The geological origins of Majuli are linked to immense seismic shifts and changes in the course of the Brahmaputra River. Historically, the area was a narrow, long landmass bounded by the Brahmaputra to the north and the Burhidihing to the south. Catastrophic earthquakes in the 17th and 18th centuries—particularly a massive flood in 1750—caused the Brahmaputra to split, forming the island we know today.
In the 15th century, the island became the heart of the Neo-Vaishnavite movement when the saint Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciple Madhavdeva arrived. They established *Sattras* (monasteries), which functioned as centers of prayer, classical arts, and social equality. Under the patronage of the Ahom kings, these institutions flourished, cementing Majuli as the epicenter of Assamese culture.
In modern history, the story of Majuli has been defined by its fight against riverine erosion and its push for administrative recognition. Having lost more than half its landmass since the early 20th century, the island faces an existential threat. In September 2016, in an effort to provide better administrative focus and conservation resources, the Government of Assam upgraded Majuli from a sub-division of the Jorhat district to an independent district—making it the first island district in India.