Nagaland –
Overview
For
most people, the remote state of Nagaland is little more than a small
flame-shaped bit on the north-eastern edge of the Indian map. But, very few
people know that apart from being one of the smallest states of India,
Nagaland is also one of its most charming and culturally one of its richest
and diverse region. Nagaland is the land of tribes and is home to around 32
tribal communities including 16 major and numerous sub-tribes that spread
over seven districts of the state, each with their own distinct lifestyle
and culture. The state of Nagaland lacks a common written language, except
the Tenyidie Language. People speak 60 varied dialects derived from the
Sino-Tibetan family of languages. English is the official language of the
state, while small portion of the population speak Assamese.
Spread over an area of 16,527 sq.kms, the hilly state of Nagaland is
bordered by Assam on the west and north, Mynamar on the east, Arunachal
Pradesh on the north and Manipur on the south. Kohima is the state capital,
while Dimapur and Mokochung are its important towns. Mount Saramati (12,552
m above sea level) is the highest peak of Nagaland, this is the place where
the Naga Hills merge with the Patkai Range of Myanmar. Nagaland is
criss-crossed by mighty rivers such as the Doyang and Dhiku rivers in the
north, the Barak river in the south-west and the Chindwin river of Myanmar
in the south-east.
So, if you haven’t yet explored the rugged mountains, lush green
valleys and gently-flowing streams, haven’t experienced the bounty of
nature at its best or you haven’t encountered the handsome tribal
people known for their arts and crafts, music and costumes, then you are one
of the lucky people who can still look forward to discover the enchanting
land of Nagaland.
Nagaland – History
Early history of Nagaland is shrouded in mystery, loosely it is linked with
the customs and economic activities of the Naga tribes. Since ancient time,
the Naga tribes have socio-economic and political connections with tribes of
Assam and Myanmar, even today majority of Nagas inhabit Assam. In 1816,
after an invasion, Nagaland along with Assam came under the rule of Myanmar.
This period is mainly known for the oppressive rule and turmoil in Nagaland
and Assam.
By the late 19th century, the British East India Company had established
themselves firmly in the area and outlawed the traditional practice of
headhunting. Politically, Nagaland was amalgamated into Assam, which was a
part of the Bengal province. After 1929, there was a movement to unite all
tribes politically, but Naga territory remained divided between Assam and
the North East Frontier Agency. In 1947, after the independence of India,
the Naga territory remained a part of the Assam province. Further,
nationalist activities arose amongst the Naga tribes, they demanded a
political union of their ancestral and native-group and also attacked many
government officials and Indians from other states.
In July 1960, due to civil unrest, the Indian Government agreed to make the
Naga territory a self-governing state within the country. On December 1,
1963 Nagaland came into being as the 16th state of India, with three
districts (now eleven) inhabited by 16 major tribes and a number of
sub-tribes. For several year, the Naga separatists continue to demand
autonomy and a single administrative unit comprising all the Naga-inhabited
areas and some of the north-eastern states. Over the years, a long history
of insurgency has been painstakingly settled with talks and ceasefire
agreements between Naga rebels and the Central Government and now Nagaland
is relatively free of any conflict.
Nagaland – Tourist Destinations
Nagaland has a number of destinations which house several tourist
attractions, but the Tourist Department has recommended a tourist circuit
for tourists visiting the state. Recommender tourist circuit of Nagaland is
Dimapur – Kohima – Wokha – Mokokchung – Tuensang –
Mokochung – Zunheboto – Kohima. Perched at 1444.12 m above sea
level, the state capital Kohima is a beautiful hill station providing
panoramic views of the rugged Naga hills. Nagaland Tourism Department offers
package and conducted tours to tourist destinations within and outside the
state. You can hire tourist buses from the Tourism Department to visit the
charming tourist destinations of Nagaland.
Nagaland – People & Culture
Nagaland is dominated by tribes, more than 80% of the state population live
in villages. As per census of 2001, Nagaland has a population of 1,988,636
dominated by the Christians. Nagaland’s Christian population is 1,790,
349 (90% of the state’s population) making it one of three
Christian-majority states of India. Among Christians, Baptists (80% of total
population) are the predominant group and Nagaland is popularly known as “The
major Baptist state in the world.” Catholics, Pentecostals and
Revivalists are other Christian groups, while Hindu and Muslim constitute
7.7% and 1.8% of the total state population. There are 16 major tribes in
the state namely – the Ao, Angami, Chakhesang, Chang, Kachari,
Khiamungan, Konyak, Kuki, Lotha, Rengma, Sangram, Sema, Phom, Pochury,
Yimchunger and Zeliang. Of these 16 tribes, the Aos, Angamis, Konyaks and
Semas are the biggest Naga tribes.
Although Christian missionaries have converted most of the Naga tribes from
animism to Christianity, but the Nagas still practice their rich cultural
traditions with colorful fairs and festivals, clan bonds and specific
territories. In fact, you can easily distinguish one tribe from another by
their costumes and the number of bone necklaces they wear which determine
the social status of an individual. Besides, the tribal dances of the Nagas
provide an insight into their life. War dances are a major art form in the
state, some of the popular dance forms are Moatsu, Tuluni, Tokhu Emong and
Sekrenyi.
Nagas are known all over the country for their exquisite handwoven shawls,
wood carvings and bamboo works. Naga women are skilled spinners, weavers and
dyers. Three-panelled shawl is the hallmark of Naga product, it is stitched
together and embellished with embroidery and decoration. Bamboo is the
backbone of Naga houses and a number of cultural artifacts. Naga craftsmen
make a variety of items from bamboo such as baskets, mats, hats, cups, mugs,
pipes and caskets. Coarser cane is used for making neck-bands, furniture and
rain-proof hats.
Nagaland – Cuisine
Most of the Nagas are meat eaters and they enjoy dousing the meat with red
chilly. Nagas preserve the meat by hanging up a slab in their house and
letting the fire from the hearth. On the other hand, Tribal cuisine somehow
vary from the common Naga cuisine. In truth, tribal cuisine is not always
everyone’s cup of tea and it can be prepared only by tribes. Tribal eat
steamed hornets, curried locusts and squirrel dish with sticky rice and
washed down with rice beer. Take a drive from Dimapur to Kohima on National
Highway 39 which is lined with Naga food stalls featuring local delicacies
and mouth-watering pineapples.
Nagaland – Fairs and Festivals
No matter what time of the year you visit Nagaland, you are likely to
experience a festival celebrated by any tribe. As majority of the population
depend on agriculture for their livelihood, so most of the fairs and
festivals are celebrations of spring, fecundity and nature. Among the
important fairs and festivals are Kuki Mimkur (January), Angami Sekrenyi
(February), Aoling Monyu (March), Ao Moatsu (April), Sema Tuluni (July),
Naknyulum (July), Amongmong (September), Tsokum (October), Lotha Tokhu Emong
(November), Ngada (November/December) and Metemnero. In addition to these,
if you want to experience more in a short time, then visit Nagaland from the
1st to 5th of December, when the popular Hornbill Festival takes place.
Nagaland – Wildlife
Geographically
a mountainous state, Nagaland is blessed with rich floral and faunal
species. Of the total area of Nagaland, about one-sixth is covered by the
tropical and sub-tropical evergreen forests that include bamboo, palms,
rattan, timber as well as mahogany forests.
Of course, Nagaland is home to only Itanki Wildlife Sanctuary but it is a
wonderful treasure-trove of exotic wildlife. Itanki Wildlife Sanctuary is
located 111 km away from Kohima and 37 km from Dimapur. In this sanctuary,
you will see the Hoolock Baboon, the only gibbon found in India. Apart from
gibbon, the sanctuary also has a sizeable population of elephant, tiger,
mithun, sambhar, wild dog, sloth bear, barking deer, goral, flying squirrel,
khaleej, hornbill, black stork etc. Sprawling over an area of 56 sq. kms,
this wildlife sanctuary houses a forest resthouse and offers transport on
hire.
Nagaland Adventure
If you are looking for adventure, Nagaland offers you some really thrilling
adventure options. In fact, Nagaland is bestowed with some of most magical
and striking feature that nature can think of. With a number of spectacular
peaks, six mighty rivers (Dhansiri, Dikhu, Doyang, Milak, Tizu and Zungki),
breathtakingly winsome valley and mysterious caves, Nagaland will surely
enthrall you. Just 15 km south of Kohima is the Japfu Peak (3043 m) which
makes for a great trek especially during November to March.
Not much further away, lies the Dzukou Valley (2462 m) at a distance of 25
kms from Kohima. One of the best trekking spots in the North East, the
Dzukou Valley is watered by a meandering stream which usually freezes in
winter. During spring season, the valley becomes a riot of wildflowers and
pink and white rhododendrons.
Another getaway is the lush Dzulekie forests, 40 km west of Kohima and
situated at an elevation of 2133 m. Here, you will see shimmering Dzulekie
stream, a tourist rest house and some beautiful cottages that provide
shelter to the travellers. You can also enjoy angling in the white-water
rivers of Milak and Tula flowing in Mokokchung district. If you wish to
indulge yourself in adventure sports, you can hire trekking and camping
equipment at a reasonable charge.
Nagaland – Shopping
Nagaland is known for a rich tradition of arts and crafts, which make
shopping a delightful experience. Whether you look for a utility item or an
object d’art, the artifacts of Nagaland depicts rich aesthetic sense
and master craftsmanship of the Nagas. Weaving is one of the most colourful
and dynamic traditions of Nagas, you will find its finest example in the
beautiful hand-woven shawls of the various tribes. While you are shopping in
Nagaland, look out for popular items such as Basketry, Pottery, Shawls,
Bags, Jackets, Metal works and Woodcrafts.
Visit the sales emporium of Nagaland Handlooms and Handicrafts Development
Corporation in Kohima to buy woolen shawls, mekhlas (sarongs) and a variety
of Naga handicrafts, made of wood and bamboo. Check out Gurtell boutique for
buying a range of traditional and contemporary fabrics and designs. Also,
visit the market outside the Supermarket where village women in tribal
dresses sell items ranging from farm produce to trinkets.
Climate
Nagaland has a salubrious climate which makes its pleasant at any time in
the year. Monsoon rain falls in the state from May to September during which
the humidity level remains high. Summers are not too hot, the temperature
varies between a maximum of 31oC and a minimum of 16oC. Winters are quite
chilly, the temperature ranges between a maximum of 24oC and a minimum of
4oC.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit Nagaland is between November to March.
Nagaland – Transportation
Airlines: Nearest airport is Dimapur airport, which is
located at a distance of 74 kms from Kohima. Indian Airlines operate flights
from Delhi to Dimapur via Guwahati on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Daily
flights are available between Dimapur and Kolkata.
Railways: Dimapur is the major railhead which is linked to
Guwahati railway station. Guwahati is served by a number of important trains
from rest of the country.
Roadways: Kohima is connected by good network of roads
with Dimapur, Imphal, Guwahati and Shillong. National Highway 39 connects
Dimapur with Kohima and you can reach Kohima from Dimapur by bus. Starting
at 5.30 a.m, buses leave from Dimapur for Kohima every hour. You can also
reach Kohima from Imphal (145 kms). You may also avail taxi services which
are available on share basis. Blue Hills Travels and several other private
agents in Guwahati operate deluxe buses to Kohima. The distance between
Kohima to Guwahati is 390 kms, and the journey take about 13 hours.
