Nestled in the heart of Agartala, the capital of Tripura, Ujjayanta Palace stands as a majestic symbol of royal heritage, architectural splendour, and cultural preservation. Once the residence of the Tripura kings, today it serves as a window into the history, art, and traditions of the region.

A Stroll Through Time: History and Legacy

The story of the palace is one of transformation, resilience, and continuity. The original palace was built in 1862 by Maharaja Ishan Chandra Manikya, located about 10 km away from the present site.

A devastating earthquake in 1897 largely destroyed that earlier structure. In its place, Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya commissioned a new palace, constructed between 1899 and 1901 by the Martin and Burn Company, under the direction of Sir Alexander Martin.

The name Ujjayanta was given by the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore, who had close ties with the royal family and visited Tripura often. Until 1949, it remained the primary royal residence of the Manikya dynasty. In 1972–73, the Tripura government purchased the palace from the royal family for approximately 2.5 million rupees and converted it into the state legislative assembly, a role it fulfilled until 2011. In recent years, restoration efforts have preserved both the structural integrity and heritage charm of the palace.

Ujjayanta Palace

Architectural Grandeur and Layout

Walking through the palace, one is struck by its grand proportions and finely detailed design. The palace is built in the Indo-Saracenic style, blending Mughal, Roman, Gothic, and classical elements. It is a two-storied structure with three large domes, the central dome rising to about 86 feet. The palace complex covers roughly 1 square kilometer and includes expansive gardens, fountains, artificial ponds, pools, and walkways. Inside, you’ll find meticulously crafted tile floors, curved wooden ceilings, finely carved doors, and—one of the highlights—a Chinese Room, whose ceiling was crafted by artisans brought from China.

In the evenings, floodlighting and a musical fountain in the forecourt further highlight the palace’s beauty.

The Museum and Collections

Today, Ujjayanta Palace is more than a relic of royalty—it is North East India’s largest museum and an important centre of heritage. The museum houses 22 galleries. (Note: photography is strictly prohibited, and violators can be fined.)

Its vast collection includes stone sculptures, terracotta artefacts, bronze images, and inscriptions. There is also a huge coin collection from the Manikya dynasty and other historical periods. Paintings, textiles, tribal artwork, pottery, crafts, manuscripts, and historical documents showcase Tripura’s rich cultural diversity. Artefacts from ancient sites such as Pilak and Amarpur reflect the Buddhist, Hindu, and tribal connections in Tripura’s past.

Visiting the museum is a layered experience of royal opulence, artistic legacy, and cultural depth. The timings are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the entry ticket costs ₹50 per person. Late morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit the palace.

Cultural Bridge

Ujjayanta stands as a living bridge between the royal past and modern identity. It is not just a relic—it has evolved into a centre for education, heritage, and community. Within one site, you can see a fascinating mix of Mughal gardens, European domes, Chinese details, and Indian motifs, reflecting the state’s openness to influences past and present.

The palace carries deep emotional and cultural resonance for the people of Tripura. When authorities once considered renaming it, the strong local response ensured that the name Ujjayanta was preserved. Its journey—from royal residence to legislative seat to museum—shows how heritage buildings can be given new life.

When you walk through the palace, you will sense the whispers of courtly life, the slow echo of footsteps in marble halls, and the quiet stories of artisans and craftsmen whose hands shaped every dome, tile, and wood carving. Pause at the Chinese Room and imagine royalty in their regal robes, gaze across the ponds and Mughal gardens, and picture how this palace once served as a centre of diplomacy, culture, and governance.