ORIGINS OF THE TANGKHUL NAGAS
ORIGINS OF THE TANGKHUL NAGAS The meaning and derivation of the word 'Nagas' has long been disputed. There have been several attempts made by anthropologists and historians to trace out the origin of this word. In the 2nd century A.D. Ptolemy, the famous Greek geographer of Egypt, in his Ancient Geography refers to a group of people known as 'Nangalogae'.Nangalogae (Nanga Log) means in Sanskrit,'Naked People.' The Nagas have their legends tracing their origins to various places. The Tangkhul and Maos trace their origins to various places to Makhen (Makel) presently situated in the North district of Manipur, India.Rengmas however claim that they come out from a hole presently situated in East Khezakehoma in Nagaland, India, Aos from stone in the West beyond the Debhu River in Assam, India.Maring from Burma, Zeliangrong in Western Manipur, from a mythical cave known as Taobhie, and Angamis somewhere from East. Mr.T.Luikham of Ukhrul maintained that Nagas came...