Nagalands

Nagalands is a term used to describe the traditional homeland of the Naga peoples, a collection of ethnolinguistic groups living in the borderlands of Northeast India and Myanmar. It denotes a cultural and geographic region rather than a single political entity, and it is used in ethnographic, historical, and political contexts to discuss shared Naga heritage, identities, and aspirations.

Geographically, the concept centers on the hilly areas of present-day Nagaland state in India and extends into neighboring Indian states such as Manipur, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh, as well as across the India–Myanmar border into parts of Myanmar's borderlands. The area is characterized by rugged terrain, forests, and river systems that shape traditional livelihoods and settlement patterns. The inhabitants belong to multiple Naga tribes, including groups such as the Ao, Angami, Sumi, Lotha, Konyak, Rengma, Chakhesang, and Phom, among others. Naga languages form a distinct branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family, with many distinct languages and dialects; English and Nagamese often serve as linguae francae in multi-tribal areas.

Historically, Nagaland and its surrounding regions have seen movements for self-determination and greater autonomy since the mid-20th century. The Indian state of Nagaland was established in 1963, and various Naga groups have engaged in ceasefire talks and negotiations with the Indian government over the years. The idea of a broader political entity sometimes called Greater Nagalim or a unified Naga homeland has been a feature of political discourse, though it remains disputed and fragmented across different groups and borders.

Culturally, Nagaland is known for its diverse traditional customs, festivals, crafts, and religious practices, with Christianity playing a prominent role in many communities due to historical Missionary influence. The region continues to experience social and political developments as it navigates autonomy, development, and cross-border relations.