Chabimura is an amazing archaeological site in Tripura, which showcases the unique cultural and tribal heritage of northeastern India. In fact, India’s northeast is teeming with unique places that give visitors an out-of-the-world experience. ‘Chabimura’ literally translates to ‘hill of pictures’ (in local dialect, ‘Mura’ means hill). This place is also called Devatamura or ‘hill of gods’.
Chabimura has a series of huge rock-cut carvings of Hindu divinities, engraved on the near-vertical rocky hills that line the banks of the ancient Gomati River which is the lifeblood of the state. Hidden amidst the impenetrable rainforest, these sculptures provide insight into the religious beliefs and practices of the people who once lived in this region. They have remained largely unexplored and unknown outside Tripura.
The most stunning carving is the 10-metre-high sculpture of Mahisasuramardini, known locally as Chakrak Ma.
Who carried out these rock-cut sculptures in near 90-degree hills rising straight from the fast-flowing river inside impenetrable jungles, where even today the only way to reach them is by boat, remains an enigma. These sculptures have been dated to around the 8th century.
