Golaghat District is an administrative district of Assam. In the year 1987, it achieved the status of a district with its headquarters situated at Golaghat. This district covers an area of 3502 sq kms and it is positioned at an altitude of 100 metres above the sea level. This district has a huge population density. Kaziranga National Park is located in this district. Golaghat District is bounded by Brahmaputra River in the north, by Nagaland in the south; it is bounded by Jorhat in the east and by Karbi Anglong and Nagaon District in the west. In this region, Dhansiri is the main river that originates from Laisang peak of Nagaland.
History of Golaghat District
History of Golaghat District suggests the origin of name of this district. The name Golaghat (`Gola` that literally means shop and `Ghat` which means the landing point of river ferry) was derived from the shops established by the `Marwari` businessmen during mid part of 20th century A.D at the bank of Dhansiri River near the Golaghat town. Further, stone inscriptions of Nagajari Khanikar gaon of Sarupathar reveals that there was an independent kingdom in Doyang - Dhansiri valley and ruins of walls, brick structures, temples, tanks discovered in these area authenticate the presence of a kingdom during 9th and 10th century. The Doyang - Dhansiri valley came under the rule of Ahom`s during the 16th century. Before that, this area was ruled by the Kacharis. During the Ahom rule this area was under `Morongi - Khowa Gohain`, an administrative officer. After British took possession of Assam, Doyang - Dhansiri valley was included under the newly formed Golaghat subdivision of Sibsagar District in the year 1846. Later, Golaghat was given the status of a full-fledged district of Assam on 15th of August 1987.
Geography of Golaghat District
Golaghat District is located between 26 degrees to 27.1 degrees latitudes and 93 degrees to 94.18 degrees longitudes. Dhansiri River is flowing through the district. The climate is tropical with a hot and humid weather prevailing most of the summer and monsoon season. Total average annual rainfall of the district is 1300 mm.
Administration of Golaghat District
The administration of Golaghat District is headed by the Deputy Commissioner. Within the merged establishment of the Deputy Commissioner, are the Offices of the Sub-Divisional Officers, Dhansiri and Bokakhat. The functions and matters looked after by the Deputy Commissioner`s office is diverse. The branches of the office of the Deputy Commissioner are reorganized as Administration, Civil Defense, Confidential, Development, Election, Excise, Home Guards, Magisterial, Personnel, Registration, Revenue, Supply, Treasury and Zilla Sainik Board.
Economy of Golaghat District
Economy of Golaghat District is principally agro based. The major agricultural crops grown in the district are tea, rice and sugarcane. There are no other heavy industries in the district as such except for Numaligarh Refinery. In fact, tea is the largest agro based industry of Golaghat District. There are around 63 large tea gardens producing huge amount of tea every year. Moreover, emergence of small tea growers in the agrarian scene has initiated a new revolution in the district. Small scale tea cultivation has got considerable popularity here because of high profit in comparison with other high land crops. Rearing and reeling of Muga and Endi, making of Japi (headgear) and extraction of Agaru oil are the prominent cottage industries in Golaghat District. Quality Muga silk and Agaru oil in this district are considered as advanced.
Tourism in Golaghat District
Tourism in Golaghat District is enriching complete with a pleasurable experience. There are several popular tourist attractions in the district like Deo Pahar, Kaziranga National Park, Garampani, Atkhelia Namghar, Numligarh Baba Than, Negheriting Shiva Mandir, Kaku Gohain Than, Bokakhat, Kuthuri Guri Than, Furkating and more.
Golaghat District has proper banking and educational system. Golaghat District also has a rich heritage and tradition. It is another feature that attracts people towards this beautiful district of Assam.
