History of the Naga People
Subject: History
Topic: Indigenous History – The Nagas
Level: High School / Undergraduate
Prepared by: [Your Name]
🔹 Introduction
The Nagas are an indigenous ethnic group living primarily in the northeastern region of
India (especially Nagaland) and parts of northwestern Myanmar. Known for their rich oral
traditions, distinct tribal identities, and fierce independence, the Nagas have a long history
rooted in the hills and valleys of the region.
🔹 Origin and Early History
Ethno-linguistic Group: The Nagas are of Tibeto-Burmese origin, part of the
greater Sino-Tibetan language family.
The term "Naga" is not originally native; believed to have been used by outsiders
(possibly from the Assamese or Burmese term for hill people).
Early Naga history is not documented in written records but preserved through oral
traditions, folklore, and legends.
🔹 Tribal Structure
There are over 30 recognized Naga tribes, each with its own customs, language,
attire, and governance.
Major tribes: Ao, Angami, Sema (Sumi), Lotha, Tangkhul, Zeliang, Chakhesang,
Phom, Yimkhiung, Chang, Konyak, and others.
Village is the basic political and social unit; most tribes were traditionally
autonomous and ruled by village councils or chieftains.
🔹 Culture and Society
Head-hunting: Practiced in ancient times as a symbol of valor and tribal prestige
(abolished in the 20th century).
Festivals: Most Naga tribes celebrate seasonal and spiritual festivals.
o Hornbill Festival (modern, state-organized)
o Moatsu (Ao), Sekrenyi (Angami), Tuluni (Sumi), Tokhu Emong (Lotha),
etc.
Folk Music and Dance: Integral to rituals, agriculture, and celebration.
Craftsmanship: Known for wood carving, beadwork, basket weaving, and traditional
attire.
🔹 Contact with British India
British entered Naga Hills in the early 19th century during the expansion of colonial
Assam.
Angami resistance: Notably led by Jadonang and later Rani Gaidinliu in
neighboring regions.
British administration eventually established the Naga Hills District, though many
areas remained largely autonomous.
🔹 Christianity and Modern Education
American Baptist missionaries, especially Rev. Miles Bronson and Rev. E.W.
Clark, began mission work in the 19th century.
First Naga Christian converts were from the Ao tribe (1872).
Today, over 90% of Nagas are Christians, predominantly Baptists.
The introduction of Christianity brought literacy, Western education, and written
Naga languages (using Roman script).
🔹 Naga Nationalism and Political Movement
Naga Club (1918): Early political awakening; submitted a memorandum to the
Simon Commission in 1929 to remain separate from India.
Naga National Council (NNC): Formed in the 1940s, led by A.Z. Phizo.
o Declared independence on 14 August 1947, a day before India.
The movement led to armed conflict, underground governments, and peace talks
over decades.
🔹 Formation of Nagaland State
Statehood achieved on 1 December 1963, the 16th state of India.
First Chief Minister: P. Shilu Ao
Ongoing peace talks with Naga nationalist groups continue to this day through the
Framework Agreement (2015) between the Indian Government and NSCN (IM).
