Unakoti district of Tripura, spans over an area of 686.97 square kilometers, holds the title of the smallest district in Tripura. Unakoti, an administrative district nestled in the northeastern state of Tripura, India, stands as a testament to cultural richness and natural beauty. Created in 2012, it emerged from the bifurcation of the North Tripura district, with its headquarters located in Kailashahar. Despite being the least populated district in Tripura, Unakoti boasts the fourth-highest literacy rate in the region.
Smallest District in Tripura – History
Unakoti’s history is intertwined with the former princely state of Tripura, ruled by the Maharajas of the Manikya dynasty. The region maintained its administrative independence even during British rule. In 1950, Tripura attained the status of a ‘C’ category state and later became a Union Territory in 1956. Full statehood was achieved in 1972 under the North-East Reorganisation Act, 1971. Unakoti district, initially a single district state, underwent multiple bifurcations, leading to its formation in 2012.
Smallest District of Tripura – Etymology
The name “Unakoti” is derived from the Unakoti hill, translating to “one less a koti” in Bengali. The hill hosts an ancient Shaivite place of worship adorned with monumental rock reliefs dedicated to Shiva.
Tripura’s Smallest District – Geography
Surrounded by various subdivisions of North Tripura and Dhalai districts, Unakoti shares an international border with Bangladesh to the north. Divided into two sub-divisions, Kailashahar, and Kumarghat, the district is further segmented into four blocks for developmental activities.
Demographics of Smallest District in Tripura
As of the 2011 census, Unakoti district has a total population of 2,76,506, with a commendable literacy rate of 86.91%. The climatic conditions vary from sub-tropical in the plains to temperate in the hilly areas, contributing to a diverse environment.
Climate of Smallest District of Tripura
Unakoti experiences a monsoon-type climate with distinct seasons, including winter, pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon. The topography influences temperature variations between the hills and plains, creating a more salubrious climate in the hilly regions. The district enjoys a range of temperatures between 10°C and 35°C.
Transport of Tripura’s Smallest District
The district is well-connected by road, with National Highway 8 passing through, linking Karimganj in Assam to Sabroom in Tripura. The Lumding–Sabroom railway line of the Northeast Frontier Railway provides rail connectivity, with Kumarghat railway station serving as a key transportation hub.
Heritage and Attractions of Unakoti, the Smallest District in Tripura
Unakoti is renowned for its ancient rock reliefs and heritage sites, attracting tourists and devotees alike. The Unakoti Heritage Site features rock-cut sculptures of Shiva, Mahishasurmardini, and other deities. The district’s gallery showcases the rich cultural and historical significance of the region.
Tripura State at a Glance
- Country: India
- Region: Northeast India
- Admission to Union: 15 October 1949
- As Union Territory: 1 November 1956
- Formation: 21 January 1972
- Capital and Largest City: Agartala
- Districts: 8
- Government: Government of Tripura
- Governor: Indrasena Reddy
- Chief Minister: Manik Saha (BJP)
- Chief Secretary: J.K Sinha
- State Legislature: Unicameral Tripura Legislative Assembly (60 seats)
- National Parliament: Parliament of India, Rajya Sabha (1 seat), Lok Sabha (2 seats)
- High Court: Tripura High Court
- Area: Total 10,491 km2 (4,051 sq mi), Rank: 28th
- Population (2023): Total Neutral increase 4,147,000, Rank: 23rd, Urban: 39.19%, Rural: 60.81%
- Demonym: Tripuran
- Language: Official: Bengali, English, Kokborok; Official Script: Bengali–Assamese script, Latin script
- Literacy (2013): Increase 94.65% (1st)
- Sex Ratio (2023): 967♀/1000 ♂ (2nd)