Description

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context:

Tikhir tribe of Nagaland held its first-ever Log Drum Pulling Ceremony on the third day of the ongoing 25^th Hornbill Festival 2024.

About the Tribe:

They speak a language called Naga Yimchungru. At one time, the Tikhir were headhunters and a man's prestige depended upon the number of enemies he had killed.

The Tikhir people live in Nagaland in northeastern India. Some live across the border in Myanmar.

They make their living from agriculture and hunting.

Religion: With the arrival of Christian missionaries in Nagaland, most Tikhirs converted to Christianity.

However, many Tikhirs continue to incorporate elements of their traditional folk religion into their Christian practices.

According to the 2011 census, the population of the Tikhir people in Nagaland was 7,537. They are recognised as a Scheduled Tribe (STs) by India.

Festival: They celebrate the "TSONGLAKNYI" festival, which is observed from 9–12 October every year.

The word 'tsonglaknyi' is made up of two words: "Tsong" means Shield and "lak" means sanctification.

It also means the sanctification of the weapons along with their wealth and valuable assets, as well as the purification of the men's folk before going out for headhunting.

About Hornbill Festival

It is also called the 'Festival of Festivals'.

Organized every year in the first week of December.

It hosts a colorful mixture of dances, performances, crafts, parades, games, sports, food, fairs and religious ceremonies.

It highlights the tradition of tribal people and boosts the state’s tourism potential.

It reinforces Nagaland’s identity as a unique state in India’s federal union.

It fosters understanding of Nagaland’s resourceful architecture and its ethnic cuisine.

Nagaland

Location	Northeastern India, bordered by Assam to the west, Arunachal Pradesh to the north, Manipur to the south, and Myanmar to the east.
Highest Peak	Mount Saramati located on the border with Myanmar.
Rivers	Major rivers include Doyang, Dhansiri, Dikhu, and Tizu. These rivers are vital for irrigation, fishing, and hydropower potential.
Climate	Sub-tropical and monsoon climate; summers are warm and humid, while winters are cool.
Soil Types	Mostly lateritic and alluvial soils, suitable for agriculture, especially terrace farming.
Forests	Dense forests cover about 70% of the state, including tropical and subtropical broadleaf forests and coniferous forests at higher altitudes.
Biodiversity	Rich in flora and fauna, with significant wildlife like the Blyth’s tragopan (state bird), mithun (state animal), elephants, and hornbills.
Natural Resources	Abundant in minerals such as petroleum, natural gas, coal, and limestone, although mining activities are limited.
Seismic Zone	Lies in Seismic Zone V, making it prone to earthquakes.
Significant Features	Dzükou Valley: Known for its natural beauty and seasonal flowers. Japfu Range: Popular for trekking and adventure.
Geopolitical Importance	Shares a strategic international border with Myanmar, playing a key role in India’s Act East Policy.

ALSO READ

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/pakke-paga-hornbill-festival

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/nagaland-statehood-day

Source:

NElivetv.com

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Which of the following statements about the Tikhir tribe is/are correct?

The tribe is found in the northeastern region of India, particularly in Nagaland.
The people practice a unique form of animism, with a significant focus on ancestor worship.
The tribe is classified under the Scheduled Tribes category in India.
The Tikhir tribe's traditional economy is largely based on agriculture, including shifting cultivation.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1, 2, and 3 only

(b) 1, 2, and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4 only

Answer: d

Explanation:

Statements 1 and 2 are correct: The Tikhir tribe is located in Nagaland, in the northeastern region of India. They practice animism, with a significant focus on ancestor worship as part of their traditional belief system.

Statement 4 is correct: The Tikhir people engage in agriculture, particularly shifting cultivation, as their primary economic activity.

Statement 3 is correct: According to the 2011 census, the population of the Tikhir people in Nagaland was 7,537. They are recognised as a Scheduled Tribe (STs) by India.