The history of every society follows an intricate development of changes, gradual or drastic. Nagas are no exception to this. Nestled in a hilly corner of north-east India, the tribals are constantly evolving. The coming of Christianity in the nineteenth century nullified numerous indigenous practices that were hitherto considered to be inseparable from the Naga identity. While some of these approaches are quashed to be outrightly barbaric in the present day, others have penetrated the boundary of time, as traditions co-existing, and sometimes in conflict with current, mainly western additions to the society.
The greatest influence of the west in Nagaland was no doubt, the establishment of Christianity and with it the gradual spread of education. Fast-forward to today, the western sway has developed patterns in the society that appears to be contradictory to old school Naga norms, and therefore considered undesirable to some. For one, a growing concern in the state, particularly among the older generation, is the rise of relatively excessive liberal values and lifestyle transmitted chiefly through media platforms to the younger audience, fuelling the generation gap further. Another intriguing scenario is the rampant consumerism and money culture, the latter surfacing mainly during elections, among a population that was earlier characterised by self-sufficiency and simple living. Such modernised trends existing in the present Naga context is undoubtedly far away from its customary standards. It is safe to say that the society has, to some extent, succumbed to the pervasiveness of McDonaldisation, a process through which the market and ideological success of the fast-food franchise symbolises the penetration of American’s cultural and economic products into the rest of the world.
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At the same time, it is unjust to turn blind eye to instances that surface the perils of deep-rooted traditions which ultimately hinders progress in the society, especially when such traditions are hard-headedly maintained merely for name’s sake without any substantial significance. In this light, it is interesting to revisit the 2024 ULB elections and its triumphants – a society which faced resistance for two decades, primarily over the dilemma of its age-old tradition of excluding women from decision-making bodies, today saw the resounding victory of 102 women, making history.
Moving forward, there is a lingering need for Nagas to adapt and catch up with the progressive patterns of the world, while maintaining healthy traditions from the past and checking intrusive foreign influences. Much can be drawn from our own weddings – a true salad bowl of traditions, both native and Christian, with a thriving modern dazzle.
Nyesin Kent is an Undergrad student at Lady Sri Ram College, University of Delhi, and is currently pursuing her summer internship with the Nagaland Tribune
