History
The early history of Nagaland is the story of the customs and economic activities of the Naga tribes. The people were originally referred to asNaka in Burmese languages, which means 'people with pierced ears'[citation needed]. The Naga tribes had socio-economic and political links with tribes in Assam and Burma (Myanmar); even today a large population of Naga inhabits Assam. Following an invasion in 1816, the area, along with Assam, came under direct rule of Burma. This period was noted for oppressive rule and turmoil in Assam and Nagaland. When theBritish East India Company took control of Assam in 1826, the Britain steadily expanded its domain over modern Nagaland. By 1892, all of modern Nagaland except the Tuensang area in the northeast was governed by the British. It was politically amalgamated into Assam. Missionaries played an important part in converting Nagaland's Naga tribes to Christianity.
Not much is known about the history before the Burmese invasion or before the Naga people were converted to Christianity.
Geography and climate
Nagaland is largely a mountainous state. The Naga Hills rise from the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam to about 2,000 feet (610 m) and rise further to the southeast, as high as 6,000 feet (1,800 m). Mount Saramati at an elevation of 12,552 feet (3,826 m) is the state's highest peak; this is where the Naga Hills merge with the Patkai Range in Burma. Rivers such as the Doyang and Diphu to the north, the Barak river in the southwest and the Chindwin river of Burma in the southeast, dissect the entire state.
Nagaland is rich in flora and fauna. About one-sixth of Nagaland is under the cover of tropical and sub-tropical evergreen forests—including palms, bamboo, and rattan as well as timber and mahoganyforests. While some forest areas have been cleared for jhum (cultivation), many scrub forests, high grass, reeds, and secondary dogs, pangolins, porcupines, elephants, leopards, bears, many species of monkeys, sambar, harts, oxen, and buffaloes thrive across the state's forests. The Great Indian Hornbill is one of the most famous birds found in the state.
Nagaland has a largely monsoon climate with high humidity levels. Annual rainfall averages around 70–100 inches (1,800–2,500 mm), concentrated in the months of May to September. Temperatures range from 70 °F (21 °C) to 104 °F (40 °C). In winter, temperatures do not generally drop below 39 °F (4 °C), but frost is common at high elevations.
Culture and religion
The (14) tribes of Nagaland are Angami Naga, Ao,Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam,Sumi, Yimchungrü, and Zeliang, of which the Konyaks, Angamis, Aos, Lothas, and Sumis are the largest Naga tribes. Tribe and clan traditions and loyalties play an important part in the life of Nagas. Weaving is a traditional art handed down through generations in Nagaland. Each of the major tribes has its own unique designs and colours, producing shawls, shoulder bags, decorative spears, table mats, wood carvings, and bamboo works. Naga Tribal dances of the Nagas give an insight into the inborn Naga reticence of the Naga people. War dances and other dances belonging to distinctive Naga tribes are a major art form in Nagaland. Some of these are Moatsu, Sekrenyi, Tuluni, Tokhu Emong, and Gan-Ngai.
Christianity is the predominant religion of Nagaland. The state's population is 1.988 million, out of which 90.02% are Christians.[2]The census of 2001 recorded the state's Christian population at 1,790,349, making it, with Meghalaya and Mizoram, one of the three Christian-majority states in India and the only state where Christians form 90% of the population. The state has a very high church attendance rate in both urban and rural areas. The largest of Asia's churches dominate the skylines of Kohima, Dimapur, and Mokokchung.
Nagaland is known as "the only predominantly Baptist state in the world."[3] Among Christians,Baptists are the predominant group constituting more than 75% of the state's population, thus making it more Baptist (on a percentage basis) than Mississippi in the southern United States, where 52% of its population is Baptist.[citation needed]
Roman Catholics, Revivalists, and Pentecostals are the other Christian denomination numbers. Catholics are found in significant numbers in parts of Wokha district as also in the urban areas of Kohima and Dimapur.
Hinduism and Islam are minority religions in state, at 7.7% and 1.8% of the population respectively.[2] A small minority, less than 0.3%, still practice the traditional religions, and are mainly concentrated in Peren and the eastern districts
Economy
Nagaland's gross state domestic product for 2004 is estimated at $1.4 billion in current prices.
Agriculture is the most important economic activity in Nagaland, with more than 90% of the population employed in agriculture. Crops include rice, corn, millets, pulses, tobacco, oilseeds, sugarcane, potatoes, and threads. However, Nagaland still depends on the import of food supplies from other states. The widespread practice of jhum, tilling, has led to soil erosion and loss of fertility, particularly in the eastern districts. Only the Angami and Chakesang tribes in the Kohima and Phek districts use terracing techniques. And most of the Aos, Lothas, and Zeliangs in Mokokchung, Wokha, and Peren districts respectively till in the many valleys of the district. Forestry is also an important source of income. Cottage industries such as weaving, woodwork, and pottery are also an important source of revenue. Tourism is important, but largely limited due to insurgency since the last five decades.
Airports in Nagaland
Domestic Airport. Operational.
Dimapur Airport is a domestic airport in the state of Nagaland. This airport is managed by Airports Authority of India and its airport code is DMU. Dimapur Airport is the only airport in the state of Nagaland and provides a convenient and fast way of reaching the state.
Nagaland is one of the most beautiful states of North Eastern India. Dimapur is the largest city of Nagaland and is at a distance of 70 km from capital city Kohima. Because of its hilly landscape tourists love to visit this state. The railway network in the region is minimal due to extensive mountains and hills making it difficult to travel by train. Dimapur Airport is a relief for travelers and provides a more suitable means of travel.
Location of Dimapur Airport
Dimapur airport is located at a distance of 5 km from the city of Dimapur, Nagaland. Its geographical coordinates are Longitude: 93° 44’ 0” E and Latitude: 25° 54’ 0” N. Runway length of this airport is 5600 ft. and elevation is 485 ft. Airport covers an area of 160.83 Acres.
Dimapur airport is located at a distance of 5 km from the city of Dimapur, Nagaland. Its geographical coordinates are Longitude: 93° 44’ 0” E and Latitude: 25° 54’ 0” N. Runway length of this airport is 5600 ft. and elevation is 485 ft. Airport covers an area of 160.83 Acres.
Tourist Places in Nagaland
- The Tribes: One of the biggest tourist attractions in Nagaland is in fact in its people, their folklores and festivals. The sturdily built martial tribes with spears and headgears display an awe-inspiring look. As many as 16 tribes live here which vary from one another in their attires, traditions and cultural heritage.
- Kohima Village: The capital of Nagaland houses the village of the Nagas. The village with a ceremonial gateway mirrors typical tribal architecture and handicrafts in its houses. The splendid gateway is adorned with motifs of weapons, warriors and folk prosperity-symbols.
- World War II Cemetery: During the World War II, the combined troop of the British and the Indians stopped the Japanese troop inKohima. The martyrs lie buried here. Amid the manicured lawn two tall crosses stand. A touching inscription in one of them reads: "When you go home, tell them of us and say For your tomorrow, we gave our today".
