Tripura, the third smallest of India's North-Eastern states, boasts a rich and complex history. While details of its pre-Manikya era remain scarce and the evolution of the Manikya monarchy is somewhat unclear, the adoption of the 'Manikya' title by its kings in the 14th century marked a significant turning point. This period also saw the capital move to Udaipur (formerly Rangamati), a shift even acknowledged by the Mughals. Tripura functioned as a princely state under British rule and officially integrated into the Indian Union on October 15, 1949. Kirit Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur was the last princely ruler, reigning from 1947 to 1949.
Early History & Origins
Much of Tripura's early history is rooted in myth and legend, often linked to the Lunar dynasty through figures like Druhyu, Daitya, Tripura, and Trilochan. The precise origin of the name 'Tripura' itself is uncertain, as it isn't found in ancient Indian texts. However, archaeological findings suggest that ancient Tripura, specifically its southwestern region, maintained connections with eastern Bengal kingdoms such as Samatata, Vanga, and Harikela. A 7th-century Tippera copper plate further indicates the absence of a distinct Tripura state at that time.
According to the royal family chronicles, the Rajmala, the capital shifted multiple times, from Nowgong to Cachar, then Dharmanagar, before settling in its current location within Tripura. One popular theory suggests 'Tripura' might derive from 'Tuipra', a local term meaning "people/land near water" (Tui = water, Pra = near).
Pre-colonial (Medieval) Manikya Period & State Formation
The true formation of the Tripuri state began with the Manikya rulers during the medieval or pre-colonial period. The 'Manikya' title was adopted by Tripuri rajas, notably by Ratna Pha, a contemporary of Sultan Ghiyasuddin Balban, and was officially conferred by Sultan Mughisuddin Tughril around AD 1250.
State formation gained momentum in the early 15th century under Chhengthung Pha (Maha Manikya), who successfully subjugated various tribes including the Jamatias, Kukis, and Reang. Rangamati (Udaipur) became the capital during Raja Lika's reign and was later renamed by Udai Manikya.
Several factors contributed to the state's formation:
• Bengali Contact: Trade and commerce with Bengal led to the adoption of the 'Manikya' title for Ratna Pha.
• 'Fa' Leadership: The 'Fa' leaders played a crucial role in initiating state formation upon the entry of their tribes.
• Tribal Unity: The involvement of tribes like Jamatias and Halams in key administrative roles fostered greater organization.
• Communication with Plains People: The plains people's political and socio-economic structures provided beneficial exchanges.
• Economy: The practice of jhoom (shifting cultivation) and settled agriculture generated surplus, facilitating trade and economic growth.
• Individual Land Ownership: Kings encouraged Bengali settlement, which increased cultivation and revenue.
• Brahminical/Hindu Influence: The arrival of immigrants, land grants, temple building, and royal Sanskritization further solidified the state's structure.
• Neighboring State Aid: Submission to Bengal sultans secured recognition and military assistance.
• Muslim Administration/Military: The adoption of administrative and military systems from the Gaur dynasty helped in the state's reorganization.
Administration (Ancient & Pre-colonial)
Information regarding administration prior to Ratna Manikya's reign is limited. In ancient times, there wasn't a single monarchy; the plains were controlled by dynasties like Vanga and Samatata, while the hills were governed by tribal chiefs.
The 'Pha' (Tripuri chief) ruled with a tribal organizational structure, assisted by the 'Chantai' (priest) who served as a minister. There was no land revenue; instead, tribes offered forest products or tributes and performed duties.
The Tripuri System featured self-governed villages headed by a 'Chaudhuri' or 'Sardar' chief. Officials included the Karbari, Ojhai/Akcai, Bhandari, and Khandal. King Dangar Pha famously divided his kingdom into 17 administrative divisions.
The Reang System had a three-tier structure: village, clan, and tribe. The village chief was known as 'Chaudhuri' or 'Kami Fang'. Zonal councils, led by 'Huklai Chaudhuri' and assisted by Hazra/Dehazra, oversaw larger areas. At the state level, a council of 27 heads represented 14 'dafas', with the 'Roy' or 'Kami Kachkao' serving as the chief or Raja, and the 'Chapia Khan' as the Prime Minister.
British Relations & Resistance
British involvement in Tripura began in 1761, when they assisted Nawab Mir Qasim against Krishna Manikya. A treaty was established where the King paid annual revenue for Chaklaroshnabad, and in return, the British agreed not to interfere in Tripura's internal affairs. Despite this, Tripura's kings became subservient, though they occasionally protested. British influence led to the modernization of Tripura's bureaucracy and judiciary. Notably, Tripura lost half of its territory during the Lushai expedition of 1871-72, pushing its eastern boundary to the Longai river.
Political Agents
In the latter half of the 1870s, the British Government decided to appoint a Political Agent in Tripura. This was primarily due to the Raja's expeditions against the Kookies, with the aim of ensuring the Raja did not conduct raids without British permission, despite the British not intending to interfere in hill management. Maharaja Birchandra initially objected, viewing it as an infringement on his independent state.
However, these political agents became a strong force, assisting the Raja in emergencies but also compelling him to follow the Government of India's will by sending adverse reports. They significantly influenced reforms, such as the judicial reforms introduced by Mr. A.B. Power in 1872. Often, pressure from political agents forced the Maharaja to change officers, implement reforms, and adopt specific economic measures.
The appointment of a political agent at Agartala was abolished in 1878, with the magistrate and collector of Tripura becoming the ex-officio political agent, assisted by an Indian. In 1890, it was decided the king would select a minister in consultation with the ex-officio political agent. The assistant political agent post at Agartala was abolished in 1892.
19th Century Resistance
The Tripuris, the largest Indo-Mongoloid tribe (comprising Puran Tripuri and Deshi Tripuri), were involved in various movements of resistance in the 19th century, including the Tipra (1850), Kuki (1860-61), and Jamatia (1863) movements.
The Kuki Rebellion (1860-61) saw Kukis raiding plains villages, with Rutton Poea leading attacks in 1860. The weak administration of King Isanchandra Manikya contributed to the difficulties in controlling these uprisings.
During the Revolt of 1857, the Tripura monarchy sided with the British, even assisting them in the 1824 Burma campaign. To appease the British and address tribal revolts, the King appointed Balaram Hazari as Dewan and Bipin Bihari Goswami to manage state affairs. However, Hazari's harsh taxes subsequently triggered further rebellion.
Social Reforms
Sati System
Despite being legally forbidden in British India, the Sati system persisted in hilly Tipperah until the late 19th century. The Rajmala indicates that Sati was prevalent among royals as early as the first half of the 16th century, as exemplified by the self-immolation of Kamala Devi, wife of Maharaja Dhanya Manikya, after his death. Birchandra Manikya is credited with undertaking the abolition of the Sati system in Tripura.
Abolition of Slavery
Slavery was common in Tripura from early periods, with rulers often bringing slaves from adjoining states. Many palace eunuchs were selected from slaves. While slavery was abolished in India by Act V of 1843, Birchandra Manikya abolished it in Tripura in AD 1877. Mr. Bolton, the officiating political agent, reported the Maharaja's proclamation forbidding the sale, purchase, or detention of any human being as a slave.
Integration into the Indian Union
After the death of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya on May 17, 1947, his minor son, Kirit Bikram, became Maharaja. A Council of Regency was formed, led by Maharani Kanchanprabha Devi. The Tripura merger agreement was signed on September 9, 1949, in New Delhi, with the Maharani ceding full authority to the Dominion Government. The administration was officially transferred on October 15, 1949, though the Maharaja retained his personal rights and privileges as ruler.
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