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Tripura, a ‘frontier’ state bordering
Bangladesh, is said to have been founded by the Tipra tribals.
According to another belief, the State derives its name from the
virgin Goddess, Tripura Sundari. While its antiquity is shrouded in
the mists of time, this much is definitely known: Tripura was ruled
by Maharajas of tribal descent for 1300 years – till the time it
decided to join the Indian Union in 1949. After being declared a
Union Territory in 1956, Tripura became a full fledged state in 1972.
An ancient, tiny (less
than 11000 square kilometres) State of dazzling contrasts, Tripura,
with its verdant hills, dense woods, cascading waterfalls and ornate
sprawling palaces has often been described as the land of handlooms.
More than 100000 weavers keep looms humming all over the State.
Cotton and silk fabrics in beautiful traditional designs of
horizontal and vertical strips are woven and constitute the single
largest industry of the State. The production of tea is ranked as the
principal industry in this State of erstwhile maharajas.
Today, the influence of
the Maharajas who were great patrons of the arts, crafts and learning
can be seen al over Tripura. Near Agartala, the multi-dimensional
capital, the most striking legacy of the Maharajas is the palace of
Nirmahal. Built by British engineers at the behest of the Maharajas,
Nirmahal was built some 60 years ago on an island in the middle of a
large lake in Tripura. Another sprawling palace which was
commissioned from the same group of engineers has now become the
Assembly Chambers and offices.
Apart from the dignified
palaces, Agartala, once reputed as a centre of learning, is dotted
with elegant red brick buildings which were favourites with the
Maharajas of Tripura. In Agartala, as in the rest of the State,
there re three main languages: Kakborak, Manipuri and Bengali. The
last named is attributed to the influence of Bengali scholars who
were patronized by the culture-conscious Maharajas of Tripura.
The population of Tripura
is largely tribal (more than 3 lakh) and largely Hindu. Udaipur –
known for its temples – and Sepahijala, form part of the
itinerary recommended for first timers to Tripura.
Perhaps the greenest of
all the green States and Union Territories of the North-East, the
riotious growth and wealth of vegetation in and around Agartala as
well as the rest of Tripura is amazing. Equally amazing are tiny
Tripura’s traditions in sculpture and architecture, wood
carving, textiles, cane and bamboo work, silver jewellery, terracotta
articles, brass and bell metal work, and the craft of sitalpati
(mat making).
The Kuki, Lushai, Chakma
and Rang tribals have contributed the well known Tripuri motifs to
handlooms. Vertical and horizontal stripes and embroidery in
different colours gives a pleasing effect to the traditional
handlooms of Tripura. The lasingphee (a weave in which cloth
is padded with cotton during weaving) is a speciality production
while chaddar (bed spread), saris, scarves and bags with
Tripuri motifs are a popular item of production.
Handlooms play an
important part in the economy of Tripura, providing a means of both
employment and income. The main weaving centres are concentrated in
Belonia, Kailashar, Khowai, and Soonamura.
Apart from traditional
handloom production and the widespread – there are more than 55
centres in Tripura – of cane and bamboo work, the production of
tribal jewellery has acquired importance in recent times. The main
production centres for silver jewellery are located at Khowai,
Belonia, Soonamura, Dharmanagar, and in Agartala.
While its distinctive
architecture, culture and crafts impart an unmistakable identity to
Tripura, unexplored domains beckon to those who have a penchant for
the unusual. A paradise for naturalists and trekkers, the outdoors
in Tripura wait to be discovered.
VISITING TRIPURA
By Air
There are daily Indian
Airlines flights from Calcutta to Agartala.
By Rail
Tripura is connected by
rail from Guwahati and Calcutta.
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