Capital of Tripura – Agartala

Capital of Tripura State

The capital of Tripura is Agartala. It’s close to Bangladesh and is the main hub for business in the area. Agartala has many interesting places like the Ujjayanta Palace, where the Tripura Legislative Assembly meets, as well as temples, colleges, and museums. This city has a long history and has been important for a very long time, which we know from old papers and royal announcements.

Overview of The City of Tripura – Agartala

Agartala, the capital of Tripura state in northeastern India near the Bangladesh border, sits by the Haroa River and is surrounded by many villages.

Here is the detail overview of Agartala:

History: Agartala has a long history. It’s been significant for centuries. Some old records mention Tripura in ancient texts like the Mahabharata. There are valuable documents edited by Professor Mahadev Chakraborty that reveal many facts about Tripura’s history.

Geography: Agartala is in northeastern India near the Bangladesh border, by the Haroa River, surrounded by villages.

Economy: Agartala is the main commercial hub of the region. It has colleges affiliated with Tripura University like Maharaja Bir Bikram College and Tripura Engineering College. It also has an airport and good connections to other parts of the country.

Etymology of Agartala: The name Agartala comes from two words: “Agar,” meaning valuable perfume, and “Tala,” meaning storehouse. So, Agartala means a storehouse of valuable perfumes.

Demographics: In 2011, Agartala’s population was around 400,000. It’s a diverse city, with Bengalis, Tripuris, Manipuris, and other ethnic groups living together.

Culture: Agartala has a rich cultural heritage with temples, museums, and palaces. Ujjayanta Palace, where the Tripura Legislative Assembly meets, is there. Also, there are museums like the Tripura State Museum and attractions like the National Bird Sanctuary, College Tilla, Nehru Park, and Heritage Park.

Unknown Facts About Agartala – Capital City of Tripura

• Ujjayanta Palace: Agartala has the Ujjayanta Palace, a big old palace of the Kingdom of Tripura, now a museum. It’s not just beautiful but also huge, covering about 800 acres, making it one of the biggest palaces in Northeast India.
• Rabindranath Tagore’s Connection: Rabindranath Tagore, a famous writer, had a strong bond with Agartala and its royal family. He visited many times and helped the area with culture and education. You can see Tagore’s influence in Agartala’s rich culture.
• Near Bangladesh: Agartala is very close to Bangladesh, just about 2 kilometers away. This closeness has led to a mix of cultures and economies between the two areas.
• Ancient Things: Around Agartala, there are old temples and things that are more than 500 years old. The Fourteen Goddess Temple and the Buddhist Stupa at Boxanagar are some examples that show the city’s history and religion.
• Neermahal Water Palace: Neermahal, or the “Water Palace,” is about 53 kilometers from Agartala. It’s one of only two water palaces in India. It was made as a summer home by a king and has a mix of Hindu and Mughal styles.
• Unakoti: Not in Agartala, but in Tripura, Unakoti is an old place with big sculptures and carvings of Lord Shiva. It’s not very well-known in tourism yet.

First Capital of Tripura

The first capital of Tripura was Udaipur, also known as Rangamati, located about 55 kilometers away from the current capital of Tripura state, Agartala. Udaipur, old capital of Tripura is important in Tripura’s history because it was where the Manikya dynasty ruled for a long time until 1949 when Tripura became part of India.

In the late 19th century, Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya decided to move the capital from Udaipur to Agartala for better administration and development. Capital city of Tripura, Agartala had better facilities and connections which were important for the region’s progress. However, Udaipur still holds its significance in Tripura’s history and culture.

Overview of Tripura

• History: Tripura has a long and varied history, with signs of people living there since ancient times. Different royal families, like the Manikya dynasty, ruled the region, influencing its culture and traditions. During British rule, Tripura was a princely state and later joined India in 1949. It was also part of Bengal when the British were in charge.
• Geography and Climate: Tripura, located in northeastern India, is a landlocked state known for its hills, green valleys, and diverse wildlife. It shares borders with Bangladesh on three sides. The weather is usually warm and humid, with heavy rain during the monsoon season, making the landscape lush and green.
• Demographics: Tripura has a mix of indigenous tribal groups and non-tribal people. The state is home to various tribes like the Tripuris, Reangs, and Jamatia. Bengali is the most spoken language, followed by Kokborok. The literacy rate is high, and people from different communities live together peacefully.
• Economy: Agriculture is the main focus of Tripura’s economy, with activities like horticulture, tea farming, and bamboo production. The state also benefits from natural gas reserves, supporting its industrial growth. Handicrafts, handloom products, and tourism play significant roles in the economy. The government encourages investment in food processing, rubber, and tourism sectors to boost development.
• Culture: Tripura’s culture is colorful, with various traditions, festivals, and arts. Unique dances like Garia and Lebang Boomani are part of tribal celebrations. The state’s music, crafts, and food reflect its diverse cultural heritage. Festivals like Kharchi Puja, Garia Puja, and the Ker festival are celebrated with enthusiasm.
• Tourism: Tripura is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. Tourist attractions include Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal, Unakoti, and Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. The green landscapes, peaceful lakes, and vibrant culture make Tripura a unique destination for travelers looking for an authentic experience.

FAQs on Capital of Tripura

Who is the capital of Tripura?

Agartala is the capital of Tripura, not who but which. It is the political, economic, and cultural center of the state, known for its rich history, palaces, and diverse cultural heritage.

What is the old name of Agartala?

The old name of Agartala is not widely documented, but it has been known as Agartala for a long time. The city's name is derived from the words Agar, a type of oily valuable perfume tree, and tala, meaning storehouse, indicating the region's rich natural resources.

Who is the first king of Tripura?

The first king of Tripura, according to Rajmala, the royal chronicle of the Tripuri kings, was Maharaja Dharma Manikya I, who reigned in the 15th century. The Manikya dynasty played a pivotal role in the state's history.

Why Tripura is called Seven Sisters?

Tripura is part of the Seven Sisters, a term used to describe the seven northeastern states of India, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. This nickname underscores the states' geographical proximity and cultural and historical linkages.

Is Tripura the smallest state?

No, Tripura is not the smallest state in India. It is relatively small in terms of area but larger than states like Sikkim and Goa. Tripura is known for its diverse culture, rich history, and natural beauty, despite its size.