Baksa is a district in the western part of the Indian state of Assam. It is one of the constituent districts of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), an autonomous area administered under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The district headquarters is located at Mushalpur.
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Assam |
| Region | Bodoland Territorial Region |
| Headquarters | Mushalpur |
| Type | District |
Baksa was created as a district following the formation of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) under the Memorandum of Settlement signed in 2003 between the Government of India, the Government of Assam and the Bodo Liberation Tigers. The district was carved out of the territories of older districts in lower Assam to bring contiguous Bodo-majority areas under the new autonomous arrangement.
Along with Kokrajhar, Chirang and Udalguri, Baksa formed part of the original four districts of the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD), later reorganised as the Bodoland Territorial Region.
The district lies in the northern bank zone of the Brahmaputra valley, along the foothills of the Himalayas. It shares an international border with Bhutan to the north. To the south the terrain opens out into the alluvial plains of Assam. Several rivers descending from the Bhutan hills, including the Pagladia and Beki, flow through the district.
A significant part of the district falls within or adjoins Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tiger reserve known for its biodiversity, including the Bengal tiger, Indian rhinoceros, golden langur and pygmy hog.
Baksa is administered as a district of Assam, with general administration headed by a Deputy Commissioner. Autonomous subjects are administered through the Bodoland Territorial Council under the Sixth Schedule. The district is divided into civil sub-divisions and revenue circles, and contains development blocks under the Panchayati Raj system, although in BTR areas the village council structure operates alongside.
The population of Baksa is ethnically diverse, with a significant Bodo community alongside Assamese, Bengali, Nepali, Adivasi (tea-tribe) and other groups. Bodo and Assamese are widely spoken. Cultural traditions associated with the Bodo community, including the Bwisagu festival, are prominent in the district.
The economy is predominantly agrarian. Paddy is the principal crop, with mustard, jute, vegetables and areca nut also cultivated. Tea estates operate in parts of the district. Tourism linked to Manas National Park contributes to local livelihoods, particularly around Bansbari and adjoining ranges.