About Tamulpur District
Tamulpur district is one of the youngest administrative districts of Assam and forms an important part of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). Located in the northern part of Assam and sharing an international border with Bhutan, Tamulpur holds strategic, cultural, and administrative significance. The district headquarters is situated at Tamulpur town, which acts as the primary center of governance and public services.
Historically, Tamulpur was a subdivision under Baksa district. The region has long been inhabited by diverse indigenous communities, particularly the Bodo people, along with Assamese, Bengali, Nepali, Santali, and other groups. Due to its distance from the Baksa district headquarters and the need for improved administration, local demand for district status gained momentum over the years.
In 2021, the Assam Cabinet approved the proposal to upgrade Tamulpur into a full-fledged district. On 23 January 2022, Tamulpur was formally declared the 35th district of Assam. This administrative change was aimed at strengthening governance, accelerating development, and bringing essential public services closer to the people. However, in December 2022, the state government decided to remerge Tamulpur with Baksa district as part of administrative restructuring. This decision was short-lived. Recognizing the regional importance of Tamulpur, the Assam government announced the recreation of the district on 25 August 2023, covering the Tamulpur and Goreswar assembly constituencies.
Geographically, Tamulpur district lies in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The district shares a long stretch of the Indo-Bhutan international border, making it strategically important for border management, trade, and security. The terrain is a mix of fertile plains and gently rising foothills. Several seasonal rivers and streams flow through the district, contributing to agriculture but also causing occasional floods during the monsoon.
Agriculture is the backbone of Tamulpur district's economy. A large majority of the population depends on farming and allied activities for their livelihood. Paddy cultivation is the dominant agricultural practice, supported by favorable rainfall and fertile alluvial soil. Other crops include maize, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, and seasonal horticultural produce. Livestock rearing and poultry farming also play an important role in rural household income.
Forest resources contribute significantly to the district economy. Bamboo, timber, firewood, and minor forest produce are widely used for housing, handicrafts, and daily needs. Bamboo-based crafts and cottage industries offer supplementary income, especially among tribal communities.
Tamulpur district has immense potential for eco-tourism and cultural tourism. Its proximity to Bhutan, scenic foothills, forested landscapes, and riverine areas make it attractive for nature lovers. Religious and cultural sites located in and around the district draw local devotees and visitors throughout the year. Traditional Bodo festivals, folk dances, music, and indigenous customs form an integral part of the district's cultural identity.
The district is predominantly rural, with a small percentage of the population living in urban areas. According to the 2011 census, Tamulpur had a population of 3,89,150 with a sex ratio of 970 females per 1000 males. Scheduled Tribes constitute a significant portion of the population, reflecting the strong presence of indigenous communities. Hinduism is the majority religion, followed by Islam and Christianity, with a long tradition of peaceful coexistence.
Linguistic diversity is another defining feature of Tamulpur district. Assamese, Bodo, Bengali, Nepali, Santali, and other languages are spoken across different areas. Assamese and Bodo play an important role in administration, education, and cultural expression.
Education infrastructure in Tamulpur is gradually developing. The district has colleges offering arts, science, and commerce education, including Tamulpur College at Sarangbari and Tamulpur Degree College in Tamulpur town. Several higher secondary schools and government-run institutions provide basic and secondary education to rural and semi-urban populations.
Healthcare services in the district include Tamulpur Civil Hospital, community health centres, primary health centres, and sub-centres spread across rural areas. For specialized medical treatment, residents depend on major hospitals in Guwahati.
Transport connectivity in Tamulpur district is improving steadily. The district is connected by road to Nalbari, Rangiya, and Guwahati through state highways and district roads. Rangiya Junction serves as the nearest major railway hub, providing access to the rest of Assam and India.
In summary, Tamulpur district represents a region of emerging opportunities. Its strategic border location, agricultural strength, cultural richness, and administrative importance within the Bodoland Territorial Region position it as a district with strong development potential. With focused infrastructure growth, improved connectivity, and sustainable use of natural resources, Tamulpur is poised to play a key role in the future progress of western and northern Assam.