The Tribal Research and Cultural Institute (TRCI) is a public research institute located in Agartala, the capital of the Indian state of Tripura. It functions under the Government of Tripura and is concerned with the study, documentation and promotion of the cultures, languages, history and socio-economic conditions of the tribal communities of the state.
| Name | Tribal Research and Cultural Institute |
|---|---|
| Type | Public research institute |
| Location | Agartala, Tripura, India |
| Affiliation | Government of Tripura |
| Field | Tribal studies, anthropology, culture |
Tripura has a significant tribal population comprising several communities, including the Tripuri, Reang (Bru), Jamatia, Chakma, Halam, Mog, Lushai, Kuki, Garo, Munda, Uchai, Khasia, Bhil, Bhutia, Chaimal, Lepcha, Noatia, Orang and Santhal. The recognition of these communities and the need for systematic study of their traditions, dialects and material culture led to the establishment of dedicated tribal research institutions across India. The TRCI in Agartala is part of this wider network of state-level Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) supported by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
As one of the principal academic and cultural bodies dealing with tribal affairs in the north-eastern region of India, the institute plays a role in preserving the intangible heritage of indigenous communities, supporting tribal sub-plan formulation, and serving as a reference centre for scholars working on the anthropology and history of Tripura.