Everyday Multiculturalism In Tripura: A Case Study Of Agartala City
Abstract
Agartala, the capital city of Tripura, is a unique city in Northeast India. where many different ethnic and religious groups come together, creating a rich society. This paper explores the concept of Agartala as a "salad bowl," a place where many cultures thrive. Both the indigenous population and the Bengali community live side-by-side, each keeping their own distinct traditions. In recent years, the city has become a place where stories clash. Political actors claim 'ownership' of the land, using different versions of ethnic history. These stories have created fear and tension, threatening the long peace between tribal and non-tribal residents. However, the study shows that Agartala's daily life tells a different story, one that contradicts these divisive political claims. The study examines shared public spaces, religious sites, fairs, expos, food and festivals, demonstrating a strong culture of living side-by-side. The study concludes that Agartala doesn't belong to just one community. Instead, it's a shared inheritance for everyone who lives there. By calling the city a 'shared space,' the research offers a counter-narrative to the ethnic conflicts common in today's politics. The study suggests that maintaining this diverse society is key to the state's stability and economic growth.
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