The
state of Nagaland, covering an area of 16,488 sq. km. is encircled by Assam
in the north and west, by Burma and Arunachal Pradesh in the east, and
Manipur in the South. The state is predominantly dominated by Naga
communities and hence, it forms a single cultural region generally definable
by common cultural and linguistic traditions. This state was carved out of
the territories that were earlier known as Naga Hills - Tuesnsang
Area(NHTA), through the State of Nagaland Act, 1962. It was inaugurated on
1st December, 1963 by the then President of India, Dr S. Radhakrishnan.
The state lies between 2506 deg and 2704 deg of the equator and between the
longitudinal lines 93015 deg E. The Barail range extending from the
south-west via North Cachar runs up to Kohima, with its highest Peak, Japvo,
attaining a height of 3,048 metres.
Climate
The beginning of winter is marked by a steep fall (almost 5 degree
Centigrade) in temprature during December. January is the coldest month. In
February, the temprature starts rising gradually. The monsoon lasts for five
months from May to September with June, July and May, being the wettest
months. The annual rainfall varies from 100 cm to over 300 cm.
Handicrafts
Nagaland's handloom and handicrafts own a reputation for their quality. The
beautifully hand woven tribal shawls of various tribes, Naga mekhelas
(Sarongs), Naga hand bags, which are exquisitely and intricately designed,
have won worldwide appreciation. The new generation of Nagas have ventured
into fashion designing on a commercial scale, reproducing fabrics that
represent the past, fused with modern taste. They have handicrafts like
beads, cearlands & baskets, made of cane & bamboo.
Flora & Fauna
The variations in the altitude, latitude, climate and soil have given rise
to a diversity of forest types, ranging from tropical evergreen to temperate
evergreen and the coniferous.
Bamboo groves are extensive everywhere. Among the common species, mention
may be made of the Naga Bhe and plants such as Mesuaferrea, Careyaarbotrea
and Fiscus Electica. On the hill slopes are found oak, chestnut, birch,
magnolia, cherry, maple, laurel and fig. Pine trees are found at high
altitude areas, varying from 3,000 to 4,000 ft. Wild vegetables, roots,
fruits and tubers are found in abundance throughout Nagaland.
Nagaland constitutes a meeting ground for the sub-Himalayan, Indian,
Chinese and Burmese type of fauna. Elephants, tigers, barking deer and
sambar are found in different places through the state. Monkeys, jackals,
wild buffaloes, wild pigs, bear and wild dogs are sparsely distributed
through the Naga Hills. Among the ritually most valued species is Mithun.
Other common species are lizards, toads, monitors.
Faith & Culture
The entire Naga inhabited area may be described as one culture area, on
account of several ethno-historical factors. There are 14 tribes in
Nagaland. The traditional faith, religious beliefs and practices of Naga
tribes show signs of being animistic. There is a belief of a supreme creator
of mankind, and many deities, ghosts and spirits of trees, rivers and hills.
There are priests and medicine-men who placate these spirits, banish those
who give diseases, attract those who help and guard, and also take the lead
in the rites and festivals, which stimulate the processes of agriculture.
Among the Naga tribes (Chang, Sangtam, Khiamngan), there is a belief that
the soul, after death, goes down a narrow path to the land of the dead that
is guarded by a spirit with whom it must struggle. Most Naga tribes regard
the ultimate ancestors of man and the tiger, as very intimately associated.
The ancient Kachari capital, Dimapur is one of the important sites of
megalithic culture. The ruins appear to be contemporaries with the Kachari
civilisation, established before the Ahom invasion in the 13th century A.D.
There are evidences of Hindu influence on most of them, though these are
predominantly non-Aryan. Today 85% of the people are Christians.
