Tripura is a state in North-East India. 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 Bengali and Kokborok ( also known as Tripuri ). It was formerly an independent Tripuri kingdom and was merged with independent India on 15 October 1949 by the Tripura Merger Agreement. It was also known as Hill Tippera ( anglicized version of Tipra ) during the British India period and has a history of over 2500 years and 186 Kings.Tripura has a rich cultural heritage of music, fine arts, handicrafts and dance. Music is an integral part of the tribal people of Tripura. Some of their indigenous instruments are the sarinda, chongpreng and sumui ( a kind of flute ). Songs are sung during religious occasions, marriages and other festivals. Agricultural festivals are integral to the culture of the state.
