Tripura Historical Documents

Book Description  -

 Tripura lies nestled between Assam and Bengal, benefiting from heavy rainfall that enriches its diverse flora and fauna. The region shares a similar climate, landscape, demographics, agriculture, and folk culture with both Assam and Bengal.

Historically, Tripura was an ancient kingdom governed for centuries by a Kshatriya dynasty linked to the Lunar dynasty mentioned in the Mahabharata. While Bengal was under the control of various dynasties like the Palas and Senas, Tripura remained relatively safe until the significant upheaval that began in 1204 A.D. The first invasion occurred in 1240 A.D. by Hiravanta Khan, followed by numerous attacks—over twenty-five—from Afghans, Turks, Pathans, and Mughals. These invasions created a rift between Tripura’s plains and hill regions, leading to the annexation of the fertile plains near eastern Bengal, marking a significant loss for the kingdom. However, the British period brought a respite, ending a long era of turmoil and ushering in a time of relative peace.

Much of Tripura’s history remains unwritten, with only fragments recorded through stone inscriptions and land grants in Sanskrit. A key historical source is the royal chronicle known as Sri Rajmala, which is composed of both Bengali verse and prose. The kings of Tripura supported the Bengali language, resulting in the majority of historical documents being penned in Bengali.

While one might expect to find extensive records from Afghan, Turkish, and Mughal sources, these are scarce due to their historical emphasis on military strength over documentation. In contrast, British records provide a wealth of information about Tripura, encompassing communications on issues such as succession disputes, boundary demarcation, political appointments, administrative reforms, and various crises like the sepoy mutiny and the world wars. These documents offer invaluable insights into the administrative and social landscape of Tripura during that era.