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Rajmala- Chronicle of Tripura’s Kings
The Rajmala serves as a regal record detailing the reign of the Tripura rulers, who are said to have governed the region for approximately five millennia, dating back to the mythological era. Originally compiled in the year 1458 CE, it took shape during the rule of Dharma Manikya-1 or Dangar Fa (1431 CE - 1462 CE) of the Manikya Dynasty. Fa (meaning ‘father’) was the title given to the rulers of Tripura. The chronicle encompasses accounts and legends that elaborate on the rulers of Tripura, as well as the origin and significant events of the royal family. Tradition holds that the records of each king and their narratives were orally transmitted through the Chantai (chief royal priest) across successive generations. Reportedly, the Rajmala was initially written in the ‘Kokborok’ language by Chantai Durlabhendra. It was later translated into Sanskrit and Bengali by Sukreshwar and Baneshwar - two Pandits of the royal court in the 15th century. The Sanskrit version of Rajmala is called ‘Rajratnakaram’. The Bengali version of Rajmala is considered one of the oldest and richest works in the Bengali language and literature.
The Rajmala was initially organized into six parts, however, the last two volumes have been lost in recent years. The first four volumes (lahars) showcase a comprehensive and invaluable commentary by Kaliprasanna Sen. The poet-authors responsible for these segments are Durlabhendra Cantai, Banesvar, Sukresvar (for Volume I), Rana Catur Narayan (Volume II), Gangadhar Siddhanta-Vagisa (Volume III), and Durgamani Uzir (Volume IV).
The chronicle was composed over several centuries, receiving support from various rulers of Tripura. Following the initial sections crafted during the rule of Dharma Manikya-1, subsequent portions were written in the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries under the patronage of Amar Manikya, Govinda Manikya, Krishna Manikya, and Kashi Chandra Manikya, respectively. Durgamoni Uzir compiled the complete text of the Rajmala during the reign of Krishna Kishore Manikya in the mid-19th century.
The initial segment of the Rajmala delves into the ‘Traditional Period of the Tripura Kings,’ intertwining historical accounts with mythology. It reveals that the ancient name of Tripura was ‘Kirat,’ derived from a person of the Lunar or Indo-Scythian race named Kirat, the brother of Puru. Banished to the Eastern provinces by his father Yajati, Kirat built a city named Tribeg on the banks of the Kupil River (Brahmaputra). His son Tripura succeeded him but proved to be a tyrant who oppressed Shiva worshippers. Through Lord Shiva's grace, a son named Trilochan was born to Tripura's widow.
Rajmala, Volume I. Image source: Indian Culture Portal
Shiva expressed that Trilochan would be a successful king if he adhered to the worship of the Sun, Moon, and fourteen gods, including Himalaya, Kamadeva, Fire, Ganges, Water, Prabha, Ganesha, Kartika, Brahma, Sarasvati, Siva, and Vishnu. These fourteen gods subsequently became the family deities of the royal family of Tripura, with the worship of the Chaturdas Devata continuing at Agartala, the capital of Tripura. Trilochan, after conquering various territories, visited Yudhistir of the Mahabharata and received an offer of marriage from the Raja of Hirambu (Kachar).
Beyond a mere documentation of information, events of the royal court, legends, and stories of the Kings and their families, the creation of the Rajmala extended to shedding light on crucial aspects of administration, with a focus on the rulers and their policies. According to reports, the chronicle explores the significance of a king in the state and outlines the qualities a king must possess to effectively serve his state.
The Rajmala provides a clear account of the centuries-old dynastic history of Tripura with a focus on the socio-political, cultural and religious aspects of the region. This book of historical importance not only narrates Tripura’s royal history but also glorifies the ancient tradition of documentation in the northeastern region.
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