History of Agartala
As the legend says, King Raghu tied his Elephant to Agar tree (the most valuable perfume tree), and then the area was called as Agartala. Agartala was once ruled by 179 Hindu rulers from mythological King Druhya to the last king of Tripura, Kirit Bikram Kishore Manikya. Tripura state was ruled by the Mughals also but it soon came under the governance of British in 1808. During the British Rule, Agartala was the capital of the 'Hill Tippera' state. After Indian Independence, Tripura became Union Territory on 1 July 1963, and became state on 21 January 1972. Agartala remained as the capital city.
Geography of Agartala
Agartala is located on a plain along the Haora River. Agartala has subtropical climate with large amounts of rain almost all year. City has an average elevation of 12 meters and spread in 76 sq kms. Agartala has a population of 5 million with approximately 94% literacy rate. It is also the largest city of Tripura state.
Government and Administration of Agartala
Agartala Municipal Council takes care of civic administration in the city. Tripura High Court was established in March 2013. Prior to that, a bench of the Guwahati High Court had jurisdiction over the state of Tripura. City contributes one member to Indian Assembly.
Language and Culture of Agartala
City is a blend of rich culture and diverse population. Indo-Bangladesh border is just 2 kilometer from the city and thus Bengali culture can be seen. Traditional Agartala cuisine is Mui Borok. Most of Agartala food has a key ingredient called Berma, which is dried and fermented fish. Bengali is widely spoken, followed by English, Hindi and kokborok.
Educational Institutes in Agartala
ICFAI University, IGNOU Center, MBB College, Tripura University, Sikkim Manipal University and National Institute of Technology Agartala are some of the famous universities in the city. They are many colleges in the city which are offering various courses.
Transport Facilities in Agartala
Agartala airport is approximately 13 kms away from city centre. It is the second busiest airport in north east India and well connected domestically. Agartala Railway station is approximately 6 kms away from city centre. It service started in 2008. An approval for rail link between Agartala and Akhaura in Bangladesh was given by the Indian Government in September 2011. National Highways 44 and 44A passes through the city, and it well connected to major cities in India. National Highway 44 is known as lifeline of Tripura.
Tourism in Agartala
Ujjayanta Palace was built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya in 1901. Presently Palace is used as the State Legislative Assembly. Neermahal palace was built by King Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya. Maharaja used it as the summer resort and is located right in between the Rudrasagar Lake. Jagannath temple is an architectural wonder and one of the most revered temples in the city. Apart from these they are many tourist attractions like Umamaheswar temple, College Tilla, Venuban Buddha Vihar, Rabindra Kanan, Heritage Park, and Tripura State Museum etc.
Festivals Celebrated In Agartala
Kharchi Puja is celebrated in the month of July for a week. Earth is worshipped during this festival, goats and pigeons are sacrificed to Gods. Ker Puja is celebrated two weeks after Kharchi Puja. A large piece of bamboo is bent in a particular style assumes the image of Ker. It is believed that the former rulers performed this Puja for the general welfare of the people of the state. On the seventh day of Baisakh month Garia Puja is held. Kalia and Garia - are worshipped and cocks are sacrificed. Ganga Puja, the festival of new rice, is celebrated in March-April. Durga Puja and Diwali are well celebrated in the city
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