Kohima

State capital of: Nagaland

District: Kohima

Main languages: English and Nagamese

 

History:

 

The town of Kohima is situated in the north eastern border state of Nagaland, which also shares its borders with Burma. The town of Kohima lies in Kohima District and is also one of the three Nagaland towns that have Municipal council status. The town is also called "Kew Hi", which is taken from the name of a plant grown on the mountainside. This also means "the men of the land where the flower Kew Hi grows" and the region was also known as "Thigoma" earlier. The British had entered into the Naga territory beginning in the 1840s. But they had met with stiff resistance from the independence loving Nagas, who had the history of never being conquered by any empire before. Due to stiffness of the resistance that followed, it nearly took the British four decades to conquer a territory which was less than 10,000 square kilometers. At this time the eastern region was left free. In the year 1944, during World War II, the Battle of Kohima was fought along with simultaneously with the Battle of Imphal, which was also the turning point of Burma Campaign when the Japanese lost. The town was also the first seat of modern administration as the Headquarter of Naga Hills District in 1879, when the state was a part of Assam. It became the capital of Nagaland in 1963.

 

Geography and Climate:

 

Kohima is located at 25.67¡ã N 94.12¡ã E and has an average elevation of 1261 meters. The town of Kohima has a pleasant and moderate climate, with cool winters and pleasant summers. December and January are the coldest months and frost is a common occurrence during these months, with snowfall occasionally. Heavy rainfall occurs during the summers. The climate here is ideal for the growth of natural plants and trees.

 

Demographics:

 

As per the 2001 India census, Kohima had a population of 78,584 with 53% male population and 47% female population. Kohima has an average literacy rate of 75%.

 

Economy:

 

The city of Kohima is mainly dependent on various administrative offices since it is the capital of the state. The other occupations here also include handicrafts and agriculture along with animal husbandry.

 

Culture:

 

Angamis, and the Rengma are the tribal inhabitants of the region. The 'Kohima village' is also called 'Bara Basti' or 'large village' and it is the largest village in Asia forming the northeastern part of Kohima urban area. The area is divided into 'khels' or localities namely Ts¨¹tuonuomia, Lhisemia, Dapf¨¹tsumia and Pfuchatsumia. 

 

Tourism:

 

The city is the stoppage for some of the remote tourist destinations in the state. The Nagaland State Museum provides the best source for glimpsing into Naga culture through history. Gateposts, statues, pillars, and jewelry are some of the exhibits here along with a ceremonial drum. The other popular attractions here include War Cemetery, Zoological Park, and Catholic Cathedral, the Kohima Village or Bara Basti and the main market.

 

Transportation:

 

The nearest airport from Kohima is at Dimapur. The nearest railhead too is Dimapur with regular trains to the eastern parts of the county. The roads here are also well connected to different parts of the country.