About Hojai District
Hojai district is one of the youngest yet historically rich districts of Assam, located in the fertile Brahmaputra Valley. Officially declared as a district on 15 August 2016, Hojai was carved out of the erstwhile Nagaon district with the objective of improving governance, administrative efficiency, and regional development. The district headquarters is situated at Sankardev Nagar, approximately 8 km from Hojai town, and serves as the administrative nerve center of the region.
The name Hojai has deep cultural and historical roots. It is derived from the Dimasa community, one of the oldest indigenous tribes of Assam. The word Hojai is associated with the priestly class of the Dimasas, known as Hojai or Hojaisa. Over time, the area inhabited by them came to be known as Hojai. Even today, the district retains a significant Dimasa population, preserving its ancestral traditions and identity.
Historically, the region forming present-day Hojai district was part of the ancient Davaka or Kapili Valley Kingdom, also referred to in historical texts as Dabak or Tribeg. This kingdom enjoyed independent status until the 6th century CE and played a crucial role in the early political landscape of Assam. During the medieval period, the area witnessed the rise of Kachari power in the Kapili-Jamuna valley. The Kachari rulers established their dominance until conflicts with the expanding Ahom kingdom led to territorial changes.
In modern history, Hojai experienced significant demographic changes following the Sylhet referendum, which resulted in the migration of a large number of Bengali Hindu families into the region. These communities primarily settled in urban centers like Hojai, Lanka, and Lumding, contributing to the district's socio-cultural diversity. Despite facing challenges such as communal unrest in the early 1990s, Hojai has steadily progressed towards stability and development.
Administratively, Hojai underwent changes in recent years. On 31 December 2022, it was temporarily remerged with Nagaon district. However, recognizing its administrative importance, the Assam Cabinet reinstated Hojai as a separate district on 25 August 2023, reaffirming its strategic and developmental relevance.
Agriculture forms the backbone of Hojai district's economy. Often referred to as the Rice Bowl of Assam, the district benefits from fertile alluvial soil and favorable climatic conditions. Paddy cultivation dominates the agricultural landscape, along with crops such as mustard, pulses, vegetables, and jute. The agrarian economy supports a large rural population and ensures food security for the region.
In addition to agriculture, Hojai is widely known as a major hub for agarwood oil distillation and incense stick production. Forest-based industries, including sawmills, bamboo and cane furniture units, and agarwood processing centers, contribute significantly to employment generation and trade. Hojai agarwood oil is highly valued in domestic and international markets, making the district an important contributor to Assam's forest-based economy.
The district also preserves a strong tradition of handloom weaving, animal rearing, and indigenous crafts. These activities are not only sources of livelihood but also integral to the cultural fabric of Hojai. Women play a vital role in sustaining these traditional occupations, especially in rural areas.
Tourism in Hojai district is gradually gaining attention due to its archaeological sites, religious centers, and natural beauty. Ancient ruins, temples, and culturally significant locations reflect the district's historical legacy. The presence of rivers, wetlands, and green landscapes makes Hojai appealing for eco-tourism and heritage tourism.
Demographically, Hojai district is marked by cultural and linguistic diversity. Bengali, Assamese, Hindi, Meitei, Dimasa, and Bhojpuri are widely spoken languages, reflecting the pluralistic character of the region. Islam and Hinduism are the predominant religions, coexisting with harmony and shared traditions.
Overall, Hojai district stands as a blend of historical depth, economic potential, and cultural richness. Its strategic location, agricultural strength, forest-based industries, and evolving infrastructure position it as an emerging district with promising prospects for sustainable growth and development in Assam.