Nalbari (Pron: nɔ:lˈbɑ:ri) is an administrative district in the state of Assam in India. The district headquarters is located at Nalbari. The district derives its name from the combination of two words, "Nal" and "Bar." It is situated in the lower region of the Brahmaputra Valley and shares its borders with Baksa, Kamrup, Bajali, Barpeta, and Tamulpur districts.

History

Nalbari was declared a sub division of undivided Kamrup District in 1967. The district was created on 14 August 1985 when it was split from Kamrup district. 1 June 2004 saw the formation of Baksa District from parts of three districts, including Nalbari.

Geography

Nalbari district occupies an area of 2257 km2, The latitude of Nalbari is 26 degrees north and 27 degrees north and the longitude is 91 degrees east and 97 degrees east. The tributaries of the Brahmaputra, the Nona, Buradia, Pagaldia, Ghogra, Borolia and Tihu, which originate in the foothills of the Himalayan Range, are wild in nature and make an enormous contribution to the agrarian economy of the district.

Administration

Varnali Deka, IAS is the current District Commissioner of Nalbari district.

Demographics

According to the 2011 census Nalbari district has a population of 771,639, This gives it a ranking of 488th in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 763 PD/sqkm. Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 11.74%. Nalbari has a sex ratio of 945 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 79.89%. 10.72% of the population lives in urban areas. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes made up 7.80% and 3.03% of the population respectively. Hindu population in the district is 533,280 (69.11%), while Muslim population is 235,813 (30.56%) according to 2011 census. In 1971, Hindus were overwhelming majority in Nalbari district with forming 83.7% of the population, while Muslims were 15.4% at that time. According to the 2011 census, 85.87% of the population spoke Assamese, 11.00% Bengali and 2.53% Boro as their first language while other constitute 0.61% of the total population.

Religious places

Billeswar Devalaya in Belsor of Nalbari district is an ancient Hindu temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It's an ancient temple of Goddess Kali. Although the ancient temple is in ruins, a newly constructed temple stands tall at the site. It's a highly revered religious shrine of Nalbari district. Basudev Devalaya in Balikaria of Nalbari district is an ancient Hindu temple and is dedicated to Basudev. Ganga Pukhuri is a large pond situated in Barkuriha of Nalbari district. Every year there is a festival held in Ganga Pukhuri on Ashok Astami and devotees throng here from different parts of the country to pay homages to departed souls. Thetha Gohain Than in Dokoha of Nalbari district is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Education

The rate of total literacy of the Nalbari District, according to 2011 census, is 79.89% as against 80.95% in 2001. The rural literacy rate is 78.44%, while the urban rate is 91.46%. Male literacy is 85.58% consisting of Rural 84.38% and Urban 95.24%. Female literacy is 73.85% consisting of Rural 72.14% and Urban 87.48%. The total literacy rate of the state as a whole is 73.18%.