TRIPURA : ORIGIN AND HISTORY Posted Date: 22 Nov 2007     Resource Type: Articles/Knowledge Sharing     Category: General Author: manish Member Level: Gold     Rating: Points: 5

TRIPURA : ORIGIN AND HISTORY Origin : The origin of the name of Tripura is still a matter of controversy among historians and researchers. According to the 'Rajmala", Tripura's celebrated court chronicle, an ancient king named 'Tripur' ruled over the territorial domain known as 'Tripura' and the name of the kingdom was derived from his name. A school of historians, however, challenge this story and identify 'Tripur' as an imaginary and ahistorical character. Many researchers explain the name 'Tripura' from its etymological origin: the word 'Tripura' is a compound of two separate words, 'Tui' (water) + 'Pra' (near) which in totality means 'near water'. The geographical location of the state with it's close proximity to the vast water resources of Eastern Bengal (present Bangladesh) coupled with the generic identity of the state's original inhabitants as 'Tipra' or 'Twipra' apparently justify this explanation of the state's name. Except 'Rajmala' there is no authentic document to base Tripura's history upon even though a plethora of archaeological and numismatic evidences have helped reconstruct the history of the state over the past five centuries. TRIPURA BRIEF HISTORY An ancient state in the extreme east of India bordering Bengal, Tripura dates its foundation from the year 100 AD. The ruling dynasty claims descent from Jayati, Emperor of India during the heroic age. The verifiable history of the state dates only from the middle of the fifteenth century. The earliest recorded history being the epic known as the Rajmala, perhaps the earliest extant work in the Bengali language. According to tradition, King Tugral Khan of Bengal, granted the rulers of the dynasty the hereditary title of Manikya in return for the presentation of a costly gem, said to have been obtained from a frog. The title has been used as a unique title by the rulers of Tripura ever since. The territories held by the Rajas reached their greatest extent during the 16th century, extending from the Hughli River in the west, and to Kamrup in the North. The Mughals invaded the principality in 1618, and although later forced to withdraw due to en epidemic, the low-lying areas remained under Mughal control thereafter. These territories fell under the administration of HEIC after Lord Clive obtained the diwani of Bengal in 1765. The Tripura raja continuing possession of his large and valuable estates in the British districts as a zamindar, or landlord. The revenues of the Roshanabad zamindari exceeded those of the state of Tripura proper, which the rajas continued to rule directly. The system of succession, peculiar to Tripura, often resulted in disputes and contests for the throne. During former times this frequently induced intervention by the Muslim rulers of Bengal, usually after a disgruntled prince had appealed for help. Similar disputes continued after the HEIC established their control over Bengal. The most serious of these established British influence over the state in 1809. Yudha Rama Ganga Manikya had assumed power on the death of his father. The British deposed him because he was not the official Heir Apparent and the throne transferred to his cousin. By lucky fate, the cousin died four years later, allowing Yudha Rama Ganga to resume his rule. Thereafter, the British intervened very little in local affairs, leaving the country under the relatively peaceful rule of the Manikyas. Development in Tripura proper was slower than in other princely states, largely because of poor economic conditions. State revenues were supplemented by the Raja's zamindari in British Bengal, but these were insufficient for more than the very basic reforms. It is only with the reign of Maharaj Bir Chandra Kishore, in the last quarter of the nineteenth century that the first tentative steps towards reform and development began. However, no determined programme emerged until the reign of Maharaj Kirit Birendra Kishore during the second decade of the twentieth century. Perhaps due to his modern education his outlook may have been more receptive to change. Despite modest means, he reformed the revenue system, the courts, police, and army, built roads, hospitals and schools. He contracted marriages with several Nepalese princesses and sent his sons and brothers to be educated in modern institutions outside the state. Many of these princes acquired skills valuable to the administration and development of their homeland. Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore succeeded his father aged fifteen 1923, reigning under the guidance of his powerful uncles. For several years he ruled under a Council of Regency, a form of rule which usually prompted a deeper interest in state affairs by British officials. A series of administrative and other reforms were encouraged, education expanded, communications and infrastructure improved. When the young Maharaja assumed full control, the state was on a par with other princely states. His keen interest in military affairs were to stand in good stead, particularly when the War in Burma reached India's borders and the Japanese threatened invasion. The small Tripura army served with distinction and honour, winning several decorations for gallantry. Amongst the latter, the Maharaja's own younger brother. Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore's early death in 1947 left his throne to his fourteen year old son, Maharaja Kirit Bikram Kishore. This was a crucial time, not only because of British withdrawal and the subsequent uncertain status of the princes, but also due to the birth of East Pakistan. Tripura faced an immediate refugee problem, which brought conflict between the people, severe strain on the administration and threatened to exhaust the meagre resources of the state. The Maharaja's mother who had assumed charge as Regent at her husband's death, was forced to cede sovereignty to India within a few months. By January 1948 the central government had assumed charge and the state continued to be ruled directly for many years. Tripura has now been recognised as a state of the Indian Union in its own right and democratic government has been in place for thirty years. However, large sections of the population have long been unhappy about the Indian annexation and have campaigned vigorously against it. Armed liberation groups continue to operate in many parts of the state where the writ of the Indian government does not run. Maharaja Kirit Bikram Kishore expired in November 2006, following a sudden heart attack at his home. The late Maharaja and his family largely resided in Calcutta, but continued to play a very active part in the cultural and political life of Tripura. Several members of the family have served in the state legislature and in the national parliament in Delhi, the Maharaja, his wife, his uncles and cousins amongst that number. He has been succeeded by his only son from his second marriage to Maharani Bibhu Kumari Devi, the thirty-year old Maharaja Kirit Pradyot Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur. SALUTE: 13-guns (1867). ARMS: Argent, a trident gules; on a chief azure a crescent and a mermaid of the field. Crest: A lion rampant gardant argent holding a hurt in his paws. Supporters: Lions rampant argent. Motto: "Bir ta Saramekam" (Courage is the one thing most needed or nothing is better than a warrior). Lambrequins: Argent and gules. STYLES & TITLES: The ruling prince: Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri (personal name) Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura, with the style of His Highness. The senior consort of the ruling prince: Maharani (personal name) Mahadevi Sahiba, with the style of Her Highness. The junior wives of the ruling prince: Maharani (personal name) Devi Sahiba, with the style of Her Highness. The Heir Apparent: Srila-Srijukta (personal name) Jubaraj Goswami Bahadur. The Heir Presumptive: Sri Bara Thakur Bahadur. The younger sons of the ruling prince: Maharaj Kumar Srila-Srijukta (personal name) Deb Barman Bahadur. The daughters of the ruling prince: Maharaj Kumari Srila (personal name) Devi. ORDERS & DECORATIONS: The Order of Tripura: founded by Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Sir Bir Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, on 10th Kartik, 1346 Tripurabha. Awarded in two classes 1. Mahamanyabar: limited to two recipients at any one time. Insignia: A breast star shaped as a five-petal gold lotus flower with a five-pointed star resting on it, all studded with rubies. The diameter of the lotus flower measuring 3.9/16 inches and the star 3.7/8 inches across the widest span of the arms. The uppermost arm of the star a crown studded with diamonds. In the centre of the star, a circular medallion with crescent and trident studded with diamonds, upon a base of gold meenakari work. Around the upper circle of the medallion the word Mahamanyabar in Devanagri script, raised in gold and encrusted with diamonds. Around the lower circle of the medallion the words Kil Bidurbirata Sarmekong. The star was worn on the left breast. Accompanying the star, a gold badge consisting of a lotus flower in full bloom, suspended from a club-shaped locket measuring 2.7/16 inches by 2.1./8 inches. The badge was worn from a silk ribbon in red and gold suspended from the neck. 2. Manyabar: limited to four recipients at any one time. Insignia: A breast star shaped as a five-petal gold lotus flower with a larger five-pointed star resting on it and studded with rubies. The diameter of the lotus flower measuring 3 inches and the star 3.1/2/16 inches across the widest span of the arms. The uppermost arm of the star a crown studded with diamonds. In the centre of the star, a circular medallion with crescent and trident studded with diamonds, upon a base of red meenakari work. Around the upper circle of the medallion the word Manyabar in Devanagri script traced in raised gold. Around the lower circle of the medallion the words Kil Bidurbirata Sarmekong. The badge was similar to the badge of the first class, but smaller. The badge was worn from a silk ribbon, suspended from the neck and coloured gold, with narrow border stripes in red. RULES OF SUCCESSION: By the terms of the sanad dated 21st June 1904 issued by the Viceroy, Lord Curzon, succession was declared hereditary in the Bir Bikram Manikya family. The ruler could nominate his immediate successor, the Jubraj, from amongst any of his descendants in the male line, or those of a previous ruler. Should the ruler expire before nominating his successor, his eldest male descendant, in the male line, succeeds according to the rules of lineal primogeniture. In the absence of any such descendants, then his next senior male heir in the male line succeeds. Prior to the sanad of 1904, the ruler was entitled to nominate his successor as Jubaraj, and to appoint the successor to the Jubaraj, the Bara Thakur, from amongst any of his male relatives. However, he could not substitute or cancel the appointment of any living Jubaraj or Bara Thakur nominated by a predecessor. For a period, the title of Karta, entitled the holder to succeed to the title of Bara Thakur, but this was short lived. This system of succession is very similar to that still operating in the state of Perak, in Malaysia. SELECT GLOSSARY: Barman: armour. Fa: family name of the dynasty until 1279. Manikya: gem or jewel, conferred as a family name by King Tugral Khan of Bengal in 1279. Rajmala: the state record, or saga of the reigning dynasty, said to be the oldest extant composition in the Bengali language. SOURCES: Administration Report of the Political Agency, Hill Tipperah. 1872-1884/85. IOR/V/10. Oriental & India Office Collection, British Library, St Pancras, London. Apurba Chandra Bhattacharyya. Progressive Tripura. Calcutta, 1930. Gayatri Devi and Santha Rama Rau. A Princess Remembers, The Memoirs of the Maharani of Jaipur. J.P. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia, 1976. List of Ruling Chiefs and Leading Personages of States in the Eastern States Agency. Government of India Manager of Publications, Delhi, 1936. The Rev. James Long. Rajmala, or An Analysis of the Chronicles of the Kings of Tripura. Isan Press, Dacca, 1911. Report on the General Administration of Tipperah State. 1893/94-1897/ 98, 1909/10-1919/ 20. IOR/V/10. Oriental & India Office Collection, British Library, St Pancras, London. Report on the General Administration of Tripura State. 1920/21-1943/ 46. IOR/V/10. Oriental & India Office Collection, British Library, St Pancras, London. N.G. Rhodes and S.K. Bose. The Coinage of Tripura, With notes on the Seals, Orders, Decorations and Medals of the State. Mira Bose Library of Numismatic Studies, Kolkata, 2002. Nalini Ranjan Roychoudhury. Tripura Through The Ages; A Short History of Tripura from the earliest times to 1947 A.D. Sterling Publications Private Limited, New Delhi, 1983. Maharaj-Kumar Sahadev Bikram-Kisor and Dr. Jagadis Gan-Chaudhuri (comp.). Tripura Historical Documents. Firma KLM Private Limited, Calcutta, 1994. The Manikya Dynasty GENEALOGY ... ... Maharaj Tripur, 46th Raja of Tripura, after whom the state of Tripura is named. ... ... ... Maharaj Trilochan. ... ... 14xx - 14xx Maharaj Ratna Manikya, 145th Raja of Tripura. He had issue, including two sons: 1) Maharaj Pratap Manikya, Raja of Tripura - see below. 2) Maharaj Mukut Manikya, Raja of Tripura - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 14xx - 14xx Maharaj Pratap Manikya, Raja of Tripura, elder son of Maharaj Ratna Manikya, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death his father. 14xx - 14xx Maharaj Mukut Manikya, Raja of Tripura, younger son of Maharaj Ratna Manikya, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his elder brother. He had issue, including: 1) Maharaj Maha Manikya, Raja of Tripura - see below. 14xx - 1431 Maharaj Maha Manikya, Raja of Tripura, son of Maharaj Mukut Manikya, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his father. He had issue, including two sons: 1) Maharaj Dharma Manikya, Raja of Tripura - see below. 2) Gagan Fa [Kachu Fa]. He left descendants, including: Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Kalyana Manikya, Raja of Tripura - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1431 - 1462 Maharaj Sri Sri Dharma Manikya, Raja of Tripura, eldest son of Maharaj Maha Manikya, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his father, 1431. The Sri Rajmala was compiled during his reign. m. Rani Nanua Devi. He d. 1462, having had issue, seventeen sons (amongst whom he divided his kingdom), including: 1) Maharaj Dhanya Manikya, Raja of Tripura - see below. 2) Ratna Fa, who succeeded as Sri Sri Narayana Charana Para Ratnapura Sri Sri Durgga Radha Napta Vijaya Maharaj Ratna Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1462 - 1464 Tripura divided into seventeen parts, each ruled by one of the sons of Maharaj Dharma Manikya. 1464 - 1489 Sri Sri Narayana Charana Para Ratnapura Sri Sri Durgga Radha Napta Vijaya Maharaj Ratna Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, younger son of Maharaj Sri Sri Dharma Manikya, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Sent by his father as a hostage to Sultan Rukn ud-din Barbrak Shah, Sultan of Bengal, at Gaur. Returned in 1464 and conquered the state with the help of the Sultan. Ascended the tukht as ruler of the whole of Tripura, with the reign name of Ratna Manikya, 1464. m. Rani Sri Lakshmi Mahadevi. He was k. 1489, having had issue, including three sons: 1) Nara Narayana Sri Sri Maharaj Pratap Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura - see below. 2) Tripurendra Chattigrama Vijayindra Sri Sri Maharaj Dhanya Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura - see below. 3) Nara Narayana Sri Sri Maharaj Mukut Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura - see below. 1489 Nara Narayana Sri Sri Maharaj Pratap Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, eldest son of Sri Sri Narayana Charana Para Ratnapura Sri Durgga Radha Napta Vijaya Maharaj Ratna Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his father in 1489, but deposed or k. shortly afterwards. 1489 - 1490 Nara Narayana Sri Sri Maharaj Mukut Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, youngest son of Sri Sri Narayana Charana Para Ratnapura Sri Durgga Radha Napta Vijaya Maharaj Ratna Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his elder brother, 1489. m. (first) Sri Machtri Mahadevi. He d. at Ratnapur, 1490 (sp?). Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1490 - 1520 Tripurendra Chattigrama Vijayindra Sri Sri Maharaj Dhanya Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, second son of Sri Sri Narayana Charana Para Ratnapura Sri Durgga Radha Napta Vijaya Maharaj Ratna Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his his younger brother, 1490. Conquered Chittagong in 1512 and assumed the title of Chattigrama Vijayindra. m. 1490, Rani Sri Kamala Devayu, daughter of the Senapati. He d. at Ratnapur, 1520, having had issue, including two sons and a daughter: 1) Sri Sri Maharaj Dhwaja Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura - see below. 2) Dhurasarasnayi Tripura Swuvarnagrama Vijayi Sri Sri Maharaj Deva Manikya, Raja of Tripura - see below. 1) A daughter. m. Hopaklau (k. by the Kukis). 1520 - 1526 Sri Sri Maharaj Dhwaja Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, elder son of Tripurendra Chattigrama Vijayindra Sri Sri Maharaj Dhanya Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his father, 1520. He d. ca. 1526 (sp?). 1526 - 1530 Dhurasarasnayi Tripura Sri Sri Maharaj Deva Manikya Suvarnagrama Vijayi, Raja Tripura, younger son of Tripurendra Chattigrama Vijayindra Sri Sri Maharaj Dhanya Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his elder brother, ca. 1526. Conquered the city of Sonargaon in 1528, and assumed the title of Suvarnagrama Vijayi, in commemoration of his victory. m. (first) after 1526, Sri Padmavati Rani Devayu. m. (second) ca. 1530, Sri Deva Gunavati Rani Devayu. He d. at Ratnapur, 1530, having had issue, including three sons: 1) Sri Sri Maharaj Indra Manikya, Raja of Tripura - see below. 2) Dhvajaghatasna Pratisindhusim Lakshnya Snayi Sri Sri Visveshvara Tripura Mahesh Maharaj Vijaya Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura - see below. 3) Maharaj Srihatte Digvijaya Sri Sri Yudha Amara Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura (s/o a junior wife) - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1530 - 1532 Sri Sri Maharaj Indra Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, eldest son of Dhurasarasnayi Tripura Swuvarnagrama Vijayi Sri Sri Maharaj Deva Manikya, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his father, 1530. He d. (or was k. by his brother) 1532. 1532 - 1565 Dhvajaghatasna Pratisindhusim Lakshnya Snayi Sri Sri Visveshvara Tripura Mahesh Maharaj Vijaya Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, second son of Dhurasarasnayi Tripura Swuvarnagrama Vijayi Sri Sri Maharaj Deva Manikya, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his elder brother, 1532. m. (first) 1532, Sri Vijaya Rani Devayu Kumudisha Darshi. m. (second) ca. 1536, Sri Lakshmi Rani Mahadevayu. m. (third) Sri Sarasvati Rani Mahadevayu. m. (fourth) ca. 1563, Sri Vakdevi Rani Mahadevayu. He was k. in battle against Cooch-Behar, together with 18,000 troops, near Khaspur, north of Sylhet, 1565, having had issue, including: 1) Sri Sri Maharaj Yudha Ananta Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura - see below. 1565 - 1567 Sri Sri Maharaj Yudha Ananta Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, son of Dhvajaghatasna Pratisindhusim Lakshnya Snayi Sri Sri Visveshvara Tripura Mahesh Maharaj Vijaya Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Raised to the throne with the help of Gopi Prasada, probably in preference to an elder brother, 1564. m. at Ratnapur, ca. 1565, Sri Ratnavati Rani Mahadevayu, daughter of Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Udaya Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura. He was k. (strangled) on the orders of his father-in-law, Gopi Prasada (Udaya Manikya), at Ratnapur, 1567 (sp?). New Dynasty Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1567 - 1573 Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Udaya Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura (usurper). A former cook on the service of Bijoy Manikya named Gopi Prasada, he rose to a position of power after the death of Maharaj Vijaya Manikya. Instrumental in raising his son to the throne in 1565, to whom he married his daughter. He killed his son-in-law, one and a half years later, and seized the throne for himself. Installed on the tukht with the reign name of Udaya Manikya, 1567. Renamed the capital Udaipur, in his own honour. m. (first) Sri Hira Rani Mahadevayu. He d. at Udaipur, 1573, having had issue: 1) Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Jaya Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura - see below. 2) Sri Ratnavati Rani Mahadevayu. m. at Ratnapur, ca. 1565, Sri Sri Maharaj Yudha Ananta Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura (k. (strangled) on the orders of his father-in-law, Gopi Prasada, ca. 1565), son of Dhvajaghatasna Pratisindhusim Lakshnya Snayi Sri Sri Visveshvara Tripura Mahesh Maharaj Vijaya Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura - see above. 1573 - 1577 Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Jaya Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, son of Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Udaya Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his father, 1573. Reigned under the Regency of his (maternal?) uncle. m. Udaipur, 1573, Sri Subhadra Rani Mahadevayu. He was k. by Maharaj Yudha Amara Manikya, of the legitimate dynasty, 1577 (sp?). 1577 - 1586 Maharaj Srihatta Vijayi Digvijaya Sri Sri Yudha Amara Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, youngest son of Dhurasarasnayi Tripura Swuvarnagrama Vijayi Sri Sri Maharaj Deva Manikya, Raja of Tripura, by a junior wife, educ. privately. He killed Maharaj Yudha Jaya Manikya and ascended the tukht with the reign name of Yudha Amara Manikya, 1577. Conquered the neighbouring kingdom of Tarap, and took Sylhet from the Muslims in 1580. Assumed the titles of Digvijaya (world conqueror) and Srihatta Vijayi (conqueror of Sylhet) to commemorate his victories. Faced a massive invasion from Arakan, being force to flee when the capital at Udaipur was captured, then sacked by the invaders. Removed his capital to Amarpur, on the banks of the Gumti river, but was forced to abandon it when he lost control of the south. m. Sri Amaravati Rani Mahadevayu. He d. by suicide, on the banks of the river Manu, 1586, having had issue, including a son: 1) Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Rajadhara Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1586 - 1599 Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Rajadhara Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, son of Maharaj Srihatta Vijayi Digvijaya Sri Sri Yudha Amara Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his father, 1586. Ascended the tukht at the temporary capital, Rajadharchhara. Returned the capital to Udaipur, after the Arakanese abandoned it. He neglected state affairs in favour of devotional persuits and elaborate religious ceremonies. m. (first) Sri Satyavati Rani Mahadevayu. He was k. (accidentally drowned) in the Gumti River, while drinking the waters in which an image of the god Vishnu had been washed, 1599, having had issue: 1) Maharaj Sri Sri Jagannathaya Sri Sri Yudha Yashodhara Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1599 Maharaj Prithvishvara Sri Sri Jagannathaya Sri Sri Yudha Yashodhara Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura (first time) - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1599 - 1600 Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Virabhadra Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1600 Maharaj Sri Sri Isvara Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura. m. (first) Sri Isvara Rani Mahadevayu I. m. (second) Sri Isvara Rani Mahadevayu II. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1601 Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Dharma Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura. Installed on the tukht by Prince Husain Shah of Arakan in 1601, acknowledging the suzerainty of King Selim Shah of Arakan. m. Sri Dharmavati Rani Mahadevayu. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1599 & 1601 - 1618 Maharaj Prithvishvara Sri Sri Jagannathaya Sri Sri Yudha Yashodhara Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, son of Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Rajadhara Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his father, 1599. His succession was disputed because he was under the influence of Chhedayoga. A contest for the succession ensued between various factions, forcing him to flee from the capital during the same year. Defeated by the Mughal forces under Nawab Ibrahim Khan Bahadur, Fath Jang, in November 1618. Carried away as a prisoner to Dacca and later sent with his family to Delhi. m. (first) 1600, Sri Lakshmi Rani Mahadevayu. m. (second) Sri Gauri Rani Mahadevayu. m. (third) Sri Jaya Rani Mahadevayu. He d. at Delhi, 1620, having had issue. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1618 - 1621 Mughal occupation. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1621 - 1626 Interregnum. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1626 - 1660 Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Kalyana Manikya, Raja of Tripura, a descendant of Kachu Fa. Established a new capital named Kalyanpur, near the Bormuda Hills. Established his rule over the kingdom after the Mughal armies evacuated the capital, Udaipur, following a devastating epidemic in 1621. m. (first) before 1626, Sri Kalavati Rani Mahadevayu. m. (second) before 1651, Sri Saharvati Rani Mahadevayu. He had issue, including three sons: 1) Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Govinda Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura (s/o a junior wife) - see below. 2) Thakur Nakshatra Ray, who succeeded as Maharaj Sri Hara Gauripada Padma Madhup Sri Sri Yudha Chhatra Manikya Devasya, Raja of Tripura (s/o a junior wife) - see below. 3) Thakur Jagannath (s/o a junior wife). Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1660 - 1661 Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Govinda Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura (first time) - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1661 - 1667 Maharaj Sri Hara Gauripada Padma Madhup Sri Sri Yudha Chhatra Manikya Devasya, Raja of Tripura, younger son of Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Kalyana Manikya, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Deposed his younger half-brother and usurped the throne, with the help of the Mughal subadar of Bengal in 1661. Received Prince Shah Shuja in Tripura. He d. 1627, having had issue, a son: 1) Thakur Utsav Ray. He had issue, a son: a) Thakur Bijoy Narayan Ray. He had issue, a son: i) Maharaj Sri Sri Jagat Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1660 - 1661 & 1667 - 1676 Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Govinda Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, eldest son of Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Kalyana Manikya, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his father, 1660. Deposed by his half-brother, within a year of his succession. Succeeded on the his death in 1627. m. before 1668, Sri Gunavati Rani Mahadevayu. He had issue, two sons: 1) Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Rama Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura - see below. 2) Thakur Durga. He had issue: a) Maharaj Sri Narendra Hari Haripada Madhup Sri Sri Yudha Narendra Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1676 - 1685 Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Rama Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, elder son of Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Govinda Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his father, 1676. He instituted the office of Bara Thakur, or principal prince, as a designation for the Heir Presumptive. m. Srimati Ratnavati Rani Mahadevayu. He d. 1685, having had issue, three sons: 1) Ratna Thakur, who succeeded as Maharaj Kalikapada Padma Madhup Sri Sri Yudha Ratna Manikya Deva II, Raja of Tripura - see below. 2) Ghanashyam Thakur, who succeeded as Maharaj Sri Narendra Hari Haripada Madhup Sri Sri Yudha Mahendra Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura - see below. 3) Duryudhana Thakur, who succeeded as Takhelnamba Maharaj Shiva Durgapadabja Sri Sri Yudha Dharma Manikya Deva II, Raja of Tripura - see below. 4) Chandramoni Thakur, who succeeded as Takhelnamba Maharaj Sri Sri Mukanda Manikya, Raja of Tripura - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1685 - 1693 Maharaj Kalikapada Padma Madhup Sri Sri Yudha Ratna Manikya Deva II, Raja of Tripura (first time) - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1693 - 1695 Maharaj Sri Narendra Hari Haripada Madhup Sri Sri Yudha Narendra Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, son of Durga Thakur, and grandson of Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Govinda Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Deposed his cousin and usurped the tukht, with the help of the Mughal Subadar of Bengal in 1693. Defeated and deposed by supporters of the rightful ruler in 1695. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1685 - 1693 & 1695 - 1712 Maharaj Kalikapada Padma Madhup Sri Sri Yudha Ratna Manikya Deva II, Raja of Tripura. b. as Ratna Thakur, eldest son of Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Rama Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his father, 1685. Deposed by his cousin, Narendra Manikya, 1693. Restored by his supporters in 1695. Deposed for a second time by his brother, Mahendra Manikya, 1712. m. (first) Sri Satyavati Rani Mahadevayu. m. (second) Sri Bhagyavati Rani Mahadevayu. He was k. by his brother, Ghanashyam, 1712. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1712 - 1714 Maharaj Sri Krishnapada Padma Madhup Sri Sri Yudha Mahendra Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura. b. as Ghanashyam Thakur, second son of Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Rama Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Killed his elder half-brother and usurped the tukht as Mahendra Manikya, 1712. He d. (or was deposed), 1714. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1714 - 1728 Takhelnamba Maharaj Shiva Durgapadabja Sri Sri Yudha Dharma Manikya Deva II, Raja of Tripura (first time) - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1728 Maharaj Sri Sri Jagat Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, a descendant of Maharaj Sri Hara Gauripada Padma Madhup Sri Sri Yudha Chhatra Manikya Devasya, Raja of Tripura. Wrested power with the help of the Mughals and took effective control of the plains, but may not have been formally installed on the tukht. He had issue, a son: 1) Thakur Abhimanyu Ray. He had issue, a son: a) Thakur Brigu Ray. He had issue, a son: i) Thakur Rajaram Ray. He had issue, a son: (1) Thakur Prabhuram Ray. He had issue, a son: (a) Thakur Janikaram Ray. He had issue, a son: (i) Thakur Mukundaram Ray, of Kadva, Badarabad, Amirabad, near Dacca. He had issue, three sons: 1. Raja Narendra Chandra Ray. He had issue, three daughters. 2. Raja Harendra Chandra Ray. Succeeded on the death of his elder brother, without male heirs. He d.s.p. 3. Raja Pratap Chandra Ray. Succeeded on the death of his childless elder brother. Mbr. Tripura Royal Cncl. m. (first) …m. (second) Rani Harasundari Devi, daughter of Radhamohan Thakur, sometime Chief Justice and cdr. of the Tripura Royal Army. He had issue, six sons and one daughter: a. Ramesh Ray. He had issue, one daughter: i. Smt. Mriganka Roy. b. Major Prabodh Ray. Cmsnd. 1st Tripura Rifles. He had issue, two sons and four daughters: i. Sri Mrinal Ray. ii. Sri Niran Ray. i. Smt. Arati Ray. ii. Smt. Anjali Ray. iii. Smt. Sulekha Ray. iv. Smt. Nila Ray. c. Prabhat Ray. b. 26th March 1914. Prominent politician and editor of 'China ha'. He d. 1956, having had issue: i. Sri Kishore Ray Debbarma. ii. Sri Amit Ray. i. Smt. Rakhi Ray. iii. Smt. Goutami Ray. iv. Smt. Baby Ray. Adopted by her paternal aunt, Kalyani. d. Prabir Ray. ASI Tripura Police. He had issue, four sons and four daughters: i. Sri Barin Ray. ii. Sri Mihir Ray. iii. Sri Sisir Ray. iv. Sri Tarun Ray. i. Smt Jayanti Ray. ii. Smt Chinu Rani Ray. iii. Smt Pranab Ray. iv. Smt Sarmistha Ray. e. Brajabehari Ray. He had issue, three sons and four daughters: i. Sri Basanta Ray. ii. Sri Tapas Ray. iii. Sri Manas Debbarma. i. Smt. Rita. m. … Mazumdar. ii. Smt Mita Ray. iiii. Smt Lata Ray. iv. Smt Sanchita Ray. f. Gobinda Chandra Ray. b. 1st July 1928. Cmsnd. Indian Navy, later joined Indian Police Service and retd. as DIG of Police, Tripura. He had issue, two sons and three daughters: i. Sri Biplab Kumar Roy. b. 6th October 1952. ii. Sri Himangshu Roy. b. 4th January 1954. He d. 1991. i. Smt Priti Debbarman. b. 21st January 1949. ii. Smt Purnima Roy Bardhan. b. 21st January 1951. iii. Smt Nanda Roy. b. 15th July 1959. a. Smt Kalyani Ray. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1714-1728 & 1728-1729 Takhelnamba Maharaj Shiva Durgapadabja Sri Sri Yudha Dharma Manikya Deva II, Raja of Tripura. b. as Duryudhana Thakur, third son of Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Rama Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Succeeded his elder brother and ascended the tukht as Dharma Manikya II. During his reign, Jagat Roy, a descendant of Chhatra Manikya, rebelled and took possession of the plains and much of the hills, with the help of the Mughals. Renamed Roshanabad by the Mughals, these territories were erected into a zamindari and granted to Dharma Manikya II, on his restoration in 1728. m. Sri Dharmasila Rani Mahadevayu. He d. 1729, having had issue, a son: 1) Gangadhara Thakur. Attempted to seize the throne but was defeated and forced to flee to Dacca. 1729 - 1739 Takhelnamba Maharaj Mukanda Manikya, Raja of Tripura. b. as Chandramoni Thakur, youngest son of Maharaj Sri Sri Yudha Rama Manikya Deva, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his elder brother and ascended the tukht as Mukanda Manikya, 1729. Spent much of his reign trying to fend off Mughal encroachment on the remaining independent territories left to him in the hills. Captured and imprisoned by them in 1739. m. (first) Sri Prabhavati Rani Mahadevayu. He d. by suicide, while in Mughal captivity, 1739, having had issue, five sons: 1) Thakur Sri Jagannath Deb Barman Bahadur. He had issue: a) Thakur Sri Surya Pratap Deb Barman Bahadur. He had issue: i) Thakur Sri Haridhan Deb Barman Bahadur. He had issue: (1) Thakur Sri Rudramani Deb Barman Bahadur, who succeeded as Takhelnamba Maharaj Joy Manikya, Raja of Tripura - see below. (2) Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Bijoy Manikya Bahadur, Raja of Tripura, brother of Maharaj Joy Manikya - see below. 2) Panch Cowrie, who succeeded as Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Gopinathpada Sri Sri Yudha Indrasya Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura - see below. 3) Thakur Sri Krishnamoni Deb Barman Bahadur, who succeeded as H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Shiva Durgapada Sri Sri Yudha Krishna Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura - see below. 4) Thakur Sri Harimoni Deb Barman Bahadur. He had issue: a) H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Shiva Durgapada Sri Sri Yudha Rajadhara II Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura - see below. 5) Thakur Sri Gadadhar Deb Barman Bahadur. He had issue: a) Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Lakshman Manikya, Raja of Tripura - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1739 - 1744 Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Takhelnamba Maharaj Hara Gauripada Sri Sri Yudha Joy Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura. b. as Rudramani Thakur, a descendant of Chhatra Manikya. Ascended the tukht after the death of Mukanda Manikya, 1739. Forced to flee into the Motai hills after the invasion by Indra Manikya. Established his government there. m. (first) Sri Jasovati Rani Mahadevayu. m. (second) Sri Jayavati Rani Mahadevayu. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1744 - 1746 Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Gopinathpada Sri Sri Yudha Indrasya Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura, second son of Takhelnamba Maharaj Mukanda Manikya, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Restored to the throne with the help of the Mughal Subadar of Bengal, 1744. Deposed after a short reign, ca. 1746. m. Sri Lakshmivati Rani Mahadevayu. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1746 - 1748 Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Bijoy Manikya Bahadur, Raja of Tripura, brother of Maharaj Joy Manikya, and a descendant of Chhatra Manikya. Ascended the tukht after the deposition of Indra Manikya, ca. 1746. Reigned under the control of the Mughal Subadar of Bengal, receiving only a salary of Rs. 12,000 p.a. from him. Deposed and expelled by Shamsher Ghazi, zamindar of Meherkul in the Comilla district of Bengal, who attacked and conquered Roshanabad and Udaipur, ca. 1748. He had issue: 1) H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Sri Rajdhar Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1748 -1760 Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Lakshman Manikya, Raja of Tripura, son of Thakur Sri Gadadhar Deb Barman Bahadur, educ. privately. Raised to the tukht by Shamseher Ghazi, because the people of Tripura refused to accept a Muslim ruler, ca. 1748. Reigned as a pageant ruler under the regency of Shamsher Ghazi, until the latter was captured and executed on the orders of the Subadar of Bengal, ca. 1758. He d. 1760, having had issue: 1) Thakur Sri Durgamoni Deb Barman Bahadur, who succeeded as H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Durga Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1760 - 1761 H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Shiva Durgapada Sri Sri Yudha Krishna Manikya [Krishnamoni] Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura (first time) - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1761 - 1767 H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Shiva Durgapada Sri Sri Yudha Balaram Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura. Raised to the tukht by the Nawab of Bengal, 1761. Deposed in favour of the rightful ruler, Krishna Manikya, 1767. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1760 - 1761 & 1767 - 1783 H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Shiva Durgapada Sri Sri Yudha Krishna Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura. b. as Krishnamoni Thakur, third son of Takhelnamba Maharaj Mukanda Manikya, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Fled to Kachar when Shamsher Ghazi invaded the kingdom. Returned on his death, defeated the remnants of his supporters, and installed as Heir Apparent with the title of Shiva Durgapadabje Srila-Srijukta Krishnamani Jubarajashya Goswami Bahadur. Succeeded on the death of Lakshman Manikya, and installed on the tukht, at Udaipur, 1760. Removed his capital to Old Agartala in 1761. Deposed by the British for failing to remit revenues to the Nawab Nazim of Bengal in 1761. Restored with the help of Governor Henry Verelst in 1767. Installed on the tukht at Old Agartala, his new capital, 1767. m. at Old Agartala, after 1767, H.H. Sri Jahnavi Rani Mahadevayu, who served as Regent 1783-1786. He d.s.p. at Old Agartala, 11th July 1783. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1783 - 1804 H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Shiva Durgapada Sri Sri Yudha Rajdhar Manikya II Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura, son of Thakur Sri Harimoni Deb Barman Bahadur, educ. privately. Appointed as Heir Apparent with the title of Srila-Srijukta Rajadhara Thakur Jubaraj Goswami Bahadur. Imprisoned at Chittagong, charged with harbouring dacoits. Succeeded on the death of his uncle, 11th July 1783 (confirmed by the GOI 22nd April 1785). Installed on the tukht at Old Agartala, July 1783. m. Hariseswari, daughter of H.H. Maharaja Bhagyachandra Jai Singh [Ningthou Chingthangkhamba] , Raja of Manipur. He d. at Old Agartala, March 1804, having had issue, including two sons: 1) H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Shiva Durgapada Sri Sri Yudha Rama Ganga Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura - see below. 2) H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Shiva Durgapada Sri Sri Yudha Kashi Chandra Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1804 - 1809 H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Shiva Durgapada Sri Sri Yudha Rama Ganga Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura (first time) - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1809 - 1813 H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Kalipada Sri Sri Yudha Durga Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura. b. as Durgamoni Thakur, son of Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Lakshman Manikya, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Installed as Heir Apparent with the title of Srila-Srijukta Durgamoni Jubaraj Goswami Bahadur, 1783. He disputed the succession of Rama Ganga Manikya, and appealed to the British, by whom he was recognised as the rightful successor to Rajadhara Manikya. Ascended the tukht at Old Agartala, 18th October 1809. m. before 1809, H.H. Sri Srimati Sumitra Rani Mahadevi. He d. near Patna, whilst on pilgrimage to Benares, 6th April 1813 (sp?). 1804 - 1809 & 1813 - 1826 H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Shiva Durgapada Sri Sri Yudha Rama Ganga Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura, eldest son of H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Shiva Durgapada Sri Sri Yudha Rajadhara Manikya II Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Proclaimed on the death of his father, March 1804. Installed on the tukht at Old Agartala, 1806. Deposed by the British in favour of Durga Manikya, on the grounds that he had never been appointed as Heir Apparent, October 1809. Succeeded on the death of his cousin, 6th April 1813. His succession again being disputed, he was not formally installed until 19th July 1821. m. before 1804, H.H. Sri Srimati Chandra Tara Rani Mahadevi, his only wife. He d. at Old Agartala, 14th November 1826, leaving an only son (succ. by his younger brother): 1) H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Radhakrishnapada Sri Sri Yudha Krishna Kishore Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1826 - 1830 H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Shiva Durgapada Sri Sri Yudha Kashi Chandra Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura, younger son of H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Shiva Durgapada Sri Sri Yudha Rajadhara Manikya II Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Installed as Heir Apparent with the title of Durgapada Srila-Srijukta Kashi Chandra Jubaraj Goswami Bahadur, 19th August 1821. Succeeded on the death of his elder brother, 14th November 1826. m. (first) H.H. Sri Srimati Kirti Lakshmi Rani Mahadevi. m. (second) H.H. Sri Srimati Chandra Rekha Rani Mahadevi. He d.s.p. from fever, at Agartala, 19th March 1830 (succ. by his nephew). Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1830 - 1849 H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Radhakrishnapada Sri Sri Yudha Krishna Kishore Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura, son of H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Shiva Durgapada Sri Sri Yudha Rama Ganga Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura, by his only wife, H.H. Sri Srimati Chandra Tara Rani Mahadevi. Appointed as Heir Presumptive with the title of Sri Bara Thakur Bahadur on 19th August 1821. Installed as Heir Apparent with the title of Srila-Srijukta Jubaraj Goswami Bahadur, March 1827. Succeeded on the death of his uncle, 19th March 1830. Installed on the tukht at Old Agartala, 10th May 1830. Removed his capital to New Agartala, on the banks of the Haora river, 1835. m. (first) 1822, H.H. Sri Srimati Ratnamala Rani Mahadevi, daughter of Sri Sri Swargadeva Sri Raja Yogeshwar Singh [Punyadhar], Raja of Assam. m. (second) H.H. Sri Srimati Akhilesvari Rani Mahadevi. m. (third) H.H. Sri Srimati Sudhakrishna Rani Mahadevi. m. (fourth) H.H. Sri Srimati Ratnamala Rani Mahadevi. m. (fifth) H.H. Sri Srimati Bidhukala Rani Mahadevi. m. (sixth) H.H. Sri Srimati Bidhumukhi Rani Mahadevi. m. (seventh) H.H. Sri Srimati Purnakala Rani Mahadevi. He was k. by lightning, at Agartala, 3rd April 1849, having had issue, six sons: 1) H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Radhakrishnapada Sri Sri Yudha Ishana Chandra Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Raja of Tripura - see below. 2) H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Sri Bir Chandra Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Raja of Tripura - see below. 3) Srila-Srijukta Jubaraj Upendra Chandra Deb Barman Goswami Bahadur. Proclaimed as Heir Apparent with the title of Srila-Srijukta Jubaraj Goswami Bahadur, 1st February 1850. 4) Raj Kumar Srila-Srijukta Chakradwaja Chandra Deb Barman Bahadur. 5) Raj Kumar Srila-Srijukta Nilkrishna Chandra Deb Barman Bahadur. 6) Raj Kumar Srila-Srijukta Suresh Chandra Deb Barman Bahadur. He had issue one son: a) Lieutenant-Colonel Kumar Sri Dina Mohan Deb Barman Bahadur. Cmsnd. 2nd-Lieut Tripura State Forces attached 1/8th Gurkha Rifles at Shillong, Assist Cdt. State forces 1910-1914, prom. Capt. 1914, cdt. Tripura State Forces 1914-1917 and 1919-1936, prom. Maj. 1928, prom. Lt-Col 1936. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1849 - 1862 H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Radhakrishnapada Sri Sri Yudha Ishana Chandra Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Raja of Tripura. b. at Old Agartala, 1829, eldest son of H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Radhakrishnapada Sri Sri Yudha Krishna Kishore Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Proclaimed as Heir Apparent with the title of Srila-Srijukta Jubaraj Goswami Bahadur, 10th May 1830. Succeeded on the death of his father, 3rd April 1849 (confirmed by the GOI 29th May 1849). Installed on the tukht at Agartala, 1st February 1850. m. (first) H.H. Sri Srimati Mukhtavali Rani Mahadevi. m. (second) H.H. Sri Srimati Rajalakshmi Rani Mahadevi. m. (third) H.H. Sri Srimati Chandresvari Rani Mahadevi. m. (fourth) H.H. Sri Srimati Jiteshvari Rani Mahadevi. He d. at Agartala, 31st July 1862, having had issue, two sons: 1) Raj Kumar Srila-Srijukta Brojendra Chandra Deb Barman Bahadur. Proclaimed as Heir Presumptive with the title of Sri Bara Thakur Bahadur, 30th July 1862, Karta 1st February 1850. 2) Maha-Manyabar Raj Kumar Srila-Srijukta Nahadwip Chandra Deb Barman Bahadur. b. at Agartala, 1854. Appointed as Karta 30th July 1862. Minister of State 1909-1914, Vice-Presdt. Exec. Cncl. 1918-1923 and 1927-1929, Presdt. Regency Cncl. 1923-27 and of the Exec. Cncl. 1929-1931. Granted the personal title of Maha-Manyabar 31/1/1928. He d. at Agartala, 5th September 1931, having had issue, nine children, including: a) Captain Kumar Sri Prafulla Kishore Deb Barman. Sometime ADC to the Maharaja, Military Sec. 1927. b) Kumar Shri Sachindra Deb Barman. b. at Comilla, 10th October 1901, educ. Victoria Coll., Comilla (BA 1919), and Calcutta Univ. A famous singer and sitar player under the names Sachin Karta and Sachin Deb Burman. m. at Calcutta, 10th February 1938, Meera Devi, granddaughter of Rai Bahadur Kamalnath Dasgupta, sometime judge of Dacca, Bengal. He d. at Bombay, 31st October 1975, having had issue, an only son: i) Rahul Deb Barman [Panchamda]. b. at Calcutta, 27th June 1939. Actor and singer. m. (first) 1960 (div. 1974) Rita Patel. m. (second) 1980, Asha Bhonsle (b. at Goar, Sangli, 8th September 1933), a well-known singer, former wife of Ganpatrao Bhonsle, and third daughter of Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar, musician, actor and theatre producer, by his wife, Shrimathi Shuddhamati, né Shevanti, younger daughter of Seth Haridas Ramdas Lad, of Thalner. He d. 4th January 1994. b) Kumar Shri Navin Chandra Deb Barman. He had issue, a son. i) Pulin Behari Deb Barman. Sitar player. m. Shreela. He had issue, one son and three daughters, including. (1) Deepak Deb Barman (1) Ashima Deb Barman. b. at Bombay, 10th November 1956. Lecturer in Education 1862 - 1896 H.H. Bisam-Samars- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Radhakrishnapada Sri Sri Yudha Bir Chandra Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Raja of Tripura. b. at Agartala, 1838, second son of son of H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaj Radhakrishnapada Sri Sri Yudha Krishna Kishore Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Appointed as Heir Apparent with the title of Srila-Srijukta Bir Chandra Kishore Jubaraj Goswami Bahadur, 30th July 1862. Succeeded on the death of his elder brother death, 31st July 1862. Reigned under a Council of Regency until he came of age and was invested with full ruling powers, at Agartala, 9th March 1870. Granted a permanent salute of 13-guns 26th June 1867, and the personal title of Maharaja 24th October 1877. Rendered valuable service to the government of India during the last Lushai expedition. Presdt. 'Sri Navadvipa Dham Pracharini Sabha 1894-1896. Rcvd: the Prince of Wales's gold medal (1876) and the KIH gold medal (1877). m. (first) H.H. Sri Srimati Bara Maharani Ishwari Bhanumati Mahadevi (d. at Old Agartala, July 1882), a Manipuri princess. m. (second) H.H. Sri Srimati Maharani Rajeshvari Mahadevi, a Manipuri princess. m. (third) after 1870, H.H. Sri Srimati Maharani Manamohini Mahadevi. m. (fourth) H.H. Sri Srimati Maharani Bhanumati Mahadevi. He d. at Calcutta, 11th December 1896, having had issue, six sons and three daughters: 1) H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Radhakrishnapada Sri Sri Yudha Radha Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Raja of Tripura - see below. 2) Rajkumar Srila-Srijukta Debendra Chandra Deb Barman Bahadur. He had issue three sons: a) Kumar Sri Surendra Chandra Deb Barman. Sadar collector, Sadar magistrate, MLC 1927, Puisne Judge 1922-1931. He d. 12th December 1931. b) Kumar Sri Narsing Chandra Deb Barman, educ. Presidency Coll., Calcutta. c) Kumar Sri Pramode Chandra Deb Barman, educ. Presidency Coll., Calcutta. 3) Rajkumar Srila-Srijukta Nripendra Chandra Deb Barman Bahadur. 4) Rajkumar Srila-Srijukta Samarendra Chandra Deb Barman Bahadur. Heir Presumptive with the title of Sri Bara Thakur Bahadur 1878-1896, Chief Judge of the Court of Appeal 1896. 5) Rajkumar Srila-Srijukta Tripurendra Chandra Deb Barman Bahadur. 6) Rajkumar Srila-Srijukta Jyotirendra Chandra Deb Barman Bahadur. 1) Rajkumari Srila …Devi. m. Thakur Pratap Chandra Roy, son of Raja Mukunda Ram Roy Bahadur. 2) Rajkumari Srila …Devi. m. Thakur Robati Mohan Deb Barman, elder son of Thakur Radha Mohan Deb Barman, Judge of the Khas Adalat. 3) Rajkumari Srila …Devi. m. Thakur Hriday Ranjan Deb Barman, younger son of Thakur Radha Mohan Deb Barman, Judge of the Khas Adalat. 4) Rajkumari Srila Ananga Mohini Devi. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1896 - 1909 H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Radhakrishnapada Sri Sri Yudha Radha Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Raja of Tripura. b. at Agartala, 26th July 1857, eldest son of H.H. Bisam-Samars- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Radhakrishnapada Sri Sri Yudha Bir Chandra Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Raja of Tripura, educ. privately. Appointed as Heir Apparent with the title of Radhakrishnapada Srila-Srijukta Radha Kishore Deb Barman Jubaraj Goswami Bahadur. Chief Judge of the Court of Appeal 1878-1883, Presdt. State Cncl. 1883-1896. Succeeded on the death of his father, 11th December 1896. Installed on the tukht at Agartala, 5th March 1897. Attended the Coronation Durbar at Delhi 1903. Rcvd: Durbar gold medal (1903). m. several wives, including (first) before 1896, H.H. Sri Srimati Maharani Tulasivati Mahadevi. m. (second) before 1896, H.H. Sri Srimati Bara Maharani Tritiya Ishwari Ratnamanjuri Mahadevi (d. at the Royal Palace, Agartala, 22nd June 1931), a relative of H.H. Srila Shrimant Radha Govindpadanu Sevak Manipur purandhir Sri Pancha yakte, Maharaja Sir Churchand Singh, Maharaja of Manipur, KCSI, CBE. m. (third) H.H. Sri Srimati Kanchan Maharani Manomgjuri Mahadevi (d. at Agartala, 10th September 1933). He d. at Nandeshwar, Benares, 12th March 1909, having had issue: 1) H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Radhakrishnapada Sri Sri Sri Kirit Birendra Kishore Deb Manikya Barman Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura (s/o Maharani Tulasivati) - see below. 2) Lieutenant-Colonel Raj-Sabha Bhusan Mahamanyabara Maharajkumar Srila-Srijukta Brajendra Kishore Deb Barman Bahadur. b. at Agartala, 1880, educ. with ICC, Dehra Dun. MSC for Police & Military Depts. 1905-1909, Priv. Sec. to the Maharaja 1909-1923, Cdt. State Forces 1910-1914, Chief Minister 1914-1915, Mbr. Cncl. of Regency 1923-1927 (Vice-Presdt. 1947-1948), Vice-Presdt Legislative Cncl. 1927-1929, Vice-Presdt. Exec. Cncl. 1929-1937, Presdt. State Cncl. 1937, Chief Minister 1946-1947. Granted the personal title of Mahamanyabara 31/1/1928. m. (first) at Dholpur 8th March 1908, elder daughter of Major H.H. Maharaj Rana Sri Nihal Singh Lokendra Bahadur, Maharaj Rana of Dholpur, CB. m. (second) at Dholpur, a sister of his first wife and younger daughter of Major H.H. Maharaj Rana Sri Nihal Singh Lokendra Bahadur, Maharaj Rana of Dholpur, CB. He had issue: a) Major Rajkumar Ramendra Kishore Dev Verma, educ. St Gregory's High Sch, Dacca and the Tagore Sch., Shantiniketan, Bengal. Cmsnd. 2nd-Lieut. Tripura State Forces, attached 7th Rajput Rifles IA, snr. SSO Tripura Training Centre 1/10/1943-9/ 2/1944, served in WW2, Chair. Agartala Municipal Cttee. 1949-1950. m. (first) at Calcutta, 12th June 1936, Maharajkumari Ila Devi (b. at Woodlands, Alipur, Calcutta 1st October 1914; d. at Darjeeling, 1945), the eldest daughter of H.H. Sri Sri Maharaja Sir Jitendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Maharaja of Cooch-Behar, KCSI, by his wife H.H. Maharani Indira Devi, the only daughter of H.H. Maharaja Sri Sir Sayaji Rao III Gaekwad Sena Khas Khel Shumshere Bahadur, Maharaja Gaekwad of Baroda, GCSI, GCIE. m. (second) at Agartala, his first cousin Maharajkumari Kamala Prabha Devi (b. at Agartala, 29th January 1915), daughter of H.H. Maharaja Manikya Sri Sri Sri Birendra Kishore Deb Barman Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura, by his fourth wife, H.H. Maharani Jivan Kumari Devi. He d. at Calcutta, 1975, having had issue, two sons and one daughter by his first wife and one son by his second wife: i) Kumar Sri Manabender Kishore Dev Verma. b. at Woodlands, Calcutta, 1937 (s/o Ila Devi). m. Reeta, née Roy. He d. 2002. ii) Kumar Sri Bharat Kishore Dev Verma. b. at Agartala, 1941 (s/o Ila Devi). m. Padma Shri Rani Munmun (b. 28th March 1948), alias Moon Moon Sen, the famous Bengali screen actress, rcvd: Padma Shri (2000), only daughter of Dibanath Sen, of Ballygunj Place, Calcutta, by his wife, Suchitra Sen, a famous Bengali screen actress in her own right, née Roma Das Gupta, daughter of Karunamoy Das Gupta, of Gopalpur, Patna, East Bengal. He has issue, two daughters: Copyright© Christopher Buyers (1) Raima Dev Verma [Raima Sen]. b. at Calcutta, 7th November 1979, educ. Loreto House Convent, Calcutta. Screen actress. (2) Riya Dev Verma [Srimathi Riya Sen]. b. at Calcutta, 24th January 1981, educ. Loreto House Convent and Rani Birla Coll., Calcutta. Screen actress. iii) Kumar Sri Jishnu Kishore Dev Verma. b. at Woodlands, Calcutta (s/o Kamala Prabha). i) Kumari Devika Devi. b. at Woodlands, Calcutta, 22nd February 1938 (d/o Ila Devi). m. at Tripura House, Ballygunge, Calcutta, 8th March 1961, Maharaj Shri Prithviraj Singh Sahib (b. at Jaipur 10th December 1935), third son of Lieutenant-General H.H. Saramad-i-Rajaha- i-Hindustan Raj Rajendra Shri Maharajadhiraja Maharaja Sawai Shri Sir Man Singh II Bahadur, Maharaja of Jaipur, GCSI, GCIE, by his second wife H.H. Maharani Sri Kishore Kanwar Baiji Lal Sahiba, only daughter of Colonel H.H. Raj Rajeshwar Saramad-i-Rajha- i-Hindustan Maharajadhiraja Maharaja Shri Sumair Singhji Sahib Bahadur, Maharaja of Jodhpur, KBE - see India (Jaipur). 3) Rajkumar Srila-Srijukta Ranabir Chandra Deb Barman Bahadur. m. at Patiala, Rajkumari Yadvendra Kaur, daughter H.H. Farzand-i-Khas- i-Daulat- i-Inglishia, Mansur-i-Zaman, Amir ul-Umara, Maharajadhiraja Raj Rajeshwar Yadu Vansha Vatans Bhatti Kul Bushan Sri Maharaja-i-Rajgan, Maharaja Sir Rajinder Singh, Mahendra Bahadur, Maharaja of Patiala, GCSI, by a morganatic union. 4) Lieutenant-Colonel Maharajkumar Srila-Srijukta Kumar Kiran Chandra Deb Barman Bahadur. Cmsnd. as Lieut. 2nd Patiala Inf. 1/8/1925, served in WW2 1939-1943 (rcvd: 39/45 and Burma stars, Defence War medals) Maj. and cdt. 1st Tripura Bir Bikram Manikya Rifles 14/4/1941, prom. Lt-Col. 1943. He was k. accidentally by artillery fire, 19th August 1943. 5) Rajkumar Srila-Srijukta Jatendra Mohan Deb Barman, educ. Mayo Coll., Ajmer. 6) Captain Maharajkumar Srila-Srijukta Nabin Kishore Deb Barman, educ. Mayo Coll., Ajmer. Mil Assist. Tripura State Forces 1914-1917, Cdt. 1917-1919. He d. December 1919, leaving issue, one son: a) Major Kumar Sri Brajalal Deb Barman. Cmsnd. as Lieut. and coy. cdr. 1st Tripura Bir Bikram Manikya Rifles 12/11/1927, ADC to the Raja 1927, Adj. Tripura State Forces, cdr. trng coy. 14/12/1941-13/ 2/1942, cdt. Tripura Bodyguard 13/2/1942, served in WW2 1941-1945. 7) Maharajkumar Srila-Srijukta Narendra Kishore Deb Barman Bahadur. m. the younger daughter of daughter of Prince (Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Adhirajkumar) Ranendra Bikram Shah, of Nepal, by a lady from the Rana family. He had issue, a son: a) Lieut. Kumar Sri Balindra Kishore Deb Barman, attached 1/8th Gurkhas. ADC to HH. 1) Rajkumari Srila …Devi. m. Thakur Kusum Chandra Barman, son of Jagannath, Thakur of Gangasagar, Bisgaon, Sylhet. 1909 - 1923 H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Radhakrishnapada Sri Sri Sri Kirit Birendra Kishore Deb Manikya Barman Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura. b. at Agartala, 3rd November 1883, eldest son of H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Radhakrishnapada Sri Sri Yudha Radha Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Raja of Tripura, by his first wife, H.H. Sri Srimati Maharani Tulasibati Mahadevi, educ. privately. Invested by his father as Heir Apparent with the title of Sri Jubaraj Goswami Bahadur, 8th February 1899. MSC in charge of Revenue and Political Depts. 1905-1909. Succeeded on the death of his father, 12th March 1909 and was invested with full ruling powers, 25th November 1909. Granted the hereditary title of Maharaja, 1st January 1919. Rcvd: Delhi Durbar medals in silver (1903), and gold (1911). m. six wives, including (first) at Old Agartala, 11th March 1900, H.H. Sri Srimati Maharani Arundhata Mahadevi (b. at Kathmandu, 1888; d. 20th March 1940), eldest daughter of Commanding-General Sri Sri Sri Maharajkumar Padma Jung Bahadur Rana, of Nepal. m. (second) at Allahabad, 30th November 1907, H.H. Sri Srimati Maharani Prabhavati Rajya Lakshmi Mahadevi (d. 1910), younger half-sister of his first wife, and fifth daughter of Commanding-General Sri Sri Sri Maharajkumar Padma Jung Bahadur Rana, of Nepal, by whom he had issue, two sons and two daughters. m. (third) at Birjunj, 11th August 1910, H.H. Sri Srimati Maharani Soumendra Mahadevi (d. at Agartala, 4th October 1913), née H.H. Princess (Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Shahajadi) Ishwari Rajya Lakshmi Devi, daughter of General Prince (Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Adhirajkumar) Narendra Bikram Shah, of Nepal. m. (fourth) H.H. Sri Srimati Maharani Jivan Kumari Devi Sahiba, née H.H. Princess (Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Shahajadi) Jibaneshwari Rajya Lakshmi Devi, daughter of Prince (Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Adhirajkumar) Ranendra Bikram Shah, of Nepal, by a lady from the Rana family. m. (fifth) at Allahabad, 14th January 1916, H.H. Sri Srimati Maharani Churamoni Rajya Lakshmi Devi Sahiba (d. at Mussoorie, 16th September 1929), another half-sister of his first and second wives, daughter of Commanding-General Sri Sri Sri Maharajkumar Padma Jung Bahadur Rana, of Nepal. m. (sixth) H.H. Sri Srimati Maharani …He d. at the Royal Palace, Agartala 13th August 1923, having had issue: 1) Raj Kumar Srila-Srijukta …Deb Barman. b. and d. at Agartala, 1903 (s/o Arundhata). 2) H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Radhakrishnapada Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Sir Bir Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura (s/o the 3rd Maharani) - see below. 3) Captain Maharajkumar Srila-Srijukta Sailendra Kishore Deb Barman Bahadur alias Karna Kishore. b. at Agartala, 11th March 1913 (s/o the 3rd Maharani), educ. Rajkumar Coll., Raipur. 4) Captain Maharajkumar Srila-Srijukta Ajjayanta Kishore Deb Barman Bahadur, MC (8.4.1943). b. at Agartala, 9th January 1914 (s/o Jivan Kumari Devi), as Durjay Kishore Deb Barman, educ. Rajkumar Coll., Rajkot and Mayo Coll., Ajmer. Cmsnd 2nd-Lieut. 1st Tripura Bir Bikram Manikya Rifles 29/4/1924, prom. Hon. Capt. 6/4/1937, Officer-in-charge Military Dept. 1939, Private Sec to the Maharaja 1939-1943, served in WW2 1939-1943 in the Arakkan operations, Kohima, Defence of India, etc. (rcvd: immediate MC, 39/45 star, Burma star, Defence, War and IGS medal). He was accidentally k. by artillery fire, 19th August 1943. 5) Maharajkumar Srila-Srijukta Amarendra Kishore Deb Barman Bahadur alias Sukumar. b. at Agartala, 3rd June 1921 (s/o Jivan Kumari Devi), educ. St Edmund's Coll., Shillong. 6) Maharajkumar Srila-Srijukta Hemanta Kishore Deb Barman Bahadur (s/o Jivan Kumari Devi), educ. Zilla Sch, Comilla, Calcutta Univ. and Bengal Eng. Coll., Sibpur (BA). Financial Sec. 1947-1949. 7) Captain Maharajkumar Srila-Srijukta Aditya Kishore Deb Barman Bahadur, educ. Agricultural Coll., Nagpur. Hon. Capt.1st Tripura Bir Bikram Manikya Rifles 4/5/1937, ADC to the Maharaja 1947-1948. 1) Maharajkumari Srila Madhumalati Devi. m. at Agartala, 1st December 1919, Captain Rana Nepal Jang Bahadur (b. at Allahabad, 188x), twelfth son of Commanding-General Sri Sri Sri Maharajkumar Padma Jung Bahadur Rana. She had issue, one son - see Nepal (Lambjang and Kaski). 2) Maharajkumari Srila …Devi. m. at Agartala, 13th February 1925, a son of Uzir Braja Krishna Barman Bahadur, of Agartala. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 3) Maharajkumari Srila Bindu Bashini Devi. m. at Agartala, 13th May 1925, Thakur Sri Sanwant Singh Sahib, of Jaipur. 4) Maharajkumari Srila Basanta Prabha Devi (d/o the 3rd Maharani). m. at Agartala, 25th November 1925, Raja Gajendra Pal Singh (b. 1909), son of The Hon. Raja Kushal Ral Singh Bahadur, of Kotla, Agra district, UP. She d. at the Schatzalp Sanatorium, Davos, Switzerland, 26th June 1926. 5) Maharajkumari Srila Bibhasprabha Devi. b. 7th February 1911 (d/o the 3rd Maharani). m. at Agartala, 10th March 1928, Major Maharajkumar Sri Subhagsinhji Ranjitsinhji Sahib, Yuvraj of Baria (b. 9th June 1909; d. at Baria House, Bombay, 27th January 1934), eldest son of Lieutenant-Colonel H.H. Maharaol Sri Sir Ranjitsinhji Mansinhji Sahib, Maharaol of Baria, KCSI, by his wife H.H. Maharani Srimant Takhta Kunverba Sahiba, daughter of H.H. Maharana Sri Sir Chhatrasinhji Sahib, Maharana of Rajpipla. She had issue, two sons - see India (Baria). 6) Maharajkumari Srila Sephalika Devi. m. at Agartala, 10th March 1929, Major Rana Jhapat Jang Bahadur, of Allahabad, second son of Commanding-General Sri Sri Sri Maharajkumar Padma Jung Bahadur Rana - see Nepal (Lambjang and Kaski). 7) Maharajkumari Srila Srimati Jati Devi. m. at Tripura House, Calcutta, 11th March 1935, Major Manyabara-Nepal- Tara Raja Bodh Jang Bahadur Sahib (b. 18th June 1894; d. at Agartala, December 1946), eleventh son of Commanding-General Sri Sri Sri Maharajkumar Padma Jung Bahadur Rana. She had issue, one son and one daughter - see Nepal (Lambjang and Kaski). 8) Maharajkumari Srila Kamala Prabha Devi. b. at Agartala, 29th January 1915 (d/o Jeevan Kumari Devi). m. at Agartala, her cousin Major Rajkumar Ramendra Kishore Dev Verma (d. at Calcutta, 1975), son of Lieutenant-Colonel Mahamanyabar Maharajkumar Srila-Srijukta Brijendra Kishore Deb Barman Bahadur - see above. 9) Maharajkumari Srila Ila Devi. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 10) Maharajkumari Srila Bina Devi [Rani Niramal Kumarsinghji Sahib]. m. at Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala, 14th December 1940 as his second wife, Raol Shri Niramal Kumarsinhji Bhavsinhji Sahib (b. at Bhavnagar, 2nd August 1914), second son of Colonel H.H. Maharaja Raol Sri Sir Bhavsinhji Takhtsinhji Sahib, Maharaja of Bhavnagar, KCSI by his wife H.H. Maharani Bai Sri Nand Kunverba Sahiba, CI, KIH, second daughter of Thakore Sri Raisinhji Jijibhai Sahib Jadeja, Thakore of Khirasra - see India (Bhavnagar). 11) Maharajkumari Srila Sorashri Devi [Rani Sahib of Udaipur]. m. at Allahabad, 4th May1942, Raja Sri Chandra Chur Prasad Singh Deo, Raja of Udaipur (b. 5th June 1923), né Kumar Sri Tribhuveshwar Saran Singh, adopted son and successor of Raja Sri Chandra Shekar Prasad Singh Deo, Raja of Udaipur, OBE, and third son of Maharaja Sri Ramanuj Saran Singh Deo, Maharaja of Surguja, CBE, by his second wife. She had issue - see India Non-salute (Udaipur-CP). 12) Maharajkumari Srila …Devi. b. at Agartala, 25th February 1917. 13) Maharajkumari Srila …Devi. b. at Agartala, 6th February 1920. 14) Maharajkumari Srila …Devi. b. at Agartala, 22nd March 1922 (d/o 5th Maharani). 15) Maharajkumari Srila …Devi. b. 2nd April 1923 (d/o the 6th Maharani). 1923 - 1947 Colonel H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Radhakrishnapada Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Sir Bir Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura, GBE (c 1.1.1946), KCSI (3.6.1935). b. at Agartala, 19th August 1908, second son of H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Radhakrishnapada Sri Sri Sri Kirit Birendra Kishore Deb Manikya Barman Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura, by his third wife, H.H. Sri Srimati Maharani Soumendra Mahadevi, educ. privately. Appointed as Heir Apparent with the title of Srila-Srijukta Bir Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Jubaraj Goswami Bahadur, 25th November 1909. Succeeded on the death of his father, 17th August 1923 and was invested with full ruling powers, 5th September 1923. Installed by the Governor of Bengal, Sir Francis Jackson, in person, at Agartala, 19th August 1927. Ascended the tukht, at the Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala, 29th January 1928. Cmsnd as Hon Capt. 19/6/1937, attached The Rajput Regiment IA, prom. Hon. Maj. 21/7/1942, Hon. Lieut-Col. 26/12/1944, and Hon. Col. 15/10/1946. Hon. Col. 5th (Bengal Presidency) Urban Infantry ITF 19/3/1939. Col-in-Chief. Tripura Bir Bikram Manikya Rifles. Presdt. Kshatriya Mahasabha (Calcutta 1938), Puri Banga Sabitya Sammelan and Sangeet Sammelan (1940). Founded the Order of Tripura in two classes, on 10th Kartik, 1346 Tripurabha. Rcvd: Silver Jubilee (1935), Coron (1937) and Defence (1945) medals. m. (first) at Balrampur, 16th January 1929, H.H. Sri Srimati Maharani Bara Kirtimani Mahadevi (d. at Agartala, 2nd November 1930), sixth daughter of H.H. Maharaja Sri Sir Bhagabati Prasad Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Balrampur, KCIE, KBE. m. (second) at Mahendra Bhavan, Panna 28th May 1931, H.H. Sri Srimati Maharani Kanchan Prabhavati Mahadevi (b. at Panna, 28th May 1914; d. 1973), Presdt. Cncl. of Regency for her young son 17th May 1947 to 12th January 1948, and Regent with the title of Radhakrishnapada Srila Srimati Maharani Prabhavati Mahadevi 12th January 1948 to 15th October 1949, eldest daughter of Colonel H.H. Mahendra Maharaja Sri Sir Yadvendra Singh Ju Deo Bahadur, Maharaja of Panna, KCSI, KCIE, by his first wife, H.H. Mahendra Maharani Sri Manhar Kunwarba Sahiba, KIH, only daughter of Colonel H.H. Maharaja Raol Sri Sir Bhavsinhji Takhtsinhji Sahib, Maharaja Thakore Sahib of Bhavnagar, KCSI. m. (a) …He d. 17th May 1947, having had issue, seven sons and three daughters: 1) H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Kirit Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura (s/o Kanchan Prabha Devi) - see below. 2) Maharajkumar Srila-Srijukta Pradeep Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Bahadur. b. at Tripura House, Calcutta, 27th March 1935 (s/o Kanchan Prabha Devi ), but died there, 28th December 1935. 3) Maharajkumar Sri Nakshatra Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Bahadur, educ. Rajkumar Coll., Raipur. Mbr. BJP and several times candidate in state elections. 4) Maharajkumar Sri Sasadhar Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Bahadur, educ. Rajkumar Coll., Raipur. 5) Maharajkumar Sri Sahadev Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Bahadur, educ. Rajkumar Coll., Raipur. Mbr. JNP and several times candidate in state elections. Presdt. Borok Peoples' Human Rights Organisation (BOPHRO). Joint author of "Tripura Historical Documents" (1994). 6) Major Maharajkumar Sri Bhanu Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Bahadur, educ. Rajkumar Coll., Raipur. Military Sec, 1947-1949. 7) Maharajkumar Sri Nakul Kishore Deb Barman Bahadur, educ. Rajkumar Coll., Raipur. 1) Maharajkumari Srila Srimati Jayati Devi [H.H. Maharani Jayati Devi, of Charkhari]. b. at Mussoorie, 19th April 1932 (d/o Kanchan Prabha Devi). m. 27th April 1951, H.H. Sipahdar ul-Mulk, Maharajadhiraja Shri Shri Jayendra Singh Ju Deo Bahadur, Maharaja of Charkhari (b. 24th May 1929; d. 7th January 1977), second son of Maharaja Mahipal Singh, Maharaja of Sarila, CSI, by his wife, the daughter of the Dewan Sahib of Baselaa Taluqadar, Hamirpur Dist. She had issue, three sons - see India (Charkhari). 2) Maharajkumari Srila Srimati Priti Devi [H.H. the Maharani of Cutch]. b. at Tripura House, Calcutta, 23rd April 1938 (d/o Kanchan Prabha Devi ). m. at Tripura House, Calcutta, 16th February 1957, H.H. Maharajadhiraj Mirza Maharao Shri Pragmulji III Sahib Sawai Bahadur, Maharao of Cutch (b. at Bhuj, 3rd May 1936), eldest son of Colonel H.H. Maharajadhiraj Maharao Mirza Shri Meghrajji Sawai Bahadur, Maharao of Cutch, by his wife, H.H. Maharani Bai Shri Rajendra Kunverba Sahib, third daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel H.H. Umdai Rajahai Buland Makan Maharajadhiraj Maharaja Sir Madan Singhji Bahadur, Maharaja of Kishangarh, KCSI, KCIE - see India (Cutch). 3) Maharajkumari Srila Srimati Rachana Kumari Devi. m. Kher Khanpur. Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1947 - [2006] Colonel H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Kirit Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura. b. at Tripura House, Calcutta, 12th December 1933, eldest son of Colonel H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Radhakrishnapada Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Sir Bir Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura, GBE, KCSI, by his second wife, H.H. Radhakrishnapada Srila Srimati Maharani Prabhavati Mahadevi, educ. Mayo Coll., Ajmer, Isabella Thoburn Coll., Lucknow, and Allahabad Univ. (BA). Appointed as Heir Apprent with the title of Srila-Srijukta Kirit Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Jubaraj Goswami Bahadur, 12th December 1940. Succeeded on the death of his father, 17th May 1947 and reigned under the Regency of his mother. Tripura acceded to the Dominion of India on 13th August 1947, and merged into India on 12th January 1948. The GOI amended the Indian Constitution to remove his position as a "ruler" and his right to receive privy-purse payments, 28th December 1971. MP (Lok Sabha) for East Tripura 1967-1971, 1977-1980, and 1989-1991. Col-in-Chief. Tripura Bir Bikram Manikya Rifles 1947-1948. Chair. North-East Cncl. Founder Mbr. Tripura Cricket Assoc. Rcvd: Indian Independence Medal (1947). m. (first) at Bombay, 6th March 1960, H.H. Sri Srimati Maharani Padmavati Mahadevi [Akka Sahib] (b. at Lashkar, 23rd February 1942; d. at Calcutta, 29th April 1964), eldest daughter of Lieutenant-General H.H. Ali Jah, Umdat ul-Umara, Hisam us-Sultanat, Mukhtar ul-Mulk, Azim ul-Iqtidar, Rafi-us-Shan Wala Shikoh, Muhtasham-i- Dauran, Maharajadhiraj Maharaja Shrimant Sir George Jivaji Rao Scindia Bahadur, Srinath, Mansur-i-Zaman, Fidvi-i-Hazrat- i-Malik-i- Mua'zzam- i-Rafi-ud- Darja-i-Inglista n, Maharaja Scindia of Gwalior, GCSI, GCIE, KStJ, by his wife H.H. Srimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Maharani Vijaya Raja Bai Sahiba, daughter of Srimant Thakur Mahendra Singhji. m. (second) 1970, H.H. Sri Srimati Maharani Bibhu Kumari Mahadevi (b. at Mussoorie, 28th June 1944), educ. IT Coll., Lucknow (BA), MLA Tripura 1983-1991, State Minister for Revenue & Local Govt. 1988-1991, MP (Lok Sabha) 1991, VP Internat. Maha Bodhi Soc (Calcutta) 1976, and Mahila Sakti 1988-1989, Patron Craft Cncl. of West Bengal since 1982, and Komino Chubamah since 1991, eldest daughter of Raja Shri Luv Shah, of Khairigarh, UP, by his second wife, Rani Meenakshi Devi, daughter of Kanwar Badri Singh, of Sirmur. He d. suddenly from heart failure, at the Woodlands Nursing Home, Calcutta, 27th November 2006, having had issue, two daughters by his first wife, and one son and two daughters by his second: 1) Srila-Srijukta Kirit Pradyot Deb Barman Jubaraj Goswami Bahadur, who succeeded as H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Kirit Pradyot Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura (s/o Bibhu Kumari Devi) - see below. 1) Maharajkumari Srila Srimati Kanika Devi. b. at Calcutta, 29th (or 16th) January 1961 (d/o Padma Devi), educ. Loreto Convent, Shillong and Scindia Coll., Gwalior. m. (first) at New Delhi, February 1980 (div. 1981) Tikka Shri Budhishwar Palji Sahib Bahadur (b. at New Delhi, 6th July 1956), eldest son of Swasti Shri Raja Mahendra Palji Sahib Bahadur, Raja of Kutlehr, by his first wife, Rani Shrimati Lalita Devi Sahiba, elder daughter of Raja Surendra Singh Sahib, Raja of Baghal, by whom she had issue, two sons - see India Non-Salute (Kutlehr). m. (second) at Lucknow, 16th January 1984, as his second wife, Yuvraj Shri Chandra Vijay Singh (b. 1947), eldest son of Maharaja Kamal Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Dumraon, by his wife, Maharani Usha Devi Sahiba, daughter of Raja Bishranath Saran Singh Bahadur, of Tiloi. She has issue, two sons - see India Zamindars (Dumraon). 2) Maharajkumari Srila Srimati Pratima Devi. b. at Calcutta, 12th June 1962 (d/o Padma Devi), educ. Loreto Convent, Shillong. Principal of Modern High Sch., Nepalgunj. m. at Mussoorie, 26th June 1980, Dhawal Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana (b. 29th April 1962), sometime Mayor of Nepalganj, son of Kailash Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana. She has issue, one daughter - see Nepal (Lambjang & Kaski). 3) Maharajkumari Srila Srimati Pragya Devi. b. at Calcutta, 10th January 1969 (d/o Bibhu Kumari Devi), educ. Loreto Convent, Shillong. Mbr. North Eastern Region Development Asoc. (NERDA). 4) Maharajkumari Srila Srimati Kriti Devi [Thakurani Kriti Devi Sahiba, Thakurani of Kawardha]. b. at Calcutta, 3rd June 1971 (d/o Bibhu Kumari Devi), educ. Loreto Convent, Shillong, and Centre for Environmental Education, Anand, Gujarat. Hotelier and exports, stock market analyst and animal welfare officer. m. at Tripura House, Calcutta, 19th February 2003, Thakur Shri Yogeshwar Raj Singh, Thakur of Kawardha (b. 1966), MLA for Kawardha-Chhattisga rh, son of Thakur Shri Vishwa Raj Vijaya Singh, Thakur of Kawardha, in Chhatisgarh, by his wife, Thakurani Shashi Prabha Devi. She has issue, one son - see India Non-Salute (Kawardha). Copyright© Christopher Buyers [2006] H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Kirit Pradyot Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura. b. at Delhi, 4th July 1977, only son of Colonel H.H. Bisam-Samar- Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Kirit Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura, by his second wife, H.H. Sri Srimati Maharani Maharani Bibhu Kumari Mahadevi, educ. St Edmund's Sch. (Irish Brothers), and St Anthony's Coll., Shillong (BA). Became Heir Apparent with the title of Srila-Srijukta Jubaraj Goswami Bahadur, at birth. Succeeded on the death of his father as Head of the Royal House of Tripura, 27th November 2006. Ascended the tukht, at the Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala, 29th November 2006. Hotelier and businessman in real estates and exports. Involved in social work. Chair. Royal Heritage Hotel (Tripura Castle, Shillong); Chair. & Mng. Editor of "The Northeast Today" newspaper; Gen. Sec. Northeast Youth Congress Cttee. (NEYCC); Patron for the disabled and the under privileged sch. (Providance) , Exec. Mbr. All-India Congress, Mbr. North-Eastern Tourism Dvpt. Cttee., Indian Football Supporters Club (IFSC), etc. The State of Tripura was a princely state, and Maharaja Birbikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur was the last king. After the death of Maharaja Birbikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur in May 1947, a Council under the leadership of his widowed wife Maharani Kanchan Prabha Devi took over the charge of the administration on behalf of minor prince Kirit Bikram. The monarchy came to an end on 9th Sept, 1947 and Tripura was merged with the Indian Union as a part 'C' State, administered by the Chief Commissioner. Tripura became a Union Territory on 1st November 1956. The territorial council was formed on 15th August 1959, which was later dissolved and a Legislative Assembly with a council of ministers was formed in July, 1963. Tripura became a full fledged state in 1972. Till 31st August 1970 the district administration was run by one Deputy Commissioner. On 1st September 1970, Tripura was divided into 3 (three) districts, namely, North Tripura, South Tripura and West Tripura. Later the fourth district called Dhalai was created which started functioning from 16th April,1995. HISTORY OF SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT The South Tripura District with its headquarter at Udaipur was created in 1970. Udaipur is popularly known as the city of lakes and was the capital of Tripura till 1760 A.D. The city is famous for its Mata Tripura Sundari Temple which is situated about 3 km away from Udaipur at Matabari. The temple is one of the 51 Mahapithasthans of India. The legend is that toe of the right foot of Mata Sati fell, as a result of the cutting of the body of Mata Sati into pieces by Sudarsan Chakra of Lord Vishnu . Pilak, key to Tripura's history Nestled in the lush green valley dotted with paddy-fields, sparse human habitation and occasional uplands, Pilak in South Tripura's Belonia subdivision holds the key to Tripura's ancient history. Lying uncared for over the past many decades this archaeological site which gives conclusive proof of the peaceful existence of Hindu-Buddhist culture spanning over 8th to 12th century is all set to catapult Tripura on top of the country's archaeological and tourist map. Pilak first hit the headlines in the seventies with the finds of archaeological artefacts, antiques including sandstone images of Lord Buddha, Mahisasur Mardini, Surya Deb, Avolokiteswar and exquisite terracotta images of Lord Buddha inscribed on it. Speaking on the site, local resident Sanjit Biswas who has saved a lot of archaeological materialsfrom ruin said 'in our boyhood in the mid sixties many people flattened mounds and uplands containing relics of temples and stupas to extend paddy fields and the attempts at preservation of the materials started only since 1973 when the then Chief Minister Mr Sukhamay Sengupta visited the site'. Pilak, located more than a hundred miles south of Agartala, drew the attention of historians and researchers in 1927 when Mr Samarendra Debbarma, a scion of Tripura's royal family, gave detailed references to the glorious antiquity of the place in his book entitled 'Tripura Smriti'. Mr Debbarma's views were later echoed more authoritatively by German scholar Dr H.B.Beshart who spoke highly of the wealth of archaeological matters contained underground. Mr Thaikhai Chowdhury, a Mog tribal and officer of the information department who took a media team on a tour of the site said 'there is reference to Pilak as 'pilakko' in a stone inscription at Mruhang (old and big city), the capital of the old Arakan kingdom in present Myanmar. He asserted on the basis of Mog folklore and tradition of oral history that in remote past there was close cultural link between 'pilakko' and Arakan via Chittaong hill-tracts of present Bangladesh. 'The sculptural and architectural remains of Pilak closely resemble those found in the Maynamoti-Paharpur area in Comilla district of present Bangladesh' Mr Thaikhai Chowdhury added. What, however, has brought Pilak into limelight afresh is the excavation of a full-sized Buddhist stupa in the 'Shyamsundar tilla' area. Explaining the importance of the newly excavated site Mr Narayan Chandra Debnath, a senior conservation assistant of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said' this is a full-size Buddhist stupa built in 11th century on the pattern of architecture during the reign of palas of Bengal '. Mr Debnath who has been in charge of the Pilak site since 1999 said the stupa had been excavated under the supervision of ASI superintendent Mr P.Kumaran since January 1999 and completed in March this year. He pointed out that the stone image of meditating Buddha found in the sanctum sanctorum of the stupa had 'very close affinity to tribal features on the mouth'. He said that Pilak archaeological site was spread over three square kms of land west of Jolaibari market area in Belonia subdivision .' The sites are known as 'Shyamsundar tilla', 'Thakurani tilla', 'Sagar doba', 'Debdaru' 'Basudebbari' around Jolaibari market' Mr Debnath added. Regarding the preservation of the site and its potential as a tourist spot Mr Thaikhai Chowhdury said the ASI had taken over the site since 1999 and its treasure trove was now under protection according to the provisions of government of India's relevant Act of 1958. He asserted that the state government had plans to develop the site for Buddhist tourists of South East Asia and other places' and for this we have submitted a project of Rs 150 crores to centre '. The centre will seek financial assistance from the government of Japan , he added. The state government has already developed the site as a tourist spot by setting up a cafetaria and providing other facilities for visitors from outside. Both Mr Narayan Debnath and Mr Thaikhai Chowdhury said 'it is evident from the excavations and recovery of archaeological materials that between 8th and 12th century Pilak used to be a temple town and a centre of learning where Buddhists and Hindus co-existed peacefully.' The place also lies in a strategic location near the trijunction of Tripura, Chittagong hill-tracts of Bangladesh and present Myanmar' they added. Mr Jawhar Lal Acharjee, an authority on Tripura's history and a prominent numismatist, said 'Pilak is a treasure house of history which is just waiting to be unearthed'. Tripura is the second smallest state in India that lies in the southwest corner of the northern eastern region of the country. It poises a fascinating destination for discerning tourists. This state shows a metamorphous is from a princely state to an independent state with a unique combination of the old order and the new and a fusion of the styles and culture of the hills as well as plains. It is this remarkable bid that gives Tripura a unique identity of it's own. Blessed with a salubrious climate, famous for its distinctive cultural pattern and its overgrown and breath taking scenic beauty, extend the tourists a cordial invitation to visit Tripura. This stake was formally declared a union Territory on Nov 1st. 1957 and elevated to the status of a full fledged state on January 21st 1972. Tripura is mainly a hilly territory with altitude ranging from 50 to 3080ft above sea level, though the major population of the state is concentrated in the plains. On the globe, Tripura is located approximately between latitude 22° 56' and 24° 32' north and longitude 9° 10' east. Adjoining it on the west, south and north is Bangladesh, while on the northeast is Assam and on the east is Mizoram. The state encompasses a vivid and striking attraction in the form of hills, dales, deep and evergreen valleys, which are bound to captivate you. The highly elevated hills in the state has further augmented the beauty of its landscape, which run parallel from north to south parallel to one another till they disappear in the plains of Sylhet. To mention some of the important hill ranges are the "Jampai" which has the highest peak in the state called "Be-taeang Shiv" (3,200ft), the "Sakhan Tlang", "Langtarai", "Athara", "Mura" and "Bara Mure." The vital rivers of Tripura are the "Khowai," the "Manu", the "Haorah", the Muhur" and the "Gomati" The largest and the most sacred river of Tripura is the "Gomati" which accepts myriad south-following streams, before cutting across the ranges in a steep sided valley from east to west and emerging out of the hills near Rad hakis horepur. The source of the river is thought to be Tirthamukh where also lies the most alluring "Dumbur" falls considered as a very pious and chaste place for the people to take a holy dip in the water. This place potrays the religious sentiments associated with the river Gomati and its source Dumbur. The riverbeds here are generally sandy in the hills and clayey in the plains. There is however no artificial canal system in the state. People in Tripura generally experience very hot and humid climatic conditions; summer season commences in March and continues until May with average temperature 35oC. Winter has an average temperature of 10.5oC and continues from December to January. Monsoon season extends from May to August and the average rainfall recorded in and adjoining Tripura is 230 cm per annum. Flower, the state experiences the most pleasant weather for transitory period September to October. The state of Tripura is divided into three district viz. Tripura west with Agartala as its head quarter also the capital city; Tripura north with Kalasahar and Tripura south with Udaipur as their district head quarters respectively. The state is linked with the rest of India by only single road, which runs through the hills to the border of cachar district in Assam. The only exception is Dharmanagar, a subdivision town in northeast, which also has railway services. Well connected by air from Calcutta is Agartala. In Tripura, about 54.5% of the land is under forests, which are of mixed types. However, the quality of timber, was not of high quality. They consisted mostly of bamboo but have recently been replaced by usual timber plantations of sal, Garjan etc. Tripura is basically an agrarian state with about 24.3% of the land area available for farming. The principal crops being paddy, wheat, jute Mesta, sugarcane, potato and oil seeds. Tea plantations also form a major industry covering an area of 5.527 lakh hectares and producing 45-lakh kg of tea per year. However of late, Tripura has made significant strides in the domain of large as well as of small-scale industries, thanks to the innovative efforts of the entrepreneurs under the productive umbrella of industrial policy adopted by the state. An example, which can be cited in this respect being the oil and natural gas commission having set up one of its sprawling complexes on the green hills of Baramura. The main religious population in Tripura is Hind is (1,83,4,218) , Muslims (138,259), Christians (24,872) Sikhs (285) and Buddhists (54,806). Tripura largely consists of Bengali community inspire of the fact that the population also includes 19 scheduled tribes. The tribals with a distinct and rich culture of their own belong mainly to the Reang, Chakma, Halam and Usai communities. The Tripuri's" also called Tripuras' or Tipras' the original inhabitants of the state comprises of about 17% of the total and 55% of the tribal population of the state. Principal languages are Bengali, Kokbarak and Manipuri. Tripuri, the language of the community has no alphabet of its own and is written in Bengali alphabets. The Tripuri's therefore can speak and understand Bengali. Another important factor, which inspired the Tripuri's to embrace Bengali style, is the long association of Guru Rabindra Nath Tagore with the Royal court of Tripura, which gradually led to the mingling of Bengali style and giving rise to a composite culture. The festivals and fair in Tripura are a manifestation of a cultural synthesis. The entire population whether tribal or non-tribal gets engrossed in the festivals and enjoy themselves in a joyous mood. Different festivals in every season speak of the people of Tripura and their bent towards celebrating through out the year from times immemorial. Of the many festivals celebrated, the most important being the worship of 14 Devtas popularly known as "Kharchi Puja" celebrated in July in the temple of the fourteen gods at old Agartala, about a distance of 5mtrs from the present capital Agartala. The entire population i.e. Tribals as well as non-tribals come and pray the festive occasion. The traditional tribal festivals such as "Ker" and "Garia puja" are also celebrated for two long weeks. This puja is held for the general welfare and well being of the people. Another two important and popular festivals of Tripura are the "Durga Puja" and "Diwali". Both are community festivals but "Durga Puja" has emerged to be main and greatest festival in Bengal and Tripura. The entire community with both male and female members are dressed in this best out fits and lake to dancing and singing and in turning the whole atmosphere sublime, delightful and in a mood of gaiety. Another part of the festivals is the fairs, which are mainly of the religion type, which may last from a single day to many days. Important fairs are the "Pous-Sankranti" fair at Trirthamukh in Amarpur Sub-division, "Mahamanipara fair" at Belonia,"Muhuripne fair", Ashokastmi fair etc. The folksongs of Tripura are quite rich and depict the history of the people of the land, its social rituals and religious structures in the form of mellifluous songs and dances. The song display profound thought and imagination and these people are found to possess an inborn aptitude to sing and dance. The melodious bamboo "flute" that accompanies the songs fills the atmosphere with utmost tranquility and peace and even a layman cannot resist himself from being enchanted by the foot-lapping music in store in this region. The people of Tripura are very passionate dancers. The Hai Hak' dances of the Halam community and the Cheraw dance associated with the confinement of Lusai woman, and the 'Basanta Raas' is the charming dance of the Hindu Mamipuri's in Tripura. Tripura is known for its exquisite handloom fabrics, and it hardly needs any introduction in the realm of colorful and quality handloom weaving, creating dreams on the looms. They depict the inherent quality of work manship, and uniqueness of the people. Fascinating variety of crafts and handwork are created from simple materials such as bamboo, came, palm beaus. In fact, on these designed handlooms and bamboo works thrive many industries. Furniture, toys, objects of daily utility such as lamp shades, baskets, ivory work, Tripuran tribal jewelry provide good marketing potential attracting overseas tourists, catering to this new found demands. Tripura a land of many firsts, it is pruned of its rare flora and fauna. Tripura is a treasure trove of Mother Nature, with its rich and dense forests, done with endemic, exotic and cultivated floral treasure. Nature in its generous abundance has bestowed on Tripura a unique array of vegetation. It is a nature lover and botanist's paradise. It can be said to be a storehouse of exotic flora, which is indigenous to the state of Tripura. Historical Background of Tripura: Tripura is a hilly & land locked State endowed with vast green forest and located in the North-East part of India. The State has total area of 10,492-sq. km. and is stretched in between 22°56' and 24°32' North Latitudes and 91°09' & 92°20' Longitudes. The State merged with the Indian Union on October 15,1949 after independence of the Country as “C” Category State and became an Union Territory on 1July, 1963 and attained State-hood on 21 January, 1972. The State has a long boarder with Bangladesh with 856 km and has also common boarder with the neighboring States of Assam & Mizoram. The state has 4- Districts, 15-Sub-Divisions, 40-Development Blocks and has also one Autonomous District Council (ADC). The prominent hill ranges are Jampui, Sakhantang, Longtharai, Atharamura, Baramura , Deotamura, Belkum & Kalajhari. The important forest products include Sal, Teak, Gamai, Gurjan, and Champa. The Bamboo is available in the State abundantly, and is traditionally being used for multi-purposes by the tribal people. The Gomati, Howrah, Dhalai, Muhuri, Feni, Juri are the major rivers which swell in monsoons but they become shallow during the rest of the year The State is located in the Bio-geographic zone of 9B-North-East Hills and possesses an extremely rich bio-diversity. The local flora and fauna bear a very close affinity and resemblance with floral and faunal components of Indo-Malayan and Indo-Chinese sub-regions. There are 379- species of trees, 320- shrubs, 581- herbs, 165- climbers, 16- climbing shrubs, 35- ferns, 45- epiphytes and 4- parasites. Rare plants of Tripura have been put to 18 numbers. There are 266 species of medicinal plants in the State (68- trees, 39- shrubs, 71- herbs and 88- climbers). There are 90 mammal species in Tripura and in the aquatic ecosystem 47 species of fish have been found. As per last Census of Wild Life conducted in 1989, there are 39 numbers of Leopard, 182 numbers of Elephant and 92 numbers of Bison in the State. According to the provisional estimate of Census- 2001, the Population of Tripura stands at 31,91,168 registering a population density of 304 per sq. km. The estimated birth rate in the state is 17 per thousand population which is much lower than All India figure of 20.7 per thousand population in 1999. The prevailing death rate of 5.7 per thousand population & infant mortality rate of 42 per thousand population in the State are also much lower than All India level of 8.7 and 70, respectively, in 1999. There are 19- Sub tribes among the Scheduled tribes in the state with their own cultural identity, namely i) Tripuri ii) Reang iii) Jamatia iv) Chakma v) Lusai vi) Mog vii) Garo viii) Kuki ix) Chaimal x) Uchai xi) Halam xii)Khasia xiii) Bhutia xiv) Kunda xv) Orang xvi) Lepcha xvii) Santal xviii)Bhil xix) Noatia. The ST population was 8,53,345 (30.95%) in 1991- Census. The demography of Scheduled Caste in the State is not confined to ‘Paras’ or ‘Bastis’ like other parts of the country. The social distance between the scheduled castes and other communities is minimum. The total SC population in the State was 4,51,116 (16.36%) in 1991- Census. Tripura lives in villages. Almost 84.6% of State’s populations with 66.81% Below Poverty Line (BPL) families are living in rural areas. Upliftment of rural poor as well as improvement in the quality of life of the economically weaker section of the society has been one of the basic objectives of development Planning in the State. In order to achieve the goal, the State has successfully been implementing the Rural Development & Poverty Alleviation Programmes in the State to ensure minimum wage and also to acquire assets & income in 2000-2001. The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at Current Prices increased from Rs. 1777.23 crore in 1993-94 to Rs. 3814.18 crore in 1998-99 and further to Rs. 4524.42 crore in 2000-2001 (Q). The Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) commonly known as State Income increased from Rs. 1619.27 crore in 1993-94 to Rs. 3472.59 crore in 1998-99 and further to Rs. 4182.83 crore in 2000-2001 (Q). The Primary Sector contributes to 34.19%, Secondary Sector 14.01% & Tertiary Sector 51.80% of Net State Domestic Product at current prices as per quick estimate of 2000-2001 (Q). The Per Capita income at current prices of the State was Rs. 5350/- in 1993-94, which rose to Rs. 9611/- in 1998-99 and further rose to Rs. 10930/- in 2000-2001 (Q). On the other hand, Per Capita National Income at current prices in 1993-94 was Rs. 7698/-, which rose to Rs. 15841/- in 1999-2000.

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