Tripura GK Notes – A Complete Overview of the State

Tripura General Knowledge (GK) 

Tripura, located in the northeastern part of India, is one of the seven sister states of the region. Bordered by Bangladesh on three sides — north, south, and west — and by the Indian states of Assam and Mizoram to the east, Tripura holds a unique position both geographically and culturally. Covering an area of approximately 10,491 square kilometers, Tripura is the third smallest state in India, yet it is densely populated and rich in biodiversity, culture, and history.

Historically, Tripura was a princely state ruled by the Manikya dynasty for several centuries. The origins of the kingdom trace back to ancient times, with references to "Tripura" found in the Mahabharata and other Hindu scriptures. The ruling dynasty claimed descent from the lunar dynasty of Mahabharata fame. The state maintained its independence for a long period, even during British colonial rule, although it eventually became a British protectorate in the 19th century. Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya, one of the most progressive rulers of Tripura, laid the foundation for the modern education system and infrastructure in the state. After India's independence, Tripura acceded to the Indian Union on October 15, 1949, and was initially a Union Territory before attaining full statehood on January 21, 1972.

Geographically, Tripura is a landlocked state with hilly terrain in the east and low-lying plains in the west. The state lies in the sub-Himalayan region and is characterized by various ranges such as the Jampui, Atharamura, Longtharai, Baramura, and Deotamura Hills. The capital city, Agartala, is located in the western part of the state near the Bangladesh border. Major rivers include the Gomati, Manu, Dhalai, and Khowai. The climate of Tripura is tropical with hot summers, a significant monsoon season, and mild winters. The state receives heavy rainfall from the southwest monsoon between June and September.

Administratively, Tripura is divided into 8 districts: Dhalai, Gomati, Khowai, North Tripura, South Tripura, Sepahijala, Unakoti, and West Tripura. Agartala, the capital, is the largest city and serves as the main administrative and economic hub. The governance structure follows the parliamentary system with a Governor appointed by the President of India, a Chief Minister, and a state legislative assembly. As of 2025, the current Chief Minister is Dr. Manik Saha from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Governor is Indrasena Reddy Nallu.

Tripura has a rich demographic profile with a blend of tribal and non-tribal populations. The indigenous communities, collectively known as Tripuris, include tribes such as Debbarma, Reang (Bru), Jamatia, Chakma, Halam, Lusai, and others. These tribes are mostly concentrated in the hilly areas and follow unique customs, languages, and lifestyles. Kokborok, the language of the Tripuri people, holds the status of a state language alongside Bengali and English. The non-tribal population is predominantly Bengali, having migrated from Bangladesh during and after the Partition of India in 1947 and the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. As a result, Bengali is the most widely spoken language in the state.

The economy of Tripura is primarily agrarian, with agriculture and allied sectors contributing significantly to the state's GDP. Major crops include rice, jute, potatoes, sugarcane, and oilseeds. Rubber, tea, and bamboo are important commercial crops. The state is one of India’s largest producers of natural rubber, with rubber plantations covering thousands of hectares. In recent years, Tripura has made strides in horticulture, animal husbandry, and pisciculture. Industry in Tripura is limited but growing; food processing, handloom, bamboo crafts, and small-scale industries dominate the industrial sector. Information technology and natural gas are emerging areas of development.

Tripura has a vibrant cultural landscape enriched by tribal traditions and Bengali influences. The tribal festivals such as Garia Puja, Kharchi Puja, and Lebang Boomani reflect the deep connection with nature, agriculture, and folk beliefs. These are celebrated with traditional music, dance, and rituals. Garia Puja is one of the most important festivals among the tribal communities and involves the worship of the deity Garia for prosperity and good harvest. On the other hand, Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Saraswati Puja, and Eid are widely celebrated by the Bengali population, showcasing the secular and pluralistic fabric of the state. Traditional dances like Hojagiri (performed by the Reang women) and music using bamboo instruments form an integral part of local entertainment and rituals.

The literacy rate of Tripura is among the highest in India. According to the 2011 Census, the literacy rate stood at 87.22%, and it has continued to improve in subsequent years. The state has a strong educational infrastructure with institutions like Tripura University (a central university), National Institute of Technology (NIT Agartala), ICFAI University, and numerous government and private colleges. The state government has also introduced several schemes to promote education among girls and tribal students.

In terms of transportation, Tripura is gradually improving its connectivity. Agartala is connected by rail to the national network via Lumding and Guwahati in Assam. The broad-gauge railway lines have enhanced trade and mobility. Agartala Airport, recently renamed Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, is the second busiest in Northeast India and offers direct flights to major cities like Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Road connectivity is facilitated by National Highways such as NH-8 and NH-108. A significant milestone is the Agartala-Akhaura rail link project, which aims to connect India and Bangladesh by rail through Tripura, boosting regional trade and travel.

The Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) is a special administrative body formed to govern the tribal-dominated areas under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Established in 1985, the TTAADC covers more than two-thirds of Tripura’s geographical area and works for the welfare and development of the indigenous communities. It has its own council, budget, and authority over land, forest, education, and social customs in the tribal areas.

Tripura is also known for its natural beauty and tourist attractions. The state has several picturesque spots such as Jampui Hills, Unakoti (a site with giant rock-cut sculptures), Neermahal (a water palace built in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake), Ujjayanta Palace (a former royal palace in Agartala), Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, and Dumboor Lake. Tourism is being actively promoted by the state to harness its cultural heritage, historical sites, and ecological wealth. The government has launched eco-tourism projects and homestays in tribal areas to encourage responsible tourism.

Despite its progress, Tripura faces challenges such as insurgency (although largely under control), unemployment, and infrastructural constraints due to its geographical isolation. In the past, insurgent groups like NLFT and ATTF had created unrest, but efforts by security forces and peace talks have significantly reduced violence. Currently, the focus is on peace-building, development, and integration with the broader national mainstream.

Tripura also has a dynamic political history. The Left Front led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) ruled the state for more than three decades, with leaders like Nripen Chakraborty and Manik Sarkar playing major roles. However, in 2018, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power for the first time, ending 25 years of Left rule. This marked a significant shift in the political landscape of the state. The political atmosphere of Tripura is now more competitive, with parties such as the BJP, CPI(M), Congress, and regional parties like Tipra Motha playing influential roles.

In terms of national representation, Tripura has two Lok Sabha constituencies — Tripura West and Tripura East. The East constituency is reserved for Scheduled Tribes. The state also has a 60-member Legislative Assembly and one Rajya Sabha seat.

From a security standpoint, Tripura shares a long international border of about 856 kilometers with Bangladesh, making border management a critical issue. The Border Security Force (BSF) guards the boundary, and several integrated check posts (ICPs) and land customs stations have been established to facilitate trade and movement. The state has benefitted from India's Act East Policy and regional connectivity initiatives, with plans for better linkages to Southeast Asia through Bangladesh.

Tripura’s contribution to sports and arts is also noteworthy. Indigenous sports, archery, wrestling, and modern games like football and cricket are popular. Tripura has produced notable gymnasts like Dipa Karmakar, who represented India at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and brought national attention to sports in the state. In music, Tripura is known for its folk traditions, and in recent times, young artists from the state have gained popularity on national platforms.

Environmentally, the state is rich in biodiversity with more than 60% of the area under forest cover. The state is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, bison, deer, and diverse bird species. Protected areas such as Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary and Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary conserve wildlife and attract nature lovers. However, deforestation, jhum cultivation, and human encroachment pose threats to the environment, prompting the government to take steps toward sustainable development and reforestation.

Tripura has embraced digital governance through e-services in areas like education, land records, and public distribution. Schemes such as MyGov Tripura, Digital India initiatives, and online job portals are increasing transparency and citizen participation. The state has also made commendable progress in rural development through programs like MGNREGA, PMGSY, and housing schemes.

In conclusion, Tripura is a state of rich history, diverse culture, and strategic importance in India’s northeastern frontier. Despite being relatively small and remote, it is rapidly progressing in terms of development, education, and infrastructure. With its peaceful environment, cultural harmony, and growing economy, Tripura stands as a symbol of resilience and integration in the mosaic of Indian federalism.