Sonitpur facts for kids

Sonitpur is an important district in Assam, India. It's known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes.

The Story Behind the Name

The names "Sonitpur" and "Tezpur" both mean "the city of blood." This comes from an old, romantic legend.

The legend tells of Banasura, a powerful king who ruled ancient Tezpur. His daughter, Usha, was very beautiful. One night, Usha dreamed of a handsome prince and fell in love with him. Her friend, Chitralekha, was a talented artist and had magical powers. Chitralekha drew the prince from Usha's description and recognized him as Aniruddha, the grandson of Lord Krishna.

Using her magic, Chitralekha brought Aniruddha to Usha's room. Usha and Aniruddha secretly got married. When King Banasura found out, he was furious and imprisoned Aniruddha. To rescue his grandson, Lord Krishna arrived, and a huge battle began. So much blood was spilled that the city became known as Sonitpur or Tezpur, meaning "the city of blood." This story of Usha and Aniruddha's love is still told in many books, plays, and movies.

History of Sonitpur

Early Kingdoms

The first recorded history of Assam dates back to 829 A.D. An old stone inscription from that time was found near a temple called Rudrapad, close to Tezpur.

From the 7th to the 10th century A.D., the Salastambha dynasty ruled a kingdom called Kamrupa. The area that is now Darrang and Sonitpur was part of their kingdom. They moved their capital to Haruppeswara, which is now Tezpur. A famous king from this time, Harjjar Varma, built a large pond known today as Hajara Pukhuri.

After the Salastambha dynasty, the Pal dynasty ruled Haruppeswara until the 12th century. Brahmapal was one of their most famous rulers.

Later Kingdoms and Battles

In the 14th and 15th centuries, the Koch kings grew powerful in the west, and the Ahoms became strong in the east. A group called the Bara-Bhuyans ruled a large part of the Brahmaputra river's western bank. The famous saint and poet Sri Sri Shankardeva belonged to a Bara-Bhuyan family.

The Ahom King Suhungmung took over the Bara-Bhuyans' lands in 1505 A.D. Later, the Koch King Biswa Sinha came to power in 1515 A.D. His son, King Naranarayana, divided his kingdom into two parts around 1540 A.D. But soon, a war broke out between his son and his nephew. This led to the Mughals invading Kamrup.

The Ahoms, led by King Swargadew Pratapsingha, helped Balinarayana, a brother of a Koch king, and declared war against the Mughals. The Ahoms defeated the Mughals in the Bharali war and took back Darrang. The Ahoms then ruled the eastern part of Darrang (which is now Sonitpur) from Kaliabor.

British Rule

In 1826, the British took control of Assam and made it part of the British Indian Empire. Darrang became a district in 1833, with its main office in Mangaldai. However, the British moved the district headquarters to Tezpur in 1835.

Tezpur was a small town back then. The British developed it as a military base. They also set up many tea gardens across the district. Places like the old steamarghat (river port), the Dak-Bungalow, and the Planters Club of Tezpur show the British influence.

Freedom Struggle

As Western education spread in the late 1800s, people in the district became more aware of the need for freedom.

Before the Indian National Congress was formed in 1885, a group of people in Tezpur created the Tezpur Ryot Sabha. This group protested against high land taxes and other public problems. The Tezpur Ryot Sabha even sent a delegate to the first National Congress meeting in 1885.

The All Assam Student Association, formed in 1916, also worked in the district. In June 1921, the Tezpur District Congress Committee was formed.

Mahatma Gandhi, a leader of India's freedom movement, visited Tezpur twice. He came in August 1921 and again in 1934 during the Civil Disobedience Movement.

During the "Quit India Movement" in 1942, people in places like Tezpur, Sootea, Gohpur, Dhekiajuli, and Jamuguri actively participated with the slogan "Do or Die."

Brave Heroes

On September 10, 1942, at Gohpur, a young girl named Kanaklata Barua led a group of unarmed villagers carrying the Congress flag. As she unfurled the flag, she and her friend Mukunda Kakati were shot by the police. Her brave sacrifice is still remembered with pride.

On the same day, at Dhekiajuli Police Station, eleven unarmed villagers were shot by police while trying to raise the Indian flag. Three of them were teenage girls: Tileswari, Numali, and Khahuli.

Finally, India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.

After Independence

After India became independent, the British administrative system continued. Darrang district, with its headquarters in Tezpur, remained an important district of Assam.

In 1962, a war broke out with China. The Chinese army advanced close to Bhalukpung, causing many people to leave their homes. This war left a difficult memory for the people of the district.

In 1983, Darrang district was divided. The Tezpur area became Sonitpur district. Later, in 2000, Gohpur Sub-Division was created from the Biswanath area.

Two major events helped Sonitpur grow after independence. The first was the building of the Kalia Bhomora Bridge, which opened in 1987. The second was the creation of Tezpur University, a central university, in Napaam.

Sonitpur is also known for its cultural contributions. Many talented artists and cultural figures from the district have helped shape Assamese culture.

See also

In Spanish: Distrito de Sonitpur para niños