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| Facts & Figures |
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| Area |
10486 sq km |
| Population |
2,757,205 (1997) |
| Annual Rainfall |
2,100 mm |
| Maximum Temperature |
35°C |
| Minimum Temperature |
10°C |
| Capital |
Agartala |
| Languages |
Bengali, Kakbarak, Manipuri |
| Literacy rate |
60% |
| Per Capita Income |
6200 |
| Urbanization Ratio |
15.30% (1991) |
| Best Time to Visit |
September to March |
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Introduction
Of all the places of interest around the country, the Northeast is perhaps the least publicized. And among the Seven Sisters of this region-Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Tripura-the last is the least known, in spite of the state’s richness in terms of beautiful scenery, virgin forests and lush valleys, exquisite craft traditions and a colorful cultural-historical heritage.
Part of the reason for the obscurity of the state of Tripura lies in its being a “corner within a corner,” tucked away behind the borders of Bangladesh. The other contributing factor has been that Tripura was always a princely state ruled by a Maharaja until the time of independence and never came under British supervision. This meant that it did not become ‘fashionable’ as a winter resort like Shillong (in Meghalaya) and Shimla (in Himachal Pradesh) became. Yet, this tiny state-the smallest in terms of area, among the seven sisters-can lay claim to a variety of attractions in terms of archeological importance, religious significance, folk and tribal culture and ethnic artifacts.
Location
Situated on the extreme corner of the Indian subcontinent, Tripura has Bangladesh as its border on its north, west and south. Assam and Mizoram border the eastern part of the state.
Physical Features
Tripura’s physical feature differs from the north to south. It is a land of high hills, hillocks, and interspersed with river valleys. On its north, it has four valleys that have been separated by hills with heights of about 1,000 meters. On its south, it has open forested land spread over a wide range of area.
Climate
The climate of the state is hot in summers and cold in winters with the temperatures ranging from 35°C to 10°C. Tripura receives an average rainfall of 2,100 mm.
Flora and Fauna
Due to the sufficient and well-distributed rainfall, the state has an ideal composition of land mass and water that houses a large variety of flora and fauna here. A wide variety of plant and orchid species are found in the forests of Tripura. Sal (Shorea robusta) is an important product of the forests here.
History
The history of the place starts from the days of the great epic Mahabharata. It was ruled by the Manikya dynasty from the 14th century. The Manikyas, who supposedly belonged to the Indo-Mongolian group, ruled over this area independently even at the time when most parts of the Indian subcontinent were under British rule. The rulers of the state had a good relation with the British during that time and the later helped Tripura to protect itself from the Nawabs of Bengal to take over the state. After the independence of India, an agreement to merge Tripura with the Indian Union was signed by the Regent Maharani on September 9, 1947. This state became a union territory of the country without legislature from November 1, 1956 and a ministry was formed on July 1, 1963. On January 21, 1972, Tripura got its statehood. Accessing Tripura was difficult until when Maharaja Bir Bikram made an airport in Agartala. Rabindranath Tagore is said to have had a very deep touch with this state. The two famous novels by the Nobel laureate, namely, the Visarjan and Rajasri were based on the legends of the Manikyas.
People
Ethnicity
Almost 50% of the people of the state belong to the tribal community. The number of tribal communities here is 19, excluding the Bengalis and Manipuris. In earlier times, these people used to depend entirely on the jungle of the state for their living. With passing of time, they have learnt the way of living in a more organized way. Later on, infiltration of people from other neighboring states and from Bangladesh has transformed the ethnic composition of the people. Bengalis constitute a large chunk of the population here. These days, inter-caste marriages have also contributed in making Tripura a multicultural state.
Arts and Crafts
The art and craft of the state is very much tribal in character. Hand-woven dress material for both men and women are common. Moreover, other products like Pachra and Risha are very much in demand especially outside the state. Moreover, Tripura is exceptionally famous for its bamboo and cane furniture and products. Palm-leaf handicraft products of Tripura are quite popular nowadays.
Music and Dance
Because of its agrarian culture, most of the dances are based on the agricultural activities of the people. Among the dances the state, Garia Dance is related to the Jhum cultivation while Lebang Boomani Dance is related to the monsoon season. There are also dances related to the different tribal communities like the Hozagiri Dance of the Reangs, Bizu Dance of the Chakmas, Hai Hak Dance of the Halams or Malsums, Welcome Dance of the Lushais, Cheraw Dance of the Darlongs and the Wangala dance of the Garos.
The musical instruments used during these dance forms mainly comprise flutes and drums along with some locally made instruments.
Attire
The attire of the state says a lot more about the people in particular and the state in general. Native women here wear a scrap which sis known as Pachra. This piece of cloth reaches a little down the knee making the woman feel comfortable while climbing the hilly regions. The Risha, woven in loom, is a small cloth piece worn usually by the women to cover their breast part.
Fairs & Festivals
There are community-specific festivals in Tripura observed with the related rituals and festivities. The Mog community observes the Way (Lamp) Festival from the full moon of Ashad to the full moon of Ashwin. The Ashokastami, Garia, and Gajan festivals are celebrated in April. Moreover, there are the Rabindra and Nazrul Jayanti, Boat Race festival, Kharchi, Manasa Mangal, Durga Puja, Diwali, Ras, Poush Sankranti Mela and Orange and Tourism Festival that are celebrated throughout the state with great fervor.
Economy
| Facts & Figures of Pondicherry |
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| Phone services |
DoT |
| Domestic airports |
1 (Agartala) |
| Cities linked |
Calcutta, Guwahati |
| State-identified priority sectors |
Agro-Based, Food Processing, Horticulture |
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Industry
Although Tripura has vast potential, the industry sector of the state is an underdeveloped one. The state’s secondary sector contributes just 5% to the total employment of the state. Tourism has been given the formal status of an industry in 1987.
Agriculture
Tripura produces some of the important horticultural products like pineapple, orange, cashew nut, jackfruit, coconut, tea, cotton, mesta, rubber, etc. The agriculture of the state is largely based on the system of Jhum (shifting) cultivation, and gives due importance to animal husbandry and fisheries.
Incentives
State Government Incentives
Capital investment subsidy to eligible industrial units at 30% of fixed capital investment. Additional subsidy is also provided in certain cases. However, total subsidy in a particular case would be subject to a ceiling of Rs. 25 lakhs.
Exemption from payment of sales tax for a period of 5 years from the date of commencement of commercial production.
15% price preference to industrial units, on purchases made by state government departments/ agencies.
Central Government Incentives
Central transport subsidy at 90% of transport cost of raw material brought from outside the Northeastern region as well as the finished goods sent from the Northeastern region to other parts of the country. The transport cost between Siliguri (the entry point to the Northeast) and the factory site only is considered for subsidy calculations. In addition, subsidy is also available at 90% of transport cost on movement of raw materials and at 50% of transport cost on movement of finished goods from one state to another within the Northeastern region.
Income Tax Exemption for 5 years for the new industrial units set up in the Northeastern region.
Additional Incentives under the New Industrial Policy
Growth centers and IIDCs to be converted into total tax free zones for next 10 years. All industrial activity in these zones would be free from income/excise tax for a period of 10 years from the commencement of production. Similar benefits would also be extended to new industrial units or their substantial expansion in other growth centers or IIDCs of industrial estates/parks/export promotion zones set up by the states. Similar benefits will also be provided to units located outside the specified locations, if they belong to the specified industries listed in Annexure A of the Government of India circular.
Capital Investment Subsidy (CIS) at 15% of investment in plant and machinery, subject to a maximum ceiling of Rs 30 lakhs would by given. Eligibility conditions will be same as in case of tax benefits.
Transport Subsidy Scheme will be extended for a period of another 7 years, i.e., up to March 31, 2007 on same terms and conditions as are applicable now.
Interest subsidy of 3% on working capital loans would be provided for a period of 10 years. Eligibility conditions will be same as in case of tax benefit.
A comprehensive insurance scheme for industrial units to be designed, in consultation with GIC and 100% premium to be borne by Government of India for 10 years.
Tourist Centers
The state government has given tourism the status of an industry. The state has several places of tourist importance like Agartala, Unakoti, Pilak, Udaipur, Tripurasundari Temple, Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal, Jampui Hill, Bhavaneswari Temple, Sepahijala, Kamalasagar, Deotamura, and Dumboor Lake.
Moreover, there are the Buddhist monasteries in Agartala, Pecharthal, Kanchanpur, Manu Bakul, Pilak, and Boxnagar.
How To Reach
By Air
Tripura has only one airport at Agartala that connects the place with Guwahati and Calcutta.
By Rail
Tripura has no railheads inside the state. The nearest railheads are at Kumarghat (140 km from Agartala) and Silchar (180 km) in Assam.
By Road
The National Highway 44 connects most of the places of Tripura via Shillong. The state transport corporation and private tour operators run regular buses that connect the state with the nearby towns and cities both within and outside the state.
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