WEST TRIPURA, Tripura

Main Attraction: Benuban Vihar, Kunjaban, Agartala.

It is one of the most attractive Buddhist destinations of Tripura, located at Kunjaban area in northern part of Agartala town. The Buddhist shrine, namely “Benuban Vihar”-though small in size-preserves some beautiful metal idols of Lord Buddha. Buddha Jayanti or the day of Buddha’s advent is celebrated on Buddha Purnima day with great enthusiasm. A visit to this monastery can be a peaceful experience.

Benuban Vihar bears testimony to the fact that from remote past Tripura has been extending hospitality and patronage to the religion and culture of its neighbours. The quiet monastery is an abode of eternal peace and tranquillity to all tourists and visitors.

Brief History

Nearly 64 years ago Tripura was an independent princely State. At that time there was no existence of any district like to-day i.e. West, South, North, Dhalai etc. even at the time of merging with Indian Union (1949) also. Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya was the last Maharaja of Tripura. After his death (May, 1947), a council of regency under the leadership of his widowed wife Maharani Kanchanprave Devi took over charge of administration on behalf of the minor prince Kirit Bikram Kishore Manikya. Monarchy came to it’s end on September, 1947 with the signing of the agreement of merger of Tripura with the Indian Union by the Maharani on 15th Oct. 1949. Tripura was taken as a part-c State administered by the Chief Commissioner, and it became a Union Territory on November first, 1956. The Territorial formation of Legislative Assembly and a Council of Ministers on July, 1963 were notable events. Tripura became a fullfledged State on January, 1972. The District Administration was run by one District Magistrate & Collector up to 31st August, 1970.For better attention of problems of land and tenancies, for accelerating the pace of development in this backward area especially in the remote Tribal areas and for bringing the people closer to the administration. Tripura was divided into three districts viz North, South & West Tripura District. Three District Magistrate & Collectors were appointed for the three districts from 1st September, 1970.