Freedom movement in Nagaland
The British contact with the Naga began after the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826. This treaty for the first time brought the concept of map and boundary and the tribal of the hills particularly the Naga became its victim. The demarcation of boundary placed the groups into separate regions or pails striking at their otherwise unified existence not constrained by the existence of boundaries. The net effect of this was that some Naga tribes were places within Burma and others were dispersed to different states of Northeast India. Until the advent of the British and signing of Yandabo Treaty, the notion of territorial or political authority was unknown in the hills. The different tribes had been living in freedom without any geographical boundary or restriction since ages. After annexing Assam, the British began to consider the Naga areas to be part of the colonial interest. But they followed a policy of cautious non-interference towards the hill tribes; especially the Naga because they considered annexing the tribal hills was not profitable to them.
However, the situation began to change when the Naga first major encounter with the British took place. In January 1832 when Captain Jenkins who with his 700 army of men and 800 coolies marched tlirough the Naga territory on their way to Assam from Manipur had to face a fierce Naga attacks and unfamiliar terrain. As Iralu puts it, the Naga attacked any one who trespasses their areas. To stop this raids many expeditions were carried out by the British in the Naga Hills between 1831 and 1851 with heavy losses. The British had to pass through the Naga Hills on their way to Assam but the Nagas often caused trouble by way of sudden attacks to the British. These attacks greatly harmed their interest so it became imperative for the British to capture Naga territories without much ambition of occupation as they knew the Naga were famous as a wanior tribe and the British were wary of this fact.
The policy of the British towards the Naga hills becomes evident from the position taken by Lord Dalhousie, the then Governor General of India “I dissent entirely from the policy which is recommended of what is called obtaining control, that is to say, of taking possession of these hills, and establishing Sovereignty over their savage inhabitants. Our possession could bring no profit to us, and would be as costly to us as it would be unproductive. As it is impossible to contemplate the permanent possession of these hills, so it seems impolitic to sanction temporary possession of them. This policy was followed till around 1862. But when Cecil Beadon took over as the Lieutenant Governor the British began to bring some of the Naga villages under their political control particularly the ones that constituted direct threat to them. In November 14, 1878 the British occupied Kohima despite the fierce resistance put up by the Angami tribe which lasted for eleven days. This was followed by speedy consolidation of British rule in the Naga Hills. However it must be noted here that the British occupation of the Naga Hills was confined only to the areas which were contagious to British settlement of Assam, particularly in the borders of Nowgong and Sibsagar districts. This was mainly to protect its subjects from the Naga raids; otherwise the British had no real intention or interest to conquer the Naga Hills. So their occupation was mostly confined to the area covering present day central Nagaland. The British had their Administrative centre in Kohima, Mokokchung and Wokha. The Naga of these areas for the first time had to accept an alien power over their territory as they could no longer resist the strong, superior and well-equipped British army. There were many other Naga tribes over whom the British never exercised any kind of administrative control. Most of the areas bordering Myanmar and Tibet were left out by the British because they knew it was futile and useless for them.
Rani Gaidinliu
Rani Gaidinliu is a legendary freedom fighter of whom India is really proud of. An Indian historian writes, “Any nation or country would be proud to have such a gifted woman who sacrificed everything for her people and for the cause she believed was good and true. She became a living legend in her own lifetime”. Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee described Haipou Jadonang as a Martyr and Rani Gaidinliu as a freedom fighter of India.
Rani Gaidinliu was born on 26th January 1915 in a Rongmei village of Nungkao in the mountain range of Kala Naga between the Barak and Makru rivers in Tamenglong district of former princely state of Manipur. Her father name was Lothonang and her mother was Karotlienliu. She belongs to the influential Pamei clan of the village. Her father was not the chief of the village but young Gaidinliu was a pampered child of the whole clan. Gaidinliu literally means, ‘a girl who is a harbinger of good news’. From her childhood Gaidinliu showed her extraordinary qualities and talents. She grew up as a little mystic. She was always independent, determined and courageous in whatever she did. She dominated over her elder sisters. She was always a leader of girls of her dormitory. According to her supporters, her life took a new turn when she met a kindly deity who looked exactly like her in the forest near her village. Later on she learnt that the goddess was the daughter of God Bisnu of the Zeliangrong pantheon of gods and goddesses. They established a lifelong friendship. Gaidinliu’s parents thought that their daughter would become a Shaman priestess. Later on the Political Agent of Manipur Mr. J.C. Higgins described her as a Maibi, a medicine woman; but Gaidinliu was much more than a Maibi as Jadonang was much more than a Maiba, a medicine man. Gaidinliu came to know of Jadonang through dreams and she visited Kambiron to meet her future master. Since 1926-1927 the relationship between the master and disciple developed between Jadonang and Gaidinliu. Jadonang noted the god given talent of young girl and she also volunteered to join his movement. Ultimately she became the most trusted lieutenant of Jadonang.
Tingkao Ragwang or Tingwang, the Supreme God. Gaidinliu participated in the acts of reformation of the Zeliangrong religion, abolition of taboos and gennas, organisation of religious congregations, performance of dances and singing of songs and hymns as carried out by her master Haipou Jadonang. Young Gaidinliu was opposed to the oppressive rule of the British particularly the forced labour imposed on the poor villagers. She came into contact with large number of people through her association with Haipou Jadonang mostly in their religious reforms movement. During the last joint pilgrimage to the holy cave of Lord Bisnu, young Gaidinliu came to know of her future and her struggle. A new religion was revealed to Haipou Jadonang and Gaidinliu enjoined upon to follow the reform religion. She learnt about the impending death of Jadonang. When Jadonang was arrested by Assam Police in Lakhipur, she escaped into the hills.
After arrest of Jadonang by Mr. C. Gimson, Deputy Commissioner of Cachar in Assam, Jadonang was handed over to Mr. J.C. Higgins, the Political Agent of Manipur. The Government decided to make a demonstration march of Assam Rifles Column from Jirighat to Nungkao to Tamenglong and to Imphal. During this march on 13 March 1931, young Gaidinliu came to the notice of Political Agent J.C. Higgins, SDO S.J. Duncan and Major Bulfield of 4th Assam Rifles. The seventeen year old Gaidinliu escaped into the Zeilad lake forest area. She was accompanied by 40 youth including girls. She went into hiding waiting for the outcome of the trial of Jadonang at Imphal. She knew the truth and always insisted that Jadonang was innocent of murder and not present at the occurrence of the crime. After the trial and unfortunate execution of Jadonang on 29th August 1931, Gaidinliu took up the cudgel to organise the people. A historian writes, “The real revolt occurred after the martyrdom of Jadonang. Gaidinliu, the charismatic, spiritual and political successor of Jadonang was the leader of the rebellion. The revolt was a violent protest against the British Imperialism and a logical consequence of the ideology and strategy of Jadonang, which would have taken shape but for the sudden, short and unexpected British clampdown on the protagonist of the Naga Raj. The arrest, trial and execution of Jadonang stunned his followers with fear and anxiety. His village, his own villagers disowned him. Jadonang’s role was the preparatory phase and real action came during the phase of Gaidinliu, his brilliant and determined disciple. Success or failure she did not care. Fight she must; she was determined to put the master’s ideology to practice”.
,
The Naga freedom movement was a long and protracted struggle for independence from British rule. The movement began in the early 20th century and continued until the Nagas were granted autonomy in 1975.
The Nagas are a tribal people who live in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland. They have a long history of resisting outside rule, and they fought fiercely against the British during the colonial period. The Nagas were eventually granted autonomy, but they continue to demand independence.
The Naga freedom movement has been a complex and bloody conflict. Thousands of people have been killed, and the movement has been marked by violence and instability. However, the Nagas have also achieved a great deal, and they have won a measure of self-determination.
The following are some of the subtopics of the Naga freedom movement:
- The early years of the movement
- The Naga National Council
- The Naga People’s Convention
- The Indo-Naga peace process
- The future of the Naga freedom movement
The early years of the movement
The Naga freedom movement began in the early 20th century. The Nagas were initially opposed to British rule, and they fought against the British in the First World War. However, the Nagas were eventually persuaded to join the British Indian Empire, and they were granted a measure of autonomy.
In the 1930s, the Nagas began to demand independence. They formed the Naga National Council (NNC) in 1946, and the NNC began to agitate for independence. The NNC was led by Angami Zapu Phizo, who became a leading figure in the Naga freedom movement.
The Naga National Council
The Naga National Council (NNC) was the main political organization of the Naga freedom movement. The NNC was founded in 1946, and it was led by Angami Zapu Phizo. The NNC’s goal was to achieve independence for the Naga people.
The NNC was a powerful force in the Naga freedom movement. It organized protests and demonstrations, and it carried out armed attacks against the Indian government. The NNC was also involved in negotiations with the Indian government, but these negotiations were unsuccessful.
In 1975, the NNC signed a peace agreement with the Indian government. The agreement granted the Nagas a measure of autonomy, but it did not grant them independence. The NNC has continued to demand independence, and it remains a powerful force in Naga politics.
The Naga People’s Convention
The Naga People’s Convention (NPC) was a political organization that was formed in 1960. The NPC was led by S.C. Jamir, who became the first Chief Minister of Nagaland. The NPC’s goal was to achieve a political settlement with the Indian government.
The NPC was a moderate organization, and it was willing to compromise with the Indian government. The NPC negotiated with the Indian government, and it signed a peace agreement in 1975. The agreement granted the Nagas a measure of autonomy, but it did not grant them independence.
The NPC has continued to be a major political force in Nagaland. It has been in power for most of the time since 1975. The NPC has been a strong advocate for the Naga people, and it has worked to improve the lives of the Naga people.
The Indo-Naga peace process
The Indo-Naga peace process is a series of negotiations between the Indian government and the Naga National Council. The negotiations began in 1997, and they have been ongoing ever since. The goal of the negotiations is to find a peaceful solution to the Naga conflict.
The Indo-Naga peace process has been difficult and complex. There have been many setbacks, but there have also been some progress. The two sides have agreed on a number of principles, and they have made some progress on the issue of Naga sovereignty.
The Indo-Naga peace process is still ongoing, and it is not clear when it will be successful. However, the negotiations have made some progress, and they have the potential to bring an end to the Naga conflict.
The future of the Naga freedom movement
The future of the Naga freedom movement is uncertain. The Nagas have achieved a measure of autonomy, but they continue to demand independence. The Indo-Naga peace process is ongoing, but it is not clear when it will be successful.
The Nagas are a proud people, and they are determined to achieve their goal of independence. They have a long history of resisting outside rule, and they are not likely to give up their struggle easily. The future of the Naga freedom movement will
What is the Freedom Movement in Nagaland?
The Naga people are an ethnic group indigenous to the Indian state of Nagaland. They have a long history of resisting foreign rule, dating back to the British colonial period. In the early 20th century, the Naga people began to organize themselves politically and demand independence from India. This led to a long and bloody conflict between the Indian government and the Naga National Council (NNC), the main political organization of the Naga people. The conflict ended in 1997 with the signing of a peace agreement between the Indian government and the NNC. However, the Naga people’s struggle for self-determination continues.
What are some of the key events in the Freedom Movement in Nagaland?
Some of the key events in the Freedom Movement in Nagaland include:
- The formation of the Naga National Council (NNC) in 1946.
- The outbreak of the Naga-Indian War in 1954.
- The signing of the Shillong Accord in 1975.
- The signing of the Naga Peace Accord in 1997.
Who are some of the key figures in the Freedom Movement in Nagaland?
Some of the key figures in the Freedom Movement in Nagaland include:
- A.Z. Phizo, the founder and first president of the NNC.
- Thuingaleng Muivah, the current president of the NNC.
- Isak Chishi Swu, the former president of the NNC.
- Nagaland Governor Sukhdev Singh Kangur.
What are some of the challenges facing the Naga people today?
Some of the challenges facing the Naga people today include:
- POVERTY and underdevelopment.
- Lack of Education and healthcare.
- Corruption.
- Insecurity and violence.
What are some of the hopes and aspirations of the Naga people?
Some of the hopes and aspirations of the Naga people include:
- Self-determination and independence.
- Peace and security.
- Development and prosperity.
- Respect for their culture and identity.
Sure, here are some MCQs on the topics of Nagaland, India, and the Indian independence movement:
Which of the following is not a state in India?
(A) Nagaland
(B) Assam
(C) Manipur
(D) MyanmarThe capital of Nagaland is:
(A) Kohima
(B) Dimapur
(C) Mokokchung
(D) TuensangThe Official Language of Nagaland is:
(A) English
(B) Hindi
(C) Naga
(D) AssameseThe Population-of-nagaland/”>Population of Nagaland is approximately:
(A) 2 million
(B) 3 million
(C) 4 million
(D) 5 millionThe Literacy rate in Nagaland is approximately:
(A) 70%
(B) 80%
(C) 90%
(D) 100%The main religion in Nagaland is:
(A) Christianity
(B) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
(C) Islam
(D) Buddhism-2/”>BuddhismThe Naga people are:
(A) An ethnic group
(B) A religious group
(C) A linguistic group
(D) A political groupThe Naga people are indigenous to:
(A) Nagaland
(B) Assam
(C) Manipur
(D) MyanmarThe Naga people have a long history of:
(A) Conflict with the Indian government
(B) Peaceful coexistence with the Indian government
(C) Economic prosperity
(D) Political stabilityThe Naga people are known for their:
(A) Fierce independence
(B) Warm hospitality
(C) Beautiful handicrafts
(D) Delicious cuisine
I hope these MCQs were helpful!