Discover SIKHNA JWHWLAO NATIONAL PARK, officially notified as Assam’s 8th National Park. Learn about its geography, rich wildlife, and Bodo historical heritage for APSC ( Prelims & Mains ).
Introduction
Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park represents a crucial addition to India’s protected area network. It safeguards key ecological corridors along the Indo-Bhutan international border and anchors community-backed conservation frameworks in Western Assam.
Administrative & Spatial Profile
- Chronological Status: Officially notified as Assam’s 8th National Park and the 3rd National Park within the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), following Manas and Raimona.
Legal Timeline:
- Approved by the Assam Cabinet on 16 February 2025.
- Formally notified by the Governor of Assam on 5 March 2025 under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Location & Jurisdictions:
- Districts: Spans across Kokrajhar and Chirang districts.
- Sub-divisions: Covers Kokrajhar and Kajalgaon sub-divisions.
- Forest Divisions: Encompasses jurisdictions of both the Haltugaon Division and Chirang Division.
- Spatial Area: Covers a total land area of 316.29 sq. km.
Physical & Hydrological Boundaries
- North: Bordered by Bhutan, extending from the Saralbhanga River towards Geylekphu via the Bhur River.
- East: Runs south along the Aie Block of Manas Reserve Forest, parallel to the Bhur River.
- South: Follows the Ride-9 boundary and reconnects with the Saralbhanga River.
- West: Defined by the Saralbhanga River and the eastern edge of Raimona National Park, including Ultapani and Labanyapur Forest Villages.
Transboundary Landscape & Ecological Corridors
- Part of Greater Manas: An important component of the Manas Biosphere Reserve.
- Ecological Corridor: Connects protected areas across the India-Bhutan border, enabling wildlife movement.
- Elephant Landscape: Forms part of the Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve, supporting seasonal movement of elephants and other large mammals between Assam and Bhutan.
Habitat & Floral Diversity
- 12 Forest Types: Supports diverse habitats due to micro-climatic variations.
Major Forests:
- Sub-Himalayan Semi-Evergreen Forests
- Moist Sal Forests
- Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests
- Savannah Grasslands & Riverine Forests
- Riparian and Khair-Sissoo Forests
Water Sources
- Perennial water bodies, including Mashbhandar Lake, provide year-round water for wildlife.
Faunal Diversity
- Butterfly Hotspot: Home to 460+ butterfly species, especially in the Ultapani forest block.
- Golden Langur Habitat: Supports important populations of the Endangered Golden Langur.
- Flagship Mammals: Habitat for the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, and One-horned Rhinoceros.
- Other Wildlife: Includes Indian Leopard, Gaur (Bison), Hog Deer, Monitor Lizard, and endangered land tortoises.
Ethno-Historical Heritage & Cultural Fabric of Sikhna Jwlwhao NP
- Etymology: Named after Sikhna Jwhwlao(JouliaDewan), a Bodo warrior who led resistance against the British during the Duar War (1864-66).
- Sacred Geography: His historic capital, Sikhnajhar (Chiknajhar), lies within the Ultapani Reserve.
- Living Heritage: The site is revered by the Bodo community and hosts annual Bathou Puja and Kherai Puja.
Duar War (1864-65)
- Fought between Bhutan and the British.
- Caused by Bhutanese raids, abduction of people, failed diplomacy, and British interest in the Duars.
- Ended with the Treaty of Sinchula(1865).
- Bhutan ceded the Duars to the British.
- In 1866, the Assam Duars became the Eastern Duars.
Sikhna Jwhwlao
- ChikhnaJwhwlao was a local Mech/Bodo chief who ruled in the Duars region.
- His capital was Chiknajhar(Sikhnajhar), located in the forests of present-day Kokrajhar district.
- The ruins of Chiknajhar still exist and are considered an important historical site.
- The site is believed to have been one of the frontier fortifications of the region.
- In Bodo tradition, Sikhna Jwhwlao (Joulia Dewan) is remembered as a heroic leader who resisted British expansion during the Duar War period.
- The historic capital at Chiknajhar is preserved as a sacred heritage site by the Bodo community and remains associated with traditional religious observances.
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- অসম ওডিচী – The Assam Odyssey (Assamese Edition). Read More
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