Brief History of the Manikya Dynasty

The Manikya Dynasty of Tripura is a ruling family that played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of Tripura. They were known for their progressive and liberal approach, embracing people from different backgrounds and contributing to the arts, literature, and science. The Tripuri Rulers of the Manikya Dynasty are noted as the second longest ruling dynasty from a single line, with the last recognized Maharaja being Kirit Bikram Kishore Manikya (1933-2006). He ruled from 1947 to 1949, until the Princely State merged with India on October 15, 1949. He was the 186th ruler according to the Shree Rajmala, the historical chronicles of Tripura’s kings. These chronicles cover both mythological and historical periods, and can be divided into Pre-Rajmala, Rajmala (Medieval), and Modern periods.

The Ancient or Pre-Rajmala part is based on oral history and recounts the history of ancient Tripura and its kings, who ruled over a vast empire and migrated from Kiratadesh (Himalayan region). These rulers are mentioned in the Mahabharata, other important manuscripts, and later in the Edicts of Ashoka, which date back to the 3rd century BC. The Medieval Period is mostly concerned with the rise of powerful Kings who extended the erstwhile hilly regions of “Tipra” Kingdom to the plains. The territory included some parts of present day Bangladesh, Assam, the Sunderbans and even the Kingdom of Ava (Modern Myanmar).There were many battles that were fought during this time against the Turks and Sultans of Bengal.

The Rajmala describes how the ancestors of the Tripura Royal family moved their capital from Assam’s Nowgong and Cachar districts to Dharmanagar, establishing a capital on the Juri River. One early chief, Sengthung Fa, successfully defended his kingdom against Bengal’s Muslim rulers, with his queen, Tripura Sundari, leading a victorious defense. In 1279, the Turk Sultan Tughral Tughan Khan of Gour helped Ratna Fa, the founder of the subsequent Tipperah dynasty, secure the throne over his elder brother, Raja Fa, and bestowed upon him the title of Manikya in exchange for a rare gem. According to “Sri Rajmala,” it said that the rare gem known as “Manikya” was found in the present Kailashahar, where the place is named “Manikya Bhandar.” Later, the “Manikya” was gifted to the Sultan of Bengal, who bestowed the king of Tripura with the “Manikya” title. The “Manikya” title was mentioned as “Manik” in various Muslim literature such as “Ain-I-Akbari,” “Ria-zun-Salatin,” “Jamiu Tawarikh,” etc. Since the reign of King Ratna Manikya, the term “Manikya” appears on coins, inscriptions, and other royal documents of subsequent kings of Tripura. The Modern Period of Tripura witnessed several changes, there was mostly administrative growth and shifting of the capitals. For administrative purposes there were two capitals as well prior to Independence, namely Agartala (Hill Tipperah) and Comilla (British Tripura District or Chakla Roshnabad Zamindari). The administration of Tripura under the Manikya rulers was considered almost democratic and modern. For example, Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya and his son Radha Kishore worked towards creating a self-sufficient welfare state in Tripura. They focused on nation-building and promoting cultural and intellectual growth in the region. This forward-thinking approach continued with rulers like Birendra Kishore and Bir Bikram Manikya, who are credited with modernizing Tripura.

Overall, the Manikya Dynasty of Tripura played a crucial role in the development and progress of the region, leaving behind a rich legacy that is still remembered today. The present Royal Scion is Maharaja or Bubagra Pradyot Kishore Manikya Deb Barman as he is fondly known. He was recognised as per the Tripuri Tribal custom after the demise of his father, Maharaja Kirit Bikram Kishore Manikya (1933-2006), the last Ruler of Tripura.

[Written by Maharajkumari Pragya Devi and Boyar Deb Barma]

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