Majuli is the world's largest river island, but it may vanish within two decades.

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Nestled in the Brahmaputra River, Majuli is a vital cradle of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture and a biodiversity hotspot. Once a sprawling landmass, the island is now locked in a desperate struggle against aggressive soil erosion. Experts warn that this unique cultural sanctuary could disappear entirely within the next twenty years.

Majuli, a long and slender island in India's Assam state, was formed by complex geomorphological shifts in the Brahmaputra River. Its history is deeply intertwined with the Chutia and Ahom kingdoms, and it became a spiritual epicenter in the 16th century following the arrival of the saint Srimanta Sankardev. Sankardev established monasteries known as satras, which evolved into essential hubs for art, literature, and religious practice. While 65 such institutions were once founded on the island, only 23 remain active today, continuing to preserve traditional dances, mask-making, and classical studies.

The island's physical existence is increasingly precarious. In the 1790s, Majuli covered approximately 1,300 square kilometers, but relentless erosion has reduced its footprint to about 880 square kilometers as of 2024. This degradation is largely attributed to upstream embankments and the turbulent nature of the Brahmaputra, which has washed away more than 35 villages since 1991. Projections are grim, with some surveys suggesting the island could be entirely lost to the river within 15 to 20 years. Efforts to stabilize the land include government-funded protection projects and the remarkable afforestation work of Jadav Payeng, who planted a 550-hectare forest to anchor the soil.

Despite these environmental threats, Majuli remains a vibrant, inhabited district. It is home to over 150,000 people, primarily from the Mising, Deori, and Sonowal Kachari tribes. The local economy relies on diverse rice cultivation, handloom weaving, and fishing. While the island has historically been accessible only by ferry, a new two-lane bridge project—begun in February 2021—aims to provide a permanent road connection to Jorhat. Whether these infrastructure and conservation efforts can outpace the river's force remains the defining question for the future of this unique cultural landscape.

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