Tripura’s Role in India’s Freedom Struggle

Abstract

Tripura, a small but historically significant princely state in northeastern India, played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle. Despite being geographically distant from the major centers of the national movement, the people of Tripura actively contributed to the anti-colonial resistance through socio-political movements, tribal uprisings, and nationalist activism. The influence of the Indian National Congress (INC) and revolutionary movements reached Tripura, inspiring leaders like Dasarath Deb, Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya, and Bhaskar Debbarma. The tribal and non-tribal communities of Tripura united against British imperialism and feudal exploitation, laying the foundation for a progressive society. During the early 20th century, Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya introduced significant reforms, including educational and infrastructural developments, which indirectly supported nationalist aspirations. The Tripura Rajya Gana Parishad (TRGP), formed in the 1940s, became a platform for mobilising people against British policies and feudal oppression. The royal family of Tripura maintained a delicate balance between supporting British authorities and accommodating nationalist aspirations. However, the youth of Tripura were deeply influenced by the broader Indian independence movement, leading to active participation in underground revolutionary activities and peasant movements. The role of tribal communities was significant, as they fought against exploitative landlords and colonial policies that disrupted their traditional way of life. Leaders like Dasarath Deb championed tribal rights and worked towards integrating Tripura into independent India. The socio-economic struggles of the peasants and working class played a pivotal role in fuelling nationalist sentiments in the region. The integration of Tripura into the Indian Union in 1949 marked the culmination of prolonged resistance and negotiations. Tripura’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle was multifaceted, involving political mobilisation, tribal resistance, and progressive social reforms. The legacy of the struggle continues to inspire the region's socio-political landscape, emphasising the importance of unity and perseverance in the fight for justice and equality.