Implementing Agency
State Institute of Rural Development,
Assam
About Cluster :
The Bijoynagar handloom cluster is situated in South Kamrup and comprises of Mirza, Bijoynagar, Palashbari, Rani, Chaygaon, Boko areas. The location of South Kamrup is as follows: Nagaon district is on the east and southern part of Goalpara district on the west, the Brahmaputra river on the north and the hills of Meghalaya on the south.
As for the socio- cultural milieu, South Kamrup is divided into two regions by the city of Guwahati. It stands at a point and the two regions lying to the east and west of it are more or less separated in respect of socio- cultural relations. Though South Kamrup is inhabited by tribal and non- tribal population, it is primarily dominated by the non- tribal. It is seen that the border areas are covered by the tribal population excluding the riverine area of the Brahmaputra. Among the tribals, the Rabhas are largest in number followed by the Bodos. There is a small number of Garo villages also. The important places of South Kamrup are as follows:
Palashbari: The old Palashbari was practically eroded by the Brahmaputra and a new Palashbari has come up near the old one. Palashbari is a fast growing commercial place and is famous for exporting timber. The headquarters of the Palashbari Revenue Circle is located here. After the devastating erosion of Palashbari in 1956, the commercial centre of the town has been shifted to Bijoynagar. The official site has shifted to Mirza.
Chaygaon: It is an important business centre especially on jute and rice. Big weekly markets are held twice where considerable trade is carried out. Relics of the Chander Merghar constructed by Chand Sadagor of the Sati- Beula fame are still here. Chandrika Devalaya is an old place of worship in the locality. Local tradition links this temple with the Epic age. Ruins of a Shiva temple also exist here.
Boko: Boko is also a trading centre of importance. It mainly has tribal population and the villages of this area are known for eri culture.