Nagaland

Quick Facts: Who was Nagaland?

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Nagaland

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A state in northeastern India, known for its diverse tribes and rich cultural heritage.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Nagaland () is a state in the north-eastern region of India. It is bordered by the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh to the north, Assam to the west, Manipur to the south, and the Naga Self-Administered Zone of the Sagaing Region of Myanmar (Burma) to the east. Its capital city is Kohima and its largest city is the twin Chümoukedima–Dimapur. The state has an area of 16,579 square kilometres (6,401 sq mi) with a population of 1,980,602 as per the 2011 census of India, making it one of the least populated states in India. Nagaland consists of 17 administrative districts, inhabited by 17 major tribes along with other sub-tribes.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Each tribe is distinct in character from the other in terms of customs, language and dress. It is a land of folklore passed down the generations through word of mouth. The earliest recorded history of the Nagas of the present-day Nagaland dates back to the 13th century. In the 19th century, the British India forces began expanding their influence in Northeast India, including the Naga Hills. After India's independence in 1947, the question of the Naga Hills' political status emerged.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Nagaland was a district in the State of Assam until 1957, known to others as "The Naga Hills". The Naga National Council, led by Zapu Phizo, demanded an independent Naga state and launched an armed insurgency. The Indian Government, however, maintained that Nagaland was an integral part of the Indian Union. The conflict between the Naga National Council and the Indian Government resulted in a protracted insurgency. The State of Nagaland was formally inaugurated on 1 December 1963, as the 16th state of the Indian Union, and a democratically elected government took office in 1964.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1947: 1947 Milestone — After India's independence in 1947, the question of the Naga Hills' political status emerged.
2. 1957: 1957 Milestone — Nagaland was a district in the State of Assam until 1957, known to others as "The Naga Hills".
3. 1963: 1963 Milestone — The State of Nagaland was formally inaugurated on 1 December 1963, as the 16th state of the Indian Union, and a democratically elected government took office in 1964.
4. 2011: 2011 Milestone — The state has an area of 16,579 square kilometres (6,401 sq mi) with a population of 1,980,602 as per the 2011 census of India, making it one of the least populated states in India.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Nagaland

True or False: “The Naga people were first encountered by Europeans during the 13th century, predating British influence.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While early records exist, sustained European contact and documented military expeditions in the region began significantly later, notably from the 1830s onwards.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Nagaland