Khowai is an administrative district in the northern part of the Indian state of Tripura. It was carved out as a separate district in 2012, when the Government of Tripura reorganised the state's administrative geography by increasing the number of districts from four to eight. The district takes its name from the Khowai River, which flows through it, and from the town of Khowai, which serves as the district headquarters.
| Name | Khowai district |
|---|---|
| State | Tripura |
| Country | India |
| Headquarters | Khowai |
| Formed | 2012 |
| Region | Northern Tripura |
| Named after | Khowai River / Khowai town |
Before 2012, the area now constituting Khowai district was part of the larger West Tripura district. As part of a state-wide administrative reorganisation aimed at improving governance and bringing the administration closer to citizens, the Government of Tripura created four new districts, including Khowai. The reorganisation also led to the creation of new sub-divisions and revenue blocks within the district.
Khowai district lies in the northern interior of Tripura and shares an international boundary with Bangladesh. Within India, it is bordered by other districts of Tripura, including West Tripura and Dhalai. The terrain consists of low hills, valleys, and plains drained chiefly by the Khowai River, a tributary of the Meghna river system. The river valley supports paddy cultivation, while the surrounding hills carry mixed forest cover and plantations.
The district is headed by a District Magistrate and Collector. It is divided into sub-divisions, which are further organised into community development blocks and revenue circles. Khowai town functions as the principal urban centre and seat of district administration. Parts of the district fall under the jurisdiction of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), which administers areas with significant tribal population.
The population of Khowai district is mixed, comprising Bengali-speaking communities and several indigenous tribal groups, including the Tripuri and Reang. Bengali and Kokborok are widely spoken. Traditional festivals of both Bengali Hindu and tribal communities are observed, and the district shares in the broader cultural traditions of Tripura.
The economy of Khowai is predominantly agrarian. Rice is the principal crop, supplemented by jute, vegetables, and horticultural produce. Rubber plantations and bamboo-based activities are significant rural occupations. Small-scale trade and government services account for much of the urban employment in Khowai town.
The district is connected by road to Agartala, the state capital, and to other district headquarters in Tripura. The broad-gauge railway line that links Tripura to the rest of the Indian railway network passes through the region, with stations serving the district. The nearest major airport is Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport at Agartala.