Naga - Land & People in Archival Mirror
Welcome to the Naga World
Explore the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland, home to 17 distinct tribes, through rare archival documents, photographs, and historical artifacts. The exhibition Naga - Land & People in Archival Mirror invites you to undertake a journey through the history, culture, and evolution of Nagaland, as captured in archival documents that span centuries. Organized by the National Archives of India and State Archives of Nagaland, this exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the past, highlighting the key moments that shaped the state and its people.
The Naga People Nagaland is a vibrant tapestry of 17 Naga tribes, each with unique customs and traditions. These tribes include the Angami, Ao, Chakesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Kuki, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochuri, Rengama, Sangtam, Yimkhiung, Zeleang, Kachari, Sumi, and Tikhir. Together, they represent a legacy that has evolved over centuries, and through this exhibition, we celebrate their stories.
The Exhibition: 12 Panels explore Key Themes of Naga History, Culture, and Politics:
1. Naga-Land & People: DISCOVER Naga history and traditions through travellers’ accounts that offer a window into the early perceptions of Nagaland.
2. Colonial Inroads in Naga Hills: WITNESS the gradual British expansion into the Naga Hills and the region’s response to colonial pressures.
3. World Wars and Naga Hills: LEARN about the bravery and contributions of Naga tribes during both World Wars.
4. INA and Netaji:EXPLORE the journey of the Indian National Army (INA) and Subhas Chandra Bose’s historic passage into Nagaland in 1944.
5. Statehood to Nagaland: TRACE the milestones leading to the formation of Nagaland as a state, from the 9 Point Agreement (1947) to the creation of the State of Nagaland (1962).
6. Democracy @ Work – 1963 Assembly Elections: STEP into the 1963-64 elections, the first general elections of Nagaland, and see how democracy took root in the state.
7. Democracy @ Work – Key Players: DISCOVER the political landscape of Nagaland through its first political party, the Nagaland Nationalist Organization (NNO), and others like the Nagaland People’s Party (NPP).
8. Peace Mission (1964-65): READ about the peace missions during the 1960s and the hopes for a peaceful resolution, including the vision of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan.
9. Peace Mission – From Cartoonists’ Eyes: EXPERIENCE the political cartoons from 1964 that offer a creative perspective on the situation in Nagaland.
10. Road to Progress: EXPLORE key milestones in Nagaland’s post-statehood development, including landmark bills and institutional creations in the 1960s and beyond.
11. Firsts in Nagaland: CELEBRATE Nagaland’s achievements with the awarding of the Padma Bhushan to Rani Gaidinliu (1982), the establishment of Nagaland University (1989), and the creation of the National Institute of Technology (2010).
12. Important Visitors to Nagaland: SEE the significance of visits by prominent Indian leaders such as Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, present Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the President Droupadi Murmu.
Join Us at the Exhibition Step into a world where history meets heritage and experience Nagaland’s vibrant culture through the lens of archival records. Each panel unravels the stories of the Naga people, their land, and the forces that have shaped their identity over time.