A complicated history, but here's hoping we have better and more resolved days. Image source: Mintage World

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Nagaland.jpg

Once upon a time, there lay a beautiful place nestled between the clouds. It was surrounded by the lush green valleys where the air was crisp, and the water was clear.

The land was a mystery to all. It lured people from everywhere. After all, who wouldn't want to break away from the mundane misery of daily life and travel to a far-off place that would transport them into a world that did not belong to this one?

It is believed that the inhabitants of this land, known as the 'Nagas', migrated from the East. One might say that the Nagas were recent migrants to this land. But there is evidence of the Nagas in the Vedas, where they're referred to as 'Kiratas'.

The Nagas had their own religious beliefs. According to them, there is one God who protects all humans, but evil takes many forms. Within the Nagas, there is variation in terms of dressing styles and languages. They were the masters of the hills till they were met by another group- The Ahoms.

> Still, the Nagas had managed to keep their land secure. They mostly lived amongst themselves and were isolated from the world outside. Their isolationism and peace were only disturbed by the arrival of the British. Though the British kept their distance and chose to not interfere in the customs of the Nagas, the missionaries prompted grave threats.
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The Bengal-Eastern Frontier Regulation allowed the missionaries complete access to the Naga territory. It was no surprise that by the 19th century, most of the Nagas were converted to Christianity. Many Nagas were sent to France during World War 1. Upon their return, the Nagas organized themselves into a group that revived the traditional Naga culture.

Just when the Nagas thought they could enjoy peace again, during world war 2, Japan brought the war to the heart of Nagaland. The Battle of Kohima exhausted the Japanese and the British and Indian forces. The battle ended in the favour of the British.

When India finally gained independence, some Naga groups mobilised themselves and began demanding political representation. The situation got out of hand. The tranquil land and its people refused to stay silent. Seeing the situation get out of hand, the Central government sent in its troops to stabilise the situation.

> In 1962, the Nagaland Security Regulation was passed. In the same year, another bill was introduced in Parliament. It was because of the latter that on 1st December 1963, the state of Nagaland was inaugurated by Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishna in Kohima.
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Although all once upon a time stories are expected to end happily, the complicated history of Nagaland doesn't make this ending easy. The peaceful state, free from foreign interference and bloodshed was now long gone. The land of Nagas underwent a long journey before it finally became the 16th state of India.

Known for its Hornbill festival, colourful attire, distinct languages, and close-knit tribal culture, Nagaland is the heaven everyone wanted. The land that knew nothing but peace before foreign entrants came to that place, faced a long journey before it became the 16th state of India.