Culture Of Nagaland


Nagaland has a rich diversity of ethnic groups, languages, religions, climates and landscapes. The land is home to some 16 different kinds of tribes with distinct and fascinating cultures. More than 80% of the population lives in small, isolated villages and practice their own rituals and traditions which have been existing since centuries.

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Nagaland is a state in northeastern India. It is bordered by the state of Arunachal Pradesh to the north, Assam to the west, Manipur to the south and the Sagaing Region of Myanmar to the east. Its capital city is Kohima and its largest city is Dimapur. It has an area of 16,579 square kilometres (6,401 sq mi) with a population of 1,980,602 per the 2011 Census of India, making it one of India's smallest states. Agriculture is its most important economic activity, accounting for over 70% of its economy. Other significant activities include forestry, tourism, insurance, real estate, and miscellaneous cottage industries. The origin of the word 'Naga' is also unclear. A popularly accepted, but controversial, view is that it originated from the Burmese word Na-Ka' or 'naga', meaning "people with earrings." Others suggest it means pierced noses. Both naka and naga are pronounced the same way in Burmese. Before the arrival of European colonialism in South Asia, there had been many wars, persecution and raids from Burma on Naga tribes, Meitei people and others in India's northeast. The invaders came for "head hunting" and to seek wealth and captives from these tribes and ethnic groups. When the British inquired Burmese guides about the people living in the northern Himalayas, they were told 'Naka'. This was recorded as 'Naga' and has been in use thereafter. Despite this, British colonizers continued to invade Naga peoples' territory. Between 1851 and 1865, Naga tribes continued to raid the British in Assam. The British India Government took over the holdings of the East Indian Company following the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The failings and atrocities of the East Indian Company led the British Crown to review its governance structure throughout South Asia including its northeastern region. In 1866, the British India administration established a post at Samaguting with the explicit goal of ending intertribal warfare and tribal raids on property and personnel. In 1869, Captain Butler was appointed to lead and consolidate the British presence in the Nagaland Hills. In 1878, the headquarters were transferred to Kohima — creating a city that remains an important center of administration, commerce, and culture for Nagaland.

Pilgrimage Places

St. Paul's Church
Lotha Baptist Church
Baptist Church
Sumi B Church
Angami Church
 
            • The St. Paul’s Church (Portuguese: Igreja de São Paulo), is situated on Diu Island, on the west coast
            of India, a Union Territory of India. Diu came under the control of Portuguese colonists in early 16th
            century.
            • Kohima Lotha Baptist Church is a Baptist church located in the locality of Chandmari Ward, Kohima,
            Nagaland.
            • The Nagaland Baptist Church Council is a Baptist Christian denomination in India. It is affiliated
            with the Council of Baptist Churches in Northeast India and the Baptist World Alliance. The headquarters is
            in Kohima, in Nagaland.
            • Sümi Baptist Church, Zünheboto is a church located in Zünheboto, Nagaland, affiliated with the
            Nagaland Baptist Church Council. The church is considered to be one of the largest church buildings in Asia.
            • The Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) is one of the 20 Associations in the Nagaland Baptist Church
            Council (NBCC). Through the NBCC, the ABCC is part of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA).