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Dimapur

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Dimapur is the largest city in the Indian state of Nagaland. It serves as a major commercial center and a gateway for the region.

Dimapur Town
Dimapur Town

The city sits in the southwest part of Nagaland. Most of the land around it is very flat. The Dhansiri River flows along the eastern side of the city. This river is a tributary of the much larger Brahmaputra River. The weather here changes with the seasons. It feels hot and humid during the summer months. In the winter, the temperature becomes moderately cold.

The name Dimapur likely comes from the Dimasa people. It is made of three Dimasa Kachari words. The word "di" means water, "ma" means big, and "pur" means settlement.

Chinese plate for Dimasa of the era of Empero Yong-le
Chinese plate for Dimasa of the era of Empero Yong-le

Some historians also call it the "Brick City." This is because of old ruins found in the area. These ruins show that the city was once very large. You can still see a brick wall that is nearly 2 miles long. There are also two large water tanks that are 300 yards square.

Kachari Ruins (a piece of history waiting to be explored)
Kachari Ruins (a piece of history waiting to be explored)

Dimapur has a very long and interesting history. In the 13th century, it was the capital of the Dimasa Kingdom. A king named Mahamanipha is said to have founded the city.

Burma in 1450
Burma in 1450

Later, the Ahom ruler Suhungmung captured the city in 1526. The city also had links to the Ming dynasty in China. Between 1406 and 1439, the Chinese sent officials to the area. These officials brought gifts like silk, paper money, and beautiful seals. In return, the local leaders sent horses and other local products.

Mong Mao-the detail map
Mong Mao-the detail map

In the 20th century, Dimapur played a big role in World War II. It was a very important place for the Allied forces. The city acted as a staging post for their military actions.

Dimapur Airport in 2011
Dimapur Airport in 2011

Soldiers used the local airport to bring in much-needed supplies. The railway station and roads were also used to move reinforcements. One very important path was the road from Dimapur to Imphal. This road was critical as the events of the war unfolded. The nearby Battle of Kohima helped change the course of the war in this region.

Today, Dimapur is a busy hub for many people. Its railway station is the second busiest in Northeast India. The city is also a place for travel and trade. Many people live in the city and work in its markets. According to the 2011 census, the population in the old town area was 122,834. The city has a high literacy rate of 86 percent. This means many people there can read and write well. It remains a vital part of life in Nagaland.

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🖼️ Images & Media (8)
File:Mong Mao-the detail map.svg
Mong Mao-the detail map.svg
File:Chinese plate for Dimasa of the era of Empero Yong-le.png
Chinese plate for Dimasa of the era of...
File:Burma in 1450.png
Burma in 1450.png
File:Kachari Ruins (a piece of history waiting to be explored).jpg
Kachari Ruins (a piece of history waiting...
File:Dimapur Airport in 2011.jpg
Dimapur Airport in 2011.jpg
File:Tabliczka AH1.svg
Tabliczka AH1.svg
File:Tabliczka AH2.svg
Tabliczka AH2.svg
File:Dimapur Town.jpeg
Dimapur Town.jpeg
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