People of Nagaland


Enemy skulls displayed in front of a warrior's residence
			The Nagas are proud and fierce people. In the old days, when the different Naga tribes were at war with one another, they used to indulge in their favorite "sport" - head-hunting. In short, the necks of victims are chopped off using däos (traditional hatchets) and the heads are brought back to the village as trophies. These heads are hung in front of the warrior's house revealing his status in society. During those days, it was quite difficult to find a bride for a young man who had not brought back an enemy's head as a trophy ! Though this practice is abhorred now, you wouldn't want to make an enemy out here. Extend your hand of friendship and you've got a friend for life.

The old world ...

and the new ...

Conquering the ramp - a fashion show in Nagaland.

Nagaland has come a long way from the days of head-hunting. Though tribalism does exist even now, the Nagas have shed their former selves and try to resolve all matters amicably. But then again, you may well be advised not to try you luck in irritating a Naga - they don't always go by the book !!

Before Nagaland achieved statehood under the Indian Union, it was a part of what was known as the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA). The Nagas comprise of many different tribes - each with their own area of rule, culture, practices and languages. There are no well-documented evidence on the origin of the Nagas, but it is generally believed that these hill-tribes of an Indo-Mongoloid stock, migrated from other countries of South-east Asia. The early Nagas followed no religion. They were worshippers of nature gods and goddesses.

		Fact Files

		- The density of population in Nagaland is 89 persons per sq.km. - Christianity is the dominant religion in Nagaland.

The advent of Christianity in the region in the late 19th century changed the ways of the Nagas. An enemy's village was no longer the happy-hunting grounds. These war-like tribes slowly transformed into a peace-loving community. This was mainly due to the efforts started by Dr. E.W. Clark, an American missionary, who came to this wild region during the hey-days of head-hunting. The only thing that probably saved his life in the beginning might have been due to the fact that the Nagas are inherently hospitable people. For a Naga, it is a shame to turn away a guest who comes in peace. Rest assured, you wouldn't die of hunger or lack a place to sleep in Nagaland !

Now, an overwhelming majority of the Nagas are Christians, following the path of Jesus Christ.

The Holy Bible has been translated and written in all the tribal languages, i.e., each tribe has its own version of the Bible.


Chizami Baptist Church in Phek District of Nagaland.