In the quiet corners of Tripura, a remarkable chapter of Indian history continues to unfold. This Christmas Eve, the community of Mariamnagar, less than a kilometre from National Highway 08, celebrated not just the birth of Christ but also a unique heritage that spans nearly five centuries. They are the descendants of Portuguese soldiers who settled in the erstwhile princely kingdom as early as the 1540s, and their European surnames—Lagardo, D'mello, D'Silva, D'Souza, and Marcher—stand as proud testaments to an extraordinary past.
The Origins of a Distant Settlement
The story of the Portuguese in Tripura is one of mercenaries, monarchs, and migration. While Portuguese history in India famously began with Vasco da Gama's 1498 arrival in Calicut, their footprint in the Northeast tells a different tale. Unlike the seaport fortresses of Goa or Cochin, settlements in the Bengal frontier, like Mariamnagar, Bondashil, and Rangamati, were established by adventurers and hired soldiers.
Experts hold varying opinions on the precise reason for their settlement. Historian and author Sekhar Dutta states that a few hundred Portuguese were captured by the Tripura king in a battle at Chittagong. They were given a choice: return home or settle in Tripura. They chose the latter. Tripura's royal scion, Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, adds that these men were regular soldiers who aided the king in battles, bringing crucial tactical skills in firearms to the royal army.
Dr. David Reid Syiemlieh's research points to King Amar Manikya Bahadur, who engaged Portuguese mercenaries from Chittagong and Noakhali to fight the Mughals. Initially settled in the then-capital Rangamati (now Udaipur), they were later moved near Agartala after Maharaja Krishna Manikya shifted his capital in 1760 AD. These settlers were granted tax-free land, which came to be known as Mariamnagar, the land of Mother Mary. Some served as cannoniers in the king's army, while others took up cultivation.
A Community Evolves: From Soldiers to a Melting Pot
From a small group of five families, the community has now blossomed into thousands. However, the journey has transformed their identity. Biplab Lagardo, a 46-year-old college faculty member and an 18th-generation descendant, is keenly compiling his family's history. He notes that a lack of emphasis on education in earlier generations led many families to sell off their allotted lands. Today, Mariamnagar is a diverse habitation where Hindus, Muslims, and Christians live side-by-side.
This integration is profound. None of the descendants speak Portuguese today, and no one has visited Portugal. Bengali replaced Portuguese as their primary language decades ago and even replaced Latin in church prayers about 20-25 years back. Women wear sarees and salwars, apply vermillion, and the community actively participates in Hindu festivals like Diwali and Durga Puja. The culinary traditions have also faded, with local cuisine taking precedence.
Father Abraham, former head of the Mariamnagar Catholic Church, observes, "They have mostly mingled with Bengalee culture. There is not much difference these days anymore, but they are keeping some traditions alive." The 1930s-era Shantir Rani Catholic Church (Queen of Peace), the first parish in Tripura, remains the spiritual heart of the community, now serving around 40,000 Catholics in the state.
Christmas in Mariamnagar: A Message of Unity and Inclusion
The Christmas celebrations at Mariamnagar highlight its unique socio-political fabric. Cutting across political regimes—Congress, Communist, or BJP—the area has been a melting pot. This year, the state tourism development corporation funded a cultural festival near the church. Large posters with greetings from BJP legislators and ministers adorned the roads.
The spirit of inclusivity runs deep. Father Anthony Mangalath, who along with Father Leenus Uthimattathill conducted midnight mass, spoke of the peculiar religious harmony. Many local Christian families are known to worship Christ and Hindu deities on the same home altar. "Our doors are always open for everyone," Father Anthony said, explaining that people of all faiths visit seeking peace, mediation for family problems, or advice.
This atmosphere draws visitors like Narayan Chandra Paul, a retired teacher from Agartala, who visited the church for the first time despite fears stemming from the 1980 riots. "Coming here has really dispelled my fears. People here are so friendly... I believe in this policy: to each their religion, but festivals are for everyone," he said joyfully.
For young members of the community, the connection to Portugal is a distant echo. A local teenager expressed a common sentiment: "We would love to know more about our ancestry and learn Portuguese someday." For now, they navigate a modern Indian identity, rooted in Tripura but forever linked to a bold group of soldiers who, nearly 500 years ago, chose to make this land their home. Their legacy is not of isolation, but of seamless integration, making Mariamnagar a living testament to India's enduring pluralism.
