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Tripura

Tripura is one of the seven states in the north eastern part of India located between 22 degree and 56 minutes and 24 degree and 32 minutes north latitude and between 90 degree and 09 minutes and 92 degree and 20 minutes east latitude. It is bounded on the north, west, south and south-east by Bangladesh whereas in the east it has a common boundary with Assam and Mizoram.

There is a common belief that the name of the State has originated from "Tripura Sundari" - the presiding deity of the land which is famous as one of the 51 pethos of Hindu Pilgrims. Apart from this traditional view it is believed that originally the land was known as "Tuipra" meaning a land adjoining the water. It is fact that in days of yore the boundaries of Tripura was extended up to the Bay of Bengal when its rulers held sway from Garo hills to Arakan.

Tripura is a land ruled by kings who were both aristocratic and benevolent. Known as the Manikyas, they ruled Tripura during the entire medieval period and even later. In 1586, after the defeat of Jasodhara Manikya to the Mughals, a portion of Tripura had to be ceded to Mughals. During the period 1760-1783, taking advantage of the internal bickerings of Manikyas, the British established a firm hold over the state. Notified as a princely state at the time of independence, Tripura formally joined Indian Union in October, 1949.

The majority of Tripura's population are Bengalis. However, the Tripuri tribes are the original inhabitants of the state. Other major tribal groups are the Reangs, Jamatis, Noatias, Kukis, Halams, Chakmas, Moghs and Lushais. The various tribal groups celebrate many different festivals in different times of the year. Some of the important festivals of the state are Kharchi Puja, Ker & Garia Puja and Ganga Puja. But it is Durga Puja that is celebrated in a big way in Tripura.

Among the best buys of Tripura are its exquisite bamboo, cane and wooden handicrafts including cotton silk and polyester. Agartala has the only airport of Tripura. Flights are available to Agartala from Guwahati, Silchar, Udaipur, Melaghar and Unakoti. Kumarghat is the nearest railhead from Agartala. Regular bus services are available to Agartala from Guwahati. Recently, Agartala-Dhaka bus service was also introduced.