In an effort to preserve Tripura’s royal heritage, Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on December 30 said the state government has begun the process to restore the historic Jackson Gate, a prominent landmark linked to the state’s erstwhile royal era.
Dr. Saha made the announcement during a visit to the proposed restoration site in Agartala. Emphasising the gate’s historical importance, he said the initiative forms part of a larger plan to revive and honour Tripura’s rich cultural and royal legacy.
The Jackson Gate was originally built in 1927 by contractor Srinivas Saha and named after Sir Francis Stanley Jackson, who was then the Governor of the Bengal Province. Constructed over the Akhaura Canal, the structure drew inspiration from Hyderabad’s Charminar and was erected to welcome Sir Jackson during the coronation of Tripura’s last Maharaja, Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur.
Describing the gate as a symbol of royal grandeur, the Chief Minister said it remains a treasured reminder of Tripura’s past. He recalled that the structure was demolished in 1981 during the Left Front regime, reportedly to allow the movement of larger vehicles. “In the process, several invaluable memories of our royal history were lost,” he remarked.
Dr. Saha said the present government is committed not only to rebuilding the gate but also to restoring the historical narrative of Tripura’s royal family, which ruled the state for decades and contributed significantly to its development.
Addressing claims that the Maharajas did little to promote education, the Chief Minister said historical records tell a different story. He noted that when the Jana Shiksha Samiti movement was launched, the Maharajas had initiated parallel efforts to advance education in the state. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government is determined to recognise and honour their contributions,” he added.
The restoration of Jackson Gate is expected to emerge as an important cultural and historical symbol, helping future generations connect with Tripura’s royal past and better appreciate the state’s architectural and historical heritage.