Peasants and tribal movements in Nagaland
Nagas Rebellion
Nagas were once head hunters, as they used to cut off the heads of the enemies and preserve them as trophies. But with the advent of Christianity and Education, the Nagas, comprising more than 30 tribes, have evolved a rich culture and tradition. The Naga national movement is the consequence of the intermingling of ethnicity, geography, history and most significantly the indomitable spirit of the Nagas who belong to Mongoloid race under Tibeto-Burman category. They have customs and traditions which are very different from those of the plains people. One of the theoretical paradigms of how an ethnic group becomes a nation is when that group faces a common enemy. This may be said to be true in the case of the Nagas as the emergence of their national movement and simultaneously that of their nation have their moorings in their interaction and contact with the outside world, which is riven with unpleasant exchanges. Oral tradition indicates that the Nagas fought battles with the people of other plains. In order to protect their indigenous culture, they demanded independent homeland for the Nagas.
Zeliangrong movement
The Zeliangrong people are one of the major indigenous communities living in the tri-junction of the present states of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland in North East India. The Zeliangrongs are the descendants of the same ancestor who founded the great Makuilongdi village, the ‘cradle of Zeliangrong culture’. They have a long history and inherited a rich cultural heritage. They have great love and strong attachment to their ancestral homeland and traversed a long period of history from their ancient days at Makhel, Ramtingkabin, Chawangphuning and Makuilongdi to the present times.
As time passed by the Population upsurge and the number of household at Makuilongdi reached up to the extent of 7777 (seven thousands seven hundred and seventy-seven). The dormitory for young boys and girls increased in several numbers because they could not accommodate only in one or two. For many generations they lived together in peace and harmony in Makuilongdi area. However, exodus took place due to various reasons and people began to move out in batches to different directions exploring suitable land for cultivation and settlement.
During the course of their exploration in the virgin lands the Zeliangrong settlements spread in different ranges and extended up to the border areas of Assam Valley in the west and to the confines of Lushai Hills in the southern areas. Some sections of the Zeliangrong who were not willing to join the exodus stayed back and still today many Zeliangrong settlements including Makuilongdi are found in Senapati district of the present State of Manipur. Since their exploration and settlements they had been living without any external interferences. However, in due course of time they faced aggressions from other neighbours like the Meiteis and Cacharis and yet they had always defended and protected their territory, their way of life, their religion and culture.
Meanwhile, the British colonial power also started penetrating into the Zeliangrong inhabited areas by the first half of the 19th century. By this time the hordes of Kuki migrants had also started coming into southern Zeliangrong areas which caused lots of conflicts and bloodshed. The Meitei rulers in collaboration with the British authorities started using the Kukis as buffer tribes and planted them deep into Naga areas. Consequently, a large portion of Zeliangrong traditional territories in the southern areas were lost out to the Kukis. The presence of outsiders disrupted the peaceful existence of the indigenous settlers and prompted social tension between different communities.
Moreover, in the second half of the 19th century, the British colonial power divided the Zeliangrong people and their land and placed them under Assam and Manipur for their administrative conveniences without the Consent of Zeliangrong people. Later, Independent India continues the old policy of the colonial power by further dividing the Zeliangrong people and put some of them under Nagaland. These actions of the colonial power and Government of India have made the Zeliangrong people peripheral appendages to these three political entities – Assam, Manipur and Nagaland. However, the present compact and contiguous geographical settings occupied by the Zeliangrong people is approximately 12,581(twelve thousand five hundred eighty-one) sq. km. with a total population of about 450000 (four lakhs fifty thousand) according to 2011 census.
When Haipou Jadonang grew up he witnessed all these upheavals, exploitations and deplorable conditions of his people. He was also told of the suppression and mayhem inflicted on his people by other neighboring communities. Taking cognizance of all these pathetic conditions he started thinking of getting Justice for his people. It is also pertinent to mention that the Zeliangrongs’ assertion to defend their democratic village-republics, land and people from the aggressions of the neighboring communities and the British was already there even before Haipou Jadonang came into the picture.
Haipou Jadonang raised the famous slogan, ‘Makaammei rui Gwangtupuni’ meaning, the kingdom of Nagas shall reign. He raised this slogan in the backdrop of the British occupation of the Naga country. He started mobilizing the Zeliangrong Nagas to unite so that the oppressive colonial regime could be put to an end. Haipou Jadonang prophesized to the Naga people that the British regime will come to an end soon and that the Naga people will rule over their own country. He campaigned against house tax, other exploitative systems imposed by the British and was also deadly against the interference to the socio-religious and cultural lives of the Naga people.
Haipou Jadonang used the socio-religious platform to motivate the Zeliangrong Nagas to come out and fight against the mighty British Empire. Haipou Jadonang once said that the Meiteis and the Indians have their own kings and he opined that Makaam people should also have their own king. He further said that the whitemen and Makaam people are all human beings and we should not be afraid of them. According to him all men are equal and the Makaam people are also blessed community. The days for Makaam people have come and with the grace of God the Makaam people can become kings.The implicit meaning of Jadonang’s slogan is that no other people should rule over the Makaam people but they will rule over themselves.,
The Naga people are an ethnic group native to the Naga Hills region of Northeast India. They are a diverse group with over 16 different tribes, each with its own language and culture. The Naga people have a long history of resisting outside rule, and they have fought for their independence from India since the early 20th century.
The British Raj first came into contact with the Naga people in the 1830s. The British were initially interested in the Naga Hills for their natural Resources, but they soon realized that the Naga people were a fierce and independent people who would not easily submit to British rule. The British tried to conquer the Naga Hills several times, but they were always met with fierce resistance from the Naga people.
In the early 20th century, the Naga people began to organize themselves politically. In 1918, the Naga Club was formed, which was a group of Naga leaders who advocated for Naga self-rule. The Naga Club met with the British government several times, but the British were unwilling to grant the Naga people independence.
In 1947, India gained independence from Britain. The Naga people were initially hopeful that they would be able to achieve their own independence, but the Indian government refused to recognize the Naga people’s right to self-determination. The Naga people responded by launching a guerrilla war against the Indian government.
The Naga National Movement (NNM) was the political wing of the Naga guerrilla movement. The NNM was founded in 1946, and it was led by A.Z. Phizo. The NNM’s goal was to achieve Naga independence from India. The NNM fought a long and bloody war against the Indian government, and the conflict claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people.
In 1975, the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) was formed. The NPC was a group of Naga leaders who were willing to negotiate with the Indian government. The NPC met with the Indian government several times, and in 1997, they signed the Nagaland Peace Accord. The Nagaland Peace Accord granted the Naga people a great deal of autonomy, but it did not grant them independence.
The future of Nagaland is uncertain. The Naga people are still divided over the issue of independence. Some Nagas believe that the Nagaland Peace Accord is a good enough deal, while others believe that the Naga people should continue to fight for their independence. It is unclear what the future holds for Nagaland, but it is certain that the Naga people will continue to fight for their rights.
The Naga people are a proud and independent people who have a long history of resisting outside rule. They have fought for their independence from India for over 70 years, and they have shown no signs of giving up. The future of Nagaland is uncertain, but it is certain that the Naga people will continue to fight for their rights.
What is a peasant movement?
A peasant movement is a social movement that aims to improve the lives of peasants. Peasants are farmers who work small plots of land. They often live in POVERTY and have little access to education, healthcare, and other basic necessities. Peasant movements often demand land reform, better wages, and more government support for agriculture.
What is a tribal movement?
A tribal movement is a social movement that aims to improve the lives of tribal people. Tribal people are indigenous people who live in traditional societies. They often have their own languages, cultures, and religions. Tribal movements often demand self-determination, land rights, and protection of their culture.
What are the causes of peasant and tribal movements?
Peasant and tribal movements are often caused by poverty, inequality, and discrimination. Peasants and tribal people are often marginalized and excluded from Society. They may not have access to education, healthcare, or other basic necessities. They may also be subject to violence and discrimination.
What are the goals of peasant and tribal movements?
The goals of peasant and tribal movements vary depending on the specific movement. However, many peasant and tribal movements share the following goals:
- Land reform: Peasant and tribal movements often demand land reform, which is the redistribution of land from large landowners to small farmers.
- Better wages: Peasant and tribal movements often demand better wages for farmers and workers.
- More government support for agriculture: Peasant and tribal movements often demand more government support for agriculture, such as subsidies, loans, and technical assistance.
- Self-determination: Tribal movements often demand self-determination, which is the right to govern themselves.
- Land rights: Tribal movements often demand land rights, which is the right to own and control their land.
- Protection of culture: Tribal movements often demand protection of their culture, which includes their language, religion, and traditions.
What are the strategies of peasant and tribal movements?
Peasant and tribal movements use a variety of strategies to achieve their goals. These strategies may include:
- Protests: Peasant and tribal movements often hold protests to demand their rights.
- Strikes: Peasant and tribal movements often go on strike to demand better wages and working conditions.
- Boycotts: Peasant and tribal movements often boycott businesses that they believe are exploiting them.
- Land occupations: Peasant and tribal movements sometimes occupy land that they believe they have a right to.
- Armed struggle: In some cases, peasant and tribal movements have resorted to armed struggle to achieve their goals.
What are the successes and failures of peasant and tribal movements?
Peasant and tribal movements have had some successes in achieving their goals. For example, land reform has been implemented in some countries, and peasant and tribal people have won better wages and working conditions. However, peasant and tribal movements have also faced many challenges. They have often been met with violence and repression from governments. In some cases, peasant and tribal movements have been unsuccessful in achieving their goals.
What is the future of peasant and tribal movements?
The future of peasant and tribal movements is uncertain. However, it is likely that they will continue to play an important role in the fight for social justice.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a major tribe in Nagaland?
(A) Angami
(B) Ao
(C) Sema
(D) Kuki
Answer
(D)
The Kuki are not a major tribe in Nagaland. The major tribes in Nagaland are the Angami, Ao, Sema, Lotha, Rengma, Chakhesang, Phom, Konyak, Chang, Yimchunger, Khiamniungan, Sangtam, and Zeliang.
Question 2
What is the capital of Nagaland?
(A) Kohima
(B) Dimapur
(C) Mokokchung
(D) Zunheboto
Answer
(A)
Kohima is the capital of Nagaland. It is located in the central part of the state.
Question 3
What is the Official Language of Nagaland?
(A) English
(B) Nagamese
(C) Ao
(D) Sema
Answer
(A)
English is the official language of Nagaland. It is used in government and education.
Question 4
What is the religion of the majority of people in Nagaland?
(A) Christianity
(B) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
(C) Islam
(D) Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism
Answer
(A)
The majority of people in Nagaland are Christians. Christianity was introduced to Nagaland in the 19th century by American Baptist missionaries.
Question 5
What is the main Source Of Income for the people of Nagaland?
(A) Agriculture
(B) Mining
(C) Tourism
(D) Government Services
Answer
(A)
Agriculture is the main source of income for the people of Nagaland. The main crops grown in Nagaland are rice, maize, millet, and vegetables.
Question 6
What is the Literacy rate in Nagaland?
(A) 70%
(B) 80%
(C) 90%
(D) 100%
Answer
(A)
The literacy rate in Nagaland is 70%. This is higher than the national Average of 65%.
Question 7
What is the Population of Nagaland?
(A) 2 million
(B) 3 million
(C) 4 million
(D) 5 million
Answer
(A)
The population of Nagaland is 2 million. This is a small population compared to other states in India.
Question 8
What is the area of Nagaland?
(A) 16,579 sq km
(B) 17,579 sq km
(C) 18,579 sq km
(D) 19,579 sq km
Answer
(A)
The area of Nagaland is 16,579 sq km. This is a small area compared to other states in India.
Question 9
What is the Climate of Nagaland?
(A) Tropical
(B) Subtropical
(C) Temperate
(D) Alpine
Answer
(B)
The climate of Nagaland is subtropical. The summers are hot and humid, while the winters are cool and dry.
Question 10
What is the main tourist attraction in Nagaland?
(A) The Dzüko Valley
(B) The Hornbill Festival
(C) The Kisama Heritage Village
(D) The Nagaland State Museum
Answer
(B)
The Hornbill Festival is the main tourist attraction in Nagaland. It is a cultural festival that is held every year in December. The festival celebrates the culture and traditions of the Naga people.