An Account on the Tribal Uprisings in Tripura (1860-1943): contemporary to the Freedom Movement in India.

During the British occupation, Tripura was a princely state that paid regular tribute to the British government. In 1871, the government appointed a political agent in the princely state of Tripura. However, the monarchs of Tripura not only encouraged planters from Noakhali and Chittagong to ensure a steady supply of cash from established farming, but they also desired Bengali people for administrative purposes. Furthermore, the monarchs encouraged Bengali farmers to inhabit forest tracts in their realm. Thus, the rulers harboured animosity against the non-indigenous, who were seen as 'outsiders' by the local indigenous since they took responsibility for their difficult predicament. The rulers of princely Tripura gradually began to encounter revolts from various tribal populations as royal officials attempted to levy massive taxes on them and reserve woods for the state capital. As a result, as the concept of nationalism was gaining traction in India and Indians revolted against British tyranny, indigenous communities in Tripura were also battling for their rights against British-supported royal authorities. My case study will provide insight on the causes and repercussions of Tripura's tribal uprisings, which also contributed to the transformation of the princely state's socioeconomic and political landscape.