SOUND BITES
Letter from the past
The boundaries of the Tripura Kingdom was larger than what present day historians believe. This letter by the then Independent King of Tripura clearly suggests the actual boundaries relating to the Eastern boundaries (present-day Mizoram). Dated Agartala, 9th February 1874. From- BIR CHANDRA MANIKYA, Bahadur, Maharajah of Independent Tipperah, To- The Political Agent, Hill Tipperah. Sir, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your office memo. No. 32, dated the 3rd instant, with its enclosures, and in reply beg to say that the river Langai between the Jampui and Haichak ranges being fixed by the Government of India as the eastern boundary of my territory, and the Lushai country being east of the Haichak ranges, I do not know why I shall be required to establish a defensive line of posts on the verge of my own cultivation. The Lushais, if ever, come to any place beyond the river Lungai, that is, either to my territory or to the Sylhet or Chittagong side in British territory, they will, I need to say, have first to cross the British territory, namely, the Haichak ranges, etc. If, however, the Government of India thinks it necessary, I shall be prepared with a view to strengthen the Sylhet portion of the line to post one or two guards on the north-east frontier of my territory. I have, etc., (Sd.) BIR CHANDRA DEB BARMAN, Maharajah of Independent Tipperah
8
August 08
August 08
3