Which Island Is Known As the Peacock Island of India?

Did you know that there are over 11,000 named islands scattered across our planet’s oceans and rivers? An island is a piece of land that is completely surrounded by water.

Many places have well-known nicknames, such as the "Emerald Isle" for Ireland and the "Island of the Gods" for Bali.

India has beautiful islands, from the volcanic peaks of the Andamans to the coral reefs of Lakshadweep. However, one particular river island has a very colourful title. Do you know which island is called the Peacock Island of India?

In this article, we will explore this hidden gem, its rich history, and the legends that make it special.

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Which Island Is Known As Peacock Island?

The island called Peacock Island is Umananda Island, found in the centre of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam.

It got its famous nickname during the British colonial era when a British officer saw that its shape looked like the splayed feathers of a peacock.

Aside from its beauty, it is known worldwide as the smallest inhabited river island. The island hosts the 17th-century Umananda Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built by the Ahom King Gadadhar Singha.

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10+ Lesser-known Facts About Peacock Island

• Assam hosts both the world’s largest (Majuli) and smallest (Umananda) inhabited river islands.
• Unlike the sandy river bars, it is made of ancient gneissic rock, part of the Shillong Plateau.
• The island was the final home to a famous Golden Langur that passed away in 2020.
• Its isolation creates a unique environment for studying species adaptation in a confined riverine space.
• It withstood the 1897 Great Assam Earthquake, though the temple required reconstruction.
• Home to the Urvasikunda, a significant geological water feature on the island.
• Its position in a narrow stretch of the Brahmaputra makes it a key point for studying river flow and current velocity.
• The introduction of non-native species in the 1980s provided a case study for wildlife conservationists.
• Features rare rock-cut sculptures that provide archaeological evidence of early human settlement.
• It remains one of the few places where human activity is strictly regulated by the ferry schedule to preserve the environment.

Why Is It Called Peacock Island?

The name "Peacock Island" is a fairly recent nickname that became popular due to a simple visual observation. Here is the explanation for its name:

The British Connection

The name came from British colonial officers during the British Raj. When they first looked at the Brahmaputra River, they saw that the island's shape, with its lush green trees and its particular height, resembled the spread feathers of a peacock when seen from a distance or from the higher riverbanks.

Visual Symbolism

• The Shape. From a specific angle, the narrow part of the island looks like a bird's neck. The wider, forested area resembles the vibrant, rounded tail.  
• The Colours. The thick, dark green plants against the blue waters of the Brahmaputra reminded early explorers of the shiny colours seen on a peacock's feathers.

Contrast with the Local Name

While the world knows it as Peacock Island, locals still mainly refer to it as Umananda Island. In the Assamese language and Hindu tradition, the names reflect the island's spiritual roots:  

• Umananda: Derived from the words 'Uma', which means 'Goddess Parvati', and 'Ananda', which means 'Happiness/Joy'.  
• Bhasmachal: It is also referred to as "Hill of Ashes", which refers to the geological or mythological nature of the rocky outcrop.

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