Happy TravellerWelcome to Abhayapuri, a picturesque town located in the Bongaigaon district of Assam, India. Surrounded by natural forests and hills, Abhayapuri is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, Abhayapuri has something to offer for everyone. Let’s explore this charming town and discover why it should be on your travel bucket list.
Abhayapuri is located on the National Highway 31, about 200 km west of Guwahati. Its nearest airport is at Azara, Guwahati, and the nearest railway station is Abhayapuri Railway Station. The town is the headquarters of North Salmara sub-division and is 21 km away from Bongaigaon city.
Abhayapuri has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century. It was the third capital of the Bijni kingdom that was established by king Bijit Narayan alias Chandra Narayan in 1671. The first capital of the Bijni kingdom was located at modern Bijni town (1671–1864), but it was later shifted to Dumuria (now known as Dalan Bhanga) when attacked by Jhawlia Mech and (a local chief under Bhutan Kingdom). The Assam earthquake of 1897 disfigured the royal palaces of Dumuria which led to the Queen Abhayeswari Devi (the widow and second queen of Raja Kumud Narayan Bhup Bahadur) who was the then ruler of Bijni to shift the capital to the Deohati forest area which was later renamed as Abhayapuri after Devi Abhoyamata, the family deity of the ruling dynasty. In 1956, during the rule of Raja Bhairabendra Narayan, the kingdom officially joined the Union of India.
The Bijni Kingdom was situated between 250 53 and 260 32 N. and 900 85 and 910 85 E. The estate was in possession of the Bijni family, descended from the Koch king Nara Narayan, who reigned over Kamata kingdom from 1534 to 1584. The eastern kingdom ruled by Raghu Rai came to be called Koch Hajo and the western Koch Bihar. Soon after the declaration of independence, the two kingdoms started displaying hostilities against each other. The Bijni family paid a revenue of Rs. 1,500 and cesses amounting to nearly Rs. 19,000 for an estate which covered an area of 950 square miles (2,500 km2) with an estimated rent-roll of Rs. 2 lakh.
Abhayapuri is home to several archaeological monuments that are worth visiting. The Lalmati-Duramari Ganesh Temple near Abhayapuri is one of the oldest temples in Assam. The historical authenticity of the images is yet to be ascertained. The Lungai Pahar Shiva Temple is located 10 km away from the main town of Abhayapuri. There are 227 steps on the stairway to the temple. Inside which there are stone carvings of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Kali. Rajbari, Abhayapuri is the palace of the erstwhile king of Abhayapuri Kingdom.
Abhayapuri is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. Since time immemorial, Koch (belonging to Indo-Mongoloid ethnic group of people) have been living in this area now known as Abhayapuri. Nath Yogis, Kalitas, Kayasthas, and older Muslims of Bihari descent settled in this part of the land prior to the advent of East India Company into North East India. All of them settled in this area during the period of Mughal aggression into the region. Diwali, Holi, Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Kali puja, and Shiva ratri are some of the widely celebrated festivals of the area. Those of Islamic faith celebrate Eid and Muharram. Besides the religious festivals, Bihu, the agricultural festival of Assam is celebrated by all Assamese, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion.
Abhayapuri has an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 55% of the males and 45% of females literate. The town has a population of 15,847 (Area: 4.74 km2 – Density: 3,343.2 inhabitants/km2) that shows an increase of 0.77%. In the last few years, the population of Abhayapuri has increased surprisingly with a large number of government workers starting to reside permanently in the town. In addition, people migrating from nearby villages also catapulted the population. This burst in population, combined with a lack of development in public infrastructural facilities, has started playing spoilsport on the once-remarkably-peaceful small town in recent years. Also, the increasing number of private and public vehicles, especially small passenger carriers like tempos and vans, and motorcycles has raised serious concern about road traffic safety.
Abhayapuri is home to several educational institutes, including Abhayeswari H.S. & M.P. School (established 1904), Abhayapuri College (established 1955), Little Flower English High School (established 1995), The Rajbari School, Montfort School, Batabari, Faculty M.P.High School, Rowmari, Shankardev Shishu Niketan, Abhayapuri (1997), Cilaray jatia vidyalya, shalmara, and Jatia vidyalaya, Abhayapuri.
Abhayapuri is a political hub and consists of two assembly constituencies: Abhayapuri North and Abhayapuri South, both of which are part of Barpeta (Lok Sabha constituency).
Abhayapuri is also home to several places of interest, including Kakoijana reserved forest, which is a reserved forest famous for the Golden Langur, Koya Kujia Eco Park, which is a natural water-body that is now an eco park with much space devoted to recreation, and Astha
