TRIPURA STATE INFO

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General Information about Tripura
Location : Remotest in the NorthEast
Land : Total area 10,492 Sq.Km. , 84 % of the area borders Bangladesh .
Hilly Terrain : 60%
Forest : 52.76%
Climate : Temperature varies between 10 to 35 Degree Celsius
Average Annual Rain Fall 2100mm,
Highest Rain Fall 2855 mm(Kamalpur),
Lowest Rain Fall 1811 mm (Sonamura).
Population :  27,57,205 as per 1991 Census
Major Language : Bengali and Kakborak. People also understand Hindi and English well .

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

       There is a common belief that the name of the State has originated from "Tripura Sundari" - the presiding deity of the land which is famous as one of the 51 pethos of Hindu Pilgrims. Apart from this traditional view it is believed that originally the land was known as "Tuipra" meaning a land adjoining the water.

       Previously a princely state, and subsequently a Union Territory of Independent India, Tripura was elevated to the status of a state on January 21, 1972.Tripura is mainly a hilly territory with altitudes varying from 50 to 3080 ft above sea level, though the major population of the state lives in the plains. Characterised by moderate temperatures and highly humid atmosphere, Tripura is best visited after the south west monsoons in October.

       Today, Tripura is largely a Bengali community, inspite of the 19 Scheduled Tribes, that form a major chunk of the population. Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism,and Christianity are the main religions followed in Tripura. The tribals, with a rich and varied culture, belong mainly to the Reang, Chakma, Halam and Usai communities. The majority of tribals live in elevated houses of bamboo called 'Tong'.

       The majority of tribals live in elevated houses of bamboo called 'Tong'. Music and Dance are an integral part of Tripura. Their dances reflect the emotions of these people. Garia dance is for the prosperity of people while Cheraw dance is associated with the confinement of Lusai women. Basanta Raas is the dance of Hindu Manipuris in Tripura and Hai Hak dance is of Halam community.

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

        Tripura is the oldest Hindu Kingdom which extended upto Arracan and one can see historical monuments at Udaipur, Amarpur, Dharamnagar and Kalyanpur. The rock carvings at Amarpur and Unakoti hills are impressive as are the 9th century brass Buddhas at the Vihar outside Agartala.

Economy
        The state's economy is primarily based on agriculture . The primary sector ( Agricultural) contributes about 64% of total employment in the state and about 48% of the Gross Domestic Product(G.D.P) of the state . A variety of  Horticultural Plantation Crops are produced in Tripura like Pineapple, Oranges, Cashewnut, Jackfruit, Coconut, Tea, Rubber, Forest , Plantations etc. There is ample scope for increasing the area under such plantations as well as the productivity. As regards Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, the present level of production is not adequate to meet the demand of the state and there is need and scope for considerable development.
        
        The Industry Sector has also remained to be underdeveloped so far, despite the vast potential. The secondary sector contributes only about 5% of total employment and about 7% of the total income (SDP) of the state at present.
        
       Tourism  is growing as an industry in the state. Handicraft is emerging as a potential industry in Tripura. The Handloom Industry also plays an important role in rural Industry of Tripura.