Brahmaputra: A lifeline of northeast

Brahmaputra: A lifeline of northeast

Dr. Jagadindra Raychoudhury

The mighty Brahmaputra flows through Assam and its numerous tributaries spread across the state, nourishing the fertile, untouched soil. The Brahmaputra River originates from Angsi glacier located on the northern slopes of the Himalayas in southwestern Tibet, near Mount kailash and Lake Mansarovar. The river is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet and it flows eastwards for about 1600 k.m. parallel to the Himalayas before entering India. When it enters India through Arunachal Pradesh near Tuting, it is known as the Siang or Dihang. As soon as it enters in Assam, the name has been changed and called Brahmaputra. Later on, it uniting with the Meghna River and finally ends into the Bay of Bengal.

            The mighty Brahmaputra, flowing across Assam, reflects the lush green of its forests and famed tea gardens. It also mirrors the, misty blue of the state’s extensive hill tracts. The soil is largely fertile, blessed by the river’s silt, while the upper Assam is enriched by natural oil reserves. Assam is truly a land of multiple hues, made even more vibrant by its vast diversity of flora and fauna.

            The name of the state Assam has a historical origin. In ancient time Assam was known as Pragjyotishpur (later Kamrupa) marking it as legendary epicenter of ancient Assam. Mentioned in the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and kalika purana, it is commonly interpreted as the ‘City of Eastern Astrology’ or astronomy.

On the other hand, the name kamrupa originates from Hindu mythology, referring to the place where Kamdeva, the god of love regained his physical form (rupa) after being burnt to ashes by Lord Shiva’s third eye. This is also another ancient name for this region and present-day Assam, recognized as early as the 4^th century. Kamrupa was a major center for Tantric Hinduism, and its name closely associated with the Kamakhya temple of Guwahati.

            The mighty Brahmaputra, popularly known as Mahabahu flows through the heart of the Guwahati city and it is the gate way of North eastern region. Undoubtedly, Guwahati has witnessed splendid all round development, making life far more convenient than before. Yet, the city retains immense historical significance through its ancient monuments and structures.

The two best known temples here are the Kamakhya and Nabagraha temple, both of which are located on hilltops in the prime location of the city. It gives a wonderful experience when one travels on a cruise in the Brahamputra especially after the down pours. There is another facility of boating in Dighalipukhuri, a water body in the heart of the city.

One more prominent temple called Basistha, almost 11 k.m. away from Guwahati city which commemorates the saga Vasisth. A beautiful spring flows from the hilltops and flows the big rocks is a union of three rivers, called Sandhya, Laita and Kanta. A magnificent archeological ruin of Madan Kamdev is located at about 11 k.m. away from the city.

            On the south bank of the Brahmaputra in the panbazar locality of Guwahati, a temple is located on the Sukreswar or itakhuli hill called Sukreswar temple. The Sukreswar temple is a historic 18^th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built by Ahom king pramatta Singha in 1744. It is India’s one of the largest Shiva lingas and the site where the great saga Sukra ( Sukracharya) worshipped Lord Shiva.

            Another very beautiful temple located on Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra River, the Umananda temple was built in 1694 AD by Bar phukan Garhganya Handique under the order of Ahom King Gadadhar Singha. This historic temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva, where Shiva is said to have reduced Kamdeva to ashes.

            One more pleasant city at the north bank of the Brahmaputra is Tezpur which was formerly known as Sonitpur or ‘City of blood’. Tezpur has a very interesting myth where Lord Krishna waged a bloody battle against Lord Shiva which is popularly known as Hari-Har Yudha. Banasura was the king when this battle was fought.

The king Banasura had a daughter named Usha who fell in love with Anirudha, the grandson of Sri Krishna. When king came to know about the fact then Usha was kept in house arrest on a top hill called Agnigarh to keep his daughter in isolation. Finally, Sri Krishna rescued both Anirudha and Usha and took them to Dwaraka. Another importance of this city Tezpur, that the Indian tricolor was first hoisted under the British rule in 1942.

            Majuli is the largest river island in Assam. It is situated 12 km. north of the town of Jorhat and about 300 k.m.east of Guwahati. Majuli is famous for being the largest river island in the world. It is proposed as the 21^st UNESCO World Heritage site. Islanders include Mishing tribals, Ahoms, Kacharis, Deoris and Kumars famous for their Salmara pottery.

It also plays host to several among the feathered community. Its popularity also owes to the presence of several Vaishavite sattras which was established by Srimanta Sankardeva and his most favorite disciple Sri Sri Madhabdeva. Being a vital part of the Brahmaputra this island is a major part of the migratory bird especially ducks, geese and other birds.

            Another city of Assam, Dibrugarh. It sits on the Brahmaputra River and surrounded by sprawling tea estates in north east India. There is a Hindu temple, the Radha Krishna mandir constructed of marble. Dibru- Saikhowa National park is an island reserve that attracts many migratory birds. Historical landscape of Dibrugargh city is blend of ancient Ahom-era burial sites and colonial-era legacies. Dibrugargh also serves as the headquarters of Sonowal Kachari Autonomous council, which is the governing council of the Sonowal Kachari tribe.

            Originating in Tibet, the Brahmaputra flows through various parts of the northeast before covering the entire state of Assam. Over centuries, diverse tribal civilizations have flourished on its banks. The river’s fertile alluvium supports cultivation of paddy and a wide variety of vegetables. Rich in aquatic life, the Brahmaputra not only provides fish as a staple food but also sustains a thriving commercial fishery. It serves as a major source of drinking water and enables inland navigation, facilitating the transport of goods across regions. Thus, the Brahmaputra has the lifeline of Assam and the northeast, and will continue to remain so in the future also. Once our legendary singer Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika sang :

            Mohabahu Brahmaputra

            Mohamilonor tritho

            Koto jug dhori aahise prokahi

            Xomonnoyer ortho….

            (Mighty Brahmaputra is a holy place meeting and for many ages expressing the meaning of union and reunion)  

Dr. Jagadindra Raychoudhury,writer, educationist, Former HOD & Vice Principal, B.Borooach College, Guwahati

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