Tripura

History of Tripura
The History of Tripura belongs to the days when the small territory of Tripura was a native state and it was ruled by Maharajas. Tripura had been a kingdom since mythical times, ruled by various dynasties. It also played a role in the battle of Kurukshetra. The former princely state of Tripura was ruled by about 74 Maharajas of Manikya dynasty. In 1280 AD, Tripura experienced the onslaught of the Muslims. This was followed by the inhabitation of settlers from Bengal and Burma. The Bengal sultanate dominated till 1515. During the rule of Jasodhara Manikya in 1586 the Tripura Rajas confronted the Mughals and gave them a portion of Tripura after their defeat. During Krishna Manikya's rule, the Tripura was conquered by the British in 1761, and no political agents were appointed in the state till 1871. It was an independent administrative unit under the Maharaja even during the British rule in India. Tripura was often at war with its neighbours and the British took advantage to make it a Protectorate. They also divided the State into two parts – some areas were left under the Maharaja. The British took direct charge of the tribal belt. After India's independence, an agreement to merge Tripura with the Indian Union was signed by the Regent Maharani on September 9, 1947. Tripura, a former princely State of India joined the Indian Union after independence in 1949. Tripura became a union territory without legislature from November 1, 1956 and a popular ministry was established in Tripura on July 1, 1963. On January 21, 1972 Tripura became the state of the India.

river and is the most sacred river in Tripura. The Khowai, Doloi, Manu, Juri and Langai rivers flows towards the north and the Gomati, Muhuri and Feni flows towards west.

Places in Tripura
Tripura offers various attractions for the tourists in the form of magnificent palaces, rock-cut carvings, Hindu temples, lakes, hill stations and wildlife sanctuaries. Some of the places in Tripura are Ujjayanta Palace, Kunjaban Palace, Neermahal Lake Palace, Tribal Museum, Sukanta Academy, Laxminarayan Temple, Uma Maheswar Temple, Jagannath Temple, Fourteen Goddess Temple, Portuguese Church, Gedu Mian Mosque, Unakoti, Pilak, Tripureswari temple, Dumboor lake, Rudrasagar, Amarsagar, Jampui hill and Sepahijala and Gumti wildlife sanctuaries.

People of Tripura
There are two major racial groups in Tripura, namely, the Indo-Aryans represented by the Bengalese and the Indo-Mongloids represented by a few communities like the Tripuris, Reangs, Jamatis, Noatias, Kukis, Halams, Chakma, Mogh and Lushai. The population, mostly of Tibeto-Burmese origin, took up Vaishnava Hinduism very early in its history. The Tripuris also called Tripuras or Tipras are the original inhabitants of the state. The Tripuris constitute the largest section of the entire tribal community and represent more than 57% of the total tribal population of the state. They live in the plains, erect houses and follow the other aspects of life. The Reangs constitute about 4% of the total tribal population of the state. They are considered as one of the strongest pillars of the state military forces and are Hindus. The Jamatias also constituted the fighting force during the time of Tripura King. They prefer the Jhoom cultivation and settled down in the plains.

Art & Crafts of Tripura
Excellent variety of handicrafts using bamboo and cane are made by different communities of people which are known throughout the country. The most famous handicraft products are Room Divider, wall panels, cane furniture, decorative items using Bamboo roots, Bamboo Dining table mats, Floor mats and various other gift items. The tourist can view the craftsman at work in different villages and buy handicraft and handloom products from the Government Emporium of Tripura and other private Sales Emporium.