Nagaland

Nagaland is a state in the north-eastern part of India. It borders the Indian states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur and the country Myanmar. The state capital is Kohima. Nagaland is divided into 8 administrative districts. About 84 percent of the population belongs to 16 Naga tribes, an Indo-Mongoloid ethnic group; minority tribes include the 40,000 Chin. In addition, there are some 220,000 Assamese and 14,000 Bengali Muslims. More than 85 percent of the population is Christian, mostly Baptist. This Christian heritage is shared with a majority in the nearby states of Mizoram and Meghalaya and by a large minority in neighbouring Manipur, but sets them apart from the rest of India which is overwhelmingly Hindu.

Related Topics:
State - India - Assam - Arunachal Pradesh - Manipur - Myanmar - Kohima - Naga - Indo-Mongoloid - Chin - Bengali - Christian - Baptist - Mizoram - Meghalaya - Hindu

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The Nagas are proud and fierce people. In the old days, when the different Naga tribes were at war with one another, they used to indulge in their favorite "sport" - head-hunting. In short, the necks of victims are chopped off using däos (traditional hatchets) and the heads are brought back to the village as trophies. These heads are hung in front of the warrior's house revealing his status in society. During those days, it was quite difficult to find a bride for a young man who had not brought back an enemy's head as a trophy ! Though this practice is abhorred now, you wouldn't want to make an enemy out here. Extend your hand of friendship and you've got a friend for life.

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The advent of Christianity in the region in the late 19th-century changed the ways of the Nagas. Enemy villages were no longer "happy-hunting grounds". These war-like tribes slowly transformed into a peace-loving community. This was mainly due to the efforts started by Dr. E.W. Clark, an American missionary, who came to this wild region during the hey-days of head-hunting. The only thing that probably saved his life in the beginning might have been due to the fact that the Nagas are inherently hospitable people. For a Naga, it is a shame to turn away a guest who comes in peace. Rest assured, you wouldn't die of hunger or lack a place to sleep in Nagaland.

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The cultural heritage of the Nagas are steeped in folklore passed down through the generations by word of mouth. The young Nagas huddle around open wood-fires in the chill and darkness of the night and listen to elders recalling legendary stories of folk heroes and tales of long ago. Haunting tunes and lyrics speak of ancestors, a history of the times gone by, old battles, brave heroes and of course, love stories. The Nagas are a romantic lot.

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Nagaland may not be everybody's cup of tea, but it is a place worth visiting. At a time when people around the world are stressed-out due to heavy workloads and the fast pace of their daily lives, Nagaland offers a place where you can put the brakes on, recharge your energy, feel good about yourself, go back to basics and learn to appreciate life and Mother Nature.

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Most of all, you will get to know a unique community of tribals called the Nagas who are virtually unknown to most of the people in the world. You will share their daily lives and experience the culture of all the colourful Naga tribes. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you will experience a freshness in both mind and body in this remote hill-station.

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There are lots of uncharted territory for hikers and lovers of adventure sports. It is up to you to explore the possibilities - of course, with help from your local guide. And take heed to any advice. They are the ones who know the area well. Remember, in this wild country, maps are not very helpful. You are not likely to find a very detailed map anyway. Just in case you are lost, look for the nearest village. Villages are always located on or near the top of a hill - a natural defence against marauders in the old days. The villagers will help you.

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