|
|
|
|
| |
History
Although Tripura is believed to have existed since the times when the ancient epic "Mahabharat" was written, the earliest documented history starts with the 14th century when the Manikyas conquered the state. The Manikya dynasty, former Indo-Mongolian tribal chieftains, later Hindu converts, ruled continuously right up to India’s independence in 1947 and later when it became a state of India in 1972.
The Partition of Bengal in 1948 and subsequent creation of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) led to famine, disease and war causing thousands of Bangladeshis to flee to Tripura. The original tribes, the "Tripuris" were slowly outnumbered by this wide influx of Bangladeshi refugees who were mainly the "Chakmas" from the Chittagong hills. Over time, the "Reangs" from Mizoram have also migrated to Tripura. Today, insurgency continues in many areas of the state as the original inhabitants fight for tribal autonomy and even independence.
Famous among the Manikya kings was Udai Manikya (1585-96), who founded the city of Udaipur on the site of the old capital of Rangamati, and adorned it with beautiful tanks, buildings and temples. Best known in the dynasty is probably Maharaja Birchandra Manikya who ascended the throne in 1870 and contributed tremendously to the cultural and spiritual development of Tripura. His close friendship with Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel Laureate and Bengali poet, author and painter, established Bengali as the language of the court.
|
Economy
Tripura is predominantly an agrarian economy with agriculture providing 64% employment. Rice is the main agricultural crop and rubber is the biggest revenue earner. The marshy condition of northern Tripura makes it ideal for rubber cultivation and the state is the second largest producer of rubber in India. Horticulture is another major source of income with orchards growing pineapple, oranges, jackfruit and litchi. Jute, cotton, tea, cashew nut, ginger, turmeric, chilly, potato and tapioca are also grown. Tourism, handicrafts and handloom industries also sustain the economy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Travel Tools
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |