Nazira is a historical town situated on the bank of the river Dekhow in the Sivasagar district of Upper Assams. It is around 17 kms away from the Sivasagar town, 3 kms from the Simaluguri Railway Junction and 78 kms from the Jorhat Airport. According to historical legends, the name “Nazira” comes from the Assamese word “Now-Jeera”, which means “resting place of boats”. But to some historians, “Nazira” is a  Tai(Ahom) word, where “Na” means Land, “Zi” means Inclined and “Ra” means Much. Accordingly, Nazira means a much inclined land.

Nazira was made a Sub-Divisional unit under the Sivasager district on 1^st April 1992 for administrative convenience. The sub-Divisional Headquarter is located at 26.54°N 94.43°E, which is about 132 m (433 feet) above the mean sea level. 

Nazira is famous for its richness in Tea and Oil & Natural gas production. It is the hub of many Tea estates & gardens viz. Mackeypore, Geleky, Santok, Bihubor, Lakwa, Ligiripukhuri, Mezenga, Bamunpukhuri, Maduri Tea estate etc. It was the headquarter of the famous Assam Tea Company but later it was taken over by ONGC Ltd and eventually Nazira became the Headquarter of ONGC Ltd., Assam Asset .  Besides Tea and Oil & Natural gas, agricultural and allied activities play a pivotal role in the local economy.

Nazira also has a rich heritage for its historic importance and cultural diversity. The nearby Garhgaon served as the capital of Ahom Kingdom for a long period of time.  The area under the Nazira Sub-Division is inhabited mainly by Ahoms followed by people of different cultural backgrounds.