Tripura

By on
In the previous articles, we have gone through some important aspects and facts about Andhra Pradesh. In this article let us have a look at some quick facts on Tripura:

Tripura is the 3rd smallest state in India with 10,491 Sq.Km.  Agartala is its capital. It shares an international border with Bangladesh and state border with Assam and Mizoram. National Highway 8 is the only major road connecting it to the rest of the country. More than half of the state is under forest cover where unique bamboo and cane tracts are common. Agartala is the one of the 3 International Internet Gateways in the country other two being Mumbai and Chennai.

History of Tripura

Upper Palaeolithic tools were discovered at Hoara & Khonsai regions of the state.

 The name Tripura can be found in Mahabharata, Puranas and as well as in Ashokan Edicts.

 Rajamala is the chronicle of kings of Tripura, originally written in Bengali by Sukhreshwar and Baneshwar in the 15th century under the patronage of  Dharma Manikya I. It traces back the origin of Tripuri kings to Lunar Dynasty and Dharma Manikya as its 149th ruler. It mentions that 'Kirat' was the previous name of the region, named after the brother of Puru who was banished by his father Yayati to the eastern provinces.

 Apart from Rajamala and according to other verifiable sources, Tripuri Kings ruled the region from Kailashar in North Tripura district since 7th Century CE. Later the capital was changed to Rangamati (or Udaipur) in south Tripura. Again in 1760, the capital was transferred to Agartala which continues till date.

 Initially, Tripuri kings used the title of Fa (Pha), which in Kokborok means 'Father' or 'Head'. King Ratna Fa in 1280 CE took the title of 'Manikya' which continues to date. He is considered as the founder of the Manikya dynasty. Ratna Manikya was the 145th ruler according to Rajamala. 

 Bir Chandra Manikya (1862-96) is regarded as the architect of modern Agartala city. He established Umakantha Academy - first western School in Tripura. He is also the first king in India to organize an annual photographic exhibition. 

Agartala


 Agartala = Agar + Tala ( Agar = Oily perfume tree, Tala = Storehouse ). It is located on the banks of a river of Haora. Agartala is the second largest city in North East India after Gauhati.

Some tourist spots of Tripura:
  • Famous Tripurasundari temple of Tripura is located at Udaipur. This is one of the 51 Shakthipeethas where Sati’s foot fell.
  • Unakoti - Literally meaning one less than a crore. One can find a huge number of rocks carvings at this site. It is a popular Shaiva pilgrimage site.
  • Pilak is another major archeological sites, where many ancient Buddhist and Hindu images were unearthed since 1927.
  • Devtamura is another place like Unakoti with rock sculptures.

Geography of the state
  • The state has a tropical savanna climate. More than 50% of the area is under forest cover.
Some hill ranges of the state 
  • Jampui Hills, Located in Northern Tripura bordering Mizoram. Bactalongchip is the highest point of these hills and also of Tripura. Mizo, English, and Bengali are the official languages of the region. Oranges of Jampui Hills are well known for their unique taste. Orange plantations became economically viable in the area since the 60s. Government organizes an annual Orange festival in the place, but it was recently discontinued due to the fall in orange production.
  • Shakan Hills
  • Longtharai Hills
  • Atharamura Range (southern extension of Shivalik ranges in Tripura)
  • Boromura is a centrally located hill ranges in Tripura. Many rivers originate here. Saidra and Sumli rivers flowing into Bangladesh originate here.

Wildlife Sanctuaries of Tripura


  • Sipahijola Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary ( Indian Gaur (bison) is an attraction here)

National Parks of Tripura


  • Clouded Leopard National Park (in Sipahijola Wildlife Sanctuary)
  • Rajbari National Park (in Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary)
  • Gumti is also an ‘Important Bird Area’

Polity of Tripura 


  • Tripura has a unicameral assembly with 60 assembly constituencies, 2 Lok Sabha constituencies, and 1 Rajya Sabha seat.
  • Tripura has a unique tribal self-governance body known as Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council. 
  • It is created under the provisions of 6th Scheduled of the Indian Constitution in 1982.
  • Governed by the council which has 30 members (28 elected and 2 nominated). 25 of them are reserved for Scheduled Tribes.
  • It has the complete autonomy over the administration of the tribal districts with both Legislative and Executive powers.

Economy


  • The service sector is the largest contributor to the state's economy (59%) followed by agriculture(23 %) and industry(28%). But more than 50% of the population is dependent on the agriculture and allied activities. Rice is the major crop produces(91%), Jackfruit & Pineapple top the horticultural produce. Pisciculture is booing in the state.


People

  • The literacy rate of the state is 87.75%, with 4th position in India. Bengalis form 70% of the population while rest 30% includes Tripuri people and other tribes speaking different languages like Halam, Mog, Munda, Kuki, Garo, Chakma, Jamatia, Reang etc.,


Art & Culture


  • Tripura is noted for its Bamboo & Cane handicrafts
  • Sarinda & Chong preng (both string instruments) and Sumui (flute) are some local musical instruments.
  • Tripuri and Jamtia people perform Goria dance during Goria Puja

Other dances of Tripura:


  • Jhum dance (or tangbiti dance)
  • Lebang dance
  • Mamita dance
  • Mosaksulmani dance
  • Hojagiri dance by Reang tribe
  • Bizhu dance during Bizhu festival of Chakma tribes
  • Sangrai and Owa dance of Mogs
  • Wanglai dance by Garos
  • Haihak dance by Kukis
  • Rabindra Sangeet

Important festivals:

  • Durga Puja
  • Kali Puja
  • Ashokastami
  • Garai Puja
  • Kharchi Puja
  • Ker Puja

Tripura Queen Pineapple is the only product from Tripura to hold GI tag.