The Tripuri (also known as Tripura Tipra, Tiprasa, Twipra), are a Tibeto-Burman-speaking ethnic group of Northeast Indian state of Tripura. They are the descendants of the inhabitants of the Twipra/Tripura Kingdom in North-East India and Bangladesh. The Tripuri people through the Manikya dynasty ruled the Kingdom of Tripura for many years until the kingdom joined the Indian Union on 15 October 1949. Tripuris are the native people of Tripura having its own unique and distinct rich culture, tradition, and history. They were able to expand their influence as far south as Chittagong Division, as far west as Comilla and Noakhali (known during the British period as 'plains Tipperah')and as far north as Sylhet Division (all in present Bangladesh). Chittagong Hill Tracts was the part of Tipperah Kingdom till British took control of the Indian subcontinent. In the year 1512, the Tipperas were at the height of their supremacy when they defeated the Mughals. The ruling dynasty passed through several periods of history and ruled Tripura for several centuries until the 18th century, after which Plain Tippera became a colony of Britain and Hill Tippera remained an Independent Princely state. On 14 October 1949, Hill Tippera was merged into the newly independent India as Tripura State.

The Tripuras mainly live in Khagrachari District of Chittagong Hilly areas. Besides, the small group of the Tripuras also live in Comilla, Noakhali, Chandpur as well as Moulavibazar. The total number of people in this community is nearly 1 lac in Bangladesh. They are now proud citizens of this country. On the other hand, Tripura is also live in India. The amount is nearly half a million in the state of Tripura. In general, when the India subcontinent was divided into Bangladesh and Pakistan, the small portion of Tripura was under Bangladesh (East Pakistan) in 1949. The Tripura Tribe or Community is divided into 36 clans or dofas or sub-groups. Among them, the Gurpai, Jomatia, Dendak, Tongpai, Gorjong, Khakulu, Gaigra, and Murasing are very well known in the community. The language Tripura is known as Kokborok. More than 1 Million people talks in this language. Not to mention, Boishu is the main festival of the Tripura ethnic group. Most of the Tripuras now believe in Hinduism though they have their own God also. Now, some of them are converting into Christianity.

Culture of Tripura

Tribes of Tripura

Bhutia
Chaimal

Chakma

Garo

Halam

Jamatia

Khashia

Kuki

Lepcha

Lushai

Mog

Munda

Noatia

Orang

Reang

Santal

Tripuri

Uchai

Tribes of Tripura, who inhabit a major part of Tripura, largely resemble the Tibeto- Burman origin. The territory is inhabited by 19 tribes who are enlisted as scheduled tribes under the Constitution of India. These tribes include Bhil, Bhutia, Chaimal, Chakma, Garoo, Halam, Jamatia, Khasia, Kuki, Lepcha, Lushai, Mog, Munda, Noatia, Orang, Reang, Santhal, Tripuri and Uchui. Among these the dominant tribes are Tripuri, Riang, Jamatia, Chakma, Halam, Noatia and Mog and so on. Largely Tripura is inhabited by Tripuri, Reang, Chakma, Mog, Halam and Murasin.

Tripura has rich cultural heritage of 19 different tribal communities. These communities are - Tripura/Tripuri, Riang, Jamatia, Noatia, Uchai, Chakma, Mog, Lushai, Kuki, Halam, Munda, Kaur, Orang, Santal, Bhil, Bhutia, Chaimal, Garo, Khasia, and Lepcha. Each community has its own unique culture including their own dance forms which are famous in the country. Long and intimate association of Poet Rabindranath Tagore with Tripura has added luster to the rich cultural heritage of the state. The state has produced the famous musicians Sachin Dev Barman and Rahul Dev Barman.Tripuri women wear a dress called Rignai, which reaches down just below the knee. They weave in their loin-loom a small piece of cloth, which they call 'Risha', and they wear this piece of cloth on upper portion of their body. Garia and Lebang Boomani are the two main dances of Tripuri tribes.

Tripura Tribe

Tripura people (aka Twiprasa, Tripuri, Triprasa, Twipra) are an ethnic group originating in the Indian state of Tripura. They are the original inhabitants of the Tripura Kingdom in North-East India and Bangladesh. According to the Census of 1991, about a total of 61,129 live in Khagrachari district alone, but they also live in Chittagong, Comila, and Noakhali. They are considered the third largest tribal group in Bangladesh, specifically in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region. The tribe consists of 36 sub groups or dafas, the most well known being Fatung, Jamatia, Naitong, Noatia, Ryang and Usui.

The northeast state of Tripura has colourful glimpses through her indigenous population. The solidarity among their groups makes them stronger and believers in each other. As one of their supporting rituals from the parent's side, the father gives his daughter land as a gift and because of the heritage, the daughter can not protest it. The community of Bengali migrants from East Bengal to Tripura changed everything. Because of their superiority, Bengalis are expanding their network all over Tripura. While the tribe's communities are reducing and turned into a minority. The terrorism problem in Tripura is a reason for inequality between ruler Bengalis and common tribes. The uncertainty of women's lives in Tripura especially among tribes brings them together for a political forum to raise their voices. After the 73rd amendment act. In 1992 the state of Tripura takes initiatives for the participation of women in politics and thus to open a way for their empowerment. The objective of the paper is to explore the indigenous community and their political participation, facilities by the government through various public reforms. The outcome of the paper is to know the situation from the past to the present and understanding the socio-economic and political status of the tribe's women and the community. The methodology has been taking through documentary analysis. The feature question is, how do tribes' women return the status they deserved in the past? How are they dealing with themselves in their political journey?

Tribes

The Tripura tribe is an ancient tribe and one of the richest tribes in the Indian subcontinent, with rich history, traditions and culture. At present, “Tripura” is one of the 19 scheduled tribes (STs) in the state of Tripura. It is located in serial number 18 of the Scheduled Castes and The Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment) Act of 1976. The Tripuras speak in Tripura (also known as Tripuri or Kokborok) language, which is their mother tongue. The speakers of the Tripura language live mainly in the state of Tripura. The population of Tripura language speakers is 5,92,255. Tripura language speakers, numbering about 30,000, are also found in the Hailakandi, Karimganj and Cachar districts of Assam state. There are about 50,000 Tripura language speakers living in the Mamit, Lawngtlai and Kolasib districts of Mizoram state.

Tripura (mythology)

Tripura Culture

Tripura, meaning three cities or fortresses, is described in Hindu history as being constructed by the great Asura architect Mayasura. They were great cities of prosperity, power and dominance over the world, but due to their impious nature, Maya's cities were destroyed by god Tripurantaka or Tripurari, an aspect of Shiva. The three cities were made of gold, silver and iron and were located on the heaven, earth and underworld respectively. Following the death of Tarakasura, who was killed by Kartikeya, his sons Tarakaksha, Vidyunmali and Veeravana undertook severe penances by which they pleased Brahma. They requested that they may become immortal. Resisting it, Brahma said to them that nothing can be immortal. Then Tarakaksha, Vidyunmali and Veeravana asked to be blessed with impregnable fortresses, which would be everlasting. However, as Brahma told them that nothing could be everlasting, they requested that the destruction of the cities could be brought about by a single arrow only, on the hope that it was impossible for anyone to shoot such an arrow, save Shiva, of whom they were great devotees. Brahma then blessed them that such fortresses would be constructed.

Famous Festivals of Tripura

Rich in gorgeous landscapes, crystalline waterfalls, awe-inspiring mountains, dense forests, and a generous sprinkling of history and tradition, Tripura is a popular tourist destination situated in North-East India. This land-locked state nestled at the foot of the Himalayan mountains has a long historical legacy behind it; Tripura was once home to the famous Manikya tribe, which resulted in the conception of a plethora of varied archaeological monuments and structures in the state, all of which attest to the rich cultural and traditional past of Tripura. The state exhibits a unique blend of traditional tribal culture with a little more modern Bengali culture, giving rise to a harmonious cultural ambience that you will not find anywhere else in the country. Tripura is more than just its breathtaking beauty; it is an illustration of a long and varied legacy of history and tradition, thus promising you a holiday you won't forget anytime soon. Rich in art and culture, the land of nineteen tribes, Tripura is situated in the lush green hills and blessed with natural beauty and picturesque locations which attract tourists from all over the world. The religious festivals, colourful costumes, artistic cane and bamboo products, multi-linguistic people and delicious food, memorable sightseeing, adventurous trekking and lively shopping experience- There is nothing that Tripura lacks and will regenerate and rejuvenate your soul and spirit.

Tripura houses a rich fortune of history and heritage, which is beautifully reflected in its diverse buildings and architecture. It is bordered by Bangladesh to the north, south and west and Assam and Mizoram to the east. It covers an area of 10,492 Sq.Km. The state capital is Agartala, which is known for the enchanting Neermahal or the “Water Palace” located in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake.
Tripura is also a land of myths and legends. One of its first mentions was in the Mahabharata and the Puranas. It is believed that Tripura is one of the oldest princely states in India, making it home to various beautiful palaces, temples and heritage sites, exhibiting the amalgamation of different cultures.

Traditional Dress of Tripura

Tripura Traditional Costumes

Hojagiri

In the Indian state of Tripura, Hojagiri is a Reang tribe folk dance.
The dance is done during the Hojagiri festival, also known as Laxmi Puja, which take place on the full moon night after Durga Puja.
In most cases, it is after the third day of Dussehra. On this day, the Goddess Mailuma (Laxmi) is honored.
The male members take part in the lyric singing and playing of the Kham and Sumui (Kshumu).
In Tripura, Hojagiri dance is quite popular. This type of dance is done during the Durga Puja festival of Hojagiri, which falls on the third day of Dussehra.
This dance form has 4 to 6 individuals, all of whom are women who perform this dance.
The songs were sung by the males who accompanied the Sumui and Kham instruments. The women in the chorus performed songs. The song's lyrics are simple, but the Hojagiri dance is unique.
Every performer needs to use a Kalash, a traditional lamp, a bottle, a Baling formed from a cane used for rice washing, a handkerchief, a pitcher, and a simple plate in this dance form.
The movement of their hands and even the upper body is somewhat restricted, whereas the movement from their waist down to their feet creates a wonderful wave.