Etymology
Some scholars believe that the name "Narayanpur" is derived from the Koch garrison set up by Naranarayan during the Ahom-Koch conflict of the 16th century. But, this seems to be incorrect as there is mention of Narayanpur several times before this period. These include the Ahom Buranji (translated by G. C. Barua) and the biography ofGeographic location
Narayanpur is a small town, situated at the coordinates 26°59′47″N and 93°53'49"E. It is about 54 km to the west of the district headquartersTransport
Narayanpur is connected byHistory
Narayanpur was earlier known as Bor-Nararayanpur. It was extended up to the Kolabari region of Sonitpur district. Various history writers had different views regarding the origin of the place as well as the origin of its name. It was once the capital of the Chutiya King Satyanarayan. According to John Peter Wade, "Narayanpur is thirty miles in length and fifteen miles in breadth. This district is situated on the bank of Pichala river and Colabari of Zokai chook." Some others have the view that Koch King Naranarayan used this place as a garrison, from where the name became Narayanpur. Many ancient idols of Hindu gods and goddesses were found in the different parts of Narayanpur. It proves the existence of highly civilized society in ancient times in this region.Places of interest
It is the birthplace of several Baishnava gurus likeKhamti Village and Bapuchang
In 1843, the British controlled the Khamti Revolution in Sadia and settled few Khamti people at Narayanpur. They established this Buddha temple at Barkhamti. The Khamti village will be extensively discussed in the next section of this project. Its worthwhile to mention that this village contains some the Khamtis which are only left to a few thousand in number. The people are Buddhist by religion and have a rich cultural heritage. The religious temple of the Khamtis is called the Bapuchang. It is same as the Buddhist temple or Buddha Bihar found among the Buddhist communities around the world. It is somewhat different from the normal Khamti houses. The raised platform is made of wood and the roof is made of thresh. The outer architecture resembles to the Buddhist temples of Myanmar. Buddha idols are kept inside the Bapuchang and it is regarded as a very holy place.Deotola
The ancient idol of the Maghnoa Doul was hidden in a pond during the Maan invasion. The idol was later recovered from Gavoru Beel of Kherajkhat. As the idol was later established at the Bor-Kalaika Thaan, this place become known as Deotola (Deo- God, Tola- to lift). This place is at 8 km distance from Narayanpur.Petua-Gosani Thaan
It took a long time for the British to take the control of the Lakhimpur region after they invaded Assam. This than was an old place of worshiping Kaali Goddess and was discovered by the British. It is located near Dholpur at Ganakdalani. The goddess of this is called Kesai-khaiti. In earlier times the Daphala people from Arunachal Pradesh used to come here for pilgrimage. Still, Durga puja is celebrated at this than regularly.Belaguri Satra
This Satra was established in 1618 originally in Majuli Island- where the two great guru and disciples Sri Sri Sankardev and Sri Sri Madhabdev met each other for the first time. This Satra was transferred to Narayanpur and settled at Jorabari revenue village in 1947 AD. This Satra is very well known among the people of Assam. The "Chaali" dance of form is a famous traditional dance of Assam.Bodula Satra and Phulani Than
This satra was established in Narayanpur in 1636 AD by Badala Padma Ataa who was a great follower of Mahapurush Madhabdev. It is said that Padma Ataa got the responsibility of the upper Assam under Madhabdev and established the Satra at the land of Jamadagni. Once upon a time this Satra was the center for the Baishnavism. Badala Padma Ataa was next to Sankardev and Madhabdev who took the great responsibility after the demise of these two holy figures. The Satra has a rich collection of ancient manuscripts. The Phulani thaan was also established by Badala Atta in 1555 saka. This is an important religious place and a large no of followers visit this thaan annually.Bishnu Balikunchi Satra
It is situated at the Dakua village, 8 km from Nagpur. The disciple of Kal Sanghati guru Bhabanipuria Atta, Sri Sri Anirudhadev was born at Dakua village near Narayanpur in 1553 AD. He established this Satra with the help of Bhabapuria Ataa in 1602 AD. Aniruddhadev died in this Satra. He was the holy person who turned the Moran and Motok people into Baishanivism.Radha Pukhuri
Radhapukhuri Tank is situated at the Sawkuchi village near Narayanpur. It was constructed by the Chutia King Lakhminarayan in between 1400 and 1500 AD in the name of his wife ‘Radha’. Some scholars also argue that it was constructed by Queen Sarbeswari. But the construction work ended in halfway and hence it was named as Adhapukhuri (''adha'' means half) which eventually changed to Radhapukhuri. Presently this tank is used for fish breeding and cultivation by the Fisheries Department, Government of Assam.Bhatoukuchi Thaan
Bhatoukuci Thaan is located at Kathani village near Dholpur. This was established by Keshabsaran Bhatoukuchia Ataa. According to Kathagurucharit he was born in 1605 and died in 1665. This thaan is still functioning in full fledge.Akadohia Pukhuri
This big pond is situated at the Kachua village near Dholpur. A holy Brahmin guru called Akadoshi used to live near the pond and hence this name became famous. Bhatoukuci Thaan is located at Kathani village near Dholpur. This was established by Keshabsaran Bhatoukuchia Ataa. According to Kathagurucharit he was born in 1605 and died in 1665. This thaan is still functioning in full fledge.Gohai-Kamal Ali
The Koch Kingdom was established at the early part of the 16th century. This kingdom was extended from Kortuaa River to Bornodi. Kochbihar (now in West Bengal) was made the capital of the kingdom and this road was made to fight with the Ahoms.Ahotguri Satra
This satra is situated at Borbali Samua Gaon. It was established by Sri Ram Ata in 1683. Most of the disciples are Brahmin. The ancient manuscript of this Satra got spoiled during the flood in 1987. At present it has a collection of manuscripts by Sankardev Thakur Ataa and Sri Ram Ataa.Other attractions
Narayanpur is the birthplace of twelve holy gurus of Assam and hence regarded as a very holy place. It was the center of aishnavismduring the era of adhabdev Apart from the religious and geographical attractions mentioned so far, it has an entire gamut of other attractions which have the full potential to become a tourist destination. Some of such attractions are Govind Mandir of Nepali people, Sakrahi Thaan, Dahgharia Satra, Sialmara Satra, Dharamgarh Ashram, Homora Thaan, Deberapar Satra etc. The government of Assam has announced in 2006 the construction of Sri Sri Madhabdev Kalakshetra at Badala Sattra at Narayanpur and the foundation stone has been laid down near Narayanpur. The Chief Minister of Assam, Tarun Gogoi, laid the foundation Stone of the Kalakshetra. This would become an important institution for the Assamese culture and tradition. This will be of same style like the Sankardev Kalakshetra atEconomy
Greater Narayanpur area has very fertile land suitable for agricultural production- mainly Rice, Maah (Lentil), Potato, Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Tomatoes, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brinjal and other vegetables. Different fruits like banana, berries, Mangoes, Coconuts, Tamol (Areca nuts) etc. are produced in abundance in the region. Fisheries play a significant role towards the socio-economic upliftment of the common people of Narayanpur development block. Till recent times, Muga ( Assam silk) production was quite common rural cottage industry. Narayanpur has a Muga silkworm seed production unit under Central Silk Board, with its headquarters at Guwahati. However, the present condition of this seed farm does not seem to be very good.Education
Narayanpur has many reputed schools and educational institutes that have produced many successful personalities in various fields like education, media, medicine, engineering, administrative services, defence services etc. Madhabdev College and Narayanpur Higher Secondary school are situated near Narayanpur which caters for the higher education needs of the local population. Many professionals from Narayanpur are working in different fields all over India and many other countries. Writers and poets from Narayanpur have significant contribution to the Assamese literature. Some notable educational institutions are: Government institutes: * Madhabdev University * Narayanpur Higher Secondary School * Dhalpur Higher Secondary school * Harmoti Pichala High School * Pichalaguri Higher Secondary School (Jarabari) * Tatibahar High School * Namani Subansiri Higher Secondary School * Pichala National Academy Private institutes: * Sankardev Shishu Bidya Niketan * Jigyasha Jatiya Vidyalaya * Ekrit Academy * Gyanjyoti Academy * Sankardev Jatiya Vidyalaya Private Computer-Technology Training institutes: The first private computer training institute of the region was established in 1996. The name of this institute is "National Institute of Computer and Vocational Training Centre". There are a couple of IT institutes like CEC, EKRIT, APTECH, NBCE in Narayanpur.References
{{Reflist Cities and towns in Lakhimpur district North Lakhimpur