Kohima district is an administrative district in the Indian state of Nagaland. It contains the state capital, Kohima, which also serves as the district headquarters. The district lies in the southern part of Nagaland and is one of the oldest districts of the state, predating the reorganisation that created several newer districts carved out of its earlier boundaries.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| State | Nagaland |
| Country | India |
| Headquarters | Kohima |
| Region | North-East India |
| Major communities | Angami Naga, Rengma Naga |
Kohima district is situated in the hilly terrain of the Naga Hills, part of the broader Patkai range system. The landscape is characterised by steep ridges, deep valleys, and dense subtropical and temperate forests. Japfü Peak, one of the highest peaks in Nagaland, rises in the southern part of the district. The district shares boundaries with neighbouring districts of Nagaland and lies close to the state of Manipur to the south.
The district is administered by a Deputy Commissioner and is divided into several sub-divisions and circles for revenue and development purposes. The town of Kohima functions as both the state capital of Nagaland and the principal urban centre of the district, hosting the State Legislative Assembly, Secretariat, and other apex offices of the state government.
Kohima has a significant place in modern Indian history as the site of the Battle of Kohima in 1944, fought between Allied forces and the Imperial Japanese Army during the Second World War. The battle, often described as the turning point of the Burma Campaign, is commemorated at the Kohima War Cemetery, which bears the well-known epitaph attributed to John Maxwell Edmonds.
After the formation of Nagaland as a state on 1 December 1963, Kohima became the state capital. Over subsequent decades, parts of the original Kohima district were reorganised to form new districts, including Peren district, which was carved out in 2004.
The district is predominantly inhabited by the Angami Naga community, with the Rengma Naga also forming a significant population in certain areas. Christianity is the predominant religion, and English is the official language of the state. Traditional village institutions, such as the village councils and the khel (clan ward) system among the Angamis, continue to play an important social role.
The Hornbill Festival, held annually in early December at Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima, showcases the cultures of the various Naga tribes and has become one of the most prominent cultural events in North-East India.
The economy of Kohima district is based largely on agriculture, horticulture, and government services, given the presence of the state capital. Terrace cultivation of rice, particularly in villages such as Khonoma and Kigwema, is widely practised. Tourism, both cultural and historical, contributes increasingly to the local economy.
Kohima is connected by National Highway 2 (formerly NH-39), which links it with Dimapur to the west and Imphal to the south. The nearest railway station and airport are at Dimapur, the principal commercial city of Nagaland.