port. The presence of inscription on rocks of Nagajari Khanikar village of Sarupathar, miscellany of ramparts, temples, brick structures, tanks and monuments provides evidence of its existence even during the ancient times and also of the presence of a kingdom in the Doyang-Dhansiri valley during the 9th century. Former to the rule of Ahom, this region was ruled by the Kacharis known as Herombial and during the 16th century, it was taken over the Ahom king and appointed person to govern the region sanctioned 'Morongi-Khowa Gohain'. The small hamlet of Numaligarh that today houses the Numaligarh Oil Refinery was founded by Numal Gohain, a young Ahom prince and this hamlet served as the administrative headquarters of the 'Morongi-Khowa Gohain', besides serving as border trade post with the Nagas, Kacharis, Dimasas and other such hill people. After the invasion of the East India Company in Assam, the British Government took over this region and in the year 1846, this region of Doyang-Dhansiri valley was integrated under the newly created Golaghat subdivision of the Sibsagar district. This place also played an important role during the freedom movement and it is the place that gave birth to several prominent leaders such as Kushal Konwar, Sankar Chandra Barua, Ganga Ram Bormedhi, Kamala Miri, Gaurilal Jain, Shri Tara Prasad Barooah, Rajendra Nath Barua, etc.
 

The district of Golaghat features tropical climate with hot and humid summers and has an average annual rainfall of 1300 mm. The maximum temperature rises up to 38 oC and has a minimum temperature of 8 oC. Surrounded by tea gardens, the economy of the district is primarily agrarian and sugar cane, tea and rice are the primary crops grown here. Tea Industry is the largest in this district as there are about 63 large tea gardens producing about 20,000 tones of tea per year and several small tea gardens. The district also has some cottage industry, which is mainly involved in the rearing and spooling of endi and muga. 
 

The district offers a number of places to visit, while on a trip to the region. Some of the most prominent and popular tourist places of the region are Deopahar, Negheriting Shiv Mandir, Uncle Robin’s Children Museum, Garampani, Nambor - Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaziranga National Park and Numaligarh.