History of Tripura

Tripura (Twipra) used to be a royal state before independence.The Tribal Kings (Habugra) had the title of Manikya and ruled Tripura for hundreds of years until its incorporation into India in 1949. The capital of the Kingdom was based in Udaipur which was known as Rangamati on the banks of the river Gomati (Kormoti) in South Tripura.

The capital was shifted first to Old Agartala and then the present Agartala in the 19th Century. As a revolt against the monarchic rule, the Ganamukti Parishad movement was launched. The movement was victorious and Tripura was integrated with India. It was heavily affected by partition and its population now consists of Bengalis (most of whom came as refugees from Bangladesh after independence in 1971) living side by side with the native tribal population.

Mythological Period

The origins of the Kingdom of Tripura is shrouded in the myths written in Rajmala, the chronicle of the Kings of Tripura, which meanders from Hindu mythologies and Tribal folklores.

Ancient Period

The ancient period can be said from around 7th century when the Tripuri kings ruled from Kailasahar in North Tripura and they used Fa as their title, “pha” in kokborok means “Father’ or “Head”.

Historical Period

The Kings of Tripura adopted the “Manikya” title and shifted their capital to Udaipur (formerly Rangamati) on the banks of river Gomti in South Tripura in the 14th century. these was their most glorious period and their power and fame was even acknowledged by the Mughals, who were their contemporaries in North India.

Modern Period

The modern period starts after the domination of the Kingdom by the Mughals and the furthur tribute to the British India after the British defeated the Mughals. During this period the capital of the Kingdom of Tripura was shifted to Agartala the present state capital.