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 center 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, Noakhalli, Chittagong and other neighbouring states of North Easter India. Various schools of Hinduism like Saivism, Vaisanavism, Saktism, etc. flourished here with conspicuous regional imprint during the medieval period. Side by side, tribal religion, with its faith 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.