State of India -Nagaland

Area: 16,579 sq km

Population: 12,09,546

Capital Of City: Kohima

Languages: Angami, Ao, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Sangtam, Sema an

Crops:

How You Know: The social position of a Naga is marked by the number of bone necklaces he wears.

History: Nagaland is one of the smallest states of India. The Naga hills that run through the state are home to many tribes. The Nagas are simple people and mostly live in tribes. There are 16 main tribes, each with their own language and customs. The Naga villages are generally situated on hilltops and ridges protected by stonewalls. The first building in a Naga village is known as Morung, or boy's dormitory. It is used for storing weapons and displaying trophies won in war. Although the Nagas seem to be warrior-like at the first look, they are in fact very friendly people. Weaving is a traditional art handed down through generations in Nagaland. Each of the major tribes has its own unique design and colour of shawls. The Nagas are fond of dancing and singing. The Naga war dance imitates a real war complete with weapons. The various motions can even be dangerous if one were to be a little careless. Nagaland is the only state of India which has English as the official language. Kohima, the capital of Nagaland became famous during World War II as the place where the Japanese attack on India was stopped and they were forced to go back. There is a War Cemetery here, which marks the bravery of the Indian soldiers. Every cross has an inscription and the lowest one reads: "When you go home, Tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow We gave our today." Unfortunately Nagaland is one of the few troubled states in India. There is a group of people here who would rather see Nagaland as an independent state. The NSCN (National Socialist Council of Nagaland) even runs its own parallel government!