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Nagaland

geography Maturity 7-9 Next article →

Nagaland is a mountainous state located in the northeastern region of India.

British India 1940 Assam Bihar Sikkim Arunachal Pradesh Mizoram Nagaland Tripura Burma Bhutan Map
British India 1940 Assam Bihar Sikkim Arunachal Pradesh Mizoram Nagaland Tripura Burma Bhutan Map

It shares borders with several different places. To the north lies the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Assam sits to the west, while Manipur is to the south. To the east, Nagaland borders the Naga Self-Administered Zone of the Sagaing Region in Myanmar. The capital city of the state is Kohima. The largest urban area is the twin cities of Chümoukedima and Dimapur.

Dimapur airport
Dimapur airport

The geography of Nagaland is defined by its high, rugged terrain. The state sits between the latitudes of 25.2° and 27.0° north. It is also located between 94° and 95° eastern longitude. This mountainous landscape contains many natural wonders. One notable feature is the Dzüko Valley, located in the southern region at Viswema. The environment supports a diverse range of wildlife and plants. You might see the great hornbill bird or the Blyth's tragopan.

Great-Hornbill
Great-Hornbill
TragopanBlythWolf
TragopanBlythWolf

You might also find colorful orchids like the Rhynchostylis retusa.

Rhynchostylis retusa infloresence closeup
Rhynchostylis retusa infloresence closeup

The state also hosts millions of Amur falcons.

FalcoAmurensisGould
FalcoAmurensisGould

Nagaland is home to a complex social structure of many different groups. The state contains 17 administrative districts. These areas are inhabited by 17 major tribes and various sub-tribes. Each tribe possesses a distinct character. They are unique in their specific customs, languages, and traditional dress.

Ao Naga lady in her traditional attire
Ao Naga lady in her traditional attire

Much of their history is preserved through folklore. This knowledge is passed down through generations by word of mouth. Agriculture remains a vital part of life here. It accounts for 24.6% of the state's economy. Many people practice terrace cultivation on the hillsides.

Terrace cultivation, Pfutsero, Nagaland (6328134243)
Terrace cultivation, Pfutsero, Nagaland (6328134243)

The origins of the name "Naga" remain unclear to historians. Different neighboring groups used different names for the people. The inhabitants of the Ahom kingdom called them "Noga" or "Naka." In the Imphal Valley, the Meitei people used the name "Hao." In Myanmar, the Burmese referred to them as "Nakas," meaning "people with earrings."

Burma in 1450
Burma in 1450

Some suggest the name refers to pierced noses. Some cultural activists now suggest the name "Naganchi" for the region. Historical records show the Naga people settled before the Ahoms arrived in 1228 CE. They established various sovereign mountain terrains and village states.

British influence began to grow in the region during the 19th century. The British East India Company and later the British Raj expanded into the Naga Hills. Captain Francis Jenkins and Lieutenant Robert Pemberton were the first Europeans to enter in 1832. Early contact was often marked by suspicion and conflict. The British conducted ten military expeditions between 1839 and 1850 to stop raids. A major conflict occurred during the Battle of Kikrüma in February 1851.

Hunted skulls in a house in Nagaland
Hunted skulls in a house in Nagaland

Later, the British moved their headquarters to Kohima in 1878. This helped Kohima become a center for commerce and culture. During this time, Christian missionaries also arrived from Europe and the United States. This led to many groups converting from animism to Christianity.

KOHIMA CATHEDRAL
KOHIMA CATHEDRAL
Growth of Religions in Nagaland (1901–2011)
Growth of Religions in Nagaland (1901–2011)

Nagaland was a significant site during World War II. In 1944, the Japanese Army invaded through Burma. They attempted to move into India through the town of Kohima. This led to intense fighting between Japanese troops and British and Indian soldiers. The battle lasted from April 4 to June 22, 1944. The conflict was coordinated with actions in Imphal, Manipur. Nearly 4,000 British Empire troops and 3,000 Japanese troops died in the fighting. Many Naga people, especially the Angami Nagas, also lost their lives. Today, the Kohima War Cemetery and War Museum honor those who died.

Kohima Cemetery
Kohima Cemetery

After India gained independence in 1947, the political status of the region changed. Originally, the area was a district of Assam known as "The Naga Hills." The Naga National Council, led by Zapu Phizo, sought an independent state. This led to a long period of insurgency and conflict. In 1957, the Naga Hills Tuensang Area was created as an autonomous region. Following further discussions, the Indian government recognized Nagaland as a full state. It was formally inaugurated on December 1, 1963. This made it the 16th state of the Indian Union. A democratically elected government took office in 1964. Nagaland continues to manage diverse resources, including petroleum, minerals, and hydropower.

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🖼️ Images & Media (30)
File:БСЭ1. Гаял.jpg
БСЭ1. Гаял.jpg
File:TragopanBlythWolf.jpg
TragopanBlythWolf.jpg
File:Rhododendron ponticum actm 06.jpg
Rhododendron ponticum actm 06.jpg
File:Alnus Olsza 2020-07-31 01.jpg
Alnus Olsza 2020-07-31 01.jpg
File:Burma in 1450.png
Burma in 1450.png
File:British India 1940 Assam Bihar Sikkim Arunachal Pradesh Mizoram Nagaland Tripura Burma Bhutan Map.jpg
British India 1940 Assam Bihar Sikkim...
File:Angami Naga 1875.JPG
Angami Naga 1875.JPG
File:Kohima War Cemetery, Kohima, Nagaland (89).jpeg
Kohima War Cemetery, Kohima, Nagaland (89).jpeg
File:Kohima Cemetery.jpeg
Kohima Cemetery.jpeg
File:Kohima War Cemetery, Nagaland.jpg
Kohima War Cemetery, Nagaland.jpg
File:Kohima War Cemetery,Nagaland.jpg
Kohima War Cemetery,Nagaland.jpg
File:FalcoAmurensisGould.jpg
FalcoAmurensisGould.jpg

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