MAJULI : Resources and Challenges – exploration of a great geo-cultural heritage

A new book about the largest inhabited freshwater island of world, Majuli has been published recently. The book, titled MAJULI : Resources and Challenges is compiled and edited by Dr Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti. It is a unique volume presenting the great geo-cultural wealth of the only island district in India. The book is published by Authorspress India.

The edited volume on Majuli is a collection of selected research papers from renowned experts. The contributors have highlighted the issues, inter alia, Sattras of Majuli and Their Heritage, Living Traditions of Majuli, Majuli’s Case for World Heritage Status, Management of Majuli Island, Protecting Majuli from dominating Brahmaputra, Sustainable Design Solutions for the Mitigation of Flooding and Riverbank Erosion in Majuli Island, Eco-restoration of Majuli Island, Land-use/Land-cover in Majuli, Majuli : An Avian Paradise, Tourism Potential in Majuli.

Situated in the midst of the mighty Brahmaputra river, Majuli is  populated by different colourful communities, majority of whom abide by the tenets of the Vaishnavite Saint Srimanta Sankaradeva. The great Sattra institution, founded by him has been unwaveringly flourished in this river island and several Sattras which practice the religious and cultural ethos taught by the saint are flourishing till this date. Majuli showcases both folk and classical treasures in the cultural arena, both preserved in pristine form – and is naturally a nerve centre of Assamese culture. People from different parts of the globe visit the island throughout the year to see this wonder of nature. Seeing its high importance, Majuli was made a district in 2016.

The book “MAJULI: Resources and Challenges” is expected to uplift the Majuli Island from its present crises posing challenges to its serene existence. The island continues to be in the UNESCO tentative list for World Heritage. Some of the contributors of this volume have been making efforts to successfully realise it. Dr Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti, the editor of this book, was a member of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Heritage Sub-committee and is known for his contributions to the cause of Majuli.

Press Trust of India has syndicated a review of this book. It can be seen at
http://www.ptinews.com/news/9396459_Book-explores-Majuli--its-challenges.html

Reputed journals like Business Standard has reviewed the book. It can be read at
http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/book-explores-majuli-its-challenges-118011200408_1.html

The online link for procuring the book from the publishers is http://www.authorspressbooks.com/book_detail.php?preference=1267. It is also available with online vendors. One such link is https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0755SG2FJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_2QOOzbK95YFA1

Structure of the book

·         Foreword By Prof. Dambarudhar Nath

·         Sattras of Majuli and Their Heritage By Narayan Chandra Goswami

·         Majuli’s Case for World Heritage Status By Dr. Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti

·         Majuli : An Avian Paradise By Rituraj Phukan

·         Management of Majuli Island – Cultural Landscape and Living Traditions By GSV Suryanarayana Murthy

·         Sustainable Design Solutions for the Mitigation of Flooding and Riverbank Erosion in Majuli Island By Prof. Arvind Phukan

·         Protecting Majuli from Dominating Brahmaputra By Bharat Saikia

·         Eco-restoration of Majuli Island By Prasujya Gogoi

·         Land-use/Land-cover in Majuli (1985-2015) By Normada Chetia

·         Majuli Heritage River Island By Prof. Dilip Kr. Medhi

·         Tourism Potential in Majuli By Dr. Jecob Konwar

·         Majuli in 16th and 17th Century AD By Rashmi Saikia

·         Plan for a Cultural Centre in Majuli By Gili Navon