The State of Nagaland was formally inaugurated on December 1st, 1963, as the 16th State of the Indian Union. It is bounded by Assam in the West, Myanmar (Burma) on the east, Arunachal Pradesh and part of Assam on the North and Manipur in the South. The State consists of seven Administrative Districts, inhabited by 16 major tribes along with other sub-tribes. 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. Here, music is an integral part of life; folk songs eugolising ancestors, the brave deeds of warriors and traditional heroes; poetic love songs immortalising ancient tragic love stories; Gospel songs that touch your soul (should you have a religious bend of mind) or the modern tunes rendered exquisitely to set your feet a-tapping.
History :
The Nagaland State comprises the former Naga Hills district of Assam and the former Tuensang Frontier division of the North East Frontier Agency. These had been made a Centrally Administered Area in 1957, administered by the President through the Governor of Assam. In January 1961 the Government of India conferred the status of a State on Nagaland. The State of Nagaland was officially inaugurated on 1st Dec. 1963. Each Village of Nagaland is an epitome of the ancient Greek city states with its own definitive population, area and administration. No wonder Nagaland is sometimes described as a conglomeration of 'Village Republics'. Village-level institutions have been strong in Nagaland. By 1980, the Village Development Boards (VDB) were given administrative and local mandate. These VDBs are the Naga version of Panchayati raj system, and true catalysis for rural development.
Cities of Nagaland
Kohima, Wokha, Phek, Tuensang
Tourist Attraction of Nagaland :-
DIMAPUR :- About 74 kms west of Kohima, it is the trade and commercial center of Nagaland. In fact, its vital communications may explain why it was included within the state , for it has absolutely no resemblance and affinity with the rest of the Nagaland. The main entry point into the state, it's a fly-blown place that has unfortunately, pushed back the forest and encroached on the numerous large water tanks. An interesting place near Dimapur is the Khonoma Village, about 20 kms from Dimapur, is the place from where the Nagas fought their last battle with the British in 1879. About 20 types of rice are said to be grown here, according to the elevation of the paddy field and its soil. As one approaches the village, one can see memorial stones commemorating the 'Feasts of Merit' of the Nagas.
Phek :- 134 km. The district headquarters and home of the Chakhesang (a combination of three tribes: cha of chekru khe of Khezhe and sang of Sangtam) their culture and custom is distinctly different from other Nagas. 7sukhenyie', the principal festival, is observed during March-April.
wokha :- Wokha is surrounded by a lot of eye-catching hilltop villages where one can see monoliths erected by rich ancestors. The Lothas are also famous for their colourful dances and folk songs. 'Tokhu Emong' and "Pikhuchak" are their principal festivals. Wokha district is covered with luxuriant vegetation and the best varieties of oranges and pineapples are grown here.
How to get there :-
By road :-
Kohima is connected by road to Dimapur - 74 kms; Imphal - 145 kms; Guwahati - 390 kms; Shillong - 490 kms; Calcutta - 1,516 kms etc.
By Air :-
Nearest airport - Dimapur 74 kms from Kohima.
By Train :-
Dimapur ( 74 kms ), the nearest railhead, is on the North-East Frontier Railway and is directly connected to Guwahati which in turn is directly connected to all the majore places in India.
