Nagaland

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Map of Nagaland (Source: India-WRIS)

Nagas are basically tribal people and every tribe had its own effective system of self governance from time immemorial. Nagaland had a good contact with Ahoms (Assam) from the 12th and 13th centuries to 19th centuries (British appeared in Nagaland). In 19th centuries British brought this state under their administration. In 1857 (Sepoi Mutiny) this state also took active participation. After independence this area was made as a Centrally Administered Territory, named Naga Hills, in 1957. Then it was under the Assam Governor's administration. Eventually Nagaland as a separate state of India was set up on December 1,1963.

Nagaland is situated in the extreme north-east of India. The state is bounded by Arunachal Pradesh in the north, Assam in west, Manipur in south and Myanmar in the east. It is the 22nd largest state in terms of area. The state is tight-packed with north-south aligned ranges ranges defined by narrow and parallel valleys. Japavo is the highest peak in the state. The main rivers are Dhansiri, Doyang, Dikhu, Milak, Zungki and Tizu. The rapid changes in topography result in climatic changes within short distances. The foot-hill plains sheltered by valleys and the ranges are marked with climatic contrasts. In summer the maximum and minimum temperature are 31°C and 16°C respectively. In winter the maximum and minimum temperature are 24 degree and 4 degree Celsius respectively. The average rainfall of the state varies between 200 cm to 250 cm.

The state is bounded by Myanmar in the east, Arunachal Pradesh in the north, Assam in the west and Manipur in the south.

The climate of Nagaland in general is controlled by its terrain features. It is hot to warm subtropical in areas with elevations of 1000 to 1200 m. The climatic environment is warm sub temperate in areas with elevations of 1200 m and above. The climate as such is typical of a tropical country with heavy rainfall. Most of the heavy rainfall occurs during four months i.e. June to September. The rain during April to May is low. The temperature varies from 0°C in winter to about 40°C in summer depending on elevation. The average annual temperature ranges from 18°C to 20°C and 23°C to 25°C in the higher and lower elevations, respectively.

• Agriculture
• Industry

Nagaland is basically a land of Agriculture. About 70 percent of the population depends on agriculture. The contribution of agricultural sector in the state is very significant. Rice is the staple food. It occupies about 70 percent of the total area under cultivation and constitutes about 75 percent of the total food production in the state. There are wild life sanctuaries and national park, namely, Intanki and Puliebadze in Kohima district, Fakim in Tuensang and Rangapahar in Dimapur.

Nagaland is an industrially backward state. Handloom and handicrafts are the traditional cottage industries. Most of the handloom and handicrafts industries are running by the cooperatives. The Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation is the premier promotional organisation in providing guidance and capital assistance to entrepreneurs. There are sugar mill at Dimapur, paper mill at Tuli, plywood factory at Tizit and a mini cement plant at Wazeho. A industrial growth centre at Dimapur is under construction.

• Irrigation
• Power
• Transport
• Education
• Health
• Telecommunication

There is no major or medium irrigation project so far constructed in the state. The irrigation works are mostly meant to divert small hill stream lets to irrigate valleys used for rice cultivation.

Dimapur is the only airport of the state and is connecting Dimapur with Kolkata by tri-weekly Indian Airlines service.

Nagaland, sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of the east; the exquisitely picturesque landscapes, the vibrant colourful sunrise and sunset, lush and verdant flora, unimaginable beauty, moulded perfectly for a breath taking experience. Domestic tourists visiting Nagaland require to obtain Inner Line Permits issued by the Deputy Resident Commissioner at Nagaland House located at Delhi, Calcutta and Assistant Resident Commissioner, Shillong, Additional Deputy Commissioner at Dimapur or Kohima. All foreign tourists desiring to visit Nagaland require Restricted Area Permits from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Main tourist places are Kohima, Dimapur, Khonoma, Dzukou valley, Dzulekie, Japfu Peak, Tseminyu, Longkhum, UngmaVeda Peak, Shilloi Lake, Mount Tostu etc.