The history of the state relates to two distinct periods—the traditional period described in the Rαjmαld, or “Chronicles of the Kings of Tipperah," and the period since 1407 a.d. The Ràjmdlà is a history in Bengali verse, compiled by the Brahmans of the court of Tripura. In the early history of the state, the râjâs were in a state of chronic feud with all the neighbouring countries. The worship of the All-destroyer was here, as elsewhere in India, associated with the practice of human sacrifice, and in no part of India were more victims offered up. It was not until thebeginning of the 17th century that the Mughals obtained any footing in this country. By dint of constant invasions and continual intrigues, the Mahometans gradually established themselves, and Tipperah soon became a mere Mughal province under a Mussulman governor. The raja still remained in possession of the hilly tracts, but subject to the nawâb of Murshi<labad. When the East India Company obtained the diwdni of Bengal in 1765, so much of Tipperah as had been placed on the rent-roll came under British rule. Since 1808, each successive ruler has received investiture from the British Government, and has been required to pay the usual nαzαr or tribute on accession. The state has a chronological era of its own, adopted by Râjâ Bir-râj, from whom the present raja is 92d in descent. The year 1875 corresponded with 1285 of the Tipperah era.

Both as regards its constitution and its relations to the British Government, the state of Hill Tipperah differs alike from the independent native states of India and from those which are tributary and dependent. Besides being the ruler of Hill Tipperah, the raja holds an estate in the British district of Tipperah, called chaklâ Roshnâbâd, which is by far the most valuable of his possessions. The form of government is despotic and patriarchal. The raja’s word is law, without appeal. In 1871 an English officer was appointed as political agent to protect British interests and advise with the raja. The most important hill tribe is that of the Tipperahs, who were estimated in 1874-75 to number 34,727. There are no towns in Hill Tipperah. Agartala, the capital of the state and residence of the râjâ, is merely a moderate-sized village situated on the north bank of the Haurâ.

The principal crop and main food staple is rice. The other articles of produce are cotton, chillies, and vegetables. The chief exports are cotton, timber, til, bamboo canes, thatching-grass, and firewood. Occasionally small imports are required from the neighbouring districts. The total revenue in 1874-75 was £18,693. Besides this, the râjâ’s estates in Tipperah and Sylhet yield about £50,000 and £1400 respectively. His total annual income, therefore, is about £70,000. The police force (1874-75) consisted of 102 men, and the râjâ maintains a force of 277 officers and men. The state has only 2 schools, and only 103 boys are being educated. The climate of Hill Tipperah is generally pleasant; the annual rainfall is 60 inches. The chief endemic diseases are bowel complaints, remittent and intermittent fevers, and rheumatism; the principal epidemic is cholera.