If one makes a visit to every nook and corner of the state of Tripura, one can easily come across to several tribal communities who have resided here over the years. In other words these tribes of Tripura largely comprises of thirty one percent of the total population of the state of Tripura. There are around 19 hill tribes in Tripura.
According to reports of the eminent anthropologists of Indian subcontinent, these tribal people has developed dainty cultural heritage that are elaborately exuberated in several of its aspects. House making, occupation, festivals, customs all bore evidences to it. In fact it is due to the contribution of these tribes of
Tripura state, the whole tradition of Tripura state has become ennobled. Maximum of these tribes of Tripura have built their settlements in the mountainous areas. So in order to safe guard themselves from the onslaughts of the animals, these tribes of Tripura state have also made their houses in raised heights.
What is interesting is to note that these tribes of Tripura are very simple and they maintain a harmony among the people of their community. These tribes of Tripura have got typical Mongoloid features, which enable every one to easily distinguish them from those of the rest of the country.
Tracing down the origination of these tribes of Tripura, the anthropologists have inferred that maximum of them belong to the Tibeto- Burman origination. Several myths too are popular amongst the tribes of Tripura state. Most part of Tripura is occupied by the
Tripuri tribe and
Riang tribe. Apart from these tribes, there are some other tribes whose presence has enriched the culture of Tripura. Some other tribes of Tripura are Chakma and Mog, most of which are of Buddhist belief,
Halam tribe, Murasing community,
Chaimal tribe,
Jamatia tribe,
Lepcha tribe,
Tippera tribe, Tripuri community. By adapting to the lifestyle of a typical nomad, the majority of the
Chaimal tribe of Tripura state has contributed to the tradition and ethnicity of the region as a whole. In the state of Tripura, the Halam tribal community is a store house of cultural exuberance as described in its festivals, religious customs and beliefs. As afar as the origins of these Jamatia tribes are concerned, there are quite a number of opinions that are popular amongst the people. The Lepcha tribe has a rich heritage of wedding rituals, ennobled language and also beautiful clothes. Riang tribes have got a plethora of gods and goddesses which they worship in great enthusiasm and devotion.
Among several tribal communities of the state of Tripura, this Tippera tribe is quite important who while speaking use the beautiful language of Tippera and also Bengali language. During leisure time, Tripuri tribal group really like to play traditional sports, including Longoi Chokmung, Achugwi Phan Sohlaimung, Bumanikotor, Dwkhwi Sotonmung.
As far as the languages are concerned, these tribes of Tripura carry on conversation with each other in the Kokborok language. To be specific, these tribes of Tripura also talk in several of its beautiful dialects. Due to the close proximity of the state of
West Bengal, these tribes of Tripura state many of these tribes of Tripura can also speak Bengali quite fluently.
Just like other tribal communities, these tribes of Tripura state have quite inclined to religion and spiritualism. Apart from following Animism, there are many of these tribes of Tripura who also have been influenced by other religions as well. In recent times, some of the people of the tribal communities of Tripura are the believers of Hindu and Christian religious group. Some of the communities are the believers of Saka faith.
In order to sustain their livelihood, these tribes of Tripura also are carrying on several occupational activities. Agriculture is their major occupation. However, in the contemporary situation, these tribes of Tripura have also tried their hands in food gathering, daily labors etc.
