North eastern India
Are tribal people primitive?- My journey through Nagaland
Visiting the heritage village of Khonama, India’s first green village, was a highlight. This village seamlessly blends modern facilities with rural purity and tribal culture
My journey through Nagaland was a revelation, challenging my preconceived notions about tribal communities. Each journey offers new insights, broadening our perspectives and renewing our consciousness. When we think of tribal societies, we often harbor misconceptions – labeling them as uncivilized, uneducated, or untidy. However, the reality is far from these stereotypes.
In Nagaland, I discovered a comprising 17 tribes, with a literacy rate of around 80%, surpassing the national average. The state excels in higher education, and its infant mortality rate and birth rate are remarkably low. One striking aspect was the emphasis on cleanliness – public toilets are ubiquitous, and littering in public places attracts hefty fines. Although the roads may be rough in some areas due to rain and natural disasters, Kohima and its surroundings prioritize waste management.
Visiting the heritage village of Khonama, India’s first green village, was a highlight. This village seamlessly blends modern facilities with rural purity and tribal culture. I was delighted to find a coffee shop that perfectly captured this essence. What struck me was the trust-based shopping system, where items were placed on the roadside with prices written, and customers were expected to pay by leaving the money at a designated spot. This exemplifies the remarkable mutual trust within the Naga community.
The Nagas are shattering stereotypes about tribal communities being troublemakers. Nagaland boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the country, and you can walk the streets and markets without fear. The locals are friendly, and you’ll receive gentle and pleasant responses when asking for directions or assistance. Taxis, rooms, and food are reasonably priced, without any exorbitant charges.
As a minority in Nagaland, Hindus make up around 8% of the population, with Christians constituting 88 %. Interestingly, the Naga community attempts to balance their tribal beliefs and customs with their Christian faith. While there may be conflicts between reviving traditional practices and Christian identity, the generous approach of the Christian churches helps resolve these issues.
One notable aspect of Naga society is the communal harmony that prevails. Racialism and communalism have not affected this community, and you can witness people from different backgrounds living and doing business together in peace.
English is the official language, and each tribe has its unique language, although none have a script. You can find a wide range of food options in Nagaland, including non-vegetarian delicacies. Surprisingly, alcohol is banned in the state, defying the common perception that tribal communities are inherently fond of intoxicants.
While women are active in various sectors, their underrepresentation in politics and social arenas is noticeable. However, with the growing number of educated women, this disparity is likely to diminish soon.
The traditional Naga lifestyle depicted in books is rapidly changing. Fashionable clothes have replaced traditional attire, and beauty standards have evolved.
This transformation is not unique to Nagaland; most societies are complex and multifaceted, defying black-and-white categorizations. The world is constantly evolving, and human experiences are diverse. To truly understand this, one must venture out and explore.
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