xCharaideo district is an administrative district in the state of Assam in India. It was formally declared a new district of the state on 15 August 2015 by then Chief Minister of Assam Tarun Gogoi. It has been carved out of Sivasagar district with Sonari as its administrative headquarter. It comes under Upper Assam division.
Etymology
Charaideo was established by the first Ahom king Chaolung Sukaphaa. The name Charaideo originated from Tai-Ahom word Che Rai Doi or Doi Che Rai which means the shining city on the hills. The Che-Rai-Doi Assamised into Charaideo or Charai-khorong.
History
Before the arrival of Sukaphaa the place was a place of worship for local tribes like Morans, Borahis and Chutias.
The site of Charaideo was the capital of the Ahom kingdom established by the first Ahom king Chao Lung Siu-Ka-Pha in 1253. The Maidams (tumulus) of the Ahom kings and queens at Charaideo hillocks resemble the shape of small pyramids. The site has had some archaeological works but also has suffered from robbers. There have been calls for the site to be UNESCO World Heritage listed.
Demographics
The district has a population of 4,71,418.
Notable people
- Suresh Ranjan Goduka, Assamese poet and mass communicator