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India.com
02-08-2025
- India.com
10 Facts About Tripura That'll Make You Question Everything You Knew About India
Tripura isn't just Agartala and royal palaces. It's a living mosaic of hills, rivers, forests and ancient tales that quietly beckon the curious traveller. When you step into this small northeastern state, something shifts. The ordinary maps blur and a world of culture, nature and history unfolds at every turn. Most visitors rush to Ujjayanta Palace or the bustling markets in Agartala. But what if we told you that Tripura's magic lies beyond these familiar sights? It's in the tiny villages where tribal art lives on, in the secret lakes that mirror the sky, and in the old stone carvings that whisper legends of bygone kingdoms. Let's embark on a journey through ten remarkable facts about Tripura that go far beyond the guidebook highlights. These are the hidden gems, the soulful corners and the curious quirks that make Tripura unforgettable. What makes Tripura stand out from anywhere else in India? It's not just the geography or the people. It's the sense of discovery. Tripura is where the plains meet the hills, and where ancient royal lore meets vibrant tribal art. Here rivers wind through dense bamboo groves and palaces share space with thatched huts. Agartala's city buzz blends seamlessly with remote hamlets where smiles are as warm as the afternoon sun. This is a land of firsts and lasts. First tribal councils established by kings. Last royal horse stables still echoing hoofbeats. It's a place where traditional dances and modern festivals coexist. And through it all, you feel a quiet confidence—as if Tripura knows it has stories that deserve to be told. 1. Tripura Was an Independent Kingdom Until 1949 Long before joining India in 1949, Tripura was a princely state ruled by the Manikya dynasty for over a thousand years. The kings built grand palaces, temples and stone carvings that still stand proudly in places like Udaipur and Unakoti. Walking among these ruins, you can almost hear the echoes of royal processions and the clang of ancient armour. 2. Home to 19 Recognised Tribes with Unique Cultures Tripura's real treasure lies in its tribal diversity. From the Reang to the Jamatia, each of the 19 tribes brings its own language, music, dance and traditional crafts. The bamboo and cane crafts of the Tripuri people are world famous. Their handwoven mats, baskets and pots are not just souvenirs—they are pieces of living heritage. 3. The Oldest Jain Temples Outside Mainland India Nestled in the hills of Udaipur, you'll find four ancient Jain temples dating back to the 15th century. These stone shrines with intricate carvings are a quiet contrast to the bustling city below. Pilgrims come from far and wide, but few know the tales behind each statue and pillar. 4. Unakoti's Gigantic Stone Carvings Unakoti is often called India's own Moai site. Hundreds of huge stone faces and figures carved into a mountain side rest in silent vigil. Local legend says the carvings are pilgrims turned to stone overnight. Whatever the story, standing before a ten-meter tall Bas-relief of Shiva leaves you both awed and puzzled. 5. Sipahijola Wildlife Sanctuary—Where the Clouded Leopard Roams Beyond the cultivated fields and villages, the Sipahijola Sanctuary shelters rare wildlife like the clouded leopard, hoolock gibbons and endangered brow-antlered deer. A small lake in the park is ringed by watchtowers, perfect for spotting animals at dawn. It's one of the few places in India where you can admire these elusive creatures in their natural home. 6. The Bamboo Cathedral of Pilak In the sleepy town of Pilak you can wander through groves of bamboo that form natural arches overhead. Ancient Buddhist sculptures hide among the stems, their stone faces peering out at the dappled light. Few tourists find this spot, making it feel like your own private sanctuary. 7. Neermahal—The Lake Palace of the East Rising from the heart of Rudrasagar Lake, Neermahal is a stunning water palace built by Maharaja Bir Bikram in the 1930s. Moor your boat at its feet and walk the marble halls where kings once held court. As the sun sets, the red sandstone glow seems almost surreal, as if the palace itself is floating on water. 8. Agartala's Lush Ujjayanta Gardens Surrounding the majestic Ujjayanta Palace are manicured lawns dotted with fountains, flowerbeds and shaded paths. Stroll here early in the morning to hear migratory birds singing. Later, centuries-old temple relics peek through the foliage, reminding you that history is just around the corner. 9. Litki or Gomati River—Tripura's Life Line The Gomati River, locally called Litki, meanders gently through Tripura's plains. It nourishes paddy fields, supports fishing villages and offers serene boat rides. Watching the sun rise over its calm waters, you'll see fishermen casting nets by oar and simple boats carrying fresh produce downstream. 10. Festivals that Blend Royalty and Rural Joy Tripura's cultural calendar is rich with festivals. The colourful Kharchi Puja honors village deities with lively dances. Garia Puja celebrates the harvest under starlit skies. And the royal Durga Puja at Ujjayanta Palace brings the city together in a grand blend of tradition and splendour. Each festival is a window into the soul of Tripura's people. Why explore Tripura's hidden sides? Tripura is more than a dot on the map. It's a place where every hill has a story, and every river bend reveals new wonders. When you stray from the main roads, you help local artisans, small tea growers and homestay families thrive. Your steps support conservation of sacred forests, wildlife refuges and centuries-old temples. Practical Tips for the Curious Traveller Dress Light Yet RespectfulLoose cotton clothes, a scarf for temple visits and comfortable walking shoes will keep you ready for both forest trails and royal palaces. Pack Local SnacksCarry rusks, local rice cakes (chire) and tea leaves from a Tripura market. Snack breaks taste better with regional flavours. Hire Local GuidesA village elder or a forest ranger can show you trails, share folk tales and help spot rare birds or animals. Plan for Slow DaysTripura isn't about tick-box tourism. Take a day to watch village life by the river or a boat ride on Rudrasagar Lake. That's when the real magic happens. Final Thoughts Tripura invites you not just to see, but to feel. To listen to monks chanting in ancient temples, to learn a bamboo craft from a tribal artisan, to watch deer wander through misty forests at dawn. It is an experience as varied as its landscape, and as deep as its history. So the next time you plan an Indian journey, don't just glance at the northeast—wander into Tripura. Because here, every small road and hidden corner has a story waiting for you.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Bru leaders seek HM's intervention on resettlement issues in Tripura
Guwahati: The Bru signatories of the Quadripartite Bru Agreement on Monday submitted a memorandum to home minister Amit Shah , seeking his immediate proactive intervention to pave the way for justice and improved living conditions for Bru families resettled in Tripura. The Quadripartite Bru Agreement initiated by Shah was signed on Jan 16, 2020. It is a landmark deal aimed at resolving the long-standing humanitarian crisis of the Bru (Reang) refugees, who fled ethnic violence in Mizoram and lived in relief camps in Tripura for over two decades. The agreement was signed between MHA, govts of Tripura and Mizoram and representatives of Bru refugees. The Bru leaders also expressed solidarity with a 77-year-old member of the community, Zothanga, who is on an indefinite hunger strike to advocate for the fundamental rights and dignity of the Bru resettled families across the 13 settlement locations in Tripura. "We implore you to consider Zothanga's demands and take necessary steps to address the grievances of the Bru families," they submitted in the memorandum reminding Shah that his commitment made during his visit on March 9 on issuance of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration cards. They urged that AAY ration cards are issued immediately, along with an increase of 5kg of ration per head. "This increment is vital to addressing the nutritional needs of every Bru family, ensuring food security, and enhancing our quality of life," they stated. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo They also pressed for allocation of agricultural land as per the Quadripartite Bru Agreement as "land is not just a piece of property: it represents opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and food sovereignty. Empowering us to cultivate our lands will enable us to provide for our families with dignity and respect." They further urged that each resettled Bru family deserves a legal housing plot of 30x40sqft complete with registered ownership documents.
New Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Day 3 of SPIC MACAY cultural bonanza stuns Hyderabad
Come one, come all, let us immerse ourselves in the beauty of Indian tradition and culture! This was the tone on Day 3 of the 10th Annual International Convention of SPIC MACAY, held from 26 May to 1 June at IIT-H. Children, students, professors, and music connoisseurs listened with unmatched excitement as the evening opened with the vibrant folk traditions of 'Hojagiri', a ritual dance of the Reang (Bru) community from Tripura. Performed by Debasis Reang and his troupe, the dance mesmerised the audience with acrobatic balance, symbolising the five elements of life: fire, water, food, soil, and air. Next came the dynamic 'Purulia Chhau', a martial folk theatre form from West Bengal. With elaborate masks, dramatic leaps, and rhythmic storytelling, Shri Tarapada Rajak and his troupe brought to life a stirring episode from the Devi Mahatmya, the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The performance left the young audience enthralled.
