Tripura is a state located in the northeastern part of India. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The state was once a princely state and has a beautiful legacy that it cherishes. The people of Tripura are fortunate to have this heritage, and it holds significance for future generations as well.
The historical sites of Tripura and fascinating due to its rich colourful history from its princely era. This is due to the presence of various races and communities that have been residing in the state since ancient times. Each community has its own unique customs and traditions, which they pass down to their younger members.
One of the ways to discover the history of Tripura is by exploring its monuments. These monuments hold stories from the past and provide insights into the royal history of the region. The former Maharajas of Tripura have left behind remarkable monuments in different cities across the state. These monuments offer a glimpse into the era of princely states and attract thousands of tourists.
In essence, Tripura is a land of history and culture, waiting to be explored by those who are curious about its past and eager to experience its vibrant present. In this article, we’ll delve into these eight fascinating historical sites of Tripura that provide a glimpse into its storied past.
Neermahal
A truly captivating Water Palace, Neermahal derives its name from its essence. Nestled like a fairytale mansion, this royal retreat graces the tranquil waters of Rudrasagar Lake, situated 53 kilometers to the south of Agartala. Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya breathed life into this architectural gem in 1930 A.D, envisioning it as his summer haven, influenced by the splendor of Mughal architecture.
Beholding Neermahal from the shores of Rudrasagar Lake evokes reminiscent thoughts of the enchanting ‘Jagniwas Palace’ that graces the waters of Udaipur’s Pichola Lake in Rajasthan. The sight of the palace’s reflection upon the serene waters of Rudrasagar is nothing short of enchanting. The dome-shaped turrets of Neermahal contribute to a fort-like aura, adding to the mansion’s allure. The ‘Darbar Hall’ within the palace still echoes with echoes of royal grandeur, standing as a testament to its opulent past.
Rudrasagar Lake blankets an expanse of about 5.3 square kilometers, serving as a haven for an array of resident and migratory birds. For those seeking adventure, the lake offers boating and water sports facilities, drawing enthusiasts from near and far. A boat festival, held annually during July/August, further adds to the lake’s allure, making it a vibrant celebration of both nature and culture.
Ujjayanta Palace
In the heart of Agartala, the capital city, stands the resplendent Ujjayanta Palace, a living testament to the era of Tripura Maharajas. Its gleaming white facade transports visitors to a bygone age, while the name “Ujjayanta Palace,” bestowed by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, adds to its mystique. Stepping within its walls offers a unique opportunity to bask in living history and bountiful royal grandeur.
Constructed in 1901 A.D by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya, this Indo-Saracenic marvel is nestled within vast Mughal-style gardens that grace the lakeside. The palace boasts three domes, soaring to a height of 86 feet, complemented by intricate tiled flooring, elegantly curved wooden ceilings, and exquisitely crafted door decorations. Temples dot the surroundings, enhancing the palace’s spiritual aura. As the sun sets, floodlights illuminate the palace, enhancing its allure and making it a sight to behold.
Notably, the palace once housed the State Legislative Assembly until 2011. In the present day, this royal residence has transformed into the State Museum, hosting an impressive assortment of artifacts that shed light on both the royal and cultural heritage of the region.
Tripura Sundari Temple
One of the cherished and highly revered sites in Tripura is the ancient Matabari temple, also known as the Tripurasundari temple. This spiritual haven rests atop a hill, just 5 kilometers away from the main town of Udaipur. Back in 1501 A.D., Maharaja Dhanya Manikya undertook the construction of this remarkable temple.
The Tripurasundari temple holds a unique place among the many Hindu shrines, garnering special reverence as one of the 51 Peethas – central seats of worship and devotion in Hinduism. Within its sacred walls, the goddess Tripurasundari takes her divine form, an embodiment of Goddess Parvathi, the devoted companion of Lord Shiva. The temple’s design features a square-shaped sanctum, echoing the architecture of traditional rural Bengal huts.
Adding to the temple’s serene ambiance is the placid Kalyansagar Lake, nestled behind the temple. The tranquil waters of the lake are home to revered tortoises, held in high esteem by temple devotees.
Bhubaneswari Temple
Situated 55 kilometers away from Agartala, the Bhubaneswari Temple holds its serene presence on the eastern outskirts of Udaipur town, gracefully nestled by the meandering waters of the Gomati River. Crossing over the Gomati River is a prerequisite to reach this sacred abode. Under the watchful care of the Archaeological Survey of India, the Bhubaneswari Temple carries within its stones a history that resonates through time.
The hands of Maharaja Govinda Manikya (1660-1676) are the ones that carefully crafted the essence of this temple. A testament to its significance, the Bhubaneswari Temple is immortalized in the renowned plays of Rabindranath Tagore, “Rajarshi” and “Bisarjan.” Within the theatrical realms of these plays, Maharaja Govinda Manikya assumes a vital role, his character interwoven with the very fabric of the narratives. As one approaches the temple’s sacred grounds, a melancholic beauty emerges in the form of the remnants of Govinda Manikya’s palace, serving as a silent reminder of a regal era.
Beneath the temple’s watchful gaze, the Gomati River flows with gentle grace, offering a tranquil scene that perfectly complements the temple’s aura. In the convergence of nature’s serenity and historical resonance, the Bhubaneswari Temple stands as a testament to the enduring threads that connect the past and the present.
Unakoti Archaeological Site
Nestled in the heart of Ujjayanta District, the rock-cut archaeological marvel of Unakoti takes center stage. Its name, derived from the Bengali term meaning “one less a koti,” is an enigmatic portal to an ancient Shaivite sanctuary, a homage to the revered deity Shiva. This pilgrimage site is steeped in mystery, its origins shrouded in the mists of time.
Among these carvings, two stand out – a large Shiva head at the center and huge Ganesha figures. The Shiva head, called ‘Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava,’ is tall, about 30 feet. It wears an intricately designed head-dress, reaching 10 feet in height. Beside it are two full-sized female figures – one showing Durga on a lion and the other, a mystery. Also, there are three big images of Nandi Bull, partly buried in the ground.
Unakoti isn’t just about these carvings, though. There are many other stone and rock carvings there. And every April, a significant event called ‘Ashokastami Mela’ takes place. Thousands of people gather for this fair, making it a lively and cherished tradition. In Unakoti, history and devotion come alive, connecting people through time.
Pilak Archaeological Sites
Pilak, located around 114 kilometers away from Agartala, is a captivating spot that holds remnants from the 8th to 9th centuries. Its historical charm lies in its Buddhist and Hindu sculptures. Nearby flows the Pilak Stream, adding to the area’s natural beauty. Among the attractions are temple plaques, stone images, and more.
In this treasure trove, significant discoveries have been made, including massive stone images of Avalokiteswar from the 9th century A.D and a Narasimha image from the 12th century A.D. These remarkable artifacts now find their home in the Government Museum at Agartala. Pilak also boasts images of deities like Ganesha, Durga, and Suriya, each with their unique stories. An impressive Suriya image, holding a lotus, stands tall at 10 feet.
Pilak shares a historical connection with Mynamoti and Paharpur in Bangladesh, forming a significant part of the region’s archaeological heritage. Ongoing excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India at Shyamsundar Tilla and Thakurani Tilla have unveiled hidden treasures, adding to the allure of Pilak.
Gunabati Group of Temples
The Gunabati group of temples holds a story of its own, a testament to its creation in honor of Her Highness Maharani Gunabati, the esteemed wife of Maharaja Govinda Manikya. This sacred complex, dating back to 1668 A.D., stands as a tribute to her legacy. While the two other temples share a similar appearance from that era, their true history remains veiled, waiting to be discovered.
Architecturally, these temples bear the hallmark style of their time, echoing the design seen in other contemporary temples across Tripura. Notably, these structures lack the stupa-like elements at their summits, setting them apart.
Upon closer inspection, the core chambers reveal a circular form akin to a pitcher, and their vestibules boast a grandeur reminiscent of a stupa’s crown, meticulously adorned in the likeness of a lotus. The Gunabati group of temples is not just a place of worship; it’s a living testament to history, art, and the legacy of a remarkable queen.
Boxanagar Buddhist Stupa
Located in the Sepahijala District, the Buddhist Stupa at Baxanagar recently came to light through a natural forest’s unveiling. Within the bounds of Sonamura sub-division, near the border with Bangladesh, the remains of a brick-built structure emerged, hinting at tales of the past. Initially, the local community attributed these ruins to an ancient temple dedicated to Manasa, the serpent goddess.
As word spread, the attention of the Archaeological Survey of India was captured, leading them to take charge of the site. Amidst the remnants, a discovery of great significance surfaced – an idol of Lord Buddha. With this revelation, it was confirmed that the site had been a place of worship for Buddhists, a temple devoted to the revered Lord Buddha himself.
However, the tale is far from over. As the layers of time are carefully peeled away through excavation, the hidden narrative of the Buddhist Stupa at Baxanagar promises to reveal itself. This archaeological wonder is a silent witness to the ebb and flow of history, waiting for curious minds to unearth its untold story.
