Jorhat has been the hometown or base for many of Assam's most distinguished figures:
* **Krishna Kanta Handique:** Renowned Sanskrit scholar, Indologist, and the founder Vice-Chancellor of Gauhati University. * **Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya:** The first Assamese writer to win the prestigious Jnanpith Award. * **Tarun Gogoi:** Former Chief Minister of Assam and a prominent national political leader who represented the nearby Titabar constituency. * **Hiren Bhattacharyya:** One of the most celebrated and beloved modern Assamese poets. * **Amulya Barua:** A pioneer of modern Assamese poetry. * **Zubeen Garg:** Iconic Assamese singer, composer, and actor, who spent formative years of his life and education in Jorhat.