Golaghat

This article is about the municipality in India. For its namesake district, see Golaghat district.
Golaghat
গোলাঘাট
City
Golaghat

Location in Assam, India

Coordinates: 26°31′N 93°58′E / 26.52°N 93.97°ECoordinates: 26°31′N 93°58′E / 26.52°N 93.97°E
Country  India
State Assam
Region Upper - Assam
District Golaghat
Golaghat Municipal Board 1930
Government
 • Body Golaghat Municipality Board
 • Deputy Commissioner Nitin Khare
Elevation 95 m (312 ft)
Population (2011)
 • Total 60,782
Languages
 • Official Assamese
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN

785 621 (Golaghat Central) - Head Office

  • 785 702 (Bengenakhowa Circuit Area) - Sub Office (Delivery)
  • 785 702 Missionpatty and Pulibar Bidyapith - Branch Offices (Delivery)
Telephone code 91 377 4
Vehicle registration AS - 05 - XX - XXXX
Legislature type Municipality
Climate Semi-Arid (Köppen)
Precipitation 500 millimetres (20 in)
Avg. annual temperature 26 °C (79 °F)
Avg. summer temperature 35 °C (95 °F)
Avg. winter temperature 06 °C (43 °F)
Website www.golaghat.gov.in

Golaghat (Pron: ˌgəʊləˈgɑ:t) which was one of the largest subdivisions of Assam later, elevated to the position of a full-fledged district of Assam on 15 August 1987, is the headquarters of Golaghat district and is a sister town to Jorhat which is about 55 km away.

The place had been elevated to a subdivision away back in 1846. It has the earliest post/mail service and telegraphic communication systems in Assam that dates back to 1876[1]

Golaghat has one of the oldest social - literature/rhetorical congresses of Assam. The Golaghat Sahitya Sabha is one of the oldest congresses of Asam Sahitya Sabha, started in 1918. It has been a District Headquarters since 1987. It is the only place in Assam to have SAI - STC after Guwahati.

Divisions

Golaghat has been divided into following divisions:

History

The name Golaghat ('Gola' which means shop and 'Ghat' meaning the landing point of river ferry) originated from the shops established by the 'Marwari' businessmen during mid part of the 20th century AD at the bank of river Dhansiri near present Golaghat town.

Stone inscription of Nagajari Khanikar gaon of Sarupathar, dating back to the 5th century, reveals that there was an independent kingdom in Doyang - Dhansiri valley and relics of ramparts, brick structures, temples, tanks etc. discovered in these area confirms 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. Prior to that, this part was ruled by the Kacharis known as Herombial. During Ahom rule this area was under 'Morongi – Khowa Gohain', an administrative officer.

Golaghat during British Rule

After British took possession of Assam, Doyang – Dhansiri valley was included under the newly formed Golaghat subdivision of Sibsagar District in 1846. Golaghat was one of the largest subdivisions of Assam which was later, elevated to the position of a full-fledged district of Assam on 15 August 1987. Golaghat boasts of having one of the earliest post/mail service and telegraphic communication systems.

The earliest head post offices of the Assam Circle of British Assam were located in Golaghat besides Debrughur, Gouhati, Jorhat, Nowgaon, Sibsagar, Shillong and Tezpore (spellings as appear in the book - Glimpse of Assam).[2] Much later after telegraph lines had been stretched between Calcutta and Guwahati in 1869; Golaghat got its speaking wires' system in and around 1876. The telegraphic lines (speaking wires) were stretched to connect Golaghat with Kohima (in Nagaland), Shillong with Guwahati, Sibsagar with Nazira and Dibrugarh with Makum.[2]
In British Assam, Golaghat derived its importance chiefly because of having advanced communication systems during that time and on account of its connection by road with Kohima.[3]
Golaghat also has one of the oldest railway lines in Assam.[4] Text noted from the book Glimpse of Assam written by Mrs. SR Ward in 1884 states that, Mr. Bryers who was then the Chief of Cachar and Assam Railway Survey succeeded in finding a railway route that would be carried up the Dhansiri valley to Golaghat... thus giving Assam direct railway communication with Chittagong and Calcutta.[4]

Golaghat is known for its notable contribution in India's Freedom Struggle, Arts, Literature and Culture and Sports

Golaghat Sahitya Sabha is one of the oldest congresses of Asam Sahitya Sabha

Geography

Golaghat is located at 26°31′N 93°58′E / 26.52°N 93.97°E.[5] It has an average elevation of 95 metres (311 feet).

Demographics

As of 2001 India census,[6] Golaghat had a population of 33,021. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Golaghat has an average literacy rate of 82%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. Male literacy is 84%, and Female literacy is 79%. In Golaghat, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. For detailed description, one can log on to the Assam Tourism.

Education

Golaghat is known for many literary intellects who have made outstanding contributions to Assamese literature. The place has good old institutions which have got their distinctive credits in terms of academic performance and record high scores in the past when compared with other institution equivalents of similar repute in Assam.

Primary and secondary education in Golaghat is offered by various schools which are affiliated to one of the boards of education, such as the High School Leaving Certificate (SEBA), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Schools in Golaghat are either government run or are private (both aided and un-aided by the government). After completing their secondary education, students either attend Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) through Degree/Junior College or continue Secondary School (AISSSE) in one of three streams – Arts, Commerce or Science.

Following are few of the institutes:

Colleges - Level: Undergraduate & Postgraduate Degree and HSSLC (Jr.)
Schools - Level: Primary & High Schools and Higher or Senior Secondary

Creche/ Daycare for children:

Others

Transport

Places of Interest

Kaziranga National Park : Kazirônga is a national park in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of the state of Assam, India. A World Heritage Site, the park hosts two-thirds of the world's Great One-horned Rhinoceroses. Kaziranga boasts the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world and was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006. The park is home to large breeding populations of elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer. Kaziranga is recognized as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International for conservation of avifaunal species. Compared to other protected areas in India, Kaziranga has achieved notable success in wildlife conservation. Located on the edge of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, the park combines high species diversity and visibility. It is a vast expanse of tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests, crisscrossed by four major rivers, including the Brahmaputra, and the park includes numerous small bodies of water. Kaziranga has been the theme of several books, songs, and documentaries. The park celebrated its centennial in 2005 after its establishment in 1905 as a reserve forest.

Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary : It is a 6.05-square-kilometre (2.34 sq mi) wildlife sanctuary located in Karbi Anglong district, Assam, India. It is 25 km (16 mi) from Golaghat. It is one of the oldest Sanctuary containing Hot water spring and Waterfalls and surrounded by Nambor Sanctuary having 51 rare species of Orchid. Visit to see Tiger, Elephant, Gaur, Bear, Sambar, Barking deer, Rhesus macaque,Hoolock gibbon, Wild pig, The Great pied Hornbill, Hill myna, Python, Cobra, Monitor lizards etc. Best season for visit : November to April.

Robin Banerjee's Science and Nature Museum

Science and Nature Museum (Uncle Robin's Children Museum): The museum is located on the Mission Road in Golaghat and within the residence of Dr Robin Banerjee, a naturalist of International repute. The museum is full of dolls, artifacts, mementos, movies and other personal collections of Dr Banerjee's lifetime. There are 587 dolls and 262 other show pieces. They have mostly been presented by admirers and children during his many trips to abroad and within the country as well.

New Golaghat Gymkhana - Front Entrance of Barooah House

New Golaghat Gymkhana: The new Golaghat Gymkhana is an architecture built in 1910 and is a clubhouse offering a complete package food and board with a restaurant and a bar, a swimming pool, a gymnasium and even a billiards room. Raibahadur Ghanashyam Baruah, had constructed the bungalow after the family ventured into the tea business...

Being a tea-town of Assam, Golaghat had its own Gymkhana Club much like Jorhat which was later destroyed during the Quite India Movement.[7] It was then the centre of entertainment and merry-making for the Military personnel.

Golaghat Baptist Church glittering with lights during Christmas Eve

Golaghat Baptist Church: Golaghat Baptist Church, one of the oldest and biggest Baptist Churches in Assam, which celebrated its Centenary Jubilee in 1999, came into being in December 1898. The pioneering man in this Great Venture was Dr. O. L. Swanson, a missionary from America, who had come to Assam in 1893 along with his wife. Dr. Swanson was assisted by a number of local people.

GATS - Golaghat Amateur Theatre Society: It is a Theatre cum Local Town Covention Hall that is located at the Centre of the City. Most of the seminars, conferences, theatres, meetings and other workshops are conducted in GATS Hall.

Dhansiri river ghat: A walk down the Dhansiri bridge towards the river offers a very beautiful sight. It is a popular picnic spot close to the town.

Jamuna Water Park: It is a Public Park within the city that provides water boating facility for the localites and the tourists who visit the city.

Jamuna Water Body: It is an especialized region of the Jamuna Water Park that has been preserved and is not open to public boating that has a rich recorded history of abundant flora and fauna plantations.

Japixojia lake (beel): This large natural water body is about 30 minutes drive from Golaghat town, located near the district jail of Golaghat. The japixojia lake is a very lovely spot, with lush tea gardens lining the borders of the vast expanses of water. The lake is visited by many migratory birds as well as home to various all season birds.

Doss & Co. is one of the largest and oldest Department Store in Assam and largest within the City, that has been established away back during British Raj which is still present in the Centre of the City in its original building complex. The Department Store has many divisions that houses home appliances, electronics, and additionally select other lines of products such as paint, hardware, toiletries, cosmetics, photographic equipment, jewellery, toys, and sporting goods amongst others. A branch of this Store is also present in the sister town of Jorhat which is also equally huge and old.

Entrance of Athkheliya Namghar

Athkheliya Namghar: It is one of the prominent religious places of Assam. The namghar was built in 1681 by Ahom king Gadapani. It is situated at the bank of river Kakodonga in Bosagaon of Golaghat district.

Nambor - Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary: Nambor - Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary, spreading in 97.15 km2. in 3 blocks, is located in Golaghat district and is famous for Hot water springs and one can easily sight Gaur and Hoolock Gibbon here.

Sports

The Sports' Clubs

Golaghat Tennis Club: Being one of the oldest clubs in Assam, the GTC has 2 clay courts in Golaghat Tennis Complex besides two lawn courts at Kushal Kunwar Memorial Trust complex in Mission Circle. The club equipped with modern infrastructure facilities has also Floodlight stipulation - the facility that provides broad-beamed, high-intensity artificial lights for outdoor playing in low-light conditions, and qualified coaches. The club has been organising North East Tennis Championship and other AITA tournaments regularly since 1987.

The Sports Stadium: The premises confined near to Mission Circle, the Table Tennis and Badminton Indoor Stadium is equipped with four table tennis boards and two badminton courts. It is a great professional cum recreational sports centre for sports enthusiast.

The Boxing Club: Golaghat boxing club is one of the pioneering boxing clubs of Assam. The club in the Amolapatty - Old is a centre for Boxing events.

The Swimming Club: Located next to the indoor stadium near to Mission Circle the swimming pool managed by District's Sport Office, has training facility for all age groups conducted by trained and experienced coaches.

Golaghat Stadium: It is a fully built stadium with galleries and sitting capacity of 4000 people. Good Cricket pitch which is however also used to host football matches

"Golaghat District Carrom Association" (GDCA) is the only platform for the carrom players of the DIstrict.

Prominent Localities

Few prominent localities of Golaghat are:

Politics

Golaghat is part of Kaliabor (Lok Sabha constituency).[8]

References

  1. ↑ A Glimpse of Assam
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 A Glimpse of Assam
  3. ↑ A Glimpse of Assam
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 A Glimpse of Assam
  5. ↑ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Golaghat
  6. ↑ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. Retrieved 2008-11-01.
  7. ↑ http://books.google.co.in/books?id=gZmusO1pWjUC&pg=PA123&lpg=PA123&dq=golaghat+gymkhana&source=bl&ots=x0xbBjK00a&sig=jIdGXVBqls0YIVpN28TM6z6qNIY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=YyMLU9DYCsGGrgfWxIDQDQ&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAjgK#v=onepage&q=golaghat%20gymkhana&f=false
  8. ↑ "List of Parliamentary & Assembly Constituencies" (PDF). Assam. Election Commission of India. Retrieved 2008-10-06.