Article: Celebrating 60 Years of Nagaland Statehood and Understanding Its Unique Biodiversity
On December 1, 2022, the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland marked 60 years as a separate state. This day is also significant as it heralds the start of the Hornbill festival, an event that showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the local tribes.
Overview of Nagaland Statehood
Nagaland was officially recognized as a separate Indian state on December 1, 1963, with Kohima named as its capital. The Parliament enacted The State of Nagaland Act, 1962, bestowing the statehood status to this region.
Historical Journey to Statehood
After India gained independence in 1947, the Naga territory stayed as part of Assam. However, the surge of a strong nationalist movement necessitated the formation of a separate union for the Naga tribes. Despite some factions demanding secession, the Naga Hills region of Assam and the Tuensang frontier division were merged under a singular Indian administration in 1957. By 1960, the resolution for Nagaland to become an Indian state was approved, and it obtained statehood in 1963. A democratically elected government took office in 1964.
Geographical Landscape
Nagaland is located in the northeastern part of India, bordering the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Assam, and neighboring Myanmar in the east. It experiences a Monsoonal (wet-dry) climate, with rainfall primarily occurring during the southwest monsoon (May to September).
Nagaland’s Rich Biodiversity
Forests constitute nearly one-sixth of Nagaland. The flora ranges from tropical and subtropical evergreen forests to valuable timber species and secondary growth resulting from shifting cultivation. The state boasts a diverse fauna, including elephants, tigers, leopards, several monkey species, sambar deer, the state animal Mithun (Gayal), and the state bird, Blyth’s tragopan.
Tribes of Nagaland
Nagaland is home to numerous tribes, with the Konyaks being the largest, followed by the Aos, Tangkhuls, Semas, and Angamis. Other tribes include the Lothas, Sangtams, Phoms, Changs, Khiem Hungama, Yimchunger, Zeliangs, Chakhesangs (Chokri), and Rengmas.
Economy and Agriculture
Nearly 90% of Nagaland’s population depends on agriculture. Rice, corn, small millets, pulses, oilseeds, fibers, sugarcane, potato, and tobacco form the staple crops. However, Nagaland continues to rely on the import of food from neighboring states.
Protected Areas in Nagaland
There are several protected areas in Nagaland, including the Intanki National Park, Singphan Wildlife Sanctuary, Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary, and Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary.
Hornbill Festival
The Hornbill Festival, held annually from December 1 to 10, seeks to promote Nagaland tourism. This festival derives its name from the revered Hornbill bird and was initiated in 2000.
About Hornbills
Hornbills, found in tropical and subtropical regions in Africa and Asia, have nine species in India, predominantly in the northeastern region. The Hornbill is significant for some ethnic communities in the northeast, specifically the Nyishi of Arunachal Pradesh. Threats to Hornbills include hunting for their casques and feathers, poaching for meat and medicinal value, and habitat destruction due to illegal logging.
India’s Nine Hornbill Species
Among the nine Hornbill species in India are The Great Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Narcondam Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Austen’s Brown Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and Indian Grey Hornbill. These bird species differ in their habitats, ranging from Western Ghats and Himalayas to subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and their conservation statuses vary as well.
Nagaland’s statehood day celebration is not just a mark of its political history but also a tribute to its diverse ecology, rich tribal culture, and unique traditions.
