Brief history of Tripura:

Tripura was a princely state. Since 1949 AD, it has become one of the units of the Indian Union. Tripura was much bigger than it is now. It is a multi-ethnic and multilingual state. Tripura has been ruled for several centuries by a single dynasty which had ancestral relations with the famous Lunar dynasty of the Mahabharata. But the dynasty passed through several vicissitudes of history. So long as Bengal was ruled by the Pal, Sen and other Hindu dynasties, Tripura, Assam and other native kingdoms were safe from fear of external attacks. Lakshman Sen of Bengal was dethroned treacherously by Ikhiyar Ud-din Mahammad Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1204. Tripura was attacked in 1240 by Hiraban Khan. During the long period from 1240 to 1765, Tripura was attacked at least 25 times by the Afghan, Turks, Pathans and Mughals. The means adapted by the aggression were uncharitable. The Tripuri, the Riang, the Halam, the Chakmas, the Jamatia and the Bengali soldiers of the Tripura Kings fought gallantly, but ultimately failed to protect Tripura. The plains portion of Tripura was the worst sufferer: large tracts were depopulated or converted, cultivated fields relapsed into jungles by the predatory hordes. Some of the famous Maharajas who has ruled Tripura in the most recent past are Maharaja Radhakisor Manikya(1896-1909), Maharaja Birendra Kisor Manikya(1909-1923) and Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya(1923-1947).

On the 26th January of 1950, Tripura became a category state to be governed by a Chief Commissioner. On the 21st January 1972, Tripura became a full state of the Indian Union. Tripura or Tipra used to be a royal state before its merger with the Indian Union. The Tripuri Kings (Habugra) had the title of Manikya and ruled Tripura for 3000 years until its merger with the Indian Union in 1949. The capital of the Kingdom was based in Udaipur( now Rangamati), on the banks of the river Gomati in South Tripura. The capital was shifted to Old Agartala (Aguli) by King Krishna Manikya in the eighteen century, and then the present Agartala in the 19th Century.

As a revolt against the monarchic rule, the Ganamukti Parishad movement was launched. The movement was victorious and Tripura was integrated with India. It was heavily affected by partition of British India and the majority of the population now consists of Hindu Bengali's (most of whom came as refugees from East Pakistan after independence in 1947) living side by side with the native Tripuri and Chakma population.

The history of Tripura dates back to the Mahabharata, the Puranas and pillar inscriptions of emperor Ashoka. The 19th century marked the beginning of the modern era in Tripura when King Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya Bahadur Debbarma modelled his administrative set up on the British India pattern and brought in various reforms. His successors ruled over Tripura till 1947 when it was annexed to the Indian Union. Tripura became a centrally administered Union Territory on July 1, 1963 and attained the status of a full-fledged state on January 21, 1972.

Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council(TTAADC):

The TTAADC is an independent council administering the tribal areas of the state of Tripura. Its council and assembly are situated in Khumulwng, a town 26 km away from Agartala, the state Capital. Total population of 27,57,205 of the State(as per 1991 census) the total population of Scheduled Tribes is 8,53,920 (30.95%), out of which about 6,79,720 (79.59%) population are within the TTAADC area. Three Chakma members represented in the TTAADC and one member of the State Legislative Assembly in the State.

Chakma People:

The Chakma, also known as the Chagma, are a tribe inhabiting in the State of Tripura. About 50,000 Chakma people living in the State. They are 2% in the State population. The Chakmas, the fourth largest tribal group in the State, they are living since 5^th century, migrated from Champaknagar (now Bhagalpur in Bihar), Kingdom of Anga. They are the land that because of splendid opportunities available in the territory for Jhuming system. They are now mostly settled down in Kailusahar, Udaipur, Amarpur, Sabroom and Belonia sub-division. They are Buddhist. Late Sneha Kumar Chakma, Late Ganessyam Dewan was their great leaders within the community in all internal matters as well as external affairs.. The Chakmas are still behind in education. Smoking is quite a habit among them, although they are in general not so addicted to drink. The Chakmas celebrate the funeral ceremony with great pomp and dignity.

History:

From the foreword: Anthropological Survey of India has a long tradition of in depth study of a particular tribe staying with them for a long period. Initially the object was to grasp the cultural forms, the pattern of interaction between various groups and the process of socio-cultural change. The emphasis was to study the group as a part of Indian civilization. With the change of time, the emphasis was shifted to know to what extent the people have adapted themselves with the changing scenario. The present ethnographic study of the Chakmas of Tripura by Dr. S.R. Maitra is a continuation of this trend.

“The tribes of north-east India who had been living in relative isolation till recent past could retain their way of life almost undisturbed. However, in recent years one of these tribes, the Chakmas have been experiencing impact of several influences. This necessitated some cultural adjustment. In this process the Chakmas of Tripura have taken to settled cultivation leaving behind their age-old mode of Jhum (shifting) cultivation. As a result the relationship between the Chakmas and their environment got disturbed. They are gradually becoming wage labourer from self-sufficient Jhum system. The present book has highlighted various aspects of the Chakmas life and culture”.

Ethnically, the Chakma of Tripura are Tibeto-Burman, and are thus closely related to tribes in the mountains of eastern India, Thailand, Jummaland and much of Myanmar. Their ancestors came from Champaknagar of Anga and settled mostly in Jummaland (CHT), Tripura State, Chadigang (Chittagong), Cox's Bazar, Arakan State of Myanmar, Devagiri division (now in Mizoram), Rajmandal division (now in Chakma Autonomous District Council in Mizoram). Historically, the Chakma King was the powerful ruler amongst the ethnic groups in the Bengal in 5-9th centuries. His jurisdiction was very vast including the some part of Arakan region, 1/3 geographical areas of Mizoram and Jummaland (Chittagong Hill Tracts including the Chittagong, Tripura State and Cox's Bazar).

The Chakma living in Tripura was first recorded during the ruler of Maharaja Radhakisor Manikya(1896-1909). We can fond in recent history of the Chakmas are influx from Jummaland to Tripura state as refugees in 1986 abut 80,000 in population, due to human rights violation by the Government of Bangladesh. All the refugees returned to their Jummaland in 1997 after the Peace Accord in between the Parbatya Jana Samahati Samiti and government of Bangladesh. The Chakms of Tripura still maintained their own customs and rituals.

Religion:

The Chakmas are 2% of the state population and they are Chakmas are Buddhist. In the 2001 Census of Bengali's represent almost 70 % of State population and the native tribal populations represent 30 % . The tribal population is made from many different tribes and ethic groups with many languages and cultures with the largest tribal group being the Kokborok language speaking tribes. There is high tension between these native tribal population and settler Bengali's in the reserved Tribal areas.

The Chakmas are Buddhist by faith. In the past “Lories”, a sect of Buddhist priest used to perform all religious rites in the Chakma society. The Lories used to follow a religious book called “Agartara”. The language of these “Taras” is nothing but the corrupt from of Pali text of the “Tripitakas”. The Lories are still found in remote rural areas, but their numbers began to decline due to rise of monastic form of Buddhist order Bhikkhu Sangha in the society. At present it is the Buddhist monks who play vital role in religious matters in Chakma social life in Tripura.

In the north-east corner of India are the Seven Sisters, the seven Indian states that are tucked away from the rest of this vast country and reached only through a narrow corridor, with Bangladesh to the West, Bhutan and China to the North, and Burma (Myanmar) to the East. Last 18th century three members of the Western Buddhist Order Known as “Trailokya Bauddha Mahasangha, Chandrabodhi and Amoghabhadra” from central India travelled to the Tripura and lead a meditation retreat for local Buddhists. Since than Buddhism influenced to them especially Chakmas. In their visit, Chandrabodhi lead the mindfulness of breathing and Metta Bhavana (loving-kindness) meditation practices and in the afternoons Amoghabhadra took Karate demonstration, which were very popular with the youth. The harmonious and melodious chanting in Pali introduced by Chandrabodhi and Amoghabhadra was also much appreciated. Everyone was touched to some extent by the Dhamma and several left with heartfelt intentions to maintain a regular meditation practice.

There are an estimated 5 millions-plus Buddhists in the North-East of India, including about 120,000 in Tripura of whom half are from the Chakma tribe. The majority of Chakmas – perhaps as many as 600,000 – live in the Jummaland of neighbouring Bangladesh, where they have suffered years of marginalisation and persecution since the creation of East Pakistan in 1947. But most of those attending the retreat are settled permanently in Tripura.

The Chakmas of Tripura believe that their tribe was originally close to or the same as the Sakyan clan (tribe) of the Buddha himself who lived in India in 5^th century. Some historians and ethnologists, however, have suggested that the Chakmas began as a Tibeto-Burmese tribe. Most of Buddhists live in villages often exclusively made up of Chakma or Mog tribals. Most of these villages have a resident monk living in a monastery typically made from bamboo. Buddhism in Tripura follows the Theravada tradition.

Some prominent Spiritual Buddhist leaders are: Late Venerable Kantipura (Sanghanayaka), Venerable Pragya Jyoti, Venerable Ajyavamsa, Ven. Jotipala, Ven. Indramuni and so on.

Buddhist Pilgrimage Centres:

Tripura has a large number of attractive tourist sites including religious sites of Hindu’s and Buddhists. The places of Buddhists interest are described below:

1) Benuvan Buddhist Temple: The shrine though small in size, preserves some beautiful metal idols of Lord Buddha. The idols are Burmese in origin. In every year, the Buddhist organise the Birth Day of Lord Buddha which called “Buddha Purnima Day” with colourful. This Temple constructed around 19^th century by the King of Tripura named Maharaja Birendra Kisor Manikya(1909-1923).It is situated at Abhoynagar which is 12 kms from Agartala.

2) Pechartal Buddhist Temple, North Tripura: This temple is one of the oldest Buddha temples in the state. It was set up in 1931. The Idol was brought from Rangoon in 1931. This Idol does not look enormous in consideration of its incredible weight of 700 kg. It is situated 165 kms from Agartala.

3) Kanchanpur Buddha temple, North Tripura: The temple is situated at sub-divisional headquarters. It is about 80 years old. Buddhists from different parts of the country are coming to visit and stay there. It is nearest border state with Assam and Mizoram and 195 kms from capital city of Agartala.

4) Manu Buddhist Temple, South Tripura: The Idol of this temple was brought from Arakan long back . The biggest week long fair is held every year in the month of April. The Pilgrims from Mynamer, Bangladesh, Japan, Thailand and other places congregate during the fair. It is situated 125 kms from Agartala.

5) Boxnagar in Sonamura, West Tripura : Very recently after denudation of a natural forest area, a brick-built building emerged. This is near Boxnagar market. The local people initially attributed to the temple of Manasa – the goddess of Snake. It was in a dilapidated condition. When attention of Archaeological Survey of India was arrested to it, they took over the site but in fact nothing was done. In July’97 Dr. Jitendra Das, Superintending Archaeologist came to Tripura and visited this site. He focused there the idol of a Buddha and had been confirmed that it was a Buddha Temple. He was assured of immediate excavation of the site to find out the hidden story. It is 98 kms from Agartala.

6) Pilak in Jolaibari, South Tripura: The site of civilization which flourished during 8-12 centuries of the Christian era has been a cradle of culture of heterodox creeds and sects representing both Hinduism i.e. Shiva, Surya, Baishnabi and Buddhism i.e. Hinayana, Mahayana, Bajrayana which were found to exist side by side. The important places are Shyam Sundar Tilla, Deb Bari, Thakurani Tilla, Balir Pathar, Basudev Bari and Sagar Deba. The art form and site followed in the making of the images and in the sculptures have distance influence of Palas and Guptas of Bengal. Influence of Arakan, Mynamer (formerly Burma) and local style is discernible in the form and style of Pilak images and sculpture. The number of rock-cut images and terracotta plaques are lying scattered in various places of the area. The site has been under the care of Archaeological Survey of India. The rock-cut images and terracotta plaques still speak of a unique glorious cultural past of Tripura. Some of the important images found there are Avolokiteswar, Mahisasur Mardini, bronze images of Buddha and Vishnu in addition to terracotta plaques, sealing Coins etc. The molded terracotta plaques bear resemblance with molded plaques recovered from Paharpur and Mainamati. The Buddhist Complex here may be assigned a date between 9 and 10 century A.D. During excavation in the late sixties, Archaeological Survey of India team found out brick built stupas. Archaeological Survey of India has plans to do some more excavation to unearth the hidden cultural heritage of the area. If may be presumed that these extensive plains of Tripura were under the control of several dynasties who ruled in Eastern Bengal and Samantha in ancient period. Some of them were Buddhists and the others were Hindues. Most of these rulers had their capitals near this region. The ancient kingdom of Pattikera had its capital in Comilla region and Pilak is not very far from Comilla. It is 110 kms from Agartala.

Adjoining Places of Buddhist Interest:

1) Mainamati in Bangladesh: About 8 km to the west of Comilla town, which is situated 114 km south east of Dhaka, lies a range of low hills known as Mainamati-Lalmai ridge, an extensive centre of Buddhist civilization ( 7-12 century A.D.). At Salban in the middle of the ridge, excavations laid bare a large Buddhist Vihar (Monastery) and imposing central shrine. It has revealed valuable information about the rule of the Chandra and Dev dynasties, which flourished here from the 7-12 century. It is 70 kms from Agartala.

2) Paharpur in Bangladesh : Paharpur is a small village in the Rajshai district (northern part of the Bangladesh) 315 km from Dhaka, where the remains of the monastery have been excavated. This 7th century archaeological find covers approximately an area of 10.8 hectors of land. The hugeness of central cruciform temple of the monastery is an awe-inspiring sight. It had taken its name from a high mound, which looked like Pahar or Hillock.

Festival:

Biju: Bizu is the main festival of the Chakmas. It is celebrated for three days to welcome the new year and to say goodbye to the old one. It is observed in the middle of April. On the first day, the girl and boys decorate their respective houses with flower. One the second days of the festival every householder in the village prepare cakes made of rice, flour, coconut, banana and sugar and a special vegetables dish called "Pajonton" is also prepared and guests are entertained with cakes and Pajonton. The boys and girls, maidens and youths move house to house and seek blessings from elders and exchange greetings. On the third day the men and women along with children go to the Buddhist temple, light candles and pray to Lord Buddha and they also pay their respect to the monks. The vast majority of the Chakma are followers of Theravada Buddhism, a religion that they have been practising for centuries.

Culture:

Chakmas represents a composite culture with several ethnic groups residing in the State. Though the cultural heritage of one community differs from the other, the manifested efforts have mingled them into a single whole, giving birth to a unique cultural genre. The Chakms of Tripura still maintained their own customs and rituals.

This popular form of dance is characteristic of the Chakma community. Bizu means “Chakma New Year Celebration” denotes at the beginning of April. It is during this period when the Chakmas sing and dance to bid good-bye to the year just being ended and welcome the new year. Dance is vital to the Chakma way of life. The Bizu dance is performed by the Chakmas during the Chakma New Year Eva. The dance is beautifully orchestrated with the rhythm playing of what is known as “Henggarang, Dhuduk, Singya, Baji, Tak” sorts of flutes. The Chakma women are fond of flower, which they often use in their hair. They also use metal ornaments.

Music is an integral part of the Chakma people of Tripura. Songs are sung during festivals, marriages, Jhum and other festivals. Their life used to be Jhum oriented previously.

Language:

Originally speaking a language belonging to the Tibeto-Burman family, the Chakma of Tripura have been heavily influenced by neighbouring an Eastern Indo-Aryan language. Many linguists now consider the modern Chakma language part of the South-eastern Bengali branch of Eastern Indo-Aryan languages. Chankma have their own written script, the first preparatory book is called n as “Ojhapath” like A B C in English. The books is available among the Chakmas. Mr. Niranjan Chakma one of a scholar on Chakma language in Tripura. The Chakmas demanding through the association named “The Chakma Cultural Association of India”since long ago to recognise Chakma script to study in the Primary school in Tripura. The demand still not yet fulfil.

Marriage:

The marriage is unique. They do not have dowry system. Parent are negotiating the marriage. From Bridegroom side for negotiating marriage they has to offer Midejogora, Sannya Pidya, Vini Pidya, sweets to the Bride fathers as a respect. If Brides father agrees they will fixed an auspicious date and marriage will be bride groom house. In the marriages “Samala” have a vital role to play. He will ask the public three time whether society have permission for marriage. If three time public says yes then he tie both with white cloth. Then they will perform "Sumulong".

Generally the Chakma girls between the age 15 to 18 get married to young man of age group of 20 to 25. At present the dowry, a custom of marriage-price for girls do not exist. Normally people from the bridegrooms' party have to approach the parents of the girl with presents like food and wine etc. Presents are taken at least three times before any marriage proposal is matured. The Chakma marriage is consummated after performing rituals like Sumulong. During the performance of Sumulong, the bride and bridegroom are brought out before a gathering of people and are bound through waist with a white new cloth called "Jurget" which indicates social acceptance of their marriage (see more Chakma-Mizoram).