DIMAPUR, Nagaland

Main Attraction: DIMAPUR, THE COMMERCIAL CAPITAL OF NAGALAND

Dimapur is the most important commercial place of Nagaland and is considered as the gateway to the two North-Eastern States- Nagaland and Manipur. The motif above is the main street of Dimapur.

Brief History

Dimapur district is bounded by Kohima in East, Peren in South, Karbi Anglong district of Assam in the West and Golaghat district of Assam in the North. The district has a heterogeneous population with majority comprising of Naga tribes from all over the Nagaland. There is sizable population of non-tribal living in the town areas. Dimapur town is the commercial hub of the state and is the magnet around which the economic and developmental activities of the district are centred; it is one of the fastest developing townships of the North East. The town is also a gateway to Nagaland and Manipur state. It is an important rail head and also has an airport. The National High way 29 that connect Kohima runs through Dimapur District.

Dimapur, the major commercial hub in Nagaland, has a diverse mixed of people from all over India, and for which it is also known as “mini India”. Besides the dominant Naga tribe who comprises about 50% of the city’s population, other prominent groups include Bengalis, Assamese, Nepalese, Biharis, Marwaris, Punjabis and also Tamils and Keralites. In the last two decades, Tibetan traders have also settled in the city. In Dhansiri sub-division, the tribes inhabiting the area is predominantly Angami, Sumi, Kachari and Chakhesang while in Medziphema sub-division, the Angami tribe is predominant although a few Kuki and Sumi are also settled in the area. All these tribes have their own customary laws which dominate their social life. The village council are the local bodies through which such customary laws are enacted. The norms and traditions regarding marriage, divorce, inheritance, death etc. are governed by such customary laws. Disputes regarding land, water and such resources and even personal disputes are very often resolved based on these customary laws.

Dimapur is the most populous district of Nagaland. A large area of the district is in the plains with an average elevation of 260m above sea level except Medziphema sub-division and a few villages of Niuland sub-division, which are located in the foothills.

The climate in Dimapur district is hot and humid in the plains during summer reaching a maximum of 36 °C, with humidity up to 93%. While winter are cool and pleasant. The average annual rainfall is 1504.7mm.