Guwahati: A 150-year-old Christian cemetery, the Central Kabarstan, and a historic mosque define the industrial roots of Margherita in Assam. These sites anchor the Tinsukia district, marking where the town grew during the British push into tea, coal, and oil. The 1881 arrival of the Assam Railways and Trading Company transformed the area into a booming hub for laborers and engineers.
The Christian cemetery emerged around 1880 at Faltu Gaon to bury soldiers and workers who died on the job. By 1882, the Central Kabarstan opened for the massive influx of Muslim workers arriving from places like Bihar, Bengal, and Baluchistan. The Central Noori-e-Jamma Masjid followed in 1885, cementing the location as a center for the diverse workforce.
Longtime resident Mohammed Toufik Khan highlights the peaceful history of the region. He says the town remains a "unique example of communal harmony where people from different castes, communities and religions have lived together peacefully for generations."
Locals keep the history alive. Captain Ayub Khan helped build the graveyard wall during the Second World War. Now, residents want the government to protect the complex as an official heritage site.
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