Capital of Nagaland – Kohima

Capital of Nagaland State

Kohima is capital of Nagaland state, a state in northeastern India. It’s home to the Angami Naga tribe and is famous for its beautiful scenery and the important Battle of Kohima in World War II. Kohima is also a hub for the Naga people and has a rich culture with many traditional practices.

Overview of Kohima Capital of Nagaland

History and Historical Battle: Kohima is the capital city of Nagaland, a hilly region with a rich history. The people who live there have deep traditions from the Naga tribes. During World War II, a famous battle called the Battle of Kohima took place, making the city known globally.

Climate: Kohima has a pleasant climate because of its high elevation. It’s not too hot in the summer, and the winters are cool. The monsoon season from June to September brings lots of rain, making the area green and lush.

Geography: The city is surrounded by the Naga Hills, which are rugged mountains. Kohima itself is 1,444 meters above sea level, so it has beautiful views of the mountains.

Demographics: The people of Kohima are mostly from the Angami Naga tribe, but there are also people from other Naga tribes and different communities. The official language is English, but you can hear Nagamese and local dialects spoken because of the cultural diversity.

Economy: Most of the economy in Kohima comes from farming. They grow things like rice, maize, and pulses because the land is fertile. There are also handloom and handicraft industries where people make traditional crafts. Recently, more tourists have been visiting because of the city’s history, cultural festivals, and natural beauty.

Culture: The culture of Kohima is rich and tied to the Naga traditions. They have a famous festival called the Hornbill Festival, which shows off their culture. Traditional dancing, music, art, and food are important to the people there, making Kohima a place with lots of cultural activities and traditions.

Interesting Facts About Kohima

Kohima is a city with a lot of history and culture. Here are some interesting facts Kohima the capital city of Nagaland:

• Name Origin: The name ‘Kohima’ comes from the Kewhi flowers in the area. The original name was ‘Kewhira,’ which later became Kohima.
• The Kohima Epitaph: In Kohima, there’s a cemetery for soldiers who died in that battle. It has a famous saying: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”
• Unique Biodiversity: Around Kohima, you can find many different plants and animals, some of which are only found here.
• Cultural Mix: Kohima is mostly home to the Angami Naga tribe, but it’s a mix of many tribes, each with their own customs and languages.
• Hornbill Festival: Every year, Kohima has a big festival called the Hornbill Festival. It celebrates the culture of the Naga people, with dances, music, food, and traditions.
• WWII Invasion: Kohima is the only place in India where foreign forces, the Japanese, tried to invade during WWII. They were stopped at Kohima and Imphal.
• Farming on Hills: People in Kohima use terraced fields for farming on the hilly land.
• Unique Food: The local food in Kohima is special, made from local ingredients, often fermented foods and smoked meats.
• Dzükou Valley: Not far from Kohima is the Dzükou Valley, known for its natural beauty, seasonal flowers, and peaceful landscape. It’s great for trekkers and nature lovers.

Overview of Nagaland

• History: Nagaland has a long history, but it became more well-known during World War II, especially because of the Battle of Kohima. It became the 16th state of India on December 1, 1963, before that it was part of Assam.
• Geography: Nagaland is in the northeastern part of India. It’s bordered by Assam to the west, Arunachal Pradesh and part of Assam to the north, Myanmar to the east, and Manipur to the south. It’s mostly hilly and has a pleasant climate. The Naga Hills make the landscape unique with rugged terrain, rich wildlife, and green scenery.
• Demographics: Nagaland is home to various indigenous tribes, each with its own language and customs. Some major tribes are the Konyaks, Aos, Angamis, and Sumis. English is the official language for communication, and most people in Nagaland are Christians.
• Economy: Nagaland’s economy relies mainly on agriculture. Rice is the main crop, along with corn, millets, pulses, tobacco, and sugarcane. The state also has a tradition of craftsmanship like weaving, woodwork, and pottery. Tourism is becoming more important for the economy in recent years.
• Culture: Nagaland is known as the ‘Land of Festivals’ because of the many festivals celebrated by its tribes. These festivals showcase their rich culture and traditions. Music and dance are a big part of Naga culture. The Hornbill Festival is a significant cultural event that attracts visitors from around the world.
• Tourism: Nagaland is a great place to visit with a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. You can see the World War II Cemetery in Kohima, the beautiful Dzükou Valley, enjoy the vibrant Hornbill Festival, and explore traditional villages to learn about tribal life. Adventure tourism activities like trekking, rock climbing, and jungle camping are also getting popular in the region.

FAQs on Capital of Nagaland State

Why Kohima is so famous?

Kohima is renowned for its historical significance, particularly for the Battle of Kohima during World War II. It's also celebrated for its vibrant culture, diverse traditions of the Naga tribes, and the annual Hornbill Festival.

What is the main language of Nagaland?

English is the official language of Nagaland, used for administrative purposes. However, Nagamese, an Assamese-based Creole, is widely spoken across tribes, along with tribal languages like Ao, Konyak, Angami, and Lotha.

What is the real capital of Nagaland?

The real and official capital of Nagaland is Kohima. It is the administrative and political center of the state, known for its rich history and cultural heritage.

What is the old name of Kohima?

The old name of Kohima was 'Kewhira,' derived from the Kewhi flowers found in the region. The name was later anglicized to Kohima during the British colonial era.

Which is the most beautiful city in Nagaland?

Kohima is often considered the most beautiful city in Nagaland. It's admired for its picturesque landscapes, cultural richness, and significant historical landmarks like the War Cemetery and the State Museum.