Nagaland’s Indigenous Tribes

Sandwiched between the Himalayas and Myanmar in India’s northeast corner, the Indian state of Nagaland is a place of outstanding natural beauty, covered with tropical and subtropical forests, and home to a vast array of flora and fauna, including over 490 species of birds.  Even though small in comparison to India’s other states, it is home to at least 16 major indigenous groups. Based on the 2011 census data, the state of Nagaland has 14 languages and 17 dialects, the largest of which, Konyak, is spoken by 46% of the population.

The 16 major tribes of Nagaland are the Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Kachari, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Kuki, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Yimchungrü, and Zeliang. With so many tribes celebrating individual traditions, Nagaland is sometimes known as the Land of Festivals, with one major festival occurring every month of the year.

Rich in natural resources,70% of the state’s population is dependent on agriculture and harvesting of natural resources. Nagaland is currently experiencing growth in both its economic output and diversification. This is creating new jobs and demands for new skills. The state has numerous universities and technical colleges, ensuring that natives to the area don’t have to travel far for education. At 80%, the state’s literacy rate exceeds the national average of 74%, but the cost of higher education is a barrier to many students in Nagaland. 

Our Tiyara scholarship applicants come from all over India, and several are from Nagaland. Education provides a powerful way forward for our candidates, elevating their future prospects and bestowing the ability to define their own future through socio-economic empowerment. To learn more about our mission, please click here. We welcome volunteers and interns, so if you’re interested or would like to opt in to receive our e-updates, you can find more information here.