BSIP study reconstructs 4,000 years of climate history of Majuli Island
A study by the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow, released on 1 June 2026, reconstructed nearly 4,000 years of climate and vegetation history of Majuli, Assam, the world's largest inhabited river island.
Summary
Scientists of the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, have reconstructed nearly 4,000 years of climate and vegetation history of Majuli Island in Assam, the Science Ministry said on 1 June 2026. Majuli, the world's largest inhabited river island, lies between the Brahmaputra to the south and east and the Subansiri to the west, and is a major centre of Neo-Vaishnavite culture. The team used pollen records from a 150 cm sediment core from Sakali Wetland. The findings on climate variability, vegetation change and flood dynamics could guide adaptation for flood-hit communities on the island.
Key facts
- Institute
- BSIP, Lucknow (autonomous, DST)
- Period
- Nearly 4,000 years
- Site
- Sakali Wetland, Majuli; 150 cm sediment core
- Method
- Pollen (palynological) records
- Majuli
- World's largest inhabited river island; between Brahmaputra and Subansiri; Neo-Vaishnavite centre
Practice MCQs 1 questions
Scientists of which institute reconstructed nearly 4,000 years of climate history of Majuli Island, as reported on 1 June 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow
The study was carried out by the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow, an autonomous DST institute.