Tripura is one of the seven states in the north eastern part of India located between 22 degree and 56 minutes and 24 degree and 32 minutes north latitude and between 90 degree and 09 minutes and 92 degree and 20 minutes east latitude. It is bounded on the north, west, south and south-east by Bangladesh whereas in the east it has a common boundary with Assam and Mizoram. Click here for maps.

There is a common belief that the name of the State has originated from "Tripura Sundari" - the presiding deity of the land which is famous as one of the 51 pethos of Hindu Pilgrims. Apart from this traditional view it is believed that originally the land was known as "Tuipra" meaning a land adjoining the water. It is fact that in days of yore the boundaries of Tripura was extended up to the Bay of Bengal when its rulers held sway from Garo hills to Arakan.

The history of Tripura as a administrative unit dates back to the days of Maharajas when the territory was a native State. It is significant to note that all though Tripura was conquered by force of arms in 1761, no Political agents was appointed in the State till 1871 - a gap of 110 years.

The former princely state of Tripura was ruled by Maharajas of Manikya dynasty. It was an independent administrative unit under the Maharaja even during the British rule in India though this independence was qualified, being subject to the recognition of the British, as the paramount power, of each successive ruler. After independence of India, an agreement of merger of Tripura with the Indian Union was signed by the Regent Maharani on September 9, 1947 and the administration of the state was actually taken over by the Govt. of India on October 15, 1949. Tripura became a Union Territory without legislature with effect from November 1, 1956 and a popular ministry was installed in Tripura on July 1, 1963. On January 21, 1972 Tripura attained statehood. It has excellent opportunity for Tourism. It has many places of interest. Folk Dances of Tripura speak its rich cultural heritage.

The Land

The People

The Economy

The economy is primarily agrarian. The primary sector ( Agricultural) contributes about 64% of total employment in the state and about 48% of the State Domestic Product(SDP).

A variety of Horticultural/ Plantation Crops are produced in Tripura like Pineapple, Oranges, Cashewnut, Jackfruit, Coconut, Tea, Rubber, Forest , Plantations etc. There is ample scope for increasing the area under such plantations as well as the productivity.

As regards Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, the present level of production is not adequate to meet the demand of the state and there is need and scope for considerable development.

The Industry Sector has also remained to undeveloped so far, despite the vast potential. The secondary sector contributes only about 5% of total employment and about 7% of the total income (SDP) of the state at present.

Tourism has been declared as an Industry in the state since 1987.

Handicraft is emerging as a potential industry in Tripura. The Handloom Industry also plays an important role in rural Industry of Tripura.

Administration

Administratively it is divided into 4 Districts, 15 Subdivisions, 38 Rural Development Blocks, 31 Revenue Circles, 183 Teshils, 874 Revenue Moujas, 962 Gram Panchayets, 3 Jilla Parishads, 18 Notified Areas, 1 Municipal Council.

For reference books on Tripura, please click here.