Dharmanagar
Encyclopedia
Dharmanagar is a town
and a Nagar Panchayat
in the North East of India and the North Tripura district
of the state
of Tripura
, India
.
scripts, which is the ancient Royal chronicles of the Kings of Tripura
written in the 14th century AD. Initially unrecorded, it was in circulation in the ancient Kokborok language, which is the language of the Tripura Kings before it was translated and edited into Bengali
in the late 14th century by Pandit Likhan Chandra
Ghosh
and Pandit Kaliprasanna Sen
, who were respected scholars of the time.
The origin of the name 'Dharmanagar' cannot be accurately traced back in time. The Rajmala
refers to at least four known ancient kings whose names include the word 'Dharma'. So it remains a matter of speculation as to which king had lent his name to the town. Various uncovered documents however, indicate that the existence of Dharmanagar goes back deep into time. The Rajmala
further indicates that the name 'Faticuli' was used to mean Dharmanagar back in those ancient times.
Dharmanagar becomes a district town from 26th OCT 2011.
(now in Bangladesh
) were include in Dharmanagar. Sources also indicate that Dharmanagar in those days was not as small as it is today. The size of Dharmanagar has been greatly diminished over the ages and what was once the mighty capital of Tripura
has now been reduced to a sub division of the state.
At present Dharmanagar is bound by Maulvi Bazar of Sylhet
, Bangladesh
in the North, Karimganj
district of Assam
in the East and Mizoram
state in the South and Kailashahar
subdivision of in the west.
Dharmanagar has an average literacy rate of 73.66%, higher than the national average of 65.38%: male literacy is 81.47% and female literacy is 65.41%.
A total of 9% of the population are under 6 years of age. Whilst the majority speak Bengali, Dharmanagar is also home to Kokborok speaking tribes.
Furthermore, 98% percent of the population are Hindu
, 1% are Buddhist and less than 1% are Muslim
..
most of the year. However, summer
time can be excessively hot, dry, humid and interspersed with rains and thunderstorms. Winter generally starts towards the end of November
and lasts until February
, where the temperatures can reach freezing
conditions. The monsoon
season in Dharmanagar starts in April during the Bengali
month of Baishakh. During the monsoon season, Dharmanagar is inundated frequently due to excessive rainfall and flooding by the local rivers.
to Dharmanagar is in Silchar
and Agartala. There is also a helipad for helicopter
rides or for quick journeys to the capital Agartala, these are costly and are mainly reserved for the rich.
Daily bus service runs from Dharmanagar to Shillong
and Guwahati
.
Train services opened after independence of the country.
. There are also a degree college which was called Dharmanagar Govt. Degree College. It was third highest ranked degree college in Tripura.
when the streets come alive and people from the entire town flock to the town centre to visit the many statues of goddess Durga
scattered around the town. Durga Puja
is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates worship of the Hindu
goddess Durga
. It refers to all the six days observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi
, Saptami
, Ashtami
, Navami
and Bijoya Dashami
.
which occurs between September and October and is where the children, adults and the elderly enjoy famously. Dharmanagar is also known for its bright lights during this Puja where the entire town is lit up beautifully.
is a famous and beautiful tea garden
a short distance from Dharmanagar. Scenic beauty of this area attract people of Dharmanagar in the afternoon.
, which literally means "one less a crore
" in Bengali, hosts an ancient place of worship with huge rock-cut images and stone idols of Lord Shiva. It is the prime tourist spot of North Tripura District, and is located in the neighbouring town of Kailashahar
Subdivision in the North-eastern Indian state of Tripura.
; the main political parties are CPI(M) and Congress(I)
.
The assembly constituency is now represented by Indian National Congress MLA.
, Anandabazar Patrika
, The Times of India
, The Statesman
etc. are also available
Town
A town is a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city. The size a settlement must be in order to be called a "town" varies considerably in different parts of the world, so that, for example, many American "small towns" seem to British people to be no more than villages, while...
and a Nagar Panchayat
Nagar Panchayat
A nagar palika or nagar panchayat is a form of an urban political unit in India comparable to a municipality.An urban centre with more than 30,000 and less than 100,000 inhabitants is classified as a nagar panchayat....
in the North East of India and the North Tripura district
North Tripura district
North Tripura is an administrative district in the state of Tripura in India. The district headquarters are located at Kailasahar. The district occupies an area of 2821 km² and has a population of 590,655 .-History:...
of the state
Sovereign state
A sovereign state, or simply, state, is a state with a defined territory on which it exercises internal and external sovereignty, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other sovereign states. It is also normally understood to be a state which is neither...
of Tripura
Tripura
Tripura is a state in North-East India, with an area of . It is the third smallest state of India, according to area. Tripura is surrounded by Bangladesh on the north, south, and west. The Indian states of Assam and Mizoram lie to the east. The capital is Agartala and the main languages spoken are...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
.
History
Most of the known history of Dharmanagar is derived from the ancient RajmalaRajmala
Rajmala is the ancient royal chronicle of the Kings of Tripura. It has been written in Bengali since the 14th century AD . Initially, but unrecorded it was in circulation in Kokborok language, the language of the Tripura kings before it was translated to Bengali in the 14th...
scripts, which is the ancient Royal chronicles of the Kings of Tripura
Kings of Tripura
The chronicle of Kings of Twipra Kingdom are given below as per the Rajmala, the Chronicle of the Kings, in Bengal, written by court pandits, 15 century onwards #Chandra# Budh# Pururoba# Ayu# Nahusha# Yayati# Druhyu# Babhru# Setu# Anarta# Gandhar...
written in the 14th century AD. Initially unrecorded, it was in circulation in the ancient Kokborok language, which is the language of the Tripura Kings before it was translated and edited into Bengali
Bengali language
Bengali or Bangla is an eastern Indo-Aryan language. It is native to the region of eastern South Asia known as Bengal, which comprises present day Bangladesh, the Indian state of West Bengal, and parts of the Indian states of Tripura and Assam. It is written with the Bengali script...
in the late 14th century by Pandit Likhan Chandra
Chandra
In Hinduism, Chandra is a lunar deity and a Graha. Chandra is also identified with the Vedic Lunar deity Soma . The Soma name refers particularly to the juice of sap in the plants and thus makes the Moon the lord of plants and vegetation. He is described as young, beautiful, fair; two-armed and...
Ghosh
Ghosh
Ghosh, is an Indian family surname found mostly amongst Bengali Hindus. The word Ghosh is possibly derived from Ghosha an ancient Indian female philosopher mentioned in the Vedas or from Emperor Ghosha of the Sunga Empire an ancient Indian kingdom....
and Pandit Kaliprasanna Sen
Sen (surname)
Sen is a Bengali Hindu surname derived from the Sanskrit word for "Army", Sena .It is found predominantly in Bangladesh & West Bengal, India among Vaidya/Baidya and Kayastha/Kshatriya communities.Notable people with this surname include:...
, who were respected scholars of the time.
The origin of the name 'Dharmanagar' cannot be accurately traced back in time. The Rajmala
Rajmala
Rajmala is the ancient royal chronicle of the Kings of Tripura. It has been written in Bengali since the 14th century AD . Initially, but unrecorded it was in circulation in Kokborok language, the language of the Tripura kings before it was translated to Bengali in the 14th...
refers to at least four known ancient kings whose names include the word 'Dharma'. So it remains a matter of speculation as to which king had lent his name to the town. Various uncovered documents however, indicate that the existence of Dharmanagar goes back deep into time. The Rajmala
Rajmala
Rajmala is the ancient royal chronicle of the Kings of Tripura. It has been written in Bengali since the 14th century AD . Initially, but unrecorded it was in circulation in Kokborok language, the language of the Tripura kings before it was translated to Bengali in the 14th...
further indicates that the name 'Faticuli' was used to mean Dharmanagar back in those ancient times.
Dharmanagar becomes a district town from 26th OCT 2011.
Geography
The exact geographical boundaries of Dharmanagar in the ancient times, have not been clearly documented. However, a general idea about the size obtained from various sources indicate that one major position of SylhetSylhet
Sylhet , is a major city in north-eastern Bangladesh. It is the main city of Sylhet Division and Sylhet District, and was granted metropolitan city status in March 2009. Sylhet is located on the banks of the Surma Valley and is surrounded by the Jaintia, Khasi and Tripura hills...
(now in Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Bangladesh , officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south...
) were include in Dharmanagar. Sources also indicate that Dharmanagar in those days was not as small as it is today. The size of Dharmanagar has been greatly diminished over the ages and what was once the mighty capital of Tripura
Tripura
Tripura is a state in North-East India, with an area of . It is the third smallest state of India, according to area. Tripura is surrounded by Bangladesh on the north, south, and west. The Indian states of Assam and Mizoram lie to the east. The capital is Agartala and the main languages spoken are...
has now been reduced to a sub division of the state.
At present Dharmanagar is bound by Maulvi Bazar of Sylhet
Sylhet
Sylhet , is a major city in north-eastern Bangladesh. It is the main city of Sylhet Division and Sylhet District, and was granted metropolitan city status in March 2009. Sylhet is located on the banks of the Surma Valley and is surrounded by the Jaintia, Khasi and Tripura hills...
, Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Bangladesh , officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south...
in the North, Karimganj
Karimganj
Karimganj Town is a town in the Karimganj District of the Indian state of Assam. It is the administrative headquarter and main town of the district.-Geography:...
district of Assam
Assam
Assam , also, rarely, Assam Valley and formerly the Assam Province , is a northeastern state of India and is one of the most culturally and geographically distinct regions of the country...
in the East and Mizoram
Mizoram
Mizoram is one of the Seven Sister States in North Eastern India, sharing borders with the states of Tripura, Assam, Manipur and with the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Burma. Mizoram became the 23rd state of India on 20 February 1987. Its capital is Aizawl. Mizoram is located in the...
state in the South and Kailashahar
Kailashahar
Kailashahar town is the nagar panchayat and head-quarter of North Tripura district in the Indian state of Tripura located along the border with Bangladesh.-Name:...
subdivision of in the west.
Demographics
The population of Dharmanagar, as estimated in late 2006, is around 32,912. Males constitute around 51% of the population and females 49%.Dharmanagar has an average literacy rate of 73.66%, higher than the national average of 65.38%: male literacy is 81.47% and female literacy is 65.41%.
A total of 9% of the population are under 6 years of age. Whilst the majority speak Bengali, Dharmanagar is also home to Kokborok speaking tribes.
Furthermore, 98% percent of the population are Hindu
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
, 1% are Buddhist and less than 1% are Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
..
Climate
Dharmanagar is blessed with a peaceful climateClimate
Climate encompasses the statistics of temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, rainfall, atmospheric particle count and other meteorological elemental measurements in a given region over long periods...
most of the year. However, summer
Summer
Summer is the warmest of the four temperate seasons, between spring and autumn. At the summer solstice, the days are longest and the nights are shortest, with day-length decreasing as the season progresses after the solstice...
time can be excessively hot, dry, humid and interspersed with rains and thunderstorms. Winter generally starts towards the end of November
November
November is the 11th month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian Calendars and one of four months with the length of 30 days. November was the ninth month of the ancient Roman calendar...
and lasts until February
February
February is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. It is the shortest month and the only month with fewer than 30 days. The month has 28 days in common years and 29 days in leap years...
, where the temperatures can reach freezing
Freezing
Freezing or solidification is a phase change in which a liquid turns into a solid when its temperature is lowered below its freezing point. The reverse process is melting....
conditions. The monsoon
Monsoon
Monsoon is traditionally defined as a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation, but is now used to describe seasonal changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation associated with the asymmetric heating of land and sea...
season in Dharmanagar starts in April during the Bengali
Bengali people
The Bengali people are an ethnic community native to the historic region of Bengal in South Asia. They speak Bengali , which is an Indo-Aryan language of the eastern Indian subcontinent, evolved from the Magadhi Prakrit and Sanskrit languages. In their native language, they are referred to as বাঙালী...
month of Baishakh. During the monsoon season, Dharmanagar is inundated frequently due to excessive rainfall and flooding by the local rivers.
Transport
The nearest airportAirport
An airport is a location where aircraft such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and blimps take off and land. Aircraft may be stored or maintained at an airport...
to Dharmanagar is in Silchar
Silchar
Silchar is the headquarters of Cachar district in the state of Assam in India. It is the economic gateway to the state of Mizoram and part of Manipur. It is south east of Guwahati. The city of Silchar has tremendous commercial importance and is the second largest city in the state of Assam...
and Agartala. There is also a helipad for helicopter
Helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
rides or for quick journeys to the capital Agartala, these are costly and are mainly reserved for the rich.
Daily bus service runs from Dharmanagar to Shillong
Shillong
-Connectivity:Although well connected by road, Shillong has no rail connection and a proper air connection. Umroi Airport exists but has only limited flights.-Roadways:Shillong is well connected by roads with all major north eastern states...
and Guwahati
Guwahati
Guwahati, Pragjyotishpura in ancient Assam formerly known as Gauhati is a metropolis,the largest city of Assam in India and ancient urban area in North East India, with a population of 963,429. It is also the largest metropolitan area in north-eastern India...
.
Train services opened after independence of the country.
Education
There are eight higher secondary schools in Dharmanagar. Bir Bikram Institution (BBI), Girls Higher Secondary School, DNV, Chandrapur, Padmapur, Nayapara, Rajbari and Golden Valley High School, which is also the only one of these institutions to be fully taught in English languageEnglish language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
. There are also a degree college which was called Dharmanagar Govt. Degree College. It was third highest ranked degree college in Tripura.
Durga Puja Festival
One of the best times to visit Dharmanagar is during the famous Durga PujaDurga Puja
Durga puja ; দুর্গা পূজা,ଦୁର୍ଗା ପୂଜା,‘Worship of Durga’), also referred to as Durgotsava ; , is an annual Hindu festival in South Asia that celebrates worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. It refers to all the six days observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and...
when the streets come alive and people from the entire town flock to the town centre to visit the many statues of goddess Durga
Durga
For the 1985 Hindi Film of Rajesh Khanna see DurgaaIn Hinduism, Durga ; ; meaning "the inaccessible" or "the invincible"; , durga) or Maa Durga "one who can redeem in situations of utmost distress" is a form of Devi, the supremely radiant goddess, depicted as having eighteen arms, riding a lion...
scattered around the town. Durga Puja
Durga Puja
Durga puja ; দুর্গা পূজা,ଦୁର୍ଗା ପୂଜା,‘Worship of Durga’), also referred to as Durgotsava ; , is an annual Hindu festival in South Asia that celebrates worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. It refers to all the six days observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and...
is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates worship of the Hindu
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
goddess Durga
Durga
For the 1985 Hindi Film of Rajesh Khanna see DurgaaIn Hinduism, Durga ; ; meaning "the inaccessible" or "the invincible"; , durga) or Maa Durga "one who can redeem in situations of utmost distress" is a form of Devi, the supremely radiant goddess, depicted as having eighteen arms, riding a lion...
. It refers to all the six days observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi
Shashthi
Shashthi or Shashti is a Hindu folk goddess, venerated as the benefactor and protector of children. She is also the deity of vegetation and reproduction and is believed to bestow children and assist during childbirth. She is often pictured as a motherly figure, riding a cat and nursing one or more...
, Saptami
Saptami
Saptami is the seventh day of the fortnight in Hindu lunar calendar.-Festivals:Ratha Saptami: Lord Vishnu in his form as Surya is usually worshiped on this day...
, Ashtami
Ashtami
- Festivals :Krishna Janmashtami or Gokul Ashtami: is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Hindu deity Vishnu.Krishna Janmashtami is observed on the Ashtami tithi, the eighth day of the dark half or Krishna Paksha of the month of Bhaadra in the Hindu calendar, when...
, Navami
Navami
-Festivals:* Sri Rama Navami is a Hindu festival, celebrating of the birth of Lord Rama. It is celebrated in Chaitra month .* Swaminarayan Jayanti is a Hindu Fesival celebrating the birth of Lord Swaminarayan.It is celebrated in Chaitra month on the ninth day which actually falls onto Sri Rama...
and Bijoya Dashami
Vijayadashami
Vijayadashami also known as Dasara, is one of the most important festivals celebrated in various forms, across India, Nepal and Bangladesh...
.
Kali Puja Festival
One of he main festivals is the Kali PujaKali Puja
Kali Puja or Shyama Puja is a festival dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, celebrated on the new moon day of the Hindu month Ashwin in Bengal. It coincides with the pan-Indian Lakshmi Puja day of Diwali...
which occurs between September and October and is where the children, adults and the elderly enjoy famously. Dharmanagar is also known for its bright lights during this Puja where the entire town is lit up beautifully.
Dighi, Shops, Markets and Temples
The playgrounds, shops and the famous pond or the "Dighi" in and around the town centre are the heart of this small town. The illuminated local shops and Kalibari Temple around the Dighi at night makes a wonderful sight. Dharmanagar has another temple of Lord Krishna named Hari Mandir near the famous Dharmanagar Kalibari slightly inside the market.Haflong
HaflongHaflong
Haflong is a town and headquarters of Dima Hasao District [Formerly Known as North Cachar Hills] district in India in the state of Assam.It is adoringly called the 'Switzerland of the East'. Haflong is a quaint hill station breath takingly beautiful,garlanded by the hills and an unending saga...
is a famous and beautiful tea garden
Tea garden
Tea garden may refer to:* Roji, gardens surrounding Japanese tea houses and which form part of the architecture associated with Japanese tea ceremony* Tea plantations, where tea bushes are cultivated...
a short distance from Dharmanagar. Scenic beauty of this area attract people of Dharmanagar in the afternoon.
Other
There is one Govt hospital, an Eye Hospital and a Lions Club in Dharmanagar. A Voluntary Blood Donors Association has been working here since 1993.Unakoti
A short distance away is the ancient site of UnakotiUnakoti
Unakoti hill, literally meaning one less a crore in Bengali, hosts an ancient Shaivite place of worship with huge rock-cut images and stone idols of Lord Shiva...
, which literally means "one less a crore
Crore
A crore is a unit in the Indian number system equal to ten million , or 100 lakhs. It is widely used in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan....
" in Bengali, hosts an ancient place of worship with huge rock-cut images and stone idols of Lord Shiva. It is the prime tourist spot of North Tripura District, and is located in the neighbouring town of Kailashahar
Kailashahar
Kailashahar town is the nagar panchayat and head-quarter of North Tripura district in the Indian state of Tripura located along the border with Bangladesh.-Name:...
Subdivision in the North-eastern Indian state of Tripura.
Politics
Dharmanagar assembly constituency is part of Tripura East (Lok Sabha constituency)Tripura East (Lok Sabha Constituency)
Tripura East Lok Sabha constituency is one of the two Lok Sabha constituencies in Tripura state in northeastern India. The seat is reserved for scheduled tribes...
; the main political parties are CPI(M) and Congress(I)
Indian National Congress
The Indian National Congress is one of the two major political parties in India, the other being the Bharatiya Janata Party. It is the largest and one of the oldest democratic political parties in the world. The party's modern liberal platform is largely considered center-left in the Indian...
.
The assembly constituency is now represented by Indian National Congress MLA.
Television
- DoordarshanDoorDarshanDoordarshan is an Indian public service broadcaster, a division of Prasar Bharati. It is one of the largest broadcasting organizations in India in terms of the infrastructure of studios and transmitters. Recently, it has also started Digital Terrestrial Transmitters. On September 15, 2009,...
- DD MetroDD MetroDD Metro also known as DD 2 was Doordarshan's Hindi language general entertainment channel. At the time, DD Metro was on air, the channel was kept as a terrestrial channel, instead of exclusive satellite channel. However, it was available on many of the cable operators in India...
- Bangla TVBangladesh TelevisionBangladesh Television , also known by the acronym BTV, is the state-owned Television network in Bangladesh. It started broadcasting as Pakistan Television in what was then East Pakistan on 25 December 1964. It was renamed Bangladesh Television after the independence in 1971. Broadcasts in full...
- Cable TV showing hundreds of channels including MTVMTV IndiaMTV India is the Indian version of MTV , a channel specialising in music and youth culture programming. It was launched in 1996 and is now part of the Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd based in Mumbai. . "MTV India" is one of the oldest Music Television Networks in Asia...
, Star PlusSTAR PlusSTAR Plus is a Hindi language general entertainment television channel based in India. The channel is part of the STAR TV network's bouquet of channels...
, Star GoldSTAR GoldSTAR Gold is a Hindi movie channel that is part of the STAR TV network and is owned by News Corporation. It features a mix of contemporary as well as classic movies from the 1950s to the present time...
, B4U, and BBC WorldwideBBC WorldwideBBC Worldwide Limited is the wholly owned commercial subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation, formed out of a restructuring of its predecessor BBC Enterprises in 1995. In the year to 31 March 2010 it made a profit of £145m on a turnover of £1.074bn. The company had made a profit of £106m...
.
Local Newspapers
No daily newspaper published from Dharmanagar, except few weekly. Daily newspapers published from Agartala, Karimganj and Silchar reaches dail morning in this town. Besides above, national dailies like The TelegraphThe Telegraph (Kolkata)
The Telegraph is an Indian daily newspaper founded and continuously published in Kolkata since 1982. It is published by the ABP Group and the newspaper vies with the Times of India for the position of having the widest widest circulation of any newspaper in Eastern India.According to the Audit...
, Anandabazar Patrika
Anandabazar Patrika
Anandabazar Patrika is an Indian Bengali language daily newspaper published in Kolkata, New Delhi and Mumbai by the ABP Group. According to the Audit Bureau of Circulations, it has a circulation of 1.28 million copies making it the largest circulation for a single-edition, regional language...
, The Times of India
The Times of India
The Times of India is an Indian English-language daily newspaper. TOI has the largest circulation among all English-language newspaper in the world, across all formats . It is owned and managed by Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd...
, The Statesman
The Statesman
The Statesman is an Indian English-language broadsheet daily newspaper founded in 1875 and published simultaneously in Kolkata, New Delhi, Siliguri and Bhubaneswar. The Statesman is owned by The Statesman Ltd., its headquarters at Statesman House, Chowringhee Square, Calcutta and its national...
etc. are also available