The district of Darrang was created with effect from July 1983 by converting the erstwhile Sub-Division of Mangaldai. The name Darrang is believed to be derived from the Bodo word Dourang, which means “Lilabhumi” or “Playground of Gods.” According to scholar Late Dineswar Sarma, the word Darrang originated from Dawrang, meaning “gate,” as there was a direct entry route to Bhutan and from there to Nepal and China. Over time, this name evolved into Darrang.
Geographically, Darrang consists of a narrow strip of plains lying between the Himalayas and the Brahmaputra River in the north-western part of Assam. Historically, the land now known as Darrang was part of the ancient Hindu kingdom of Kamrupa, as mentioned in the Mahabharata. Its antiquity dates back to the early sixteenth century, when Koch King Nar Narayan incorporated this region into his kingdom. Later, in 1637, the Ahom Kingdom took control after the death of Koch King Bali Narayana. In 1792, the Darrang Raja was defeated by an expeditionary force under Captain Welsh, and eventually, in 1826, Darrang, along with the rest of Assam, came under British rule. The existing district of Darrang was formally established on 1st July 1983.
The district is largely plain in nature. To the north lies Udalguri district, while the mighty Brahmaputra River flows along its southern boundary. Major tributaries of the Brahmaputra within the district include Barnadi, Nowanai, Mangaldai, and Dhansiri. The district’s forests contribute significantly to timber production, supplying raw materials to local timber units.
The climate of Darrang is generally congenial. During winter, the northern part of the district is colder due to its proximity to the hills and forests of Udalguri. The average temperature ranges between 10°C to 30°C, and the average annual rainfall is approximately 2120 mm.
The soil in the district is highly fertile, supporting the cultivation of crops such as paddy, oilseeds, sugarcane, and jute. The area also has notable tea production. Major horticultural produce includes orange, coconut, pineapple, and a variety of vegetables.
The village of Patharughat in this district is historically significant for the Patharughat uprising of 1894, when British forces fired on farmers protesting against increased land revenue, resulting in the deaths of more than 15 villagers. Another notable feature is the Prag Bosimi Synthetics Limited, a joint venture of the Government of Assam, Bombay Silk Mill, and foreign collaborators, which is an important industrial asset in the district.
Darrang district is not connected by rail, but it boasts a good road transport network. The nearest airport is located at Barjhar, near Guwahati.
Key Features of Darrang District
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Central Assam; North of Brahmaputra River. Bordered by Arunachal Pradesh, Bhutan, Udalguri (North), Brahmaputra (South), Sonitpur (East), Kamrup (West) |
| Latitude & Longitude | 20°9´N to 26°95´N and 91°45´E to 92°22´E |
| Distance from State Capital | 68 km |
| Climate | Humid and congenial |
| Relative Humidity | Around 82% |
| Annual Rainfall | 1500 mm to 2600 mm |
| Population (2011 Census) | Total: 9,08,090 Rural: 8,52,692 Urban: 55,398 |
| Population Density | 491 per sq. km |
| Sex Ratio | 923 females per 1000 males |
| Literacy Rate | 64.55% |
Administrative Units
| Unit | Details |
|---|---|
| Sub-division | 1 (Mangaldai Sadar) |
| Revenue Circles | 4 full, 2 part (Total: 6) |
| Development Blocks | 5 full, 1 part (Total: 6) |
| HPC | 1 |
| LACs | 4 |
| Police Outposts | 5 |
| Police Stations | 6 |
| Mouzas | 18 |
| Anchalik Panchayats | 6 |
| Zila Parishad | 1 |
| Gaon Panchayats | 75 |
| Revenue Villages | 563 |
| Tea Gardens | 4 (Tangni, Chikanmati, Bargara, Kopati (Part)) |
| Municipal Boards | 1 (Mangaldai Municipal Board) |
| Town Committees | 1 (Kharupetia Town Committee) |
Area and Land Use
| Land Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 1850.58 sq. km |
| Cultivated Area | 1,53,252 hectares |
| Irrigated Area – Kharif | 6,500 hectares |
| Irrigated Area – Rabi | 972 hectares |
| Irrigated Area – Pre-Kharif | 7,881 hectares |
| Reserved Forest Area | Nil |
| Non-Reserved Forest Area | Nil |
Rivers
| Major Rivers & Tributaries |
|---|
| Barnadi |
| Nowanai |
| Mangaldai |
| Dhansiri |
Economy and Infrastructure
| Infrastructure | Details |
|---|---|
| Workers | [To be updated] |
| Colleges | 9 |
| Govt HSS | 1 |
| Provincialised HSS | 17 |
| Provincialised HS | 52 |
| High Madrassa | 2 |
| Venture HS | 119 |
| Sanskrit Tol | 5 |
Banking Facilities
| Bank Type | Number |
|---|---|
| Commercial Banks | 6 |
| Nationalised Banks | 5 |
| Rural Banks | 13 |
Source: http://darrang.gov.in (2024)