Nagaland#Post-independence history

The origin of the word 'Naga' is unclear. The present day Naga people have historically been referred to by many names, like "Noga" or "Naka" by the inhabitants of the Ahom kingdom in what is now considered as Assam which means "naked",{{cite book |last1=Grierson |title=Linguistic Survey of India Vol iii part ii |page=194}} "Hao" by Meitei people of Imphal Valley{{cite book |last1=Hodson |first1=TC |title=The Naga tribes of Manipur |date=1911 |page=9}} and "Nakas" or 'Naga' by Burmese of what is now considered as Myanmar{{cite book |title=Upper Chindwin District vol A |publisher=Burma Gazetteer |page=22}}{{cite book|title = Myanmar (Burma)|author=Robert Reid, Michael Grosberg|publisher = Lonely Planet|year = 2005|page= 380}}{{Cite book|last=SEMA|first=HOKISHE|title=EMERGENCE OF NAGALAND: Socio-Economic and Political Transformation and the Future|publisher=VIVEK PUBLISHING HOUSE PVT LTD, DELHI|year=1986|isbn=0-7069-3031-2|location=INDIA|pages=3}} meaning "people with earrings", while others suggest it means pierced noses.{{cite book|title = A re-discovery and re-building of Naga cultural values|author = Inato Yekheto Shikhu|publisher = Daya Books|year = 2007|isbn = 978-81-89233-55-6|page = 4}} Eventually, Nakanchi or Naganchi came to be an endonym for the region.{{cite book | title = India – Unity in Cultural Diversity | author = | publisher = National Council of Educational Research and Training | year = 2003 | page = 103 | url = https://ncert.nic.in/pdf/publication/otherpublications/Unity_cultural.pdf}} In recent years, some cultural activists have called for the state to be renamed Naganchi.{{cite news |title=Allahabad is now Prayagraj, Yogi's Cabinet renames historic city |author=Vibha Sharma, Shahira Naim |work=The Tribune |date=2018-10-16 |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/nation/allahabad-is-now-prayagraj-yogi-s-cabinet-renames-historic-city-669082/ }}

Before the arrival of European colonialism in South Asia, there had been many wars, persecution and raids from Burma on the Nagas, Meiteis 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 with 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.

{{main|History of the Nagas}}

{{See also|Naga people}}The ancient history of the Nagas is unclear. Ethnic groups migrated at different times, each settling in the northeastern part of present India and establishing their respective sovereign mountain terrains and village states. There are no records of whether they came from the northern Mongolian region, southeast Asia, or southwest China, except that their origins are from the east of India, and historical records show the present-day Naga people settled before the arrival of the Ahoms in 1228 CE.

In Yan-aung-myin Pagoda inscription found in Pinya of Myanmar mentions that the Kingdom of Ava under Minkhaung I (1400–1421) in the early 1400s extended till the territories of the Nagas."The recently discovered Yan-aung-myin pagoda inscription at ' 'Themaunggan, south of Pinya (Obverse, line 8, 762 s.), claims that in 1400 CE the rule of the king extended beyond the Kandu (Kadu) and the Ponlon amri yols ("Palaungs who grow tails"), to the "heretic kingdoms of the Naked Nagas on the borders of Khamti Khun lcyviw (?),"{{harvcol|Luce|Htway|1976|p=174}}

File:Burma in 1450.png

File:British India 1940 Assam Bihar Sikkim Arunachal Pradesh Mizoram Nagaland Tripura Burma Bhutan Map.jpg

With the arrival of the British East India Company in the early 19th century, followed by the British Raj, Britain expanded its domain over the whole of South Asia, including the Naga Hills. The first Europeans to enter the hills were Captain Francis Jenkins and Lieutenant Robert Pemberton in 1832. The early contact with the Naga ethnic groups was characterised by suspicion and conflict. The colonial interests in Assam, such as managers of tea estates and other trading posts led defensive action against raids from the ethnic groups who were known for their bravery and "head hunting" practices. To put an end to these raids, the British troops recorded 10 military expeditions between 1839 and 1850. In February 1851, at the bloody Battle of Kikrüma, people died on both the British side and the Kikrüma (Naga) side; in the days after the battle, inter-ethnic warfare followed that led to more bloodshed. After that war, the British adopted a policy of caution and non-interference with Naga ethnic groups.{{cite news|last=Kalita|first=Jayanta|date=12 August 2022|title=How India's North East rebelled against the British|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-indias-northeast-rebelled-against-the-british/articleshow/93479614.cms|newspaper=Times of India|access-date=16 August 2022|archive-date=15 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815181418/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-indias-northeast-rebelled-against-the-british/articleshow/93479614.cms|url-status=live}}{{cite book|author=G. B. Reddy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=chjpAAAAIAAJ|title=Nation in crisis|publisher=Authors Press|isbn=9788172730598|year=2001|pages=284|access-date=22 March 2023|archive-date=8 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408041817/https://books.google.com/books?id=chjpAAAAIAAJ|url-status=live}}

File:Angami Naga 1875.JPG

Despite this, colonists continued to move into Naga peoples' territory. Between 1851 and 1865, Naga ethnic groups 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.

On 4 October 1879, British political agent G. H. Damant went to Khonoma with troops, where he was shot dead with 35 of his team.{{cite web|url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/india-tour/nagaland/khonoma-a-naga-village-remembered/|title=Maps of India website – photograph of GH Damant grave headstone|access-date=1 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101044027/http://www.mapsofindia.com/india-tour/nagaland/khonoma-a-naga-village-remembered/|archive-date=1 November 2014|url-status=live}} Kohima was subsequently attacked and the stockade looted. This violence led to a determined effort by the British Raj to return and respond. The subsequent defeat of Khonoma marked the end of serious and persistent ultimatums in the Naga Hills.

Between 1880 and 1922, the British administration consolidated their position over a large area of the Naga Hills and integrated it into its Assam operations. The British administration enforced the rupee as the currency for economic activity and a system of structured ethnic government that was very different from historic social governance practices.

In parallel, since the mid-19th century, Christian missionaries from the United States and Europe, stationed in India,Gordon Pruett, Christianity, history, and culture in Nagaland, Indian Sociology January 1974 vol. 8 no. 1, pp. 51-65 reached into Nagaland and neighbouring states, converting Nagaland's Naga ethnic groups from animism to Christianity.Tezenlo Thong, "'Thy Kingdom Come': The Impact of Colonization and Proselytization on Religion among the Nagas," Journal of Asian and African Studies, no. 45, 6: 595–609

File:Kohima War Cemetery, Kohima, Nagaland (89).jpeg, Kohima, Nagaland|left]] File:Kohima Cemetery.jpeg File:Kohima War Cemetery, Nagaland.jpg

{{Main|Battle of Kohima}}

{{See also|Battle of the Tennis Court}}

In 1944, during World War II, the Japanese Army, with the help of the Indian National Army led by Netaji Subhashchandra Bose, invaded through Burma and attempted to take India through Kohima. The population was evacuated. British India soldiers defended the area of Kohima and having lost many of their original force were relieved by British in June 1944.

Together the British and Indian troops successfully repelled the Japanese troops.Bert Sim, Mosstodloch, Aberdeenshire, Scotland: Pipe Major of the Gordon Highlanders at Kohima: his home is named "Kohima." – RJWilliams, Slingerlands, NY/USA

The battle was fought from 4 April to 22 June 1944 from the town of Kohima, coordinated with action at Imphal, Manipur.{{cite book|first=Martin J.|last=Dougherty|title=Land Warfare|publisher=Thunder Bay Press|page=159}}{{cite book|first1=Peter|last1=Dennis|first2=Robert|last2=Lyman|title=Kohima 1944: The Battle That Saved India|publisher=Osprey|year=2010|isbn=9781846039409}} The Indian National Army lost half their numbers, many through starvation, and were forced to withdraw through Burma.{{cite book |last=Dougherty |first=Martin J. |year=2008|title=Land Warfare |publisher=Thunder Bay Press |isbn= 9781592238293 |page=159}}{{cite book |last1=Dennis |first1=Peter |last2=Lyman |first2=Robert |year=2010 |title=Kohima 1944: The Battle That Saved India|publisher=Osprey|isbn=9781846039409|page={{page needed|date=October 2013}} }}

There is the World War II Cemetery, and the War Museum, in honour of those who died during World War II during the fighting between the British Empire and Japanese troops. Nearly 4,000 British Empire troops died, along with 3,000 Japanese. Many of those who died were Naga people, particularly the Angami Nagas. Near the memorial is the Kohima Cathedral, on Aradura Hill, built with funds from the families and friends of deceased Japanese soldiers. Prayers are held in Kohima for peace and in memory of the fallen of both sides of the battle.[http://kunzum.com/2010/01/19/the-world-war-ii-cemetery-in-kohima-nagaland-a-moving-experience/ The World War II Cemetery in Kohima, Nagaland: A Moving Experience] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129043153/http://kunzum.com/2010/01/19/the-world-war-ii-cemetery-in-kohima-nagaland-a-moving-experience/ |date=29 November 2014 }} Kunzum, Ajay Jain (2010)Vibha Joshi, A Matter of Belief: Christian Conversion and Healing in North-East India; {{ISBN|978-0857455956}}, pg. 221.

File:Kohima War Cemetery,Nagaland.jpg

In 1929, a memorandum was submitted to the Simon Statutory Commission, requesting that the Nagas be exempt from reforms and new taxes proposed in British India, and should be left alone to determine their own future.A.M. Toshi Jamir, 'A Handbook of General Knowledge on Nagaland' (2013, 10th Edition) pg. 10

The Naga Memorandum submitted by the Naga Club (which later became the Naga National Council) to the Simon Commission explicitly stated, 'to leave us alone to determine ourselves as in ancient times.'SK Sharma (2006), [https://books.google.com/books?id=_-YixIgJbSAC&pg=PA33 Naga Memorandum to the Simon Commission (1929)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729032016/https://books.google.com/books?id=_-YixIgJbSAC&pg=PA33&lpg=PA33 |date=29 July 2016 }}, Mittal Publications, New Delhi India

After the independence of India in 1947, the area remained a part of the province of Assam. Nationalist activities arose among a section of the Nagas. Phizo-led Naga National Council demanded a political union of their ancestral and native groups. The movement led to a series of violent incidents, that damaged government and civil infrastructure, attacked government officials and civilians. The central government sent the Indian Army in 1955, to restore order. In 1957, an agreement was reached between Naga leaders and the Indian government, creating a single separate region of the Naga Hills. The Tuensang frontier was united with this single political region, Naga Hills Tuensang Area (NHTA),{{cite news |title= Naga Hills Tuensang Area Act, 1957 |url= http://www.indiankanoon.org/doc/727141/ |access-date= 11 November 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131224111658/http://www.indiankanoon.org/doc/727141/ |archive-date= 24 December 2013 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }} and it became an autonomous area under Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India. It was to be "administered by the Governor as the agent of the President but will be distinct from the North East Frontier Administration".

This was not satisfactory to the Nagas, however, and agitation with violence increased across the state – including attacks on army and government institutions, banks, as well as non-payment of taxes. In July 1960, following discussion between Prime Minister Nehru and the leaders of the Naga People Convention (NPC), a 16-point agreement was arrived at whereby the Government of India recognised the formation of Nagaland as a full-fledged state within the Union of India.{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/nagaland/documents/papers/nagaland_16point.htm|title=The 16-point Agreement arrived at between the Government of India and the Naga People's Convention, July 1960|access-date=1 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150808003425/http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/nagaland/documents/papers/nagaland_16point.htm|archive-date=8 August 2015|url-status=live}}

Accordingly, the territory was placed under the Nagaland Transitional Provisions Regulation, 1961{{cite book | title = Documents on North-East India: Nagaland | author = Suresh K. Sharma | publisher = Mittal Publications | year = 2006 | isbn = 9788183240956 | pages = 225–228 }} which provided for an Interim body consisting of 45 members to be elected by tribes according to the customs, traditions and usage of the respective tribes. Subsequently, Nagaland attained statehood with the enactment of the state of Nagaland Act in 1962{{cite web|url=http://www.indiankanoon.org/doc/1490539/|title=The State Of Nagaland Act, 1962|access-date=1 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101044253/http://www.indiankanoon.org/doc/1490539/|archive-date=1 November 2014|url-status=live}} by the Parliament. The interim body was dissolved on 30 November 1963 and the state of Nagaland was formally inaugurated on 1 December 1963 and Kohima was declared as the state capital. After elections in January 1964, the first democratically elected Nagaland Legislative Assembly was constituted on 11 February 1964.{{cite web|last=Ovung|first=Albert|title=The Birth of Ceasefire in Nagaland|url=http://nagaland.net/spotlight_detail.php?id=1|access-date=30 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728150315/http://nagaland.net/spotlight_detail.php?id=1|archive-date=28 July 2013|url-status=dead}}

The rebel activity continued in many Naga inhabited areas both in India and Burma. Ceasefires were announced and negotiations continued, but this did little to stop the violence. In March 1975, a direct presidential rule was imposed by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on the state. In November 1975, some leaders of the largest rebel groups agreed to lay down their arms and accept the Indian constitution, a small group did not agree and continued their insurgent activity.Nagaland, Encyclopædia Britannica (2011) The Nagaland Baptist Church Council played an important role by initiating peace efforts in the 1960s.

In 2004, two powerful bombs were set off on the same day and struck the Dimapur Railway Station and the Hong Kong Market, resulting in 30 deaths and wounding over 100 others in the deadliest terrorist attack in Nagaland to date.{{cite web|last=Vinayak|first=G|url=https://m.rediff.com/news/2004/oct/02naga.htm|title=At least 30 killed in Nagaland blast|website=Rediff.com|date=2 October 2004|access-date=22 August 2022|archive-date=22 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822131436/https://m.rediff.com/news/2004/oct/02naga.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2004/10/3/india-reels-after-deadly-blasts|title=India reels after deadly blasts|website=Al Jazeera|date=3 October 2004|access-date=22 August 2022|archive-date=22 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822131441/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2004/10/3/india-reels-after-deadly-blasts|url-status=live}}

Over the 5-year period of 2009 to 2013, between 0 and 11 civilians died per year in Nagaland from rebellion related activity (or less than 1 death per 100,000 people), and between 3 and 55 militants died per year in inter-factional killings (or between 0 and 3 deaths per 100,000 people).[http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/database/index.html Nagaland Violence Statistics, India Fatalities 1994-2014] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110529084134/http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/database/index.html |date=29 May 2011 }} SATP (2014)

In early 2017, Nagaland went into a state of civil unrest and protests in response to the announcement to implement 33% women's reservation in the Civic Elections.{{cite web|last=Rutsa|first=Xavier|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/government-offices-torched-in-kohima-situation-worsening-in-nagaland/articleshow/56938643.cms|title=Violence in Nagaland: Protesters attack government offices in Kohima|date=3 February 2017|website=The Times of India|access-date=24 September 2022|archive-date=24 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224180640/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/government-offices-torched-in-kohima-situation-worsening-in-nagaland/articleshow/56938643.cms|url-status=live}}

On 4 December 2021, a unit of the 21st Para Special Forces of the Indian Army killed six civilian labourers near Oting Village in the Mon District of Nagaland. Eight more civilians and a soldier were killed in subsequent violence. The incident was widely condemned, with many calling out to repeal and revoke the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.{{Cite news|title=Indian troops kill 14 civilians in weekend incidents, spurring demands for repeal of special powers in some regions|language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/12/06/india-nagaland-encounter/|access-date=23 September 2022|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=6 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206144148/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/12/06/india-nagaland-encounter/|url-status=live}}

The most recent Nagaland Legislative Assembly election took place on 27 February 2023 to elect the Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in the 60 Assembly Constituencies in the state. A voter turnout of 87% was observed in the election.{{cite news|url=https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1631329075972173824|title=87% voter turnout in Nagaland|work=CEO, Nagaland|accessdate=18 August 2023|archive-date=2 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302185357/https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1631329075972173824|url-status=live}} The election created history by electing two women candidates for the first time in Nagaland — Hekani Jakhalu Kense and Salhoutuonuo Kruse. Both candidates were from the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).{{cite news|last=Dhar|first=Aniruddha|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nagaland-scripts-history-in-assembly-poll-elects-2-women-mlas-salhoutuonuo-kruse-hekani-jakhalu-for-first-time-101677742088284.html|title=Nagaland scripts history in assembly election, elects 2 women candidates for first time|date=2 March 2023|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=18 August 2023|archive-date=27 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727073535/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nagaland-scripts-history-in-assembly-poll-elects-2-women-mlas-salhoutuonuo-kruse-hekani-jakhalu-for-first-time-101677742088284.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Kalita|first=Kangkan|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/nagaland/news/nagaland-gets-its-1st-women-mlas/articleshow/98373779.cms|title=Nagaland gets its 1st women MLAs|date=3 March 2023|website=The Times of India|access-date=18 August 2023}} Salhoutuonuo Kruse later became the first woman minister of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.{{cite web|last=Gupta|first=Shobhit|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/salhoutuonuo-kruse-first-woman-elected-to-nagaland-assembly-takes-oath-101678179712801-amp.html|title=Who is Salhoutuonuo Kruse — first woman minister of Nagaland? 5 things|date=7 March 2023|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=18 August 2023|archive-date=6 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406153330/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/salhoutuonuo-kruse-first-woman-elected-to-nagaland-assembly-takes-oath-101678179712801-amp.html|url-status=live}}

{{wide image|Lumami Sunset (107933573).jpeg|250px|{{right|Sunset from the hills of the central part of Nagaland}}||right}}

{{wide image|Astonishing beauty of the Dzuko Valley in Manipur-Nagaland border.jpg|250px|{{center|Dzüko Valley on the border between Nagaland and Manipur}}||right}}

{{wide image|Doyang Lake House.jpg|250px|{{center|Doyang River in Wokha District}}||right}}

Twenty per cent of the total land area of the state is covered with wooded forest, a haven for flora and fauna. The evergreen tropical and subtropical forests are found in strategic pockets in the state.{{cite web|url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/nagaland/|title=Geography of Nagaland|access-date=1 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028102037/http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/nagaland/|archive-date=28 October 2014|url-status=live}}

Nagaland has a largely monsoon climate with high humidity levels. Annual rainfall averages around {{convert|70|-|100|in|mm|order=flip}}, concentrated in the months of May to September. Temperatures range from {{convert|70|to|104|F|C|order=flip}}. In winter, temperatures do not generally drop below {{convert|39|F|C|order=flip}}, but frost is common at high elevations. Summer is the shortest season in the state, lasting only a few months. The temperature during the summer season remains between {{convert|16|and|31|C|F}}. Winter often arrives early, with bitter cold and dry weather striking certain regions of the state. The maximum average temperature recorded in the winter season is {{convert|24|C|F}}. Strong northwest winds blow across the state during the months of February and March.{{cite web|url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/nagaland/geography.html|title=Climate of Nagaland|access-date=1 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101044142/http://www.mapsofindia.com/nagaland/geography.html|archive-date=1 November 2014|url-status=live}}

File:FalcoAmurensisGould.jpgs roost in Nagaland.[http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=nov2613/oth06 Nagaland declared 'Falcon capital of the World'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407215940/http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=nov2613%2Foth06 |date=7 April 2014 }} Assam Tribune (26 November 2013) That is about 50 falcons per square kilometre.]]

File:Rhynchostylis retusa infloresence closeup.jpg

About one-sixth of Nagaland is covered by tropical and sub-tropical evergreen forests—including palms, bamboo, rattan as well as timber and mahogany forests. While some forest areas have been cleared for jhum cultivation, many scrub forests, rainforests, tall grassland, and reed-grass marshes remain. Ntangki National Park, Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary, Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary and Rangapahar Reserve Forest are some natural reserves in Nagaland.

Some noteworthy mammals found in Nagaland include the slow loris, Assamese macaque, pig-tailed macaque, stump-tailed macaque, rhesus macaque, capped langur, hoolock gibbon, Himalayan black bear, few sun bear, dhole, occasional Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, clouded leopard, marbled cat, golden cat, Indian elephants, Indian rhinoceros, gaur, red serow, common and leaf muntjac, eastern hog deer, sambar, Chinese pangolin, Malayan porcupine, Asiatic brush-tailed porcupine, and Hoary bamboo rats.{{cite book|author=A. U. Choudhury|title=The mammals of North east India. Gibbon Books, and The Rhino Foundation for nature in NE India, with support from Forestry Bureau (COA), Taiwan. Guwahati, India. 432pp. ISBN 978-93-80652-02-3.|year=2013}}

Nagaland has a rich birdlife with more than 490 species..{{cite book|author=A. U. Choudhury|title=A pocket guide to the birds of Nagaland. Gibbon Books & The Rhino Foundation for Nature in North East India, Guwahati, India. 48pp. ISBN 81-900866-4-2.|year=2003}} The great Indian hornbill has a place in Naga culture. Blyth's tragopan, a vulnerable species of galliform, is the state bird of Nagaland. It is sighted in Mount Japfü and Dzüko Valley of Kohima District, Satoi range in Zünheboto District and Pfütsero in Phek District.[http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100705/jsp/northeast/story_12646762.jsp Nagaland struggles to save state bird] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218080222/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100705/jsp/northeast/story_12646762.jsp |date=18 February 2013 }} – The Telegraph Calcutta Monday, 5 July 2010 The state is also known as the "falcon capital of the world" thanks to the hundreds of thousands of Amur falcons that stop at Doyang Reservoir to feast on flying termites on their way from China and Siberia to Africa each year.

Mithun (a semi-domesticated gaur) is the state animal of Nagaland and has been adopted as the official seal of the Government of Nagaland. It is ritually the most valued species in the state. To conserve and protect this animal in the northeast, the National Research Centre on Mithun (NRCM) was established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1988.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrcmithun.res.in/|title=NRCM Nagaland|access-date=1 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218183629/http://nrcmithun.res.in/|archive-date=18 December 2014|url-status=live}}

File:Tragopan blythii01.jpg

File:Great-Hornbill.jpg

Nagaland is home to 396 species of orchids, belonging to 92 genera of which 54 having horticultural and medicinal economic importance.{{cite journal |first=Chitta Ranjan |last=Deb |year=2013 |title=Orchids of Nagaland, propagation, conservation and sustainable utilization: a review |journal=Pleione |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=52–58 |url=http://pleione.ehsst.org/journals/Pleione71/008%20Propagation%20conservation%20and%20utilization%20of%20Nagaland%20orchids.pdf |access-date=8 November 2020 |archive-date=10 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510053338/http://pleione.ehsst.org/journals/Pleione71/008%20Propagation%20conservation%20and%20utilization%20of%20Nagaland%20orchids.pdf |url-status=live }}

{{Annotated image | image = Forest_around_Pangti_Village_and_Doyang_Dam_region_Nagaland_JEG4768.JPG | image-width = 700| image-left = | image-top = -50| width = 700| height = 300 | float = center | annotations = | caption = Forest around Pangti Village and Doyang Dam region}}

Several preliminary studies indicate significant recoverable reserves of petroleum and natural gas. Limestone, marble and other decorative stone reserves are plentiful, and other as yet unexploited minerals include iron, nickel, chromium, and cobalt.

The Nagaland population is largely rural with 71.14% living in rural regions in 2011.{{cite web|title=Nagaland Population Sex Ratio in Nagaland Literacy rate data|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/state/nagaland.html|website=www.census2011.co.in|access-date=2 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023234854/http://www.census2011.co.in/census/state/nagaland.html|archive-date=23 October 2015|url-status=live}} Census reports up to 1951 listed just one settlement in Nagaland as a town, the capital Kohima. The next two settlements, Dimapur and Mokokchung were listed as towns from 1961. Four more towns appeared in 1981: Tuensang, Wokha, Mon and Zünheboto.{{cite book|last1=Yadav|first1=C. S.|title=Comparative Urbanization: City Growth and Change|date=1986|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|location=New Delhi|page=378|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xd5qIZi2BHwC|language=en|access-date=12 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719115012/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=Xd5qIZi2BHwC|archive-date=19 July 2018|url-status=live}}

The relatively slow rate of urbanisation in Nagaland was described in the 1980s as being an effect of (a) the largely administrative roles of the towns, except for Dimapur which had a more diversified economy, and (b) a low level of mobility among the tribes of Nagaland, scheduled tribes constituting nearly 90% of the population.

File:Mokokchung.jpg is one of the most populated places in the northern part of Nagaland.]]

{{Historical population

| source = Census of India{{cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html |title=Decadal Variation In Population Since 1901 |website=censusindia.gov.in |access-date=10 August 2019 |archive-date=10 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010234955/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://indiabudget.nic.in/es2006-07/chapt2007/tab97.pdf |title=Census Population |work=Census of India |publisher=Ministry of Finance India |access-date=18 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812042806/http://indiabudget.nic.in/es2006-07/chapt2007/tab97.pdf |archive-date=12 August 2011 |url-status=dead}}

| 1901 |101550

| 1911 | 149038

| 1921 |158801

| 1931 |178844

| 1941 |189641

| 1951 | 212975

| 1961 | 369200

| 1971 | 516449

| 1981 | 774930

| 1991 | 1209546

| 2001 | 1990036

| 2011 | 1978502

}}

The population of Nagaland consists of almost 2.2 million people, consisting of 1.04 million males and 0.95 million females. Among its districts, Kohima has the largest population (270,063) followed by Dimapur (170,000). The least populated district is Longleng (50,593). 75% of the population lives in the rural areas. As of 2013, about 10% of rural population is below the poverty line; among the people living in urban areas 4.3% of them are below the poverty line.{{cite web | url=http://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=15283 | title=Table 162, Number and Percentage of Population Below Poverty Line | publisher=Reserve Bank of India, Government of India | year=2013 | access-date=20 April 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407102043/http://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=15283 | archive-date=7 April 2014 | df=dmy-all }}

The state showed a population drop between the 2001 census and the 2011 census, the only state to show a population drop in the census. This has been attributed, by scholars,Agarwal and Kumar, [http://www.iegindia.org/workpap/wp316.pdf An Investigation into Changes in Nagaland's Population between 1971 and 2011] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925093632/http://www.iegindia.org/workpap/wp316.pdf |date=25 September 2015 }} Paper 316, Institute of Economic Growth (2012) to incorrect counting in past censuses; the 2011 census in Nagaland is considered most reliable so far.{{Cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/ST.html |title=A-11 Individual Scheduled Tribe Primary Census Abstract Data and its Appendix |access-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907212310/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/ST.html |archive-date=7 September 2015 |url-status=live }}

The largest urban agglomerations are centred upon Dimapur (122,834) and Kohima (115,283).

Other major towns (and 2011 census populations) are Tuensang (36,774), Mokokchung (35,913), Wokha (35,004), Mon (26,328), Chümoukedima (25,885), Zünheboto (22,633), Kiphire (16,487), Kuda (16,108), Kohima Village (15,734), Phek (14,204), Pfütsero (10,371) and Diphupar 'A' (10,246).{{cite web|title=Census of India Website : Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A4.html|website=www.censusindia.gov.in|access-date=9 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110005204/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A4.html|archive-date=10 November 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=A -4 Towns And Urban Agglomerations Classified By Population Size Class In 2011 With Variation Since 1901 - Class - I Population of 100,000 and Above|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/CLASS%20I.xlsx|publisher=Census of India|access-date=9 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110114541/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/CLASS%20I.xlsx|archive-date=10 November 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=A -4 Towns And Urban Agglomerations Classified By Population Size Class In 2011 With Variation Since 1901 - Class - II Population of 50,000 and 99,999|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/CLASS%20II.xlsx|publisher=Census of India|access-date=9 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110005239/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/CLASS%20II.xlsx|archive-date=10 November 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=A -4 Towns And Urban Agglomerations Classified By Population Size Class In 2011 With Variation Since 1901 - Class - III Population of 20,000 and 49,999|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/CLASS%20III.xlsx|publisher=Census of India|access-date=9 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110005048/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/CLASS%20III.xlsx|archive-date=10 November 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=A -4 Towns And Urban Agglomerations Classified By Population Size Class In 2011 With Variation Since 1901 - Class - IV Population of 10,000 and 19,999|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/CLASS%20IV.xlsx|publisher=Census of India|access-date=9 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110114502/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/CLASS%20IV.xlsx|archive-date=10 November 2017|url-status=live}}

The life expectancy of Nagaland stands at 75.4 years, 79.9 years for females and 71.5 years for males (2019–21){{cite journal|last1=Yadav|first1=Pawan Kumar|last2=Yadav|first2=Suryakant|title=Impact of COVID-19 on subnational variations in life expectancy and life disparity at birth in India: evidence from NFHS and SRS data|date=4 September 2023|journal=Archives of Public Health|volume=81|issue=1|pages=165|doi=10.1186/s13690-023-01170-8|doi-access=free |pmc=10476359|pmid=37667348}} — Additional file 1: Supplementary Table S1. while the infant mortality rate amounts to 3 per 1,000 births (2019),{{Cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1796436|title=Infant Mortality and Maternal Mortality in Indian states|date=8 February 2022|website=www.pib.gov.in|language=en-in|access-date=28 March 2024}} on par with the most developed countries. Both health indicators are the best among Indian states. The fertility rate of 1.7 children per woman (2019–21){{Cite web|title=National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5)|url=http://rchiips.org/NFHS/factsheet_NFHS-5.shtml|access-date=25 November 2021|website=rchiips.org}} lies below the population replacement level.

{{Further|Manipuri people in Nagaland}}

The state is home to 15 major native Naga ethnic groups – Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sümi, Tikhir, Yimkhiung, Zeme-Liangmai (Zeliang) and two other ethnic groups namely Kuki and Kachari with decent number of community.[http://cq-publish.dev.undp.org/content/dam/india/docs/state_human_develop_report_nagaland_full_report_2008.pdf Nagaland – State Human Development Report] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821073819/http://cq-publish.dev.undp.org/content/dam/india/docs/state_human_develop_report_nagaland_full_report_2008.pdf |date=21 August 2014 }} United Nations Development Programme (2005)

Some other recent minor tribes or subtribes that can found in the state are Garo, Karbi, Chirr, Makury, and Rongmei.{{cite web |title=Individual Scheduled Tribe Primary Census Abstract Data |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/ST.html |website=Census India |publisher=Govt of India |access-date=23 May 2020 |archive-date=30 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030232036/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/ST.html |url-status=live }}

There are also sizeable populations of non-native communities like Bengalis, Marwaris, Nepalis, Punjabis and others living mostly around Dimapur City.

{{Pie chart

| thumb = right

| caption = Languages of Nagaland in 2011{{cite web |url=http://censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_Data_Online/Language/parta.htm |title=Distribution of the 22 Scheduled Languages |work=Census of India |publisher=Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |year=2001 |access-date=4 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130207163538/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_Data_Online/Language/parta.htm |archive-date=7 February 2013 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_data_finder/A_Series/Total_population.htm |title=Census Reference Tables, A-Series – Total Population |work=Census of India |publisher=Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |year=2001 |access-date=4 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113154514/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_data_finder/A_Series/Total_population.htm |archive-date=13 November 2013 |url-status=live }}[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_Data_Online/Language/partb.htm] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811065050/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_Data_Online/Language/partb.htm |date=11 August 2016 }} Census 2011 Non scheduled languages

| label1 = Konyak| value1 = 12.33| color1 = red

| label2 = Ao| value2 = 11.67| color2 = royalblue

| label3 = Lotha| value3 = 8.96| color3 = powderblue

| label4 = Angami

| value4 = 7.67

| color4 = purple

| label5 = Chokri| value5 = 4.60| color5 = orchid

| label6 = Sangtam| value6 = 3.83| color6 = mediumblue

| label7 = Bengali

| value7 = 3.77

| color7 = Moccasin

| label8 = Yimkhiungrü

| value8 = 3.74

| color8 = navy

| label9 = Chang

| value9 = 3.31

| color9 = firebrick

| label10 = Khiamniungan

| value10 = 3.12

| color10 = tomato

| label11 = Rengma

| value11 = 3.11

| color11 = Maroon

| label12 = Zeliang

| value12 = 3.05

| color12 = aquamarine

| label13 = Phom

| value13 = 2.71

| color13 = crimson

| label14 = Nepali

| value14 = 2.71

| color14 = sandybrown

| label15 = Kuzhami

| value15 = 1.73

| color15 = darkslateblue

| label16 = Hindi

| value16 = 1.59

| color16 = orange

| label17 = Pochury

| value17 = 1.08

| color17 = indigo

}}

Naga people form the majority of the population. According to the 2011 census there are 2 million people living in Nagaland. The Naga people number around 1.8 million in the state, constituting over 90% of the population. These belong mostly to the Sino-Tibetan language family.Matisoff, J. A. (1980). Stars, moon, and spirits: bright beings of the night in Sino-Tibetan, Gengo Kenkyu, 77(1), 45 Shafer came up with his own classification system for languages found in and around Nagaland.Braj Bihari Kumar (2005), Naga Identity, {{ISBN|978-8180691928}}, Chapter 6

In 1967, the Nagaland Assembly proclaimed Indian English as the official language of Nagaland and it is the medium for education in Nagaland.{{cite web|title=52nd REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR LINGUISTIC MINORITIES IN INDIA|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|website=nclm.nic.in|publisher=Ministry of Minority Affairs|access-date=26 July 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525141614/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|archive-date=25 May 2017}} Other than English, Nagamese, a creole language based on Assamese, is widely spoken.Khubchandani, L. M. (1997), Bilingual education for indigenous people in India. In Encyclopedia of Language and Education Volume 5, pp 67-76, Springer Netherlands

The major languages spoken as per the 2011 census are Konyak (244,135), Ao (231,084), Lotha (177,488), Angami (151,883), Chokri (91,010), Sangtam (75,841), Bengali (74,753), Zeme (71,954; covering Zeliang, 60,399 and Zemi, 11,165), Yimkhiungrü (74,156), Chang (65,632), Khiamniungan (61,906), Rengma (61,537), Phom (53,674), Nepali (43,481), Kuzhami (34,218), Pochury (21,446), Kuki (18,391), Chakhesang (17,919), Assamese (17,201), Bodo (12,243; covering Bodo 7,372 and Dimasa 4,871), Manipuri (9,511), Sema (8,268), etc.{{cite web |title=population by mother tongue |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/Language_MTs.html |website=Census India |access-date=23 May 2020 |archive-date=28 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528023913/https://censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/Language_MTs.html |url-status=live }}

{{Pie chart

| thumb = right

| caption = Religion in Nagaland (2011){{cite web|title=Population by religion community – 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/state/nagaland.html |title=Nagaland Population 2011 Census |access-date=2 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023234854/http://www.census2011.co.in/census/state/nagaland.html |archive-date=23 October 2015 |url-status=live }}

| label1 = Christianity

| color1 = Dodger Blue

| value1 = 87.92

| label2 = Hinduism

| color2 = DarkOrange

| value2 = 8.75

| label3 = Islam

| color3 = Green

| value3 = 2.47

| label4 = Buddhism

| color4 = Gold

| value4 = 0.34

| label5 = Jainism

| color5 = Brown

| value5 = 0.13

| label6 = Sikhism

| color6 = Yellow

| value6 = 0.10

| value7 = 0.16

| label7 = Other religion

| color7 = Crimson

| value8 = 0.12

| label8 = not religious

| color8 = black

}}

{{main|Christianity in Nagaland}}

{{see also|Nagaland Baptist Church Council}}File:KOHIMA CATHEDRAL.jpg.]]

The state's population is 1.978 million, out of which 88% are Christians.{{cite web |title=2011 Census |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913045700/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html |archive-date=13 September 2015 |access-date=30 August 2015}}Vibha Joshia, The Birth of Christian Enthusiasm among the Angami of Nagaland, Journal of South Asian Studies, Volume 30, Issue 3, 2007, pages 541-557 Nagaland is known as "the only predominantly Baptist State in the World" and "the most Baptist State in the World."Olson, C. Gordon. What in the World Is God Doing. Global Gospel Publishers: Cedar Knolls, NJ. 2003.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uwukCwAAQBAJ|title=Arise! Shine!: For Your Light Is Come and the Glory of the Lord Is Risen Upon You|last=Gillaspie|first=Gloria|date=5 April 2016|publisher=Charisma Media|isbn=9781629985046|page=208|language=en}}{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WgnPCwAAQBAJ|title=Progress and Its Impact on the Nagas: A Clash of Worldviews|last=Thong|first=Tezenlo|date=23 March 2016|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781317075318|page=128|language=en}}

Christianity arrived in Nagaland in the early 19th century. The American Baptist Naga mission grew out of the Assam mission in 1836. Miles Bronson, Nathan Brown and other Christian missionaries working out of Jaipur to bring Christianity to the Indian subcontinent, saw the opportunity for gaining converts since many parts of India's northeast was principally animist and folk religion-driven. Along with other tribal regions of the northeast, the people of Nagaland converted to Christianity.

{{Main|Hinduism in Nagaland}}

Hinduism is the second largest religion in Nagaland. Hindus are concentrated mainly in the erstwhile Dimapur District (as per the 2011 Census of India, comprising the present districts of Dimapur, Niuland, and Chümoukedima){{Cite magazine |title='Best Christmas gift': Nagaland govt creates three new districts |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nagaland-government-creates-three-new-districts-1889461-2021-12-18 |magazine=India Today |agency=PTI |date=19 December 2021 |access-date=23 October 2023 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030144102/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nagaland-government-creates-three-new-districts-1889461-2021-12-18 |url-status=live }} (28.75%) and Kohima District (9.51%). Dimapur Kalibari is a famous temple in Nagaland.{{cite news|title=Dimapur Kalibari Observes Golden Jubilee|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1137175111.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301100318/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1137175111.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 March 2016|access-date=5 September 2012|newspaper=Hindustan Times, Delhi|date=28 September 2006}}

Islam is the third practiced religion and shares are ~2.5 per cent of the Nagaland population. The highest concentration of Muslims in Dimapur District, while other districts have less than 2%.{{Cite web |title=Dimapur District Religion Data - Hindu/Muslim |url=https://www.census2011.co.in/data/religion/district/612-dimapur.html |access-date=8 March 2025 |website=www.census2011.co.in}}

There are also folk religions practised by some Nagas, specially among the Zeliangrongs (Zemes, Liangmais and Rongmeis) but few among other Naga ethnic groups.{{Cite web|date=7 January 2018|title=In Christian Nagaland, indigenous religion of pre-Christian Nagas withstands test of time|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/nagaland/in-christian-nagaland-indigenous-religion-of-pre-christian-nagas-withstand-test-of-time-5010777/|access-date=15 March 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}

{{Main|Government of Nagaland}}

{{further|Nagaland Lok Sabha constituency}}

The governor is the constitutional head of state, representative of the President of India. He possesses largely ceremonial responsibilities apart from law and order responsibilities.

{{see also|Political Parties in Nagaland}}

The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) is a state level coalition of political parties. It headed the government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) (JDU). It was formed in 2003 after the Nagaland Legislative Assembly election, with the Naga People's Front (NPF), and the BJP.{{cite news |url=http://www.rediff.com/election/2003/mar/02naga.htm |title=DAN to stake claim in Nagaland |work=Rediff.com |date=2 March 2003 |access-date=21 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924123237/http://www.rediff.com/election/2003/mar/02naga.htm |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live }} The alliance was in power in Nagaland from 2003 to 2018.{{cite news |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/nagaland-counting-on-february-28-chief-minister-neiphiu-rio/1/251990.html |title=Naga People's Front secures absolute majority in Assembly polls, set to form third consecutive government |agency=PTI |publisher=India Today |date=28 February 2013 |access-date=21 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207045225/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/nagaland-counting-on-february-28-chief-minister-neiphiu-rio/1/251990.html |archive-date=7 December 2013 |url-status=live}}

The NDPP–BJP–NPF alliance led UDA government has won the majority in 2018 Nagaland Legislative Assembly election and has been in power since then.{{cite news |title=Nagaland Election Results: Full List of All Winning Candidates (MLAs) |url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/nagaland-election-results-full-list-of-all-winning-candidates-mlas-1677541.html |access-date=22 November 2019 |work=News18 |date=3 March 2018 |archive-date=25 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425151207/https://www.news18.com/news/politics/nagaland-election-results-full-list-of-all-winning-candidates-mlas-1677541.html |url-status=live }}

{{Main|List of districts of Nagaland}}

{{Nagaland Districts}}

The sixteen districts of Nagaland, and their headquarters, 2011 census populations,{{cite web|title=Primary Census Abstract|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/default.aspx|publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|date=2011|quote="Select State Nagaland, Select District All, Submit"|access-date=16 August 2022|archive-date=9 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009081347/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/default.aspx|url-status=live}} areas and elevations (of the seat) are:

{{srn}}

{{mw-datatable}}

The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Nagaland was about {{INRConvert|12065|c}} in 2011–12.[http://pbplanning.gov.in/pdf/Statewise%20GSDP%20PCI%20and%20G.R.pdf State wise : Population, GSDP, Per Capita Income and Growth Rate] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111062118/http://pbplanning.gov.in/pdf/Statewise%20GSDP%20PCI%20and%20G.R.pdf|date=11 November 2013}} Planning Commission, Govt of India; See third table 2011-2012 fiscal year, 19th row Nagaland's GSDP grew at 9.9% compounded annually for a decade, thus more than doubling the per capita income.[http://www.ibef.org/pages/32467 Nagaland Economy Report, 2011-2012] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714191607/http://www.ibef.org/pages/32467 |date=14 July 2014 }} IBEF, India

Nagaland has a literacy rate of 80.1 per cent. The majority of the population in the state speaks English, which is the official language of the state. The state offers technical and medical education. Nevertheless, agriculture and forestry contribute a majority of Nagaland's Gross Domestic Product. The state is rich in mineral resources such as coal, limestone, iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium, and marble.Anowar Hussain, Economy of North Eastern Region of India, Vol.1, Issue XII / June 2012, pp.1-4

File:Terrace cultivation, Pfutsero, Nagaland (6328134243).jpg]]

Plantation crops such as premium coffee, cardamom, and tea are grown in hilly areas in small quantities with large growth potential. Most people cultivate rice as it is the main staple diet of the people. About 80% of the cropped area is dedicated to rice. Oilseeds is another, higher income crop gaining ground in Nagaland. The farm productivity for all crops is low, compared to other Indian states, suggesting a significant opportunity for farmer income increase. Currently, the Jhum to Terraced cultivation ratio is 4:3; where Jhum is the local name for cut-and-burn shift farming. Jhum farming is ancient, causes a lot of pollution and soil damage, yet accounts for the majority of the farmed area. The state does not produce enough food and depends on the trade of food from other states of India.Purusottam Nayak, [http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/51851/ Some Facts and Figures on Development Attainments in Nagaland] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630025310/http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/51851/ |date=30 June 2014 }}, Munich Personal RePEc Archive, MPRA Paper No. 51851, October 2013

Tourism has a lot of potentials but was largely limited due to insurgency and concern of terrorist violence over the last five decades. More recently, a number of Small Medium Enterprises and private sector companies have actively promoted Nagaland tourism, helping initiate a growing tourism market. Tourism experts contend that the state's uniqueness and strategic location in northeast India give Nagaland an advantage in tapping into the tourism sector for economic growth.{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/A-window-to-the-North-East/article14626697.ece |title=A window to the northeast |newspaper=The Hindu |date=1 November 2016 |access-date=21 March 2017 |last1=Ghosh |first1=Saptaparno |archive-date=7 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307234405/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/A-window-to-the-North-East/article14626697.ece |url-status=live }}

The state generates 87.98 MU compared to a demand for 242.88 MU. This deficit requires Nagaland to buy power. The state has significant hydroelectric potential, which if realised could make the state a power surplus state. In terms of power distribution, every village and town, and almost every household has an electricity connection; but, this infrastructure is not effective given the power shortage in the state.

After a gap of almost 20 years, Nagaland state Chief Minister, T. R. Zeliang launched the resumption of oil exploration in Changpang and Tsori areas, under Wokha District in July 2014. The exploration will be carried out by the Metropolitan Oil & Gas Pvt. Ltd. Zeliang has alleged failures and disputed payments made to the statement made by the previous explorer, the state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).Oil exploration resumes in Nagaland, (21 July 2014) Accessed from http://www.morungexpress.com/frontpage/119064.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018180203/http://www.morungexpress.com/frontpage/119064.html |date=18 October 2014 }} on 18 October 2014

Nagaland's rugged and mountainous landscape presents a major challenge to the infrastructural development of transport. Roads are the backbone of Nagaland's transportation network. The state has over 15,000 km of surfaced roads, but these are not satisfactorily maintained given the weather damage. Yet, in terms of population served for each kilometre of surfaced road, Nagaland is the second best state in the region after Arunachal Pradesh.

{{wide image|Asian Highway 1 passing through Viswema.jpg|250px|{{center|AH1 passing through Nagaland}}||right}}

• 30px Asian Highway 1
• 30px Asian Highway 2

• {{jct|country=IND|NH|2}} : Dibrugarh–Tuli–Changtongya–Mokokchung–Wokha–Tseminyü–Kohima–Viswema–Imphal
• {{jct|country=IND|NH|29}} : Dabaka–Dimapur–Chümoukedima–Kohima–Kigwema–Chizami–Jessami
• {{jct|country=IND|NH|129}} : Dimapur–Numaligarh
• {{jct|country=IND|NH|129A}} : Dimapur–Rüzaphema–Pimla–Jalukie–Peren–Maram
• {{jct|country=IND|NH|202}} : Mokokchung–Tuensang–Meluri–Jessami–Imphal
• {{jct|country=IND|NH|702}} : Changtongya–Longleng–Mon–Tizit–Sapekhati
• {{jct|country=IND|NH|702B}} : Longleng–Tuensang

File:Dimapur airport.jpg

Dimapur Airport is the sole airport in Nagaland, with scheduled commercial services to Kolkata,

Guwahati, Imphal,{{cite web|url=https://centreforaviation.com/news/alliance-air-confirms-plans-to-commence-guwahati-dimapur-imphal-service-in-dec-2019-959869|title=Alliance Air confirms plans to commence Guwahati-Dimapur-Imphal service in Dec-2019|work=CAPA|access-date=4 December 2019|archive-date=4 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204131452/https://centreforaviation.com/news/alliance-air-confirms-plans-to-commence-guwahati-dimapur-imphal-service-in-dec-2019-959869|url-status=live}} and Dibrugarh. It is located {{convert|7|km|mi}} from Dimapur, and {{convert|70|km|mi}} from Kohima. The airport's asphalt runway is 2290 metre long, at an elevation of 487 feet.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20151018230601/http://worldaerodata.com/wad.cgi?id=IN12091&sch=VEMR Dimapur airport]}} World Aero Data (2012)

File:Ao Naga lady in her traditional attire.jpg File:Embroidered textile from Nagaland, Honolulu Museum of Art 13688.1.JPG

File:Hunted skulls in a house in Nagaland.jpg

{{See also|Music of Nagaland|List of Naga ethnic groups}}

File:Sumi Martyrs' Day.jpg

{{multiple image

| direction = horizontal

| align = right

| width = 146

| footer = A Naga man with his spear, from a tribe, dressed for the war-fest=Ao tribesman at his village for festival celebration Nagaland India.jpg

| image2 =

}}

Nagaland is known in India as the Land of Festivals.[http://nagaland.nic.in/profile/festivals/introduction.htm Nagaland] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628095751/http://nagaland.nic.in/profile/festivals/introduction.htm |date=28 June 2014 }} Government of Nagaland (2009) The diversity of people and ethnic groups, each with their own culture and heritage, creates a year-long atmosphere of celebrations. In addition, the state celebrates all Christian festivities. Traditional ethnic-related festivals revolve round agriculture, as a vast majority of the population of Nagaland is directly dependent on agriculture. Some of the significant festivals for each major ethnic groups are:

{{main|Hornbill Festival}}

File:Hornbill Festival, Pix by Vikramjit Kakati.jpg

The Hornbill Festival{{cite web|url=http://www.hornbillfestival.com/|title=Hornbill Festival official website|access-date=1 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101040550/http://www.hornbillfestival.com/|archive-date=1 November 2014|url-status=live}} was launched by the Government of Nagaland in December 2000 to encourage inter-ethnic interaction and to promote cultural heritage of the state.

It is held at the Kisama Heritage Village which is about 12 km south of Kohima. All the ethnic groups of Nagaland take part in this festival. The aim of the festival is to revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and display its history, culture and traditions.[http://www.festivalsofindia.in/hornbill/ Hornbill Festival] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208163137/http://www.festivalsofindia.in/hornbill/ |date=8 December 2011 }} www.festivalsofindia.in

File:Hornbill Festival ,Nagaland.jpg

The festival is named after the hornbill bird, which is displayed in folklores in most of the state's ethnic groups. The week-long festival unites Nagaland and people enjoy the colourful performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games, and ceremonies. Traditional arts which include paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures are on display. Festival highlights include traditional Naga Morungs exhibition and sale of arts and crafts, food stalls, herbal medicine stalls, shows and sales, cultural medley – songs and dances, fashion shows, beauty contest, traditional archery, naga wrestling, indigenous games, and musical concerts. Additional attractions include the Konyak fire eating demonstration, pork-fat eating competitions, the Hornbill Literature Festival (including the Hutton Lectures), Hornbill Global Film Fest, Hornbill Ball, Choral Panorama, North East India Drum Ensemble, Naga King Chilli eating competition, Hornbill National Rock Contest,[http://www.hornbillmusic.com/ Hornbill National Rock Contest] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110207231157/http://hornbillmusic.com/ |date=7 February 2011 }} official website Hornbill International Motor Rally and WW-II Vintage Car Rally.[http://www.nagalandpost.com/ChannelNews/State/StateNews.aspx?news=TkVXUzEwMDAwOTc3NA%3D%3D-1dcVCWhUBdM%3D 2 crore 7-day Hornbill Festival to enthrall] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407124307/http://www.nagalandpost.com/ChannelNews/State/StateNews.aspx?news=TkVXUzEwMDAwOTc3NA==-1dcVCWhUBdM= |date=7 April 2012 }} nagalandpost.com Retrieved 3 December 2011[http://www.nagalandpost.com/ChannelNews/Sports/SportsNews.aspx?news=TkVXUzEwMDAwOTg4Mw%3d%3d-wWhyNwKSFz0%3d Hornbill International Motor Rally starts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407124351/http://www.nagalandpost.com/ChannelNews/Sports/SportsNews.aspx?news=TkVXUzEwMDAwOTg4Mw==-wWhyNwKSFz0= |date=7 April 2012 }} nagalandpost.com Retrieved 3 December 2011

File:Hornbill Festival,Nagaland 2.jpg

{{see also|List of traditional Naga games and sports}}

{{further|Kene (Naga wrestling)}}

Kene or Naga wrestling is a folk wrestling style and traditional sport of the Nagas.{{Cite web|url=https://theshillongtimes.com/2017/09/16/nagaland-governor-calls-to-preserve-naga-indigenous-games/|title=Nagaland Governor calls to preserve Naga indigenous games|date=16 September 2017|website=The Shillong Times|access-date=3 March 2022|archive-date=3 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303160435/https://theshillongtimes.com/2017/09/16/nagaland-governor-calls-to-preserve-naga-indigenous-games/|url-status=live}}

{{further|Aki Kiti}}

Aki Kiti or Sümi kick fighting is a traditional combat sport originating from and was practised by the Sümi Nagas. It is characterised by kicking and blocking solely using the soles of the feet. The sporting event served the purpose of righting wrongs, restoring honour, or "settling scores" between tribes and tribesmen without resorting to violence. It was practised during tribal ceremonies.{{cite book|last=Crudelli|first=Chris|author-link=Chris Crudelli|title=The Way of the Warrior|date=October 2008|publisher=Dorling Kindersley Limited|isbn=978-1-4053-3750-2|page=23|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QlI0fxSm1vgC|access-date=19 March 2023|archive-date=10 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210073859/https://books.google.com/books?id=QlI0fxSm1vgC|url-status=live}}

{{main|Nagaland cricket team|Nagaland women's cricket team}}

{{main|Nagaland football team}}

{{main|Naga cuisine}}

In Naga society, individuals were expected to find their place in the social hierarchy, and prestige was the key to maintaining or increasing social status. To achieve these goals a man, whatever his ascendancy, had to be a headhunter or great warrior, have many sexual conquests among women, or complete a series of merit feasts.Drouyer, A. Isabel, René Drouyer, THE NAGAS: MEMORIES OF HEADHUNTERS- Indo-Burmese Borderlands- Volume 1", White Lotus, 2016, p.168.

The Feasts of Merit reflected the splendor and celebration of Naga life. Only married men could give such Feasts, and his wife took a prominent and honoured place during the ritual which emphasised male-female co-operation and interdependence. His wife brewed the beer which he offered to the guests. The event displayed ceremonies and festivities organised by the sponsor. The Feast given by a wealthier community person would be more extravagant.C. R. Stonor (1950), [https://www.jstor.org/stable/40450827 The Feasts of Merit among the Northern Sangtam Tribe of Assam] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917143448/https://www.jstor.org/stable/40450827 |date=17 September 2018 }}, Anthropos, Bd. 45, H. 1./3. (Jan.–Jun. 1950), pp. 1-12; Note: Nagaland was part of Assam before 1963; this paper was published in 1950. He would typically invite everyone from the ethnic group. This event bestowed honour to the couple from the community. After the Feast, the tribe would give the couple rights to ornaments equally.Mills, J. P. (1935), The Effect of Ritual Upon Industries and Arts in the Naga Hills, Man, 132-135

{{See also|List of institutions of higher education in Nagaland}}

Nagaland's schools are run by the state and central government or by a private organisation. Instruction is mainly in English — the official language of Nagaland. Under the 10+2+3 plan, after passing the Higher Secondary Examination (the grade 12 examination), students may enroll in general or professional degree programs.

Nagaland has three autonomous colleges:

• St. Joseph's College, Jakhama
• Kohima Science College, Jotsoma
• Patkai Christian College, Chümoukedima

Along with one central university—Nagaland University, one engineering college—National Institute of Technology, one medical college— Nagaland Institute of Medical Science and Research, one College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry in Jalukie{{Cite web|url=http://morungexpress.com/jalukie-veterinary-college-to-start-functioning-from-the-current-academic-session-2016-17/|title=Jalukie Veterinary College to start functioning from the current academic session 2016-17 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212003143/http://morungexpress.com/jalukie-veterinary-college-to-start-functioning-from-the-current-academic-session-2016-17/|archive-date=12 December 2016|access-date=23 August 2017|work=morungexpress.com|date=13 April 2016}} and three private Universities—St. Joseph University,{{cite web |url=http://morungexpress.com/st-joseph-university-focus-higher-technical-edu/ |title=St. Joseph University |work=morungexpress.com |access-date=23 August 2017 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Northeast Christian University (NECU){{Cite web | url=http://necu.ac.in/ | title=NECU Official Website | access-date=4 June 2019 | archive-date=4 June 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604073115/http://necu.ac.in/ | url-status=live }} and Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University (ICFAI University).{{cite web |title=ICFAI University Nagaland {{!}} Full-time Campus Programs in Dimapur Nagaland |url=https://www.iunagaland.edu.in/ |website=www.iunagaland.edu.in |access-date=15 February 2021 |archive-date=28 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228153025/https://iunagaland.edu.in/ |url-status=live }}

File:Hornbill Festival 2018.jpg]]

{{main|Tourism in North East India}}

Tourism experts contend that the state's uniqueness and strategic location in northeast India give Nagaland an advantage in tapping into the tourism sector for economic growth. The state has been extremely successful in promoting the great Hornbill Festival, which attracts Indian and foreign tourists alike.

The key thrusts of Nagaland's tourism are its rich culture, showcasing of history and wildlife.https://tourism.nagaland.gov.in/ Tourism infrastructure is rapidly improving.{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Ignore-the-potholes-enjoy-the-ride/article14021341.ece |title=Ignore the potholes, enjoy the ride |newspaper=The Hindu |date=22 January 2016 |access-date=17 January 2017 |last1=Abraham |first1=Rohan K. |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308074935/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Ignore-the-potholes-enjoy-the-ride/article14021341.ece |url-status=live }} Local initiatives and tourism pioneers are now beginning to promote a socially responsible tourism model involving the participation of the councils, village elders, the church and the youth.{{cite web|url=http://m.idiva.com/opinion-entertainment/rohan-abraham-chief-traveller-india-trail-is-blazing-the-north-east-trails-of-india/15111052|title=This Trail Blazer is Helping Indians Discover The North East Like Never Before |publisher=iDiva |date=11 November 2015|access-date=14 February 2017}}

The Naga Mircha is a variety of chilli mainly grown in this state.

These are one of the world's hottest chillies and an indigenous treasure of Nagaland, deeply rooted in the region's lifestyle since ancient times. For generations, farmers in Nagaland's chilli-growing areas have cultivated Naga Mircha Chilli, relying on it as a primary source of income and livelihood. This iconic chilli is an integral part of Nagaland's culinary identity, inseparably linked to the local community as a staple ingredient.{{cite journal |title=GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS JOURNAL NO.25 AUGUST- 11 , 2008 |page=37 |url=https://ipindia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/Images/pdf/Journal_25.pdf |access-date=29 October 2024}}

It was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) status tag from the Geographical Indications Registry under the Union Government of India on 2 December 2008 (valid until 21 August 2027).{{cite news |title=PM Modi wonders who has eaten world's spiciest Raja Mircha! Nagaland grown GI product exported to London |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/life/lifestyle-pm-modi-wonders-who-has-eaten-worlds-spiciest-raja-mircha-nagaland-grown-gi-product-exported-to-london-2300287/ |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=Financialexpress |date=29 July 2021 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=World's hottest chilli: Nagaland CM Rio releases India Post's special cover on Naga Mircha |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/guwahati/story/world-s-hottest-chilli-nagaland-cm-rio-releases-india-post-s-special-cover-on-naga-mircha-1841865-2021-08-17 |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=India Today |date=17 August 2021 |language=en}}

The Secretary, Department of Horticulture & Agriculture, Government of Nagaland, from Kohima, proposed the GI registration of Naga Mircha. After filing the application in August 2007, the chilli was granted the GI tag in 2008 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Naga Mircha" exclusive to the chilies grown in the region. It thus became the first chilli variety from Nagaland and the first type of goods from Nagaland to earn the GI tag.{{cite news |title=The hottest chillies in the world! |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/the-hottest-chillies-in-the-world/story-klb2pfo3fPxM7AFlISMptM.html |access-date=29 October 2024}}{{cite news |title=Nagaland gets patent rights for Naga King Chilli |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/nagaland-gets-patent-rights-for-naga-king-chilli/articleshow/61219132.cms |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=The Times of India |date=25 October 2017}}{{cite news |title=Many GI-tagged products hold potential to boost exports: Commerce Ministry - ET Retail |url=https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/grocery/many-gi-tagged-products-hold-potential-to-boost-exports-commerce-ministry/90315767 |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=ETRetail.com |language=en}}

{{Portal|Geography|Asia|India}}

• Naga Self-Administered Zone in Myanmar
• Outline of Nagaland
• Index of Nagaland-related articles
• Kohima

{{reflist}}

• {{Citation|last=Scott|first=James George|year =1967|title=Hsenwi State Chronicle}}
• {{citation|last1=Luce|first1=G.H|last2= Htway|first2=Tin|contribution=A 15th Century Inscription and Library at Pagán, Burma|year=1976|title= Malalasekera Commemoration Volume. Colombo: The Malalasekera Commemoration Volume Editorial Committee|pages =203–256|publisher=Dept of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Ceylon}}
• {{cite book|last=Gogoi|first=Padmeswar|title=The political expansion of the Mao Shans|year=1956}}

{{Refbegin}}

• Drouyer, A. Isabel, René Drouyer, "THE NAGAS: MEMORIES OF HEADHUNTERS- Indo-Burmese Borderlands-vol. 1", White lotus, 2016, {{ISBN|978-2-9545112-2-1}}.
• Glancey, Jonathan. 2011. Nagaland: a Journey to India's Forgotten Frontier. London: Faber
• Hattaway, Paul. 2006. 'From Head Hunters To Church Planters'. Authentic Publishing
• Hutton, J. 1986. 'Report on Naga Hills' Delhi: Mittal Publication.
• Kunz, Richard & Vibha Joshi. 2008. Naga – A Forgotten Mountain Region Rediscovered. Basel: Merian.
• Oppitz, Michael, Thomas Kaiser, Alban von Stockhausen & Marion Wettstein. 2008. Naga Identities: Changing Local Cultures in the Northeast of India. Gent: Snoeck Publishers.
• Stirn, Aglaja & Peter van Ham. The Hidden world of the Naga: Living Traditions in Northeast India. London: Prestel.
• von Stockhausen, Alban. 2014. Imag(in)ing the Nagas: The Pictorial Ethnography of Hans-Eberhard Kauffmann and Christoph von Fürer-Haimendorf. Arnoldsche, Stuttgart, {{ISBN|978-3-89790-412-5}}.

{{Refend}}

{{Wikivoyage}}

{{Commons category}}

Government

• {{official website}}
• [http://tourismnagaland.com/ Official tourism site of Nagaland]
• [https://dopn.co.in Department of Power Nagaland]

General information

• [https://www.britannica.com/place/Nagaland Nagaland] Encyclopædia Britannica entry
• {{osmrelation-inline|2027973}}

{{Geographic Location

| Centre = Nagaland

| North = Arunachal Pradesh

| Northeast =

| East = {{flag|Sagaing Region}}, {{flag|Myanmar}}

| Southeast =

| South = Manipur

| Southwest =

| West = Assam

| Northwest =

}}

{{Districts of Nagaland}}

{{North East India|state=collapsed}}

{{States and territories of India}}

{{UNPO}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1963 establishments in India

Category:Countries and territories where English is an official language

Category:Northeast India

Category:States and territories established in 1963

Category:States and union territories of India