Queens of Tripura and their Achievements

Introduction:

The origins of Tripura's royal lineage can be traced to the ancient period. The region
was initially ruled by various indigenous tribes and princely states. However, it was
during the 14th century that the Manikya dynasty established its supremacy over the
land, ushering in an era of royal authority and governance.

The Manikya dynasty, believed to be of Indo-Mongoloid descent, played a significant

role in shaping Tripura's history. The rulers held the title of "Manikya," which literally
translates to "jewel" or "gem." Over the centuries, they contributed to the growth and
prosperity of the region through their administrative skills, cultural patronage, and
diplomatic ties.

From the corridors of power to the realm of diplomacy, the queens of Tripura played
pivotal roles, shaping the destiny of the kingdom. While supporting and advising the
kings, the maharanis displayed wisdom, intelligence, and leadership abilities, ensuring
the prosperity and well-being of their subjects. Their involvement extended beyond the
realm of governance, as they championed social welfare causes and spearheaded
cultural patronage.
Their reigns remain a testament to the enduring impact of their leadership and the
profound imprint they left on Tripura and its people.

Tripuri Queens and their stories

Maharani Tripura Sundari

One of the earliest tales that we come across about the Queens of Tripura is that
of Maharani Tripura Sundari's remarkable journey which shines brightly as a
beacon of inspiration. In the face of the Muslim invasion of Tripura around 1243
AD, when the menacing shadow of Tugan Khan loomed over the kingdom, the
Maharaja found himself unable to protect the kingdom. It was during this
moment that Maharani Tripura Sundari fearlessly stepped forward to defend
her realm on behalf of her husband, the revered Kirtidhar Manikya, also known
as Sengthum fa. Leading with valour and determination, she successfully repelled
the invaders, securing the sovereignty of Tripura and instilling a profound sense
of pride and resilience in its people. This act of selflessness and unwavering
devotion to her people underscores her significance in history and the profound
impact she left on the region.
Kanchanprabha devi
Maharani Kanchan Prabha Devi, the wife of King Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya,
played a significant role in Tripura's history. She was the daughter of Maharaja
Yadvendra Singh, the King of Panna State (modern-day Panna district of Madhya
Pradesh). Following King Bir Bikram’s demise in 1947, she assumed regency,
guiding the state through a challenging period. With the support of her Dewan,
A.B. Chatterjee, Maharani Kanchan Prava Devi tirelessly worked to rehabilitate
refugees and victims of partition violence. Her compassion and dedication to her
subjects earned her respect and admiration.

It was under her leadership, Tripura witnessed the establishment of the

esteemed Maharaja Bir Bikram College (MBB) in Agartala, showcasing her
commitment to education and empowerment of the youth. Despite external
pressures, Maharani Kanchan Prabha Devi steered Tripura towards integration
with independent India, signing the merger agreement in 1949. Her reign as
regent came to an end, but her legacy as a visionary leader lives on.

Maharani Khuman Chanu Manmohini Devi- India’s first female photographer

Rising above societal conventions, Maharani Khuman Chanu Manmohini etched

her name in the records as the first known Indian woman to excel in the art of
photography, leaving an enduring legacy in the cultural tapestry.

In a time when photography was predominantly a male-dominated realm,

Maharani Khuman Chanu Manmohini defied the odds. Guided by her husband,
Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya, a skilled photographer himself, she delved into
the depths of this artistic craft from a young age, mastering its intricacies. The
palace also housed the revered Camera Club, an endeavour championed by
Maharani Khuman Chanu Manmohini and her husband Maharaja Bir Chandra
Manikya. In a letter sent under the Maharaja's guidance and published in the
esteemed journal of the Photographic Society of India, the significance of "The
Camera Club of the Palace of Agartala" was underscored, accompanied by
striking photographs from both the Maharaja and the Maharani.

Each photograph captured by Maharani Khuman Chanu Manmohini bore her

distinct mark of credit, which serves as a testament to her exceptional talent
and artistic vision.
She also build a ‘Math’ at Agartala on memory of her late father. Later it was
named as ‘Math Chowmuhani’.

Maharani Rajeshwari Devi

Rajeshwari devi was the daughter of Panganbam Premsingha Thakur who was a
settler of Sylhet. She was the second wife of Birchandra Kishore manikya.
Maharani gave birth to the next king Kumar Radha Kishore Manikya and two
other prince Kumar Debendra and Kumar Nipendra. She introduced ‘Lai
Haraoba’ a manipuri-Meitei festival in Tripura, since then Meitei people of
Tripura are celebrating it till now. Maharani also installed ‘Sri Radhamadhab'
temple at Dhaleswar and 'Lainingthou Pakhangba' temple at Math Choumuhani.
The temple is popularly known as 'Pagla Debta'. She has helped in shaping the
cultural aspects of Tripura.

Maharani Tulsibati
Tulsibati was a daughter of cultivator from Nalgaria which is little far away from
Agartala. Her father was Thongam Rupananda who lived with his wife and his
five daughters. After the sudden death of Rupananda their family fell into misery
and all the responsibilities came over Tulsibati and her mother. But Maharaja
Radha Kishore Manikya soon married to Tulsabati and helped them every way.
Though she was a daughter of farmer but she was very literate of her time.
Maharani Tulsibati gave remarkable contribution to the society. Especially for
women’s education in Tripura. With all her efforts first girl’s school ‘Maharani
Tulsibati Balika Vidyalay’ was established in 1894 A.D. within the imperial palace.
Later it shifted outside and presently known as ‘Maharani Tulsibati Girls H.S
School. In 1905 maharani established a separate women cell at the Victoria
Memorial Hospital (Presently IGM hospital). As she was a daughter of fatmer she
understood the struggle of cultivators so she established a market and it was
named for her as ‘Ranirbazar’ (market of queens) which is situated in present
Jirania. Maharni encouraged Maharaja Radhakishore manikya to build vocational
training schools where ‘handloom’ training was given. She used to produce
poems and songs. Her composed songs related to ‘Holi’ festival was quite
charming in that time.

Maharani Sudakhina Jamatia

Tripura kings married queens from different states. The queens all have played a major
role in shaping culture, festivals, relations etc. They had given their major contribution
to society. History has witnessed the revolution of Tripura and plays a great role in
learning about ancient times .