Tripura

Capital : Agartala
Principal Languages : Bengali, Tripuri, Hindi, English

Geography :

Almost completely hidden away from the rest of the world, the tiny state of Tripura is one of the least publicized states in India. With Assam to its north and Mizoram to its east, the state is surrounded by Bangladesh on all other sides and has remained secluded from much of the world. Northern Tripura consists of alternating hills and valleys, while southern Tripura is a large open spread of forestland.

Important Cities - Towns and Religious - Tourist Place :

Agartala (capital city) has Ujjayana Place, Jagannath Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Uma Maheswari Temple, Benuban Vihar, State Museum, Bhunaveswari Temple, Brahmakanda, Dumbor Lake, Jumpui Hill, Kailashshahr, Kamalasagar, Matabiri, Nirmahal (lake palace), Rabindra Kanan, Sepahijala, Tripurasundari Temple, Trishna Wild Sanctuary, Udai pur, Unakoti.

Climate :

Tripura's climate is simply categorized by hot summers and cool winters. Over the course of a year, the state will see temperatures anywhere between 50 F and 90 F (10 C - 35 C). Tripura's weather is dominated by rain. On average the state receives about 82 inches (210 cm) of rain each year, with Kamalpur receiving about 112 inches (285.5 cm) a year. Even the driest region of the state, Sonamura, receives roughly 71 inches (181 cm) of rainfall annually.

Location :

Tripura is bounded on the north, west and south by Bangladesh and on the northeast by Assam and Mizoram.

Culture :

Tribal life is a mainstay for much of Tripura. In total, there are 19 tribal communities living in the state, as well as large Bengali and Manipuri populations. Originally, the tribes of Tripura lived off the land, particularly the jungles, but over time more ethnic groups flowed into the state. With this inflow of new peoples, an organized lifestyle emerged in the state. Marriage between different ethnicities and castes has helped to build diversity and unity in the state. In keeping with tribal traditions, characteristic art of the state is very raw and natural. Both men and women typically wear hand-woven clothes. Bamboo and cane furniture from Tripura are quite popular, and products made from the palm leaf are very common as well. Similarly, music and dance of the state has a tribal quality to it. Most dances relate to the agricultural life of the tribe. The Garia Dance signifies the cultivation of certain plants, and the Lebang Boomani Dance marks the monsoon season. The existence of so many different tribal groups also means that many different holidays and festivals are celebrated depending on the region of the state. For example, only the Mog tribe celebrates the Way Festival. However, Hinduism does bind most people together, and major Hindu observances, like Diwali, are found throughout the state. Other special celebrations, such as the Boat Race Festival, the Orange Festival, and the Tourism Festival, flourish statewide as well.

History :

The history of Tripura goes back to the epic age of the Mahabharata and the Puranas. A Hindu State of great antiquity, having been ruled by the Maharajas for over two on October 15, 1949. With the reorganisation of States on September 1,1956, Tripura became a Union Territory. It became a full-fledged State on January 21,1972

Economy :

Industrial strength in Tripura is greatly underdeveloped. Though natural gas, fruit processing, rubber goods production, handicraft goods, and textiles are growing industries, they are not major contributors to the economy. Tourism is actually the main industry of the state, and industry in total only employs about 5% of the state. Agricultural strength, particularly in horticulture, is the backbone of the state economy. Pineapples, oranges, cashews, coconuts, tea, cotton, and rubber are the major cash crops grown. Moreover, livestock raising and fishing provide a sizeable income for Tripura.

States and Union Territories of India