The geographical region of Majuli is North-East of India, which has seven states - Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland are a part of the greater sub Himalayan Region. The island situates itself in the state of Assam, midstream of the Great male river Brahmaputra river, which is also one of the largest rivers in the world. It is a part of the vast dynamic river system of Brahmaputra basin with a total length of 2706 kms and catchments an area of 5,80,000 sq kms. The Majuli Island is a fluvial landform (a riverine delta), a unique geographical occurrence and a result of the dynamics of this vast river system. The island itself extends for a length of about 80 kms and for about 10-15 kms north to south direction with a total area of about 875 Sq kms. It is 85 -- 90 m above the sea level. It is formed in that stretch of the river where the largest number of tributaries drains out and forms their deltas on the Northern and the Southern banks.

Although the origin of Majuli may be uncertain the island has been the hub of Neo-Vaisnavite culture initiated in 15 th century, by the revered Assamese Saint Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciple Madhabdeva. The saint took refuge in Majuli and spent a couple of months at Beloguri in West Majuli, Which was a place of grandeur for the historic and auspicious, “Manikanchan Sanjog” between Sankardeva and Madhabdeva; this was the first sattra in Majuli. After that, sixty-five sattras were set up. However, today only twenty-two of the original sixty-five still survive. Others had shifted to other safer place due to devastation of flood and erosion.

Majuli has a rich and diverse agricultural tradition, with many as hundred different varieties of rice grown all grown without pesticides or artificial fertilizers. The koomol Saool, a unique type of rice that can be eaten just after immersing the grains in warm water for fifteen minutes; and usually eaten as a break fast cereal. There are more than 60 large water bodies (Beels) with very rich catch of fish that provides livelihood to large number of Majuli inhabitants. Pottery is made in Majuli from beaten clay and burnt in driftwood-fired kilns in the same mood carried out by the peoples, of the ancient Harappa Civilizations. The inhabitants are expert navigators; their skill is most visible during the monsoon season when they navigate the turbulent river Brahmaputra.

Another significant feature of this system is the formation of the islets locally called the Chaporis around the Majuli Island. This is resultant of the braiding of the river. 22 Nos Chor- Chapori present in the waters surrounding the island. At present, 18 have been included as stable/permanent under Majuli Circle.

The banks of the island as well as the North and the South banks of the river Brahmaputra have the wetland a characteristic feature of the hydrology of the system. These are locally known as the beefs. They are the abodes of rich flora and fauna unique to this region, unique for the breeding ground. 

All of the above the river, its tributaries, the wet lands and the chaporis along with the island of Majuli make it the largest mid river delta system in the world. 

The island today is separated from the mainland of Assam by 2.5 kms. It is approached from Nimati Ghat in Jorhat district by ferry, which is on the south of the island, and Kamalabari in Majuli is where one lands. The other mainland towns in proximity to the island on the North bank of mainland are North Lakhimpur and Dhakuwakhana.

Each Sattra represents, within its region, a center for cultural activities and even acts as a democratic institution to settle local disputes. Most of the villages associate with respective Sattra, and the villagers partake in the activities of their own Sattra during festivals and occasions. These Sattra Villages house the Namghar (council house) where all the activities related to the Sattra are carried out. Many of these Sattra villages are also important centers for the Majuli Island. For instance Kamalabari, Garmur and Dakhinpat are the semi-urban places, juxtaposed with Natun Kamalabari Sattra. Garamur Sattra and Dakhinpat sattra are the main commercial places of trade and commerce. 

These sattra villages and other vernacular settlements house people from various ethnic origins all of whom have settled in Majuli like Mishings, Deori, Sonowal Kachari, Koch, Kaivartta and Nath. The settlements have their own characteristics and building typologies. The Mishing and Deori population, which is the largest, has probably the most unique house form, which is on Bamboo stilts being located near the riverine tracts, wetlands and other hydrological features. All these settlements are interspersed in the unique natural landscape with wide variety of land types and water bodies that have resulted due to the unique interplay between geomorphology and hydrology of the island and the river. These diverse water bodies and groves house unique flora and fauna of the island. The understanding of the systems of this natural phenomenon by the local people is complete and exhibited in the local knowledge systems; the nomenclature of each natural component of the landscape has evolved over a period.

Majuli today is a Mohkuma, a sub division of the Jorhat District, Administration Boundary with its headquarters at Garmur. The Revenue Circle is Majuli, Kamalabari.