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The Myth - NAGA

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The Nagas are an indigenous group inhabiting a region with defined geographical boundaries. According to J.P. Mills, this region is described as "bounded by the Hudkawng valley in the north-east, the plains of Brahmaputra valley to the north-west, of Cachar to the south-west, and of the Chindwin to the east." Furthermore, the Manipur valley in the south marks the point of contact between the Nagas and another closely related group, the Kuki tribes, which include Thadou, Lushei, Chin, and others.

In India, Nagas are primarily found in the following areas:

  1. Nagaland
  2. Four Districts in Manipur
  3. One District in Assam
  4. Two Districts in Arunachal Pradesh

Additionally, many Nagas also inhabit the western parts of Myanmar (Burma), particularly in the Somrah Tract region along the border with India, which falls under Kachin state and Saging Sub-division.

The Naga community is diverse, comprising numerous tribes, each with its own distinct identity and culture. In total, there are about 45 major tribes among the Nagas, with a combined population of approximately 3 million as of 2001. These tribes are distributed across different states and regions:

  • 13 tribes in Nagaland
  • 17 tribes in Manipur
  • 2 tribes in Assam
  • 3 tribes in Arunachal Pradesh
  • 10 tribes in Myanmar

It's important to note that the total number of tribes can vary depending on different sources and classifications. According to the Naga National Right and Movements (NNC), there are 77 tribes, including both sub-tribes and major tribes.

The population of Nagas in India, specifically in Nagaland and Manipur, was estimated to be around 2.7 million in the 2001 Census, with the rest of the Naga population, approximately 0.3 million, residing in other regions.

Despite their rich cultural heritage and traditions, the Nagas do not possess a written historical record about their origins or the exact route of migration to their present homeland. Various theories suggest that the Nagas may have immigrated from different directions, including the North East, North West, and South East. However, a prevailing belief is that the majority of Nagas migrated from the South East, entering the Naga Hills through the corridor along the Indo-Myanmar border.

1. Common Expressions: http://www.websters-dictionary-online.com/definitions/naga?cx=partner-pub-0939450753529744%3Av0qd01-tdlq&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=UTF-8&q=naga&sa=Search#906

2. Myth of Naga Origin: http://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Ethnic_Races_Manipur.The_Myths_of_Naga_Origin

3. Myth of Naga Origin: http://nambon.com/history/nagas-myths/naga-origin

Source: e-pao.com

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