History of Religion in Tripura

Tripura in the land of `chaturdasa-devata’ (fourteen gods and goddesses) in the North-Eastern India, where in diverse civilizations, religions and cultures met in the past. Various religions like Buddhism, Brahmanism and Indigenous Tribal religions are prevalent in different parts of Tripura from very earliest times. Tripura became an important centre of Buddhism from the first decade of 6th century A D, and Tantric Buddhism flourished from 8th century A D onwards, especially with the tribal folks of Maghs and Chakmas. The immigration of plain land people mark the rise of Brahmanism. The religious history of Tripura prior to 12th century A D is mixed up with the religious history of ancient Sylhet, Samatata, Noakhali, Chittagong and other neighbouring states of North-Eastern Inida. Various schools of Hinduism like Saivism, Vaisanavism, Saktism etc flourished here with conspicuous regional imprint during the medieval period. Side by side, tribal religon, with its faiths and beliefs, rites and rituals were also prevalent as non-Brahmanical religious system in the region. All these played a vital role in building the characteristic features of the religious and cultural aspect, of this tiny hilly tract of North-Eastern India. Contents: (1) Historical Geography of Tripura, Pre-historic Objects, People and Socio-Religious Background, (2) Political History of Tripura upto the Manikya Dynasty, (3) Different Religious Sects in Tripura : (i) Buddhism, (ii) Saivism, (iii) Vaisnavism, (iv) Saktism, (v) Other Minor Sects, (4) Tribal Religion : (i) Religion of the Buddhist Tribes, the Maghs and the Chakma, (ii) Pujas, Rituals and other Religious influences on the Tribal Community of Tripura.