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Key Points

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha paid rich tributes to Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur on his 117th birth anniversary. He described the late ruler as the visionary "architect of modern Tripura" for his progressive reforms. Saha specifically credited the Maharaja with establishing the Agartala airport in 1942 and developing the state's infrastructure. The Chief Minister also highlighted how the current BJP government has honored this legacy by renaming the airport and installing a statue.

Key Points: Tripura CM Saha Honors Maharaja Bir Bikram 117th Birth Anniversary

  • CM Saha honored Maharaja Bir Bikram as the architect of modern Tripura
  • He established Agartala airport and key educational institutions in the 1940s
  • Saha criticized previous Left government for neglecting the Maharaja's legacy
  • BJP government renamed the airport and declared his birthday a public holiday
2 min read

Tripura CM Saha pays tribute to Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur on his 117th birth anniversary

Tripura CM Manik Saha pays tribute to Maharaja Bir Bikram, the "architect of modern Tripura," and credits the BJP government for restoring his legacy.

"The last Maharaja of Tripura's Manikya Empire was Bir Bikram... The way he developed Tripura in every way - CM Manik Saha"

Agartala, August 20

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha paid tribute to Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur on his 117th birth anniversary on Tuesday.

Speaking to ANI, Tripura CM Saha honoured the Maharaja's legacy, describing him as the "architect of modern Tripura". He emphasised that Maharaja Bir Bikram's progressive ideas, reforms, and contributions to education, infrastructure, and culture continue to shape the state's destiny.

"The last Maharaja of Tripura's Manikya Empire was Bir Bikram... The way he developed Tripura in every way, the Maharaja himself established the Agartala airport in Tripura in 1942; no one took his name," said Saha.

The Chief Minister mentioned that the Maharaja established the Agartala airport in 1942, which was later renamed Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport after the BJP came to power in 2018.

"Before 2018, the communists ruled here but did not give him any respect. After our government was formed in Tripura in 2018, we gave him respect. We named the Maharaja Bir Bikram airport after him...," he added.

Saha criticised the previous Left Front government for not giving due respect to the Maharaja and his contributions. He stated that it was only after the BJP government was formed in 2018 that the Maharaja received proper recognition.

The current government has taken several steps to honour the Maharaja's legacy, including naming the airport after him, declaring his birthday a public holiday, and installing a full-length statue at the airport.

Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur was born on August 19, 1908 and died on May 17, 1947. He was a king/Maharaja of Tripura State, and also known as "the architect of modern Tripura" for his contribution to economic, social and educational institutions. He was also among the first rulers of Tripura to have visited Europe and America in 1931 and 1939. Upon the death of his father, he assumed the throne in 1923.

He reserved lands for the Indigenous Tiprasa people, resulting in the TTAADC (Tripura Tribal Area Autonomous District Councils) area. He built Agartala's Maharaja Bir Bikram College and Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport. Maharaja Bir Bikram University is also named after him.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Amazing to learn that he established the airport in 1942! That's visionary thinking for that era. More Indians should know about such progressive rulers from our history.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate honoring our heritage, I wish politicians wouldn't use these occasions to score political points against previous governments. Let's focus on the Maharaja's legacy rather than past politics.
S
Sarah B
Visiting Europe and America in the 1930s must have been quite extraordinary for an Indian ruler at that time. His global perspective clearly benefited Tripura's development.
N
Nikhil C
His contribution to reserving lands for indigenous people shows his foresight in protecting tribal rights. This aspect of his legacy deserves more recognition across India.
M
Meera T
More states should learn from Tripura's example of honoring their historical figures. Our history is rich with such visionary leaders whose stories need to be told to younger generations.

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