Naga people

The Naga people (pronounced [naːgaː]) are a conglomeration of several tribes inhabiting the North Eastern part of India and north-western Burma. The tribes have similar cultures and traditions, and form the majority ethnic group in Indian state of Nagaland, with significant presence in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and some small population in Assam.

The Naga speak various distinct Tibeto-Burman languages, including Sumi, Lotha, Sangtam, Angami, Pochuri, Ao, Mao (Emela), Inpui, Rongmei (Ruangmei), Poumai, Tangkhul, Thangal, Maram, and Zeme. In addition, they have developed Nagamese Creole, which they use between tribes and villages, which each have their own dialect of language.

As of 2012, the state of Nagaland state officially recognises 17 Naga tribes. In addition, some other Naga tribes occupy territory in the contiguous adjoining states of Manipur, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh, India; and across the border in Burma. Prominent Naga tribes include the Poumai, Sumi, Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Liangmai, Lotha, Pochury, Rongmei, Tangkhul, Thangal, Zeme, Mao.

Naga people (Lanka)

The Naga people (Tamil: Nākar) appear until the third century BCE as a distinct group in the early Sri Lankan chronicles as well as early Tamil literary works. In the third century BCE they started to assimilate to Tamil language and culture, and lost their separate identity. The Naga people were snake-worshipers. The word Naga was sometimes written in early inscriptions as Nāya, as in Nāganika which can be identified in the Nanaghat inscription of 150 BCE.

Origins

Until the third century BCE they appear as a distinct group in the early Sri Lankan chronicles as well as the early Tamil literary works. In the third century BCE they started to assimilate to Tamil language and culture, and lost their separate identity.

Ancient Naga tribes

H. Parker, a British historian and author of "Ancient Ceylon" (1909) considered the Naga to be an offshoot of the Nairs of Kerala.

The Oliyar, Parathavar, Maravar and Eyinar who are widespread across South India and North-East Sri Lanka are all Naga tribes.