The erstwhile princely
state of Tripura joined the Indian
Republic as a state on January 21, 1972. Bounded on
the north, west, south and southeast by Bangladesh,
it has a common boundary with Assam and Mizoram in the
east. Tripura is mainly a hilly territory
with altitudes varying from 50 to 3,080 ft above sea
level, though the major population of the state lives
in the plains.
Places Of Interest
Agartala, the picturesque capital, with its beautiful
palaces, gardens, hills, temples and lakes is best place
to start the tourist journey of the state. Scenic Tirthamulkh
with its lakes, waterfalls and reservoir is worth a
visit. Pilak Pather and Lungthung are virtual treasure
troves for those, historically inclined. Jampol hills,
Rudrasagar and Neer Mahal - the lake cities, Sepahijala
- the wildlife sanctuary, and the temples in and around
Udaipur, are the other major places of interest in this
tiny state.
Agartala
Agartala, is a laid back place reminiscent of towns
in Bangladesh, just 2-km away. This capital also has
one of the loveliest State Assembly buildings (once
the palace) similar to Kolkata's Victoria Memorial.
Quaint brick bungalows surrounded by bougainvillea hedges
and bright cannas, golden laburnum trees lining the
streets give Agartala's outskirts an attractive appearance.
Ties With Bengal
The reason Tripura is a different Northeastern
state is dictated by its history. Tucked away in a corner
of the northeast, its closest ties are with Bengal.
Maharaja Birchandra Manikya, who came to the throne
in 1870 and was heavily influenced both culturally and
spiritually by Bengal - and by his close relationship
with Rabindranath Tagore - established Bengali as the
language of the court. Today, the majority of the population
is Bengali, despite the 19 Scheduled Tribes forming
a major chunk.
Tribal Culture & Lifestyles
The tribal, with a rich and varied culture, belong mainly
to the Reang, Chakma, Halam and Usai communities. Music
and dance are an integral part of their lives. 'Garia'
dances held for the prosperity of the people; dances
of the Reang community; 'Bizu' dances by the Chakmas
denoting the end of the Bengali calendar year; 'Hai
Hak' dances of the Halams and the Cheraw dance associated
with the confinement of Lusai woman, are examples. 'Basanta
Raas' is the charming dance of the Hindu Manipuris,
in Tripura.
Handicrafts Galore
Simple materials such as bamboo, cane, palm leaves and
ordinary yarn are used to create a fascinating variety
of handiwork. Intricately designed handlooms and silk,
cane and bamboo works are the main industries. Furniture,
toys, objects of daily utility such as lampshades, baskets,
calendars, ivory work and Tripuran
tribal jewellery, make shopping here a fantastic experience.
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