Tripura

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Tripura, smallest of the hill states in north-east India. A Union Territory since 1956, Tripura became a state in 1972 encircled by Bangladesh on all sides, except in the north-east where it is bounded by Assam and Mizoram. Tripura has an area of 10,486 sq km (4,050 sq mi). To the north lie forested hills and valleys, to the south, jungle. Tripura receives over 4,000 mm (157 in) of rainfall annually. Tripura has a population of 3,191,168 (2000). The capital, Agartala, has a population of 158,000. The majority of the people are described as Hindu (89 per cent) but they remain predominantly tribal in culture. There are a small number of Muslims and Christians. The official languages are Bengali and Kokbarak. Manipuri is also spoken. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy; shifting cultivation is gradually being replaced by modern farming methods. Important cash crops are jute, cotton, tea (the main industry), and fruit. Wheat, rice, potatoes, and sugar cane are also grown. Shifting cultivation has destroyed much of the forest and more has recently been cleared to accommodate refugees from Bangladesh. However, almost half the land area is still covered by forest; 8 per cent is virgin forest. Minor industries include aluminum utensils, rubber, saw milling, and handloom weaving; rubber plantations are being established. There are three administrative districts. Presidential rule was imposed in 1993, due to tribal guerrilla insurgency. Tripura has two seats in the Lok Sabha (lower house of the federal parliament) and one in the Rajya Sabha (upper house). Historical evidence of Tripura first appears in the 14th-century Rajmala, the chronicle of the Manikya dynasty. Remarkably, this dynasty ruled continuously until India's independence and its accession to the Union.

Taken from Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia. © 1993-2001