Dr Maongsangba
Assistant Professor of DGC
Socio-Cultural and Political History of the Nagas, is a collection of research papers presented in Seminars and various Journals by Dr L Atola Changkiri, former Additional Director of Higher Education, Govt of Nagaland, and a historian in her own right. The book is on the Naga history ranging from origin of the Nagas to traditional life to modernity to the establishment of the British power in Naga Hills to social, political and economic life of the Nagas. These are presented in a lucid and concise manner that makes interesting reading.
The author sheds light on the introduction of formal education in Naga Hills, and the establishment of the Technical School for blacksmithy and carpentry at Kohima in 1908. It is worthwhile to learn that the product of the Technical School like iron work and its exhibits was sent to Allahabad and England for imperial exhibitions. It mirrored the success of the only Technical School in Naga Hills, and speaks volume of the dexterousness of the Nagas at the beginning of the 20th century. The book also tells us that Rev Miles Brownson did try at Namsang in 1838 to establish a centre, even before the annexation of Naga Hills by the British, which could have been the first ever attempt to educate the naked Nagas by the foreign missionaries.
The significance of Aoleang festival and Moatsu festival of the Konyaks and Aos; and the status and position of the past and the present Naga women in Naga society is highlighted in the Book. The Book would have enriched further had the author included the festivals of the major tribes of Nagaland and the latest status of Naga women demand for 33% reservations for women in the urban bodies in Nagaland.
The chapter on Dobashi system and their role in the Naga Hills caught my attention as the author traces the etymologically meaning of ‘Dobashi’, which means ‘man of two languages’. I had been trying to explore this for many years. The author also delved into the genesis of the Dobashi institution, and their role and responsibility during the British period to the present day.
Traditional Naga practice of settling land dispute by way of oath-taking will attract the attention of the modern readers of the 21st century, which is replete with land dispute. The introduction of Innerline Regulation Act of 1873 in North East India with special reference to Naga Hills is also included. The Book concludes with the general topic of the origin of Naga politics and the Sixteen Point Agreement, which gave birth to the State of Nagaland.
The Book is not a voluminous one, nonetheless provides vital information that will come in handy for the research scholars, administrators, teachers and the students alike to get a better insight into social, economic, cultural and political life of the Nagas.
