Did you know Agartala, the capital of Tripura, derives its name from the aromatic agarwood trees (Aquilaria malaccensis) that once grew abundantly across the region?
The name comes from two Sanskrit words: agar—the valuable tree known for its fragrant heartwood—and tala, meaning “underneath.” Together, Agartala translates to “under the agar tree.”
Known for their dark, resinous heartwood, agar trees have shaped Tripura’s culture and economy for centuries. The wood is traditionally carved into small decorative objects and widely used for incense. The rare and precious oil distilled from it, often called “liquid gold”, is one of the world’s most prized ingredients in perfumery.
Even today, Tripura is recognized as the cradle of agarwood traditions, with local families cultivating the trees and linking the city to trade routes across Asia and the Middle East. The city’s name reminds us how nature shaped its identity, economy, and traditions.
