Dimapur

Dimapur
City
Dimapur Show map of Nagaland Dimapur Show map of India Aerial view of Dimapur
Coordinates: 25°55′N 93°44′E / 25.92°N 93.73°E / 25.92; 93.73Coordinates: 25°55′N 93°44′E / 25.92°N 93.73°E / 25.92; 93.73
Country	India
State	Nagaland
District	Dimapur
Founded by	Kacharis
Government
• Deputy Commissioner	Shri Kesonyu Yhome
Area
• Total	121 km2 (47 sq mi)
Elevation	145 m (476 ft)
Population (2011)
• Total	375,782
• Rank	1st in Nagaland
• Density	2,558/km2 (6,630/sq mi)
Languages
• Official	English and Nagamese
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	797 112
Telephone code	91 - (0) 03862
Vehicle registration	NL-07
Website	dimapur.nic.in

Dimapur is the largest city in Nagaland, India. The Assam government leased it out for 99 years after Nagaland was carved out of Assam in 1963. It was leased out for its strategic location—it is the only plains tract of hilly Nagaland and had a railway station and airport space for connectivity and economic activity in the new state. In the Middle Ages, it was the capital of the Dimasa Kachari rulers. In the heart of the town there is an old relic of the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom which speaks about the once prosperous era. It is located at 25°54′45″N 93°44′30″E / 25.91250°N 93.74167°E / 25.91250; 93.74167 and 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 in the state.^[1][2]

History

Situated on the banks of the 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 accounts of the way in which 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 the Dimasa dialect; while others contend that Dimapur is a corruption of Hidimbapur, meaning the city of Hidimbi (of Mahabharata fame) - the rakshasi-turned-woman whose marriage to the Pandava prince Bhima led to the birth of Ghatotkacha - believed to be the progenitor of the Kacharis. According to the second theory, the name Hidimbapur is conjectured to have been abbreviated to Dimbapur and subsequently to have lost a consonant to become Dimapur. In some accounts preserved in Dimasa Kachari folklore Dimapur is called Dimabang Halali, possibly an earlier name of the city, later Sanskritised by the Brahmins. In the Ahom Chronicles, Dimapur Is referred to sometimes as ‘Che-din-chi-pen’ (town-earth-burn-make) meaning ‘brick town’ and at others as 'Che-Dima’ meaning town of the Dimasa.^[3]

The seat of capital of Dimapur Kingdom was originally enclosed by a brick wall four feet wide and sixteen feet high, surrounded by an outer ditch sixteen feet in width and twelve feet in depth, except on the southern side where the River Dhansiri formed a natural moat. On the eastern side there was a fine solid gateway with brick masonry of pointed double arches. The gate was secured by heavy double doors, the hinges of which were seated in holes pierced in solid stone blocks. At both ends of the battlement there were turrets of half quadrant shape and in between the archway and the turrets were niches resembling ornamental windows. High up, on either side of the arch, were carvings of sunflowers, which were originally faced with brass so as to present a dazzling spectacle when seen sparkling in the sun from afar. Inside the fortified city, there were seventeen ornamental stone pillars. These funerary monuments were decorated with carvings of foliage, flowers, familiar animals and birds but nowhere with any human images - such as those of gods and goddesses. This suggests that the Dimasa Kacharis were free of Hindu influence at that time. These monoliths are believed to be lineal monuments of the ruling kings of Dimapur. The largest of them was seventeen feet high and twenty four feet in circumference and was said to be the memorial of Makardhwaj, greatest of the rulers of Dimapur (to be equated probably with Khungkradoa Raja, later given a Sanskritized name by the Brahmins) in whose time the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom reached its apogee. It was during this golden age that the conquests of Manipur and Burma took place under the leadership of Seng yah (Veer) Dehmalu Kemprai, the greatest warlord of the Kacharis. Also during this period, heroes like Rangadao (after whom Ranga Pathar, the southern part of Dimapur, was named), Degadao and mystic heroines like Wairingma and Waibangma won renown in war and the pursuit of mystical attainment. Other V-shaped stone monuments, seventeen in number, symbolised the seventeen royal clans of the 'Dimasa Kachari Aristocracy’ a term coined by Dr. Francis Hamilton, a renowned scholar of the Dimasa Kachari Royal Clan.

Shri SK. Barpujari in his book ‘ History of the Dimasa’ and some writers opined that the Dimasa Kachari Kings to commemorate their Victory over other tribesman, erected monoliths of different shapes indicating the different traditions of the vanquished tribes. This tradition of carving victory memorials is part of the culture of the hill tribes and may have been adopted by the Dimasa Kachari Kings in order to demonstrate the legitimacy of their rule. 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 Dimasa 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.

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.

The Jains were amongst the earliest non-Naga settlors of Nagaland. A few Jain families came to Kohima in the 1880s and settled there. The Sethi families Kanhaiyalal Sethi and their sons and brothers had built up a Jain temple at Kezekie, Kohima in the year 1988. They later moved to Dimapur in 1944 due to Japanese invasion during World War II. Prominent among them were Kanhaiyalal Pannalal Sethi & family, Nandlal Mangilal Jain & Family, Shubkaran Sethi, Phulchand Sethi, Jethmal Sethi, , Ramchandra Sethi, Kishanlal Sethi, etc. Kanhaiyalal Sethi, Mangilal Chhabra ,Phulchand Sethi and other Chhabra & Sethi brethren set up the SD Jain Temple, SD Jain School, SD Jain Charitable Hospital. They also built the famous Durga Mandir in Old Daily Market. Kanhaiyalal Sethi was the first Gaon Bura ( GB ) of the Dimapur town.

Climate

Dimapur is hot and humid in summers and moderately cold in winters.^[4]

Political status of the Dimasa Kacharis

After the Statehood was given a new interim body was set up whereby Dimasa Kacharis were given a representation in the form of membership in the government body. Dimasas were asked to nominate their member but a qualified person could not be found and hence they had to go to Assam in search of an eligible person to be nominated and found one non-Dimasa, Late Shri Deblal Mech (a Mech Kachari), from Bokaghat on Assam-Nagaland border, to represent the people. Lack of farsightedness on the part of the Dimasas led to non-representation of them by a non-Dimasa. Migration of Mech population ensued after that. These people had the chance of occupying the urban areas and got maximum benefit from their stay in the close proximity of the affluent business community of Dimapur. The Dimasa Kacharis are in the Dimapur III constituency of the state, where total voters would be around 20,000; these consist of Dimasa, Nepali and others, including Angamis, kyong (Lotha), 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. (The article written in the above mentioned subject is completely false and baseless about Late Shri Debalal Mech and migration of Mech Kacharis. Lots of Mech Kacharis has a patta land of 1939 before the Independence of India. Shri Debalal Mech Member of Interim Body Of Nagaland is the son of Late Sital Ram Mech. Sital Ram Mech has a Patta land in Dimapur of 1939 before India Independence. Shri Debalal Mech Primary education in Purana Bazar Village, and passed Middle school from Kohima M.E. School.and matriculated from Golaghat Bezbaruah in 1948. and subsequently graduated from Cotton College, Guwahati in 1952. He was selected as an Asst. Supdt of State Transport Assam in 1957. If Deblal Mech was not the citizen of Dimapur how could you find him from Bokaghat. Why did not you bring your Candidate from Haflong North Cachar hills or from Hojai lots of Dimasa Kacharis were there. Think twice before writing anything about any tribe. Nagaland was also part of Assam before 1963. In Nagaland Dimasa, Mech, sonowal and Rava is recognized as Kachari. See history before writing). The Kacharis has many Sub-tribe Mech(Bodo) Garo, Dimasa, Sonowal, Rava, Koch,Thengal, Moran,Matak etc.

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.

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. Purana Bazaar area and beyond areas are called East Dimapur.

The entire agglomeration has an estimated population of around 350,000−400,000 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 Jain Temple was built in 1947. The temple is architecturally very well built and has an impressive structure. The temple has some intricate glass work. The temple is considered very auspicious by the people of Dimapur.Principal deity is Lord Mahaveer. The temple was built by the tireless effort of Shri Kanhaiyalal Pannalal Sethi & family, Nandlal Mangilal Jain & family, Shri Phulchand Sethi, Shri Jethmal Sethi, Shri Udayram Chabra, Shri Chunnilal Kishanlal Sethi, Mangal chand Megh raj family and other Jain families present in Dimapur at that time.

Dimapur is a district of Nagaland which derives its name from the Dimasa Kachari dialect. Literally, Dimapur − dima means great river, and pur means city, altogether it means "city of great river" in Dimasa kachari dialect. It was one of the capitals of the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom. There are various tourist attractions in Dimapur, such as ancient villages, waterfalls, ruins of the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom, and the Kali Temple.^[5]

Niuland subdivision and Chumukedima Village is an ancient area with scenic beauty and waterfalls. The town of Medziphema, Kuhuboto, surrounded by villages like Sakipheto, Alato, Aoyimkum, Darogarjan, and Nihoto are visited by many tourists. The Kachari Ruins are visited for various temples, reservoirs and tanks that belonged to the Dimasa 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, Thilixu and Seithekima Village are visited. Chekiye and Ruzaphema have bazaars, where tourists can purchase beautiful handicrafts.

Transportation

The economic and developmental activities of Nagaland are centered around Dimapur. It is an important commercial centre for the region, acting as a gateway to Nagaland and the neighbouring state of Manipur. An increase of population and the related increase in the number of cars in the city has led to traffic jams in and around the Commercial areas of the city.You can Travel in the city By Auto Rickshaws or rickshaws.

Roadways

The National Highway 39 that connects Kohima, Imphal and the Myanmar border at Moreh runs through Dimapur. NH 36 starts from Dimapur connecting Doboka and later Guwahati via NH 37.

Railway

Dimapur is the only city in Nagaland that is connected by both rail and air. There are direct train services to cities like Guwahati, Kolkata, New Delhi, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Dibrugarh and Chennai from the Dimapur railway station. The station is categorised as an A category railway station which lies on the Lumding-Dibrugarh section under the Lumding railway division of Northeast Frontier Railway.

Important trains :

• 15665/Kamakhya - Dimapur BG Express
• 15669/Nagaland Express

Airways

Dimapur Airport is located at 3rd mile (NH 39). It is the only civil airport in the state and has flights to Kolkata, Delhi and Dibrugarh There are plans for expansion of the airport to meet international norms by buying land at Aoyimti village. Maintained by the Airports Authority of India, it is an important trade and commercial centre on National Highway No. 39, and wears a rather cosmopolitan look.

Economy

A number of shopping centers and markets have sprung up in Dimapur, with the Hong Kong Market, Central Plaza, New Market, Bank colony (Super market area) and Circular and NL roads serving as the main commercial areas in the city. The Complexes and shopping centres have sprung up to Nuton bosti. The places along the NH 39 is also developing into a commercial areas where there has been changes in the last few years. The city's Hong Kong Market is well known for imported goods from Thailand, China and Burma and is the main Shopping Attraction for Tourists visiting Nagaland. The wholesale foodgrain items are available at KLSethi Market Complex, Jasokie Market etc at G S Road, Dimapur.

Dimapur is the only place in Nagaland that does not require the Inner Line Permit (ILP)for the non Naga, 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.

The Nagaland Industrial Growth Centre is situated at Ganeshnagar of Dhansiripar Sub-Division, where most of the Dimasa Kachari lived — an area consisting of seven Dimasa Villages (Dhansiripar, Disaguphu, Amaluma, Doyapur, Ganeshnagar, Hazadisa and Manglumukh).

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, Lumami controls all areas of further studies.There are also a few schools in Nagaland which follow the CBSE Curriculum. Dimapur Government College is the premier degree college of the town which was established in 1966. Patkai Christian College, the only autonomous college in the entire North East India is located 17 km from Central Dimapur. National Institute of Technology Nagaland was also set up in 2010 at Chumukedima, about 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) from Dimapur.

See also

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

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Dimapur.

• Official district link
• My Dimapur, city portal
• Satellite map of Dimapur