The
Vanishing Naga -
An Ancient Culture in Turmoil |
 |
| The various tribes known as the Nagas
are to be found mostly in the north-eastern Indian state of
Nagaland, but also in the neighboring states of Manipur to
the south, Arunachal Pradesh to the north and Myanmar (Burma)
to the east. These tribes inhabit a mountainous area of about
17,000 sq. kms. The Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamngan,
Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Rengma, Sema, Sangtam, Tangkhul, Yimchunger
and Zeliangrong are all Naga tribes that have historically
been in contact with each other; sometimes trading, often
at war. All Nagas distinguish themselves as people of the
hills as opposed to people of the plains. They share a common
ethnicity as well as certain basic social and cultural traits
that group them together and set them apart from the people
and culture of the plains. Yet they all speak mutually incomprehensible
languages, harbor stereotyped prejudices about each other
and each believes themselves to be superior to the others.
Politically each tribe could virtually be a nation unto itself. |
|
|
