Dimapur

Dimapur (Hindi: दीमापुर) in Nagaland is bounded by Kohima district on the south and east, Karbi Anglong district of Assam on the west, the Karbi Anglong and stretch of Golaghat District of Assam, in the west and the north

Dimapur, from a Kachari word 'Dimasa' after the river which flows through it, is the gateway to Nagaland and its only railhead. The city also has the only functional airport. Maintained by the Airports Authority of India, it now operates flights to Kolkata and Guwahati. It is an important trade and commercial centre on National Highway No. 39, and wears a rather cosmopolitan look. In the Middle Ages, it was the capital of the Kachari rulers. In the heart of the town there is an old relic of the Kachari Kingdom which speaks about the once prosperous era. Dimapur is the 115th most populous city in the country. It is located at 25°54′45″N 93°44′30″E.

Dimapur- History

Situated on the banks of the River Dhansiri, (originally known as Dong-siri meaning a ravine of peaceful habitation) Dimapur, often described as the ‘Brick City’ by European scholars and also by the Ahoms, was the ancient capital of a ruling nation, the Dimasa, who were once a powerful and predominant race in the Entire North-East India region particularly the Brahmaputra Valley. There are two versions of how Dimapur got its name. Many writers are of the opinion that the name ’ Dimapur’ was derived from Dimasa Kachari words Di-meaning water, Ma-meaning big and Pur-meaning city or township in Dimasa dialogue. while other believe that Dimapur is a corruption of Hidimbapur, meaning the city of Hidimba of Mahabharata fame whose wedlock with Pandava prince Bhima gave birth to Ghotokacha, who is believed to be the progenitor of the Kacharis. Later Hidimbapur devolved to Dimbapur and then finally to Dimapur. In some Dimasa Kachari folklores Dimapur is often referred as Dimabang Halali, which implies that Dimapur was originally known by that name but was Sanskritized later by the Brahmins. In Ahom Chronicles Dimapur has been described as ‘Che-din-chi-pen’ (town-earth-burn-make) meaning ‘brick town’ or ‘ Che-Dima’ meaning town of Dimasa

The seat of capital of Dimapur Kingdom was originally surrounded by bricks walls of four feet wide, sixteen feet high with outer ditch running alongside the walls of sixteen feet width and twelve feet in depth except on the southern side where the River Dhansiri served as the natural ditch. On the eastern side there was a fine solid gateway with brick masonry of pointed double arcs. The gate was secured by double heavy doors hinged in pierced upright setting of solid stone blocks. At both ends of the battlement there were turrets of half quadrant shape and in between the arc-way and the turrets were niches resembling ornamental windows. On both sides above the arc there were symbolic works of sun flower. There were originally inset by bright brass coating and could be seen dazzling from the great distance. Inside the fortified city, there were seventeen artistic stone pillars. These stone monuments were decorated with carvings of foliage, flowers, familiar animals and birds but nowhere any human images of gods and goddesses were seen. These implied that the Kacharis were free of Hindu influence at that time. These monoliths are believed to be lineal monuments of the ruling kings of Dimapur. The biggest of them was seventeen feet high and twenty four feet in circumference and was said to be memorial of the greatest Dimapur ruler Makardhwaj (probably Khungkradoa Raja who was given sanskritized name by Brahmins later) in whose time the traditional glory of the Kachari Kingdom rose to its climax and during whose time the conquests were made of Manipur and Burma by Seng yah (Veer) Dehmalu Kemprai, the greatest warlord of the Kacharis. Also during this period, heroes like Rangadao ( Who was given the southern part of Dimapur, Ranga Pathar after his name), Degadao and mystic heroines like Wairingma, Waibangma flourished in war affairs and mysticism. Other V-shape stone monuments seventeen in numbers indicated seventeen royal clans of the ‘Kachari Aristocracy’ a term used by Dr. Francis Hamilton, a renowned scholar of the Kachari Royal Clan.

Shri SK. Barpujari in his book ‘ History of the Dimasa’ and some writers opined that the Kachari Kings to commemorated their Victory over other tribesman, erected moonlights of different shapes indicating the different traditions of the vanquished tribes. This tradition of carving victory memorial is in vogue hill tribes and it is possible that the Kachari Kings might have followed the tradition of these tribes hand it is possible that the Kachari Kings might have followed the tradition of this tribes for administrative interest. Dr H. Bareh in the ‘Gazetteer of India’ writes that the oblong V-Shaped stone pillars closely correspond to the similarly V-Shaped post protruding from the roof of the house of wealthy Angamis The tallest and largest megalith, which lies isolated from others and has a unique Sultanate style, is believed to have been erected by the founder king of Dimapur, who after vanquishing the tribes all around made his triumphal tower to commemorate his victory and this became a tradition setter. In and around this old city, large number of tanks over fifty in number existed, although most of them have since either dried up or have been destroyed by reckless human encroachment without an iota of respect for the history. These tanks were believed to be either dug by the kings for providing water supply to their people or might have resulted due to brick making, as pieces of old bricks could still be found in and around these tanks and, as has been mentioned earlier, Dimapur was known for use of bricks. Most of large tanks are rectangular and have a hardwood seasoned poles planted deep at the centre of the tanks, which have lasted for hundreds of years. Others are of irregular shapes without any such wooden poles. Inference in that, the former ones might have been dug by the kings for water supply and the later were habitation as Digjo Dijua meaning cut off from main river or stream’ and this tradition is still in vogue, and this area covers Dimapur and Kachari inhabited areas of Karbi Anglong District of Assam in the Dhansiri valley. The present Dimapur is the commercial capital of Nagaland and is one of the fastest growing townships in the entire North-east region. But irony is, in the name of the modernity and development, this ancient city of Dimapur, whose historical relics finds a place in the World. Heritage is being gradually destroyed of its rich history by reckless human greed, and total destruction of its rich heritage is only a question of time.

Political status of the Dimasa Kacharis After the Statehood was given a new interim body was set up where Dimasa Kacharis were also given a representation in the form of membership in the govt. body.Dimasas are believed to have been asked to nominate their member but there was a dearth of qualified persons among them and hence had to go to Assam in search of eligible person to be nominated and found one non-Dimasa Late Shri Deblal Mech ( a Mech Kachari) reportedly from Bokaghat on Assam-Nagaland border to represent the people.Lack of farsightedness on the part of the Dimasas lead to non-representation of them by a non-Dimasa.Migration of Mech population perhaps ensued after that.These people had the chance of occupying the urban areas and got maximum benefit out of their stay in the closes proximity of the affluent business community of Dimapur.The Kacharis are in the Dimapur III constituecy of the state where total voters would be around 20,000 which consist of Dimasa,Mech,Nepali and others besides Angamis,Chakhesangs,Sumis etc. Dimasas kacharis or Kacharis honestly enrolled in the electoral roll the exact eligible voters whereas many other communities inflated their numbers very largely.

Demographics

Latest estimates indicate that Dimapur has a population of 375,782. Males constitute 57% of the population and females 43%. Dimapur has an average literacy rate of 69%, much higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 76% and, female literacy is 66%. In Dimapur, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

See also: List of cities in the North East and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Over the years, Dimapur has expanded up to the foothills of Chumukedima. The official population figures of 2001 cover only the residents up to the Dhansiri bridge. The Purana Bazaar area and beyond have not been included. Unofficially these areas are called East Dimapur. This is because of vested interests who wanted to apportion developmental funds by assuming self-designated titles like gaonburas, chairman, etc. The entire agglomeration has an estimated population of around 280,710 and is one of the fastest growing Indian cities. Its population has more than tripled in the last two decades.

Unlike other places in the state, this city has a heterogeneous mix of people from all over India, and for which it is also known as "mini India." Besides the dominant Naga tribes who comprise about 50% of the city's population, other prominent groups include Dimasas, Bengalis, Assamese, Oriyas, Nepalese, Biharis, Marwaris, Punjabis and also Tamils and Keralites. In the last two decades Tibetan traders have also settled in the city.

Tourism

Dimapur is a district of Nagaland which derives its name from the Kachari dialect. Literally, Dimapur means ‘the city near the great river’. There are various tourist attractions in Dimapur, such as ancient villages, waterfalls and ruins of the Kachari Kingdom.

Chumukedima Village is an ancient village famous for its various waterfalls. The town of Medziphema, surrounded by villages like Aoyimkum, Aoyimti and Darogarjan, are visited by many tourists. The Kachari Ruins is popular for various temples, reservoirs and tanks that belonged to the Kachari Kingdom. noune resort situated near niuland is an ideal place for boating. Niathu resort is the best resort in dimapur so far.

Apart from these, Diphupar, Nichuguard, Sukhajan, Kuki Dolong Village and Seithekima Village are visited. Ruzaphema is famous for various bazaars from where tourists can purchase beautiful handicrafts.

Economy and transportation

Dimapur is the magnet around which the economic and developmental activities of the state are centred. An important commercial centre for the region, it is also a gateway to Nagaland and Manipur. The National Highway 39 that connects Kohima, Imphal and the Myanmar border at Moreh runs through Dimapur.

Dimapur is also an important military center, with the headquarters of the BRO Sewak located here. There is also a huge CRPF establishment and the Rangapahar army cantonment adjoining the municipality. The peace camp headquarters of the NSCN-IM faction is also located here.

Dimapur is the only city in Nagaland which is connected by rail and air. There are direct trains to New Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai from Dimapur. Air India Regional connects Dimapur with Kolkata. Northeast Shuttles(P)Ltd. has started daily flights from Guwahati to Dimapur. PawanHans, a charter chopper service flies short distance destinations.

City life

A number of shopping centers and markets have sprung up in Dimapur, with the New Market, Hong Kong, Market,Circular and NL roads serving as the main commercial areas in the city. The city's markets are well known for imported goods from Thailand, China and Burma. Restaurants in the city serve multi-cuisine food, including ethnic Naga delicacies. Plaza, Breeze, and Aroma continue to be the most popular restaurants in the city.

Dimapur is the only place in Nagaland that does not require the Inner Line Permit (ILP), but one needs the Restricted Area Permit to go beyond the city. Formalities can be completed in the Office of the Deputy Commissioner. Dimapur remains the gateway to the states of Nagaland and Manipur. Recently, the Government of Nagaland has relaxed restriction on ownership of land in Dimapur and has permitted non-Nagas to purchase land as well.

The Government of Nagaland's Horticulture farm run by the Department of Horticulture, aptly called the Green Park, is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. Also, the Government of Nagaland hosts the bi-annual North East Agri-Expo Sale cum Exhibition at the North East Agri Expo Site at 5 Mile. The Expo is usually held in the first week of December. On the outskirts is the suburb of Chumukedima from where one can take a short trek up the hill to the Naga Tourist Village and the Patkai Triple Falls. The North East Zonal Cultural Center, the hub for all cultural activities, is a kilometre away from the Airport.

Education

There are several schools and colleges in the city of Dimapur. The syllabus for education till Class 12 is taken care of by the Nagaland Board of School Education while the Nagaland University, Lumani controls all areas of further studies. Patkai Christian College, the only autonomous college in the entire NorthEast India is located 17 km from Central Dimapur.

Some major schools in Dimapur include:

• Patkai Higher Secondary School (Estd: 1984)
• Livingstone Foundation Higher Secondary School
• Ram Janaki Higher Secondary School
• Hollotoli School (CBSE)
• Kendriya Vidyalaya, Project Sewak
• Holy Cross High School Holy Cross Dimapur
• Dimapur Mission Higher Secondary School
• Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School
• Christian Higher Secondary School
• Delhi Public School (CBSE)
• Don Bosco Higher Secondary School
• Little Star Higher Secondary School
• S.D.Jain Higher Secondary School
• Carmel Higher Secondary School
• St.John Higher Secondary Residential School
• Neingulie Memorial High School
• M.G.M Higher Secondary School
• Assisi School
• Queen Mary School, 3rd Mile.

Some important colleges include:

• Patkai Christian College Autonomous
• Tetso College
• Kilenkaba Memorial College
• Salesian College
• Pranabananda Women's College
• S.D. Jain Girls College
• ELLIDE Computer Education, Dimapur
• Digitech - College of IT, Management & Allied Studies (Affiliated to Sikkim Manipal University)
• Nagaland Institute of Management (NIM)
• Public College Of Commerce
• City College Of Arts and Commerce
• City Law College
• Salt Christian College
• Dimapur College
• Unity college

Hospitals

There are several hospitals in the city:

• Civil Hospital
• Faith Hospital
• Metro Hospital
• Jain Hospital
• Carewell Nursing Home
• vinni diagnostic centre
• Zion Hospital and Research Center
• Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research (CISHR), 4th mile
• Sanjay Surgicare and Diagonstic Clinic
• Nikos Hospital
• Dimapur Hospital
• Shamrock Hospital
• J.K.Hospital
• city clinic

During World War II, Dimapur was the centre of action between British India and Imperial Japan. It was the staging post for the Allied offensive. The Japanese could reach Kohima where a siege was laid. Allied reinforcement came through Dimapur by rail and road for the push against the Japanese. An airport at Dimapur was also in use for supplies to the allied forces in Burma. The battle for Kohima about 77 km from Dimapur is considered the turning point for the Japanese retreat from South East Asia.

Media

Daily newspapers in the area include:
1. Nagaland Post - http://www.nagalandpost.com
2. Current News - http://www.current-news.org
3. Nagaland Page - http://www.nagalandpage.co.in
4. Eastern Mirror - http://easternmirrornagaland.com/
5. Dimapur Online - http://www.mydimapur.com/
6. The Morung Express - http://www.morungexpress.com , and
7. Tir Yimyim (in Ao language).
8. Izatsa ( in Sumi language).
9. Dimapur Press Club -

See also

• Nagaland
• Northeast Indian Railways during World War II
• Battle of the Tennis Court
• Indian XXXIII Corps
• Battle of Kohima
• Chumukedima

External links

• Nagaland Web Hositng | SEO Services: webfelogik.com
• Official Homepage of Generation Naga Social Networking
• Official district link
• My Dimapur, city portal
• Satellite map of Dimapur

Gallery

• A view of Dimapur city
  A view of Dimapur city
• 
  Hong Kong Market and Deluxe Point
• City Tower and Circular Road
  City Tower and Circular Road
• East Dimapur
  East Dimapur