British rule in Nagaland

The Naga Hills district was created in 1866 by the Government of British India. Its headquarters were located at Samaguting. In 1875, the Lotha Naga region was conquered and annexed to the district. An administrative center was established at Wokha; this center was shifted to Kohima in 1879. In 1889, the Ao region was fully annexed to the Naga Hills District as a subdivision. The boundaries of the District were further extended to include most of the Sema Naga territories (1904) and the Konyak Naga region (1910). In 1912, the Naga Hills District was made part of the Assam Province. The Government of India Act 1919 declared the Naga Hills District as a “Backward Tract”. The area was to be treated as an entity separate from the British Indian Empire.

The Angami and the Chokri armed fight against the East India Company Force during 1832 to 1879 was neither for the expansion of their Territory nor for a Freedom movement for a Naga Nation. It was not a Liberation Struggle or a National Freedom Movement; it was just a fight for the Honor of the Village and of the glory of Head hunting.

The British administered the Naga; but they did not rule over them. No British Law, no British System was imposed upon Naga Hills except:

A ban on Head Hunting.
A ban on selling of land outside the Community.
An unhindered Right of Way on the Empire’s Highways and the Mule Tracts for the Sarkar’s Dak Runners with Bell Ringing or with an ancient Hurricane Lamp at night.

Except for these Principles, on all other things, the Naga governed himself as in the ancient times. When the British East India Company forces first appeared in the Naga Country of Semaguting (Chümukedima) Village, they desired for a Peace Treaty with the Naga and sought an audience with the King. The Villagers fixed a Spear on the ground in the front and pointed it to be their King. Since then the Colonial Power never sought to enter into any Treaty engagement with any Naga. Mahatma Gandhi supported the Allied Forces in WWII with a pre-war political understanding with British, that when the War is over, the British would leave India. Mahatma Gandhi was against the continuance of the British Rule in India and his support for them in the war is not for nothing. The Naga support for the British in the WWII, on the other hand, was in honor of the Loyalty for a just Administration. Some INA (Indian National Army) soldiers of Subash Chandra Bose, accompanying the Japanese force tried to win over the Naga by saying the Japanese and the Naga are both Mongolian race and together they would drive out the White Man from the Country and have their own Sarkar.

The Naga however had no such agenda for their support of the British Forces in the WWII. They supported the Government for its just Administration. The Naga favored the white man’s Administration in the Naga Hills; they would have welcomed a British Protectorate for the Naga Country for some time even after the Indian Independence.

British rule in Naga Hills 1881-1947 is a legacy of British imperial designs towards achieving their political & economic goal. Prior to the arrival of the British in the Naga Hills, Naga‟s were living independently as indigenous people. The Nagas have their own distinct social life, manners of living, laws, customs, and there method of governance of the people. Most of the tribes retain their ancient laws and customs and village organisations formed an integral part of their life. „Democracy‟ was the purest form of governance among the Nagas. Unlike her neighbours, the Nagas have remained unconquered and independent from any external aggressions. For centuries, they stayed secluded in a small community, yet were powerful enough to fight and repel the conquering powers. Though there was no common national feelings, several tribes and communities held their independence and were republics in their own right. The village was the main political and social structure that made them strong and united to fight against the outside forces. This study aims to investigate the areas, which were politically transformed in the transitional period 1881-1947. The study also reflects the political and administrative interaction between the Naga People and the British Indian government.

Early contact with the British

The first recorded contact between the British and the Nagas was in 1832, when a British expeditionary force led by Captain John Butler was sent to the Naga Hills to investigate reports of raids by Naga tribesmen on British territory. The expedition was unsuccessful in its mission, and the British withdrew without making any contact with the Nagas.

The Naga Hills Expedition of 1879-80

The next major contact between the British and the Nagas came in 1879, when a British expeditionary force led by Colonel James Johnston was sent to the Naga Hills to suppress a rebellion by the Angami Nagas. The expedition was successful in its mission, and the British established control over the Naga Hills.

The British Raj in Nagaland

The British Raj in Nagaland lasted from 1879 to 1947. During this time, the British ruled the Nagas indirectly through a system of chiefs. The British also introduced Christianity to the Nagas, and many Nagas converted to the new religion.

The Naga National Movement

The Naga National Movement began in the early 20th century, when the Nagas began to demand independence from British rule. The movement was led by a number of Naga leaders, including Angami Zapu Phizo. The Naga National Movement continued after Indian independence in 1947, and the Nagas fought a long and bloody war against the Indian government.

The Naga Hills Tuensang Area Act of 1957

The Naga Hills Tuensang Area Act of 1957 was an act of the Indian Parliament that created the Naga Hills Tuensang Area (NHTA). The NHTA was a semi-autonomous region within the Indian state of Assam. The act was passed in response to the Naga National Movement, and it was intended to give the Nagas a measure of self-government.

The Nagaland Statehood Act of 1963

The Nagaland Statehood Act of 1963 was an act of the Indian Parliament that created the state of Nagaland. Nagaland became the 16th state of India on December 1, 1963. The act was passed in response to the Naga National Movement, and it was intended to give the Nagas full statehood within the Indian Union.

The Naga Peace Accord of 1997

The Naga Peace Accord of 1997 was a peace agreement between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM). The agreement was signed on August 15, 1997, and it brought an end to the Naga National Movement. The agreement granted the Nagas a large measure of autonomy within the Indian Union, and it created the Nagaland Territorial Areas (NTAs). The NTAs are a group of six autonomous districts within the state of Nagaland.

The Nagas are a proud and independent people, and they have a long and rich history. The British ruled Nagaland for over 60 years, but the Nagas never fully accepted British rule. The Naga National Movement began in the early 20th century, and it continued after Indian independence in 1947. The Nagas fought a long and bloody war against the Indian government, but they eventually achieved a measure of self-government. The Naga Peace Accord of 1997 brought an end to the Naga National Movement, and it granted the Nagas a large measure of autonomy within the Indian Union.

What is Nagaland?
Nagaland is a state in northeastern India. It is the 16th largest state in India, with a Population of over 2 million people. The capital of Nagaland is Kohima.

What is the history of Nagaland?
The history of Nagaland is long and complex. The Naga people have been living in the region for centuries. They were first contacted by Europeans in the 18th century. In the 19th century, the British began to colonize Nagaland. The Naga people resisted British rule, and there were several uprisings against the British. In 1947, India gained independence from Britain. Nagaland became a part of India, but the Naga people continued to resist Indian rule. In 1963, Nagaland became a state of India.

What is the culture of Nagaland?
The culture of Nagaland is diverse. There are over 16 different tribes in Nagaland, each with its own unique culture. The Naga people are known for their traditional dress, their music, and their dance.

What is the economy of Nagaland?
The economy of Nagaland is based on agriculture, Forestry, and tourism. The main crops grown in Nagaland are rice, maize, and millet. The main forest products are timber and bamboo. Tourism is a growing Industry in Nagaland.

What are the challenges facing Nagaland?
Nagaland faces a number of challenges, including POVERTY, Unemployment, and Corruption. The state also has a high rate of HIV/AIDS.

What are the hopes for the future of Nagaland?
The people of Nagaland hope for a better future for their state. They hope for Economic Development, improved Education, and better healthcare. They also hope for peace and stability.

The Naga people are indigenous to:
(a) India
(b) Myanmar
(c) China
(d) All of the above
The Naga people speak:
(a) Naga languages
(b) Indo-Aryan languages
(c) Sino-Tibetan languages
(d) None of the above
The Naga people practice:
(a) Christianity
(b) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
(c) Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism
(d) Animism
The Naga people are known for their:
(a) Warrior culture
(b) Handicrafts
(c) Music and dance
(d) All of the above
The Naga people are divided into:
(a) Over 60 different tribes
(b) Over 100 different tribes
(c) Over 150 different tribes
(d) Over 200 different tribes
The Naga people have a long history of:
(a) Resistance to foreign rule
(b) Peaceful coexistence with their neighbors
(c) Economic development
(d) None of the above
The Naga people are currently facing a number of challenges, including:
(a) Poverty
(b) Lack of education
(c) Lack of healthcare
(d) All of the above
The Naga people are a resilient and determined people who are working to overcome these challenges and build a better future for themselves.
(a) True
(b) False
The Naga people are an important part of the fabric of India and their culture and traditions should be respected.
(a) True
(b) False
The Naga people are a proud and independent people who deserve to determine their own future.
(a) True
(b) False