Get summary, textual answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF to NBSE Class 12 (Arts) Sociology Chapter/unit 5 Society in Nagaland. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
Introduction
The chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the cultural, social, and political aspects of Nagaland, a state in Northeast India. It discusses the traditional religion of the Nagas, which is characterized by a belief in a Supreme Being, spirits, and the significance of dreams. The chapter also highlights the importance of the Morung, a traditional educational institution where young Nagas learned various life skills and cultural practices.
The emergence of Nagaland as a state within the Indian Union is also detailed. The formation of the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) in 1957, the subsequent 16-point agreement with the Indian Prime Minister, and the passing of the State of Nagaland Act in 1962, leading to Nagaland’s inauguration as a state in 1963, are all discussed.
The chapter further explains the special provisions for Nagaland in the Indian Constitution under Article 371A, which grants the state autonomy in matters of religious and social practices, Naga customary law, and administration of civil and criminal justice.
The advent of Christianity and modern education in Nagaland is also discussed, noting the significant social and cultural changes these brought about. The chapter ends with a series of questions for further exploration and understanding of the topics covered.
Video tutorial
Textual questions and answers
Very short answer questions
1. Who are the ‘Nagas’?
Answer: The word ‘Naga’ is applied to a group of tribes which differ from other groups of tribes. Such differences are not only in physical features, but chiefly in cultural and social aspects.
2. To which racial group do the Nagas belong?
Answer:The Nagas belong to the Mongoloid racial group.
3. What is the total population of Nagaland according to 2011 Census?
Answer: According to the Census of India 2011 Provisional Population Totals, the total population of Nagaland is 19,80,602.
4. What is the percentage of tribal population in Nagaland according to the Census 2011?
Answer: According to the Census of India 2001, the proportion of the population belonging to Scheduled Tribes in the State was 1,774,026 which constitute 89.1 % of the total.
5. Name some of the major tribes found in Nagaland.
Answer: According to the official publications of the Government of Nagaland, there are 17 tribes found in Nagaland: Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sumi, Sangtam, Yimchunger, Zeliang, Kuki, Kachari and Tikhir.
11. Which Naga tribe celebrates Monyu?
Answer: The Phom tribe celebrates the festival of Monyu.
12. What is the main festival of Konyak tribe?
Answer:The main festival of the Konyak tribe is Aoleang, celebrated in April.
13. Which tribe celebrates the festival of Tokhu Emong?
Answer: Tokhu Emong is celebrated by the Lothas.
14. What is the main festival of the Pochury?
Answer: The main festival of the Pochury is Yemshe, celebrated in October.
15. Which festival is celebrated by the Rengma Nagas?
Answer: The Rengma Nagas celebrate the festival of Ngada.
16. Which is the chief Sangtam festival?
Answer: The chief Sangtam festival is Amongmong, celebrated in September.
17. What is the main festival of the Sumi Nagas?
Answer: The main festivals of Sumi tribe is Tuluni, celebrated in July.
18. Which Naga tribe celebrates the festival of Metemneo?
Answer: The Yimkhiung tribe celebrates the festival of Metemneo.
19. What are the main festivals of Zeliang tribe?
Answer: The main festivals of Zeliang are Meleingi celebrated in March and Langsimngi in October.
20. What is the major source of income in Nagaland?
Answer: The economy of Nagaland is dominated by agriculture.
29. Which is the most important traditional educational institution of the Nagas?
Answer:The most important traditional educational institution was the bachelors’ or youth dormitory found in every village or khel. Such youth dormitories existed also for the girls. The youth dormitory is known by different names in different tribes, and the most commonly used term is morung.
30. Who brought modern education to Nagaland?
Answer: Modern education was brought to Nagaland by the Christian missionaries.
31. When was Nagaland declared as a full fledged state?
Answer: In 1962, the Parliament passed the State of Nagaland Act 1962 for the formation of Nagaland as a full-fledged State. Consequently, Nagaland as the 16th State in the Indian Union was inaugurated on 1st December 1963.
32. Which Article of the Constitution provides for safeguarding the religious and social practices of the Naga people?
Answer: Article 371A.
Short answer questions
1. What is meant by ‘animism’?
Answer: The traditional religion of the Nagas is usually described as Animism. According to Anthropologists, Animism is the belief that all objects, both animate and inanimate, are inhabited by spirits. The spirits are understood to be distinct beings who survive the death or destruction of the objects they inhabit. It is believed that all activity is caused by the spirits
2. Distinguish between benevolent and malevolent spirits.
Answer: In animism, it is believed that some spirits are benevolent i.e., good and helpful, while other spirits are malevolent or even evil and cause harm. Thus, diseases and disasters are considered to be the work of malevolent spirits. While good spirits are worshipped, malevolent spirits are feared.
3. Briefly discuss the important rituals and practices of the Naga traditional religion.
Answer: The important rituals and practices of the Naga traditional religion include a belief in a Supreme Being who is also said to be the creator who sustains human beings and other creatures. In addition to the belief in the Supreme Being, Naga traditional religion includes belief in spirits, both benevolent and malevolent.
Benevolent spirits are helpful to human beings, but malevolent or evils spirits are the cause of diseases and calamities. Therefore, they are to be feared and propitiated with sacrifices and by observing gennas. Naga life cycle rituals also had religious significance. Important life cycle rituals and ceremonies were observed at birth, the naming of a child, marriage and death.
Naga traditional religion also had such practices as divinations and observation of omens. Interpretation of dreams was also an important element in traditional Naga religion. Good dreams were understood to indicate success or a favourable outcome, while bad dreams foretold disasters. In the traditional Naga religion, usually there was no distinct class of priests. The head of the family or the clan performed the function of priest
4. What is jhum cultivation?
Answer: Jhum cultivation is an agricultural practice found in hilly and mountainous areas. It is the practice of shifting from one plot to another after the fertility of the soil is exhausted. Shifting cultivation is known by different names. It is called slash-and-burn cultivation because it implies the clearing of vegetation in the plot selected by cutting down trees and other vegetation and then burning them before sowing the seeds. Another term used for this type of cultivation is swidden farming because only simple tools are used in cultivation. In North East India, it is known as jhuming or jhum cultivation.
5. Point out the basic difference between Jhum cultivation and Terrace cultivation.
Answer: Jhum cultivation, also known as shifting cultivation, is an agricultural practice found in hilly and mountainous areas. It involves shifting from one plot to another after the fertility of the soil is exhausted. It involves clearing of vegetation in the selected plot by cutting down trees and other vegetation and then burning them before sowing the seeds. This method of cultivation is primarily used to meet the demand for food for the household.
On the other hand, terrace cultivation is found chiefly among the Angamis in Kohima district and to some extent among the Chakhesangs in Phek district. Unlike shifting cultivation, terrace cultivation is permanent or settled cultivation because the fields are permanent and are used for cultivation every year. It is called ‘panikheti’ or wet cultivation because crops are cultivated in fields with standing water. Most of the terrace fields are used to raise only one crop of paddy.
10. When was Nagaland officially declared as a full-fledged state in India? Who was the first chief minister of Nagaland?
Answer: Nagaland was declared as a full-fledged state in the Indian Union on 1st December 1963. The first chief minister of Nagaland was P. Shilu Ao.
11. Discuss briefly the special provisions given in Article 371 A.
Answer: Article 371A of the Indian Constitution provides special provisions for Nagaland. Unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland so decides, no Act of the Indian Parliament will apply to the state of Nagaland in respect of:
- Religious and social practices of the Nagas.
- Naga customary law and procedure.
- Administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law.
- Ownership and transfer of land and its resources.
Essay type questions
1. Explain the process of shifting cultivation.
Answer: Shifting cultivation is an agricultural practice found in hilly and mountainous areas. It is the practice of shifting from one plot to another after the fertility of the soil is exhausted. Shifting cultivation is known by different names. It is called slash-and-burn cultivation because it implies the clearing of vegetation in the plot selected by cutting down trees and other vegetation and then burning them before sowing the seeds. Another term used for this type of cultivation is swidden farming because only simple tools are used in cultivation. In North East India, it is known as jhuming or jhum cultivation.
In the operation of shifting cultivation, the following sequences are normally observed:
- The selection of site.
- Clearing of the site of all vegetation usually during winter.
- Drying and burning of vegetation which, may take about a month.
- Preparation of the plot for sowing.
- Dribbling or making small holes in the soil for the seeds.
- Sowing the seeds after the onset of the monsoon or rains.
- Weeding at regular intervals.
- Harvesting and storing of produce.
The basic aim of shifting cultivation is to meet the demand for food for the household. Therefore, food grains like rice, maize, millets, vegetables and other edible leaves are grown. Some foods for domestic animals like pigs are also grown. Besides, some cash crops like chillies, ginger, potato and cotton are also grown. The method of multiple or mixed cropping is usually followed, though sometimes single crops are raised in some patches.
2. Give some of the measures/suggestions for improving shifting cultivation.
Answer: The improvement of shifting cultivation must be multi-pronged. Some suggestions include:
- Proper land use based on land capabilities. Shifting cultivation is sometimes practised on land with very steep slopes. It is necessary to regulate such practices and limit shifting cultivation to land with less steep slopes. Besides, land should be properly surveyed and properly used so that there is forest, horticulture and shifting cultivation.
- Wherever possible, terracing should be introduced even if there is only shifting cultivation. Terracing and contour bunding can reduce soil erosion.
- Cropping pattern should be improved. There is a need for mixed cropping and crop diversification so that different crops are grown throughout the year. As a result, soil is covered all the time.
- Productivity should be improved through the use of better tools, judicious use of manures and fertilisers, weed and pest control measures. As the main purpose of shifting cultivation is the production of food grains, any increase in productivity will directly benefit the cultivator.
- Various alternatives to shifting cultivation should be promoted. Some of them are horticulture (growing fruits), animal husbandry including poultry and fisheries. It may be possible to introduce new cash crops like pineapple, cashew nut, coffee, and rubber.
- Finally, long range solution to the problems caused by shifting cultivation lies in all round development. This includes land reforms, development of various infra-structural facilities, providing social services like education and health care, establishment of agro-based industries and general socio-economic development.
3. Explain terrace cultivation.
Answer: Answer: Terrace cultivation is a practice found chiefly among the Angamis in Kohima district and to some extent among the Chakhesangs in Phek district. Unlike shifting cultivation, terrace cultivation is permanent or settled cultivation because the fields are permanent and are used for cultivation every year. It is called ‘panikheti’ or wet cultivation because crops are cultivated in fields with standing water. Terrace fields are prepared by cutting the slopes of hills into terraces that may vary in breadth from two feet to even more than a hundred feet if the ground is level enough.
The walls of terrace fields are reinforced with stones so that water can remain standing when the crop grows. Terrace fields are irrigated with water from running streams brought to the fields by means of channels. Once the fields are thus prepared, they are used for cultivation every year. The preparation for cultivation begins soon after the crop is harvested. Fields are dug over so that weeds and the stems of the previous crop are uprooted and dried completely. The actual cultivation begins soon after the rains when there is sufficient water. Then, the fields are flooded with the required amount of water.
The next step is to puddle the fields. This helps in the decomposition of the weeds already turned over. Some manure in the form of animal dung is used. When the fields are well puddled, seedlings grown in a different place are transplanted. Transplanting takes place usually in June when the monsoon rains are abundant and water supply is assured. After transplantation, the fields need weeding and cleaning two or three times. The harvest is ready in about four months. Most of the terrace fields are used to raise only one crop of paddy. But in recent times, some fields are used to raise a second crop that does not need standing water. The commonly grown crop is potato usually meant for sale.
4. Discuss about the traditional religion of the Nagas.
Answer: The traditional religion of the Nagas is usually described as Animism. According to Anthropologists, Animism is the belief that all objects, both animate and inanimate, are inhabited by spirits. The spirits are understood to be distinct beings who survive the death or destruction of the objects they inhabit. It is believed that all activity is caused by the spirits. It is also believed that some spirits are good and helpful, while other spirits are malevolent or even evil and cause harm. Thus, diseases and disasters are considered to be the work of malevolent spirits. While good spirits are worshipped, malevolent spirits are feared. With regard to Naga traditional religion, it must be kept in mind that there are variations in beliefs and practices between the tribes. At the same time, the basic beliefs and practices are the same in all the Naga tribes.
A close examination of Naga traditional religion shows that it is much more complex in nature, and cannot be simply called Animism. For example, Naga traditional religion includes a belief in a Supreme Being. The Supreme Being is also said to be the creator who sustains human beings and other creatures. In addition to the belief in the Supreme Being, Naga traditional religion includes belief in spirits, both benevolent and malevolent. Benevolent spirits are helpful to human beings. Butmalevolent or evils spirits are the cause of diseases and calamities. Therefore, they are to be feared and propitiated with sacrifices and by observing gennas. Traditional Naga religion did not have the concept of heaven or hell. But it had the belief that after death, the spirit of the person went to the land of dead. There is a belief that there is a close link between the living and dead. An important element in the traditional Naga religion was the observance of genna days. The practice varied from tribe to tribe. But the general significance was that certain days were sacred and had to be observed by a clan or the village usually to avert calamities caused by the spirits.
8. Write an account on the emergence of Nagaland as a state and explain the special provisions for Nagaland in the Constitution of India.
Answer: The emergence of Nagaland as a state is a significant event in the history of the region. At the time of India’s Independence, Nagaland was only a district in the State of Assam. Leaders of various Naga tribes were not satisfied with this situation. Therefore, they formed the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) in August 1957. In its first session, under the presidentship of Dr Imkongliba Ao, the NPC proposed the formation of a new administrative unit merging the Tuensang division of NEFA (North East Frontier Agency) with Naga Hills District. The Government of India agreed to the proposal and on 1 December 1957, the new administrative unit known as the Naga Hills and Tuensang Area (NHTA) was inaugurated.
In July 1960, a delegation of the NPC met the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, and a 16 point agreement was arrived at. As a result, the State of Nagaland within the Indian Union was created, and on 18th February 1961, an Interim Body of 42 members was constituted to function as the de facto legislature. In 1962, the Parliament passed the State of Nagaland Act 1962 for the formation of Nagaland as a full-fledged State. Consequently, Nagaland as the 16th State in the Indian Union was inaugurated on 1st December 1963.
The constitution (Thirteenth Amendment) Act, enacted at the time of giving Statehood to Nagaland, inserted Article 371A into the Constitution of India. This Article has special provisions only for Nagaland. Article 371A has laid down that unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland so decides, no Act of the Indian Parliament will apply to the state of Nagaland in respect of:
- Religious and social practices of the Nagas.
- Naga customary law and procedure.
- Administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law.
- Ownership of transfer of land and its resources.
9. When was the state of Nagaland Act passed? Explain the special provisions granted for Nagaland in Article 371 A of the Constitution of India.
Answer: The Constitution (Thirteenth Amendment) Act, enacted at the time of giving Statehood to Nagaland, inserted Article 371A into the Constitution of India. This Article has special provisions only for Nagaland. Among other things, Article 371A has laid down that unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland so decides, no Act of the Indian Parliament will apply to the state of Nagaland in respect of:
- Religious and social practices of the Nagas.
- Naga customary law and procedure.
- Administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law.
- Ownership and transfer of land and its resources.
These Constitutional provisions for Nagaland are unique because such provisions are not made in favour of any other state or community. They give complete autonomy to the state of Nagaland in social and religious matters and protect Naga traditional law
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) and Problem Solving Assessment (PSA)
1. Nagaland is known as a land of festivals. What are the advantages and disadvantages attached to this description?
2. List out the traditional learning methods and tools of learning. Discuss its relevance in the present day.
Extra/additional question and answers
1. What does the term ‘Naga’ refer to and how does it relate to the State of Nagaland?
Answer: The term ‘Naga’ refers to a group of tribes that are distinct from other tribal groups, not only in physical features but mainly in cultural and social aspects. The name ‘Nagaland’ indicates it is the land of these Naga tribes. Despite differences among the Naga tribes themselves in aspects of culture, language, and political organisation, they constitute one distinct group. Presently, they inhabit not only Nagaland, the 16th State of the Union of India, but also adjoining areas of other states and even areas in Myanmar.
2. Describe the population growth in Nagaland as per the Census of India 2011 Provisional Population Totals.
Answer: According to the Census of India 2011 Provisional Population Totals, the total population of Nagaland was 19,80,602. In 1961, the total population was only 369,200, indicating a rapid population growth. Nagaland even had the highest decadal population growth rate in the country in 2001 with 64.41% growth rate. However, the decadal growth rate drastically dropped to -0.47% in 2011, attributed to more accurate demographic data collection.
3. What is the sex ratio in Nagaland and how does it compare to the national average? What could be the possible reason for this situation?
Answer: The sex ratio in Nagaland, according to the Census of India 2011 Provisional Population Totals, was 931 females per 1000 males. This is worse than the situation in India overall, which has a sex ratio of 940. A probable reason for this situation in Nagaland could be the large number of male immigrants who come to work in the state, particularly in the Dimapur area.
4. Explain the urban population distribution in Nagaland and how it compares to the national average. Why might Nagaland have a lower urban population?
Answer: The urban component of the population in Nagaland is relatively low, constituting about 28.97%. This is lower than the national average, which stands at about 31.16%. The reason for this lower urban population in Nagaland is likely due to the absence of industrial centres in the state. The towns in Nagaland are primarily administrative and commercial centres, which also serve as educational centres, but they lack industrial activities which usually attract a large urban population.
5. What is the proportion of the population in Nagaland belonging to Scheduled Tribes according to the Census of India 2001?
Answer: The proportion of the population in Nagaland belonging to Scheduled Tribes according to the Census of India 2001 was 1,774,026, which constitutes 89.1% of the total.
6. What is the nature of the non-tribal component of the population in Nagaland?
Answer: The non-tribal component of the population in Nagaland consists of various categories of people. Among them are the Nepalese, also known as Gorkha, who arrived in Nagaland before 31st December 1940 and are treated as indigenous people.
7. Name the 17 tribes found in Nagaland according to the official publications of the Government of Nagaland?
Answer: The official publications of the Government of Nagaland identify 17 tribes in Nagaland: Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sumi, Sangtam, Yimchunger, Zeliang, Kuki, Kachari, and Tikhir.
91. Elucidate the political journey of Nagaland from a district in Assam to a state with unique constitutional provisions.
Answer: At the time of India’s independence in 1947, Nagaland was not a separate state but just a district within the state of Assam. However, the leaders of the various Naga tribes were not content with this arrangement, as they felt it did not sufficiently acknowledge or safeguard their unique identity and cultural traditions.
As a result of this discontent, the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) was formed in August 1957. The NPC acted as a representative body for the Naga tribes and sought to articulate their demands for better political representation and more autonomy. Through the NPC, the Naga leaders pushed for Nagaland’s recognition as a separate state, arguing that such a move would not only be a more accurate reflection of their unique identity but would also offer them more control over their social and religious affairs.
This movement was successful, and Nagaland was granted statehood. But the uniqueness of Nagaland’s situation did not stop at statehood. Recognizing the distinct social and cultural character of the Naga people, the Indian Constitution included special provisions for Nagaland. These provisions are not provided to any other state or community in India. They allow Nagaland complete autonomy in social and religious matters and offer protection to the traditional Naga law.
These provisions have significantly shaped the political, social, and cultural landscape of Nagaland. They have allowed the Naga people to maintain their distinct identity while being part of the Indian Union, and they have facilitated a governance structure in Nagaland that is sensitive to the customs and traditions of the Naga tribes. Therefore, the political journey of Nagaland has been a complex process of negotiation and advocacy, leading to a unique status within the Indian political system.
Extra/additional MCQs
1. What does the term ‘Naga’ refer to?
A. A single tribe B. A group of tribes C. A state D. A city
Answer: B. A group of tribes
2. Which State of the Union of India is Nagaland?
A. 15th B. 16th C. 17th D. 18th
Answer: B. 16th
3. What was the total population of Nagaland according to the Census of India 2011 Provisional Population Totals?
A. 19,80,602 B. 36,91,200 C. 20,11,000 D. 20,00,000
Answer: A. 19,80,602
4. What was the total population of Nagaland in 1961?
A. 19,80,602 B. 36,91,200 C. 20,11,000 D. 20,00,000
Answer: B. 36,91,200
5. Which year did Nagaland have the highest decadal population growth rate in the country?
A. 2001 B. 2011 C. 1991 D. 1981
Answer: A. 2001
6. What was the decadal growth rate in Nagaland according to the Census of India 2011 Provisional Population Totals?
A. 64.41% B. -0.47% C. 10% D. 20%
Answer: B. -0.47%
7. What was the sex ratio of Nagaland according to the Census of India 2011 Provisional Population Totals?
A. 931 B. 940 C. 920 D. 950
Answer: A. 931
8. What is the national average of sex ratio in India?
A. 931 B. 940 C. 920 D. 950
Answer: B. 940
129. Which law is protected by the special constitutional provisions for Nagaland?
A. Civil Law B. Criminal Law C. Traditional Law D. Constitutional Law
Answer: C. Traditional Law
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