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Nagaland inhabited by the
Naga tribes, captured international attention during world war 2, because it was
here that the Japanese advance was halted by British and Indian troops. Nagas
were spirited warriors and by the end of the 19th century the British reached peace with Nagas and found
them useful as allies in war against the Japanese. After India's independence,
Nagaland became a state in 31 December 1963. Foreigners require
area Permits to visit.
Kohima
World War II Cemetery
This cemeter y
has well maintained lawns. The rose bushes bloom here in
season. At the lowest and highest point of the cemetery, there are two tall
crosses. The upper cross carries the inscription, as follows :-.
"Here, around the tennis court of the
Deputy commissioner
lie men who fought in the battle of Kohima in which they and their comrades
finally halted the invasion of India by the forces of Japan in April 1944".
At the base of the lower cross, there is a four line inscription
"When you go home
Tell them of us and say
For your tomorrow
we gave our today" |
State Museum
It is at Kohima. Visit : Monday to Saturday from 1000 to 1500. Closed on
holidays. There is a collection of anthropological exhibits of
the different Naga tribes, status pillars, a ceremonial drum, gateposts and
jewellery. The basement has animals and birds from the North Eastern hill
states.
KOHIMA VILLAGE (BARA BASTI)
This village has a traditional Naga ceremonial
gateway carved with motifs of guns, warriors and symbols of prosperity at the
entrance to the village. The traditional Naga house built here had crossed
'horns' on the gables, carved heads to signify the status of the family, a huge
basket to hold the grain in front of the house.
The nearest airport and railhead
are at Dimapur, Nagaland's gateway and commercial centre.
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