Nagaland: an introduction
Nagaland,certainly can be called an unpolished diamond, waiting for its unsung glory. It is the 16th state of India and one of the smaller states as well; bounded by the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh to the northeast, Manipur to the south, and Assam to the west and northwest , and the country of Myanmar (Burma) to the east. Kohima, the state capital is located in the southern part of Nagaland. the total area of Nagaland is 16,579 square kilometre ( 6401 sqare miles), and its population is 2,280,000 (2012census). As urban centres, only Dimapur and Kohima holds more than 50,000 people.
Monsoonal climate defines nagaland. The average annual rainfall is around 1800 and 2500 mm which is centralized in the months of the southwest monsoon (may to september). Mostly high humidity levels are found throughout the entire state. Greater elevation leads to decrease in average temperature. The temperature around summer range from about 21-23 °c to about 38-40 °c , however the winter temperature drops below 4 °c with frost formation being common at higher altitudes.
Just as most of the Indian religions, the traditional Naga religious belief is based on animism. Their religion too believes in a supreme creator and the existence of the afterlife. The Nagas consider the nature to be alive and full of indiscernible and boundless power. It was the 19 th century when the British introduced Christianity in Nagaland. Consequently, about two-thirds of the population is Christian, followed by Hindus and Muslims.
About nine-tenth of the population is engaged in agriculture. Though it depends on imports of food from neighbouring states, it does cultivate several principal crops such as rice, pulses, corn, millets, sugarcane, potato,oilseeds, fibres and tobacco. Along with agriculture, forestry too is a source of major income and employment.
The people of Nagalnd, the Nagas, form more than 20 tribes and several subtribes. They are Indo-Asiatic people. These numerous tribes do share a lot of cultural traits, however they also maintain a high level of isolation or rather ‘shielding’. The largest tribe among these are the Konyaks, treading on its heels are the Aos, Tangkhuls, Semas and Angamis. Lothas, Sangtams, Phoms, Changs,Khiemnungams, Zeliangs, Yimchungres, Rengmas and Chakhesangs. About sixty (60) spoken dialects,belonging to the Sino-Tibetan family, are spoken here. This leads to the absence of one common
language. This absence is filled by broken Assamese which is usually spoken for inter-tribal conversation. Most of the Naga people do speak in Hindi and English. Moreover, it is English which is the official state language.
Nagaland is mostly a mountainuous state which rises from the Brahmaputra Valley to about 610 metres(2000 feet), and the elevation gradually increases towards the southeast to more than 1,830 metres(6000 feet). These mountains merge with the Patkai Range (part of the arakan system), along the
Myanmar (Burma) border. Here, at Mount Saramati, the mountains reach a maximum height of 3,826
metres (12,552 feet). Nagaland is profoundly dismembered by various rivers : the Dikhu and Doyang in the north, the Barak in the southwest, and the tributaries of the Chindwin river in Myanmar (Burma) in the southeast.
nagaland holds varieties of flora and fauna within its boundaries. about one-sixth of the state is forest cover. tropical as well as sub tropical evergreen forests are promonent below the 1220 metres of elevation. along with valuable timber species like mahogany, bamboos, rattan, palms are also abundant.with gradual increase in altitude, coniferous trees takes over the region. Shifting cultivation, called Jhum,is a major part of the land.
when it comes to fauna, tigers, leopards, elephants, sambar deer, wild oxen, buffalo, monkeys of many kinds, along with sporadic rhinoceros are among the large number of animals found in the state. it is however the presence of a particular species which gives nagalnd a very special placeamong all other forest cover states, and that is the Great Indian Hornbill. this bird has become an intrinsic symbol of the state’s culture as well. the feathers of this bird is used in many forms ,specially in traditional attires as well headgears.
{endingment: nagaland is a fascinating region with abundant picturesque sceneries. graually it is budding into a popular hub fpr photographers from around the globe, both professionals and amateurs alike. It has a promising potential to be one of the “tourist trap” destination in India.}
attractions ( crowd pleasure quirks/ elements/ingredients )
It is indeed one of the most enjoyable cultural meet in this region and displays a huge cluster of cukture, folk dances, musics, along with delectable delicacies. The said festival is held towards the end of the year (november- december).
As the very name suggests, Dzoukou is a valley surrounded by magical mountains. At first glance, the valley looks straight out of a fantasy movie, adorned by its exotic species of lilies. The valley is stationed at an elevation of 2,462 metres above the sea level.
This mountainous peak provides a trek which is filled with adventure and a mystical view of the Dzoukou Valley. It’s a perfect window to delve into the true beauty of the state of nagaland.
This cemetery is a memorial for the martyrs of the 2nd British Division of the allied forces who lost their lives in the second World War at Kohima, Nagaland, India, in April 1944. Both the British and the Japanese martyred soldiers found their last resting ground in this cemetery.
These ruins are from the 10th century Dimasa Kachari civilization. It is located in Dimapur region of Nagaland. These ruins are a series of mushroom domed pillars. However their purpose or origin is still unknown, though many believe that a game similar to that of chess was played with these domes.
6.Tuophema Village : an authentic taste of the Naga life.
This village is stationed on a serene hilltop which provides a bird’s-view of the adjacent valleys. It is one of the ancient heritage village of nagaland which beautifully recreats a traditional AngamiNaga village. It is located around 41 kms from Kohima. The cabins in this village are traditional huts where tourists receives the opportunity to observe the Naga social system with deep insight. Naga delicacies are also served along with rice beer at the village. Tuophema village furnishes a tranquil environment for its dwellers.
“When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow we gave our today.” This quote,engraved in a stone, welcomes the visitors into the Kohima Museum. this quote reflects the sentiments ofthe martyrs of the second World War. It showcases various artefacts as well as indigenous traditions and cultures of all the Naga tribes.
The first Green village in India, Khonoma, located about 20 kms west of kohima, is an ideal stop for bird watching. It is an Angami Naga village. the village is aptly known as the ‘hidden Village’ asit is positioned at the foot of the mountains and also surrounded by these peaks on all sides. Tragopan Sanctuary of Khonoma village is one of the few community conserved locations in India. This sanctuary is home to a lot of wild plants and animals, and is especially known for the Blyth’s Tragopan birds. ‘Care for Nature’ is the ultimate theme of this sanctuary.
Declared a National Park in 1993, Intanki hold a large variety of flora and fauna in its bossom. Among many fauna are the Hoolock gibbon, Tiger, Golden langur, White-breasted Hornbill, flying Squirrel, Black Stork; and among flora are mahogany, rattan, Bamboo, shorea assamica, Mesua Ferra, and many more. It has a semi-tropical forest cover and supplies an abundant amount of pictursque beauty. Its’s total area is 202.02 square kilometer. It is quite a haven for trekkers and campers.
This heritage style village comprises of 16 different Morangs or houses which symbolizes the sisteen different communities of the population. It is the very location where the famous Hornbill Festival takes place every year. winter is said to be the best time of the year to visit this location.
Konyak Naga tribes are mostly known for their tradition of head hunting. the Aoling Festival is the prime festival of these people. it is held in the first week of April in the Mon district of Nagaland. The headgears,feathers and the overall attires of the people during this festival are of utmost interst among the visitors.
The most indispensible part of a tourist is shopping, and naga bazar is just the right location. It is in the heart of the Kohima City. mostly deals with wide variety of livestock, however one can definitely relish on the various delicious food of the region, along with local tools and artefacts in the market itself. The Naga handicrafts found here are very popular all around the globe.
As the name suggests, it is a region where the river Dzuleke flows underground. Literally, in their local language, ‘Dzu’ means water, and ‘leke’ means underground. With approxmimately 200 household, it is a small village where everyone generally is known to each other. It was in 1999 when the elders of Dzuleke village decided to ban hunting to protect its wildlife, as it holds in its premises a wide range of wild animals, including Nagaland’s state bird- Blythe’s Tragopan. It is quite an ideal place for picnics, trekkings and fishing as well.
This zoo is set on the slope of a hill which makes the location very likeable for the inhabitants as well as the visitors. Both the state bird and state animal, Blythe’s tragopan and wild buffalo-mithun respectively, are found here. Apart from these many other species of animals reside here. This zoological park is one ideal place for camping and jungle safari. Activities like bird-watching and nature trips furthermore increases this park’s popularity.
Popularly known as the ‘Mountain of Life’, Mount Tiyi is one magnificent place in Wokha district of Nagaland. This region serves as a popular hub for both tourism and education. adventure sport seekers can delve in rock climbing sessions in here, and also soak in the sensations of sunrise and sunset from it’s peak. However the most mysterious feature of this place is the ‘secret orchard’, a place which can only be found by people with pure souls. One should most definitely try to explore the Mount to find this ‘secret garden’, as this exploration itself will fill one’s heart and soul with tranquility and contentment.
Pak Koi, aka Veda Peak is the highest peak of Mon district of Nagaland. It is one of the most visited spot for nature lovers and especially photographers. on any clear day one can have a bird-view of the mystique Brahmaputra and Chindwin rivers from its peak. On a historical note, it is the very peak where for the first time the British grew opium plants in Nagaland.
In the seithekima Village,Dimapur, lies these three mesmerising streams cascading from the elevation of 280 feet into a plunge pool. The entire scene is simply breathtaking. Along with its scenic beauty, the route to these Triple Falls also makes for a unique trekking experience.
To get an authentic taste of the indigenous craftworks like wood carving, bamboo and cane works, one should most definitely put this Diezephe Craft Village in their itinerary. Located 13 kms away from Dimapur, it is home to the Tenyimei community, the primary inhabitants of the village.
This small town Mokokchung is popular enough to be termed ‘Cultural Capital of Nagaland’. This region is home to the Ao Naga tribe, though most of them have converted to Christianity. In case of Longkhum, a region in this town, an old Naga saying goes as ” a single visit to Longkhum is not enough, for your soul stays behind the first time and you have to return there once more to get it back”. One single visit to this place will make one see how apt that old saying is.