Nagaland

Nagaland became a full-fledged state of the Indian Union in 1963. Nagaland in India's northeast, is a narrow strip of territory.

There are many distinct tribes and sub-tribes among the Nagas, each with its distinctive language and cultural features. Prominent among these are the Kukis, Angamis, Aos, Konyaks, Lothas, Semas and Wanchus. In earlier days, these tribes were known for their fierceness and the periodic raids they made into the neighbouring areas.

For long, the slash and burn techniques of jhum cultivation was followed. Though, only a little more than one-third of the total area in the state is cultivable, agriculture is the mainstay of the economy with 90% of the population involved in it. Development organizations and government initiatives have encouraged the people to adopt terraced cultivation, farm forestry and to plant orchards.

Popular occupations also include sericulture and bee keeping. The Nagas manufacture exquisite artefacts with the simplest of equipment, home made colours and bamboo. Weaving is a traditional art handed down through generations in Nagaland.