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<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details --> | <!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details --> | ||
{{Infobox settlement | {{Infobox settlement | ||
| name | | name = Dimapur | ||
| settlement_type | | settlement_type = [[City]] and [[municipality]] | ||
| image_skyline | | other_name = | ||
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage | |||
| photo1a = Dimapur Town.jpeg | | photo1a = Dimapur Town.jpeg | ||
| photo2a = Dimapur Approach.jpg | | photo2a = Dimapur Approach.jpg | ||
| photo2b = Kachari Ruins (a piece of history waiting to be explored).jpg | |||
| size = 270 | | size = 270 | ||
| spacing = 2 | | spacing = 2 | ||
| Line 14: | Line 16: | ||
| color = #F2F2F2 | | color = #F2F2F2 | ||
}} | }} | ||
| image_caption | | image_caption = '''From Top {{small|(Clockwise)}}:'''<br/>Dimapur street; Aerial view of Dimapur;<br />[[Ruins of Kachari Rajbari]]; | ||
| nickname | | nickname = | ||
| map_caption | | mapframe = yes | ||
| pushpin_map | | mapframe-zoom = 12 | ||
| pushpin_map_alt | | map_alt = | ||
| pushpin_map_caption | | map_caption = | ||
| coordinates | | pushpin_map = India Nagaland#India | ||
| subdivision_type | | pushpin_label_position = left | ||
| subdivision_name | | pushpin_map_alt = | ||
| subdivision_type1 | | pushpin_map_caption = Location of Dimapur in Nagaland | ||
| subdivision_type2 | | coordinates = {{coord|25.909174|N|93.726602|E|display=inline,title}} | ||
| subdivision_name1 | | subdivision_type = Country | ||
| subdivision_name2 | | subdivision_name = {{flagicon|India}} [[India]] | ||
| established_title | | subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]] | ||
| established_date | | subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]] | ||
| founder | | subdivision_name1 = [[Nagaland]] | ||
| named_for | | subdivision_name2 = [[Dimapur district|Dimapur]] | ||
| government_type | | established_title = <!-- Established --> | ||
| governing_body | | established_date = | ||
| leader_title | | founder = | ||
| | | named_for = | ||
| area_footnotes | | government_type = [[Municipality]] | ||
| area_total_km2 | | governing_body = Dimapur Municipal Council | ||
| area_metro_footnotes | | leader_title = Chairperson | ||
| area_metro_km2 | | leader_name = Hukheto Yepthomi | ||
| area_rank | | leader_party = [[Naga People's Front]] | ||
| elevation_footnotes | | leader_title2 = Deputy Chairperson | ||
| elevation_m | | leader_name2 = Imlinaro Stephanie Ezüng ([[Naga People's Front]]) | ||
| population_footnotes | | leader_title3 = Police Commissioner | ||
| population_density_km2 | | leader_name3 = Kevithuto Sophie, [[Indian Police Service|IPS]] | ||
| population_rank | | leader_title4 = Administrator | ||
| area_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|title=Dimapur City|url=https://dmc.nagaland.gov.in/dmc-administration/dimapur-city-at-a-glance/}}</ref> | |||
| population_demonym | | area_total_km2 = 18.13 | ||
| demographics_type1 | | area_metro_footnotes = <ref>{{cite news|title=Dimapur Info|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2016/Sep/18/assam-mp-wants-dimapur-from-nagaland-1521358.html}}</ref> | ||
| demographics1_title1 | | area_metro_km2 = 70 | ||
| | | area_rank = | ||
| | | elevation_footnotes = | ||
| | | elevation_m = 145 | ||
| | | population_total = 122,834 | ||
| area_code | | population_footnotes = <ref name="2011census"/> | ||
| area_code_type | | population_density_km2 = | ||
| registration_plate | | population_rank = 1st in [[Nagaland]] | ||
| website | | population_demonym = | ||
| footnotes | | demographics_type1 = Languages | ||
| demographics1_title1 = Official | |||
| demographics1_info1 = [[English language|English]] | |||
| demographics1_title2 = Other major spoken languages | |||
| demographics1_info2 = {{Flatlist| | |||
* [[Bengali language|Bengali]] | |||
* [[Hindi]] | |||
* [[Angami language|Angami]] | |||
* [[Ao language|Ao]] | |||
* [[Chakhesang language|Chakhesang]] | |||
* [[Lotha language|Lotha]] | |||
* [[Nagamese creole|Nagamese]] | |||
* [[Nepali language|Nepali]] | |||
* [[Sümi language|Sümi]] | |||
* [[Zeliang Language|Zeliang]] | |||
}} | |||
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]] | |||
| utc_offset1 = +5:30 | |||
| area_code = 91 - (0) 03862 | |||
| area_code_type = Telephone code | |||
| registration_plate = NL-07 | |||
| website = {{URL|dimapur.nic.in}} | |||
| footnotes = | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Dimapur''' is | '''Dimapur''' ({{IPAc-en|d|i|m|ə|ˈ|p|ʊər}}) is the largest [[city]] and [[municipality]] in the Indian state of [[Nagaland]]. As of 2024 , the municipality had a population of 172,000. The city is the main gateway and commercial centre of Nagaland. It is located near the border with [[Assam]], along the banks of the [[Dhansiri River]]. Its [[Dimapur railway station|main railway station]] is the second busiest station in [[Northeast India]]. It was an important logistics and supply hub for the Allied forces during the Second World War.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Roy |first=Kaushik |date=2012 |title=Review of Road of Bones: The Siege of Kohima, 1944. The Epic Story of the Last Great Stand of Empire |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26098337 |journal=War in History |volume=19 |issue=1 |pages=113–114 |issn=0968-3445}}</ref> | ||
==Etymology== | |||
Many historians explain the name 'Dimapur' as the city of the [[Dimasa people]]. The compound word is derived from the Dimasa Kachari words: di (water), ma (big), and pur (settlement).{{sfn|Bathari|2014|pp=17-18}} | |||
In the [[Ahom people|Ahom]] [[Buranji]]s, Dimapur is referred to sometimes as ''Che-din-chi-pen'' (town-earth-burn-make) meaning "Brick-town" and its rulers as ''khun timisa''<ref name=":0">{{harvcol|Ramirez|2007|p=93}}</ref> (distorted word for Dimasa).<ref name="donboscodimapur">{{cite web |title=SALESIAN PROVINCE OF DIMAPUR |url=http://www.donboscodimapur.org/history/ |publisher=donboscodimapur.org |access-date=18 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324102418/http://www.donboscodimapur.org/history/ |archive-date=24 March 2014 }}</ref> | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
In the 13th century | Situated on the banks of the [[Dhansiri River|Dhansiri]] (originally known as ''Dong-siri'' meaning a ravine of peaceful habitation), Dimapur was described as the 'Brick City' by the European scholars and by the [[Ahom kingdom|Ahoms]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bodo |first=Phirmi |date=15 October 2021 |title=Dimapur: Memories of a brick city |url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/dimapur-memories-of-a-brick-city/article37002014.ece |access-date=10 September 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | ||
===Medieval period=== | |||
====Capital of the Kachari Kingdom==== | |||
In the 13th century, the city was the capital of the [[Dimasa Kingdom]].<ref>District Dimapur, [https://dimapur.nic.in/history/ History], dimapur.nic.in, India, retrieved 12 February 2021</ref> In the heart of the city there is an old relic of the Dimasa Kingdom which speaks about the once prosperous era.<ref>{{harvcol|Shin|2020|p=63}}</ref> | |||
The city of Dimapur is said to have been founded by a Kachari king Mahamanipha (1330-1370) and it remained as the capital of the Kacharis until it was captured by the [[Ahom kingdom|Ahom]] ruler [[Suhungmung]] in 1526 A.D.<ref>"This city is probably the one mentioned in the Ahom Buranji, which records that Ahom king Suhungmung (alias Dihingia Rāja) and his son reached the city by ascending the river Timā (Dima or Dhansiri) in 1526 when the Ahoms attacked Dimapur."{{harvcol|Shin|2020|p=63}}</ref> | |||
==== With the Ming dynasty and kingdom of Ava (1400-1500) ==== | |||
[[File:Mong Mao-the detail map.svg|thumb|left|Dimapur under the kingdom of [[Mong Mao]] (yellow) in the heyday of the [[Si Kefa]] period (1360)]] | |||
It appears that Chinese [[Ming dynasty]] had political contacts with the Dimasa and other neighbouring kingdoms between 1406 and 1439.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Mukherjee|first=Rila|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7xeqhnYtrKcC&pg=PA147|title=Pelagic Passageways: The Northern Bay of Bengal Before Colonialism|date=2011|publisher=Primus Books|isbn=978-93-80607-20-7|pages=147|language=en}}</ref> The [[Ming dynasty]] canonised the Dimasa kingdom as a [[tusi]] in 1406.<ref>{{harvcol|Laichen|2000|p=79}}</ref> A Pacification superintendency was established in the Dimasa kingdom and Lawangpa was appointed as the Di-ma-sa Pacification Superintendent.<ref>"As the regions of Da Gu-la and Di-ma-sa were broad, pacification superintendencies were established there, while in Xiao Gu-la, Cha-shan, Di-ban, Meng-lun and Ba-jia-ta, Chief's Offices were established. Po-di-na-lang was appointed as Da Gu-la Pacification Superintendent, and La-Wang-pa was appointed as Di-ma-sa Pacification Superintendent"{{harvcol|Wade|1994|pp=301–302}}</ref> The Ming court sent Zhou Rang, a Supervising Secretary to bestow Imperial orders, patent, seals, paper money, silks etc. to the kingdom<ref>"Patents, seals, Imperial tallies and red warrants engraved with gold characters were conferred upon all of them. The Supervising Secretary Zhou Rang was sent to take the Imperial orders and go and confer them upon these people. Further, paper money and silks as appropriate, were conferred upon them all."{{harvcol|Wade|1994|pp=302}}</ref> and in return, the chieftain of Dimasa sent horses and local products as a sign of tribute.<ref>The chieftains sent separately by Po-di-na-lang, the pacification superintendent of Da Gu-la; La-wang-pa, the pacification superintendent of Di-ma-sa; Bai-zhang, the chief of Xiao Gu-la; and Zao-zhang, the chief of Cha-shan, offered tribute of horses and local products in gratitude for the Imperial grace manifested in the conferring of posts upon them."{{harvcol|Wade|1994|p=432}}</ref> In 1425, paper money, ramie-silks, silk gauzes and thin silk were conferred to Mazhiasa who was sent to the Ming court by Diedaomangpa, the acting head of Di-ma-sa Pacification Superintendency.<ref>"Paper money, ramie- silks, silk gauzes and thin | |||
silks as appropriate, were conferred upon ...the monk Hui Yuan from Yun-nan Prefecture; the chieftain Ma-zhi-a-sa, who had been sent by Die-dao Mang-pa, the husband of the younger sister of the deceased pacification superintendent of the Di-ma-sa Pacification Superintendency and acting head of the superintendency;"{{harvcol|Wade|1994|p=862}}</ref> | |||
[[File: Chinese plate for Dimasa of the era of Empero Yong-le.png|thumb|Chinese plate for Dimasa of the era of Emperor Yong-le (1407 AD.){{Refn|Plate was discovered in Jorhat Assam from Ahom royal family. | |||
① 永樂五年: Yong-le emperor 5 years: 1407 AD. | |||
② 信符: Plate. | |||
③ 底馬撒宣慰司: Di-ma-sa Xuanwei Si | |||
④ 皇帝聖旨: Imperial edict | |||
⑤ 合當差發: “合當” means must or should, "差發" is a commercial form in the early Ming dynasty that frontier ethnic groups or tribes exchange horses for tea with Ming officials. "合當差發" could be understood as if you have this plate then you can exchange horses for tea with a Ming official. The Ming dynasty prohibits the folk tea trade with frontier ethnics and tribes. "合當差發" is the only way they can get tea from Ming. | |||
⑥ 不信者斬: If somebody does not comply, he should be killed.}}|alt=① 永樂五年: Yong-le emperor 5 years: 1407 AD. ② 信符: Plate ③ 底馬撒宣慰司: Di-ma-sa Xuanwei Si ④ 皇帝聖旨: Imperial edict ⑤ 合當差發: “合當” means must or should, "差發" is a commercial form in the early Ming dynasty that frontier ethnic groups or tribes exchange horses for tea with Ming officials. "合當差發" could be understood as if you have this plate then you can exchange horses for tea with a Ming official. The Ming dynasty prohibits the folk tea trade with frontier ethnics and tribes. "合當差發" is the only way they can get tea from Ming. ⑥ 不信者斬: If somebody does not comply, he should be killed.]] | |||
It is speculated that Dimasa kingdom is referred to as ''Timmasala'' in the [[Yan Aung Myin Shwe Lett Hla Pagoda|Yan-anng-myin pagoda]] inscription of [[Myanmar|Burma]] in 1400 A.D.<ref>"The Yan-anng-myin pagoda inscription at Themaungan, south of Pinya, claims that in 1400 A.D. the rule of the king extended beyond the Kandu (Kadu, an ethnic group | |||
in northern Burma) and the “Palaung who grow tails,” to the “heretic kingdoms of the naked Nagas on the borders of Khamti Khun kyuiw, as far as the heretic kingdom called Timmasala where they kill people and turn into spirits.” This Timmasala should be | |||
identified with the Dimasa Kacharis of Upper Assam."{{harvcol|Laichen|2000|pp=21–22}}</ref><ref>"The ''Khaṁtī'' mentioned after ''Muiwkon'' (Mogaung) and ''Muin Can'' (Maing Zin) in the Kyankse Hill inscription (List 1084a 5, 955 s.), is doubtless Singkaling Khamti. The recently discovered Yan-aung-myin pagoda inscription at Thèmaunggan, south of Pinya (Obverse, line 8, 762 s.), claims that in 1400 A.D. the rule of the king extended beyond the ''Kandu'' (Kadu) and the ''Ponlon amri yols'' ("Palaungs who grow tails"), to the "heretic kingdoms of the Naked Nagas on the borders of ''Khamti Khun lcyviw (?)'', as far as the heretic kingdom called ''Timmasàla'' where they kill people and turn into spirits," i.e., the Dimasa Kacharis of Upper Assam."{{harvcol|Luce|1958|p=174}}</ref> In this inscription by [[Minkhaung I]], the kingdom of [[Kingdom of Ava|Ava]] is said to extend on the east to Shan Pyi, northwest to Timmasala, west to Kula Pyi, and south to Talaing Pyi.<ref>"At, or shortly after, his formal ascension, Mingaung the First claimed in the same inscription noted above that “Myanma Pyi” extended on the east to “Shan Pyi,” on the northwest to “Timmasala” (Assam?), on the west to “Kula Pyi,” and on the south to “Talaing Pyi.” What these entities might have been depends on the word pyi. Since Pagan times, the Old Burmese word pran (pyi) has been used in both a concrete, geopolitical | |||
and cultural sense (as it is here), as well as in an abstract way, such as in the phrase nibban pyi (the state of nirvana)."{{harvcol|Aung-Thwin|2017|p=71}}</ref> | |||
[[File:Burma in 1450.png|thumb|Ava in 1400s]] | |||
In a 1442 inscription from [[Bagan|Pagan]] of [[Myanmar|Burma]] mentions Timmasala (Hill Kacharis) to be one of the 21 principalities under [[Mong Mao]] ruler [[Mong Mao#List of Monarchs|Thonganbwa]] (1413–1445/6),<ref>"On Tuesday the [5th] waxing of Tagu he captured the capital of Suiw Khut called Kale. On Thursday the 7th waxing of the month, he captured the ''Mo''[Mong Mao] king Suiw Nam Phwa, own grandson of the lord of Nine Hundred Thousand, Suiw Khan Phwa (Thonganbwa), ruler of the 21 Umbrellas:- Muin Mo, Muin Nan; the ocean-ordered anklet wearing Kula (Indians) and Timmasala (Hill Kacharis); Muin Kale; Kasan (Manipur); Kakran (Kachin); Muin Tin; Muin Pran; Muin Ti; Muin Na; Muin Myan; Kyra Uiw; Muin Nuiw; Muin Luiw; Muin Saou; Muin Ya; Muin Khruin; Muin Khun; Muin Yuiw;........Many of these 'Umbrellas', i.e independent states can be identified :- Maw (Lu-ch'uan); Mohnyin (Mengyang); Kula and Dimasa; Kalemyo; Manipur; Kachin - these are unmistakeable"{{harvcol|Luce|Htway|1976|p=214}}</ref> who was later captured by the Governor of [[Taungdwingyi|Taungdwin]] and presented to King [[Narapati I of Ava]].<ref>"Thonganbwa and the chief of Kale were soon afterwards taken by the governor (of Taungdwin) to the presence of King Narapadi, who was then sojourning in a temporary palace on Minwun hill, and on Sunday, the 12th waxing of Kason, several elephants and ponies and a quantity of jewellery obtained from Kale were presented to the king."{{harvcol|Nyein Maung|1998|p=38}}</ref> | |||
The ruins of Dimasa Kingdom in Dimapur include a brick wall of the length of nearly 2 miles and 2 tanks about 300 yards square, are indicative of a city of considerable size.<ref>"However, no clear trace of temples and images in the Dimapur ruins raises doubt about the scale and intensity of Brahmanisation in the early history of the Dimasas. The ruins of Dimapur, which include a brick wall of the aggregate length of nearly 2 miles and 2 tanks about 300 yards square, are indicative of a city of considerable size." {{harvcol|Shin|2020|p=63}}</ref> | |||
===19th century Sanskritisation=== | |||
During the early 19th century, the Dimasa chiefs with the assistance of Brahmins claim themselves to be descendent of Hidimba. According to the legend constructed in the court, During their exile, the [[Pandava]]s came to the Kachari Kingdom where [[Bhima]] fell in love with [[Hidimbi]] (sister of [[Hidimba]]). Bhima married princess Hidimbi according to the [[Gandharva marriage|Gandharva system]] and a son was born to princess Hidimbi, named Ghatotkacha. He ruled the Kachari Kingdom for many decades. Thereafter, kings of his lineage ruled over the vast land of the "''Dilao''" river ( which translates to "long river" in English), now known as [[Brahmaputra River]] for centuries until 4th century AD.<ref>{{harvcol|Shin|2020|pp=68–70}}</ref><ref>{{harvcol|Bathari|2014|pp=17–18}}</ref> | |||
=== 20th century === | |||
==== World War II ==== | |||
During [[World War II]], Dimapur was the centre of action between [[British India]] and [[Empire of Japan|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 [[Myanmar|Burma]]. The [[Battle of Kohima]] about 77 km from Dimapur is considered the turning point for the Japanese retreat from [[Southeast Asia]].{{citation needed|date= September 2022}} | |||
[[William Slim, 1st Viscount Slim|William Slim]] in his ''[[Defeat into Victory]]'' mentions that three all-weather roads were prepared by the Allied forces during World War II: Ledo Road in the north:Central Front road from Dimapur to [[Imphal]]; and a southern road from [[Dohazari]] to [[Rakhine State|Arakan]](Even though a road from Dimapur from Imphal already existed, a new road was made in 1942-43 with assistance from the pioneers of The [[7th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment|7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC - WW2 People's War - THE ROAD FROM DIMAPUR TO KOHIMA |url=https://www.bbc.com/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/18/a5325518.shtml |access-date=10 November 2025 |website=www.bbc.com}}</ref>). Out of these, the Dimapur- Imphal Road proved to be the most critical as the events unfolded.<ref>''[[Defeat into Victory]]'' by Field Marshal Sir William Slim; Originally published 1956.</ref> | |||
=== Assam lease Dimapur to Nagaland === | ==== Assam lease Dimapur to Nagaland ==== | ||
In 1918, Dimapur was leased to then [[Naga Hills District, British India|Naga Hills | In 1918, Dimapur was leased to then [[Naga Hills District, British India|Naga Hills District]] (Now [[Nagaland]]) by then erstwhile [[Assam Province]] of [[British Raj|British of India]] for 30 years for construction of Railways lines (unclear from which district).<ref>NP, [https://nagalandpage.com/return-dimapur-to-assam-demand-grows/ Return Dimapur To Assam Demand Grows]{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, nagalandpage.com, India, 18 July 2018</ref> In 1963, it was again leased to now state of [[Nagaland]] for 99 years.<ref>EMN, [https://easternmirrornagaland.com/assam-politician-wants-dimapur-and-merapani-from-nagaland/ Assam politician wants Dimapur and Merapani from Nagaland], easternmirrornagaland.com, India, 19 September 2016</ref> There is controversy surrounding this claim, as both state governments have not come forward to comment on the matter.<ref>Nagaland Post, [http://www.nagalandpost.com/paying-the-price-of-silence/181641.html Paying the Price of Silence] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122034850/http://www.nagalandpost.com/paying-the-price-of-silence/181641.html |date=22 January 2021 }}, nagalandpost.com, India, 15 September 2018</ref> | ||
=== | === 21st century === | ||
==== 2004 Dimapur bombings ==== | |||
{{main|2004 Dimapur bombings}} | |||
On 2 October 2004, two powerful bombs were set off—one at the [[Dimapur railway station|Dimapur Railway Station]] and the other at the Hong Kong Market killing 30 and injuring over 100 others.<ref>{{cite web|last=Vinayak|first=G|url=https://m.rediff.com/news/2004/oct/02naga.htm|title=At least 30 killed in Nagaland blast|website=[[Rediff.com]]|date=2 October 2004|access-date=22 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2004/10/3/india-reels-after-deadly-blasts|title=India reels after deadly blasts|website=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]]|date=3 October 2004|access-date=22 August 2022}}</ref> | |||
== Geography == | == Geography == | ||
Dimapur is located in the southwest of Nagaland. The vast majority of this area is flat with the [[Dhansiri River]], a tributary of the [[Brahmaputra River]] flowing east of the city. | Dimapur is located in the southwest of Nagaland. The vast majority of this area is flat with the [[Dhansiri River]], a tributary of the [[Brahmaputra River]] flowing east of the city.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}} | ||
===Climate=== | ===Climate=== | ||
| Line 94: | Line 155: | ||
|metric first= yes | |metric first= yes | ||
|single line= yes | |single line= yes | ||
|Jan high C= | |Jan high C= 21.3 | ||
|Feb high C= 24. | |Feb high C= 24.0 | ||
|Mar high C= | |Mar high C= 27.5 | ||
|Apr high C= | |Apr high C= 28.5 | ||
|May high C= 29. | |May high C= 29.2 | ||
|Jun high C= | |Jun high C= 29.7 | ||
|Jul high C= | |Jul high C= 29.5 | ||
|Aug high C= | |Aug high C= 29.4 | ||
|Sep high C= | |Sep high C= 28.9 | ||
|Oct high C= | |Oct high C= 27.3 | ||
|Nov high C= | |Nov high C= 24.8 | ||
|Dec high C= | |Dec high C= 22.0 | ||
|Jan low C= | |||
|Feb low C= | |Jan low C= 10.6 | ||
|Mar low C= | |Feb low C= 12.6 | ||
|Apr low C= | |Mar low C= 15.6 | ||
|May low C= 21. | |Apr low C= 18.7 | ||
|Jun low C= 22. | |May low C= 21.4 | ||
|Jul low C= | |Jun low C= 22.9 | ||
|Aug low C= 24. | |Jul low C= 24.3 | ||
|Sep low C= | |Aug low C= 24.1 | ||
|Oct low C= | |Sep low C= 23.1 | ||
|Nov low C= | |Oct low C= 20.0 | ||
|Dec low C= | |Nov low C= 15.5 | ||
| | |Dec low C= 12.0 | ||
}} | |||
|precipitation colour = green | |||
| Jan precipitation mm =24 | |||
| Feb precipitation mm =45 | |||
| Mar precipitation mm =96 | |||
| Apr precipitation mm =214 | |||
| May precipitation mm =241 | |||
| Jun precipitation mm =259 | |||
| Jul precipitation mm =247 | |||
| Aug precipitation mm =239 | |||
| Sep precipitation mm =199 | |||
| Oct precipitation mm =105 | |||
| Nov precipitation mm =26 | |||
| Dec precipitation mm =15 | |||
| Jan rain days =4 | |||
| Feb rain days =5 | |||
| Mar rain days =7 | |||
| Apr rain days =12 | |||
| May rain days =17 | |||
| Jun rain days =17 | |||
| Jul rain days =17 | |||
| Aug rain days =18 | |||
| Sep rain days =16 | |||
| Oct rain days =10 | |||
| Nov rain days =3 | |||
| Dec rain days =2 | |||
| Jan humidity =78 | |||
| Feb humidity =72 | |||
| Mar humidity =66 | |||
| Apr humidity =76 | |||
| May humidity =82 | |||
| Jun humidity =84 | |||
| Jul humidity =85 | |||
| Aug humidity =85 | |||
| Sep humidity =86 | |||
| Oct humidity =85 | |||
| Nov humidity =81 | |||
| Dec humidity =80 | |||
|source =<ref>[https://en.climate-data.org/asia/india/nagaland/dimapur-24641/] Climate data</ref> | |||
}}Dimapur has been ranked 28th best “National Clean Air City” under (Category 3 population under 3 lakhs cities) in India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 September 2024 |title=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024 |url=https://prana.cpcb.gov.in/ncapServices/robust/fetchFilesFromDrive/Swachh_Vayu_Survekshan_2024_Result.pdf |website=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024}}</ref> | |||
==Demographics== | ==Demographics== | ||
According to the 2011 census, the city-population of the old Town Committee area (up to the old dhansiri bridge) at 122,834. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Dimapur has an average literacy rate of 86% male literacy is 88% and, female literacy is 84%.<ref name="2011census">{{cite web|title=Dimapur City Population Census 2011 {{!}} Nagaland|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/183-dimapur.html|website=www.census2011.co.in}}</ref> In Dimapur, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. | |||
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". | 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".{{citation needed|date= September 2022}} | ||
Besides the dominant [[Naga people|Naga]] ethnic groups, who comprise about 50% of the city's population, other prominent groups include [[Bengali people|Bengalis]], [[Assamese people|Assamese]], [[Oriya people|Oriyas]], [[Nepalis|Nepalese]], [[Bihari people|Biharis]], [[Meitei people|Meiteis]], [[Marwar]]is, [[Punjabi people|Punjabis]] and also [[Tamil people|Tamils]], [[Telugus]] and [[Kerala|Keralites]]. In the last two decades [[Tibetan people|Tibetan]] traders have also settled in the city.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}} | |||
===Religion=== | |||
{{ | {{bar box | ||
| | |title=Religions in Dimapur City (2011)<ref name="Dimapur City Religious Population">{{cite web|title=Dimapur City religious population|url=https://www.censusindia2011.com/nagaland/dimapur/dimapur-sadar/dimapur-mc-population.html|work=Census India 2011|accessdate=4 September 2022}}</ref> | ||
|titlebar=#Fcd116 | |||
| | |left1=Religion | ||
| | |right1=Percent | ||
| | |float=right | ||
| | |bars= | ||
{{bar percent|[[Christianity in Karnataka|Christianity]]|dodgerblue|45.10}} | |||
| | {{bar percent|[[Hinduism in Karnataka|Hinduism]]|darkorange|41.11}} | ||
| | {{bar percent|[[Islam]]|green|11.21}} | ||
| | {{bar percent|[[Jainism]]|pink|1.73}} | ||
{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.85}} | |||
| | |||
| | |||
| | |||
| | |||
| | |||
| | |||
| | |||
| | |||
| | |||
}} | }} | ||
[[Christianity]] is the most followed religion in the city making up 45.10% of the city's population, closely followed by [[Hinduism]] at 41.11%. | [[Christianity]] is the most followed religion in the city making up 45.10% of the city's population, closely followed by [[Hinduism]] at 41.11%. | ||
[[Islam]] is followed by 11.21%, [[Jainism]] by 1.73%, Buddhist by 0.48% and Sikhs by 0.19% respectively.<ref name="2011census"/> | [[Islam]] is followed by 11.21%, [[Jainism]] by 1.73%, Buddhist by 0.48% and Sikhs by 0.19% respectively.<ref name="2011census"/> | ||
{{Pie chart | |||
|caption=Languages in Dimapur City | |||
|value1 = 25.47 |color1 = orchid |label1 = Bengali | |||
|value2 = 18.70 |color2 = orange |label2 = Hindi | |||
|value3 = 14.30 |color3 = royalblue |label3 = Ao | |||
|value4 = 6.52 |color4 = powderblue |label4 = Lotha | |||
|value5 = 3.76 |color5 = lightcoral |label5 = Nepali | |||
|value6 = 2.45 |color6 = purple |label6 = Angami | |||
|value7 = 2.30 |color7 = goldenrod |label7 = Manipuri | |||
|value8 = 2.11 |color8 = aquamarine |label8 = Zeliang | |||
|value9 = 2.01 |color9 = cornflowerblue |label9 = Assamese | |||
|value10 = 1.91 |color10 = red |label10 = Sema | |||
|value11 = 1.77 |color11 = lightgreen |label11 = Kabui | |||
|value12 = 1.07 |color12 = sandybrown |label12 = Sangtam | |||
|value13 = 0.81 |color13 = pink |label13 = Chakhesang | |||
|value14 = 16.83 |color14 = grey |label14 = Others | |||
}} | |||
==Tourism== | ==Tourism== | ||
===Religious and historical sites=== | ===Religious and historical sites=== | ||
*'''Ruins of Kachari Rajbari''' | *'''Ruins of Kachari Rajbari''' | ||
[[File:Kachari Ruins (a piece of history waiting to be explored).jpg| | {{main|Ruins of Kachari Rajbari}} | ||
Although is left in ruins after centuries of abandonment, after facing conflict with the Ahom King in 18th century and with the settlement of township occupying almost half of its former glorious fortress, is still a national heritage site. It signifies great historical importance for the region of North-East. It also gives great value to the state of Nagaland. | |||
[[File:Kachari Ruins (a piece of history waiting to be explored).jpg|center|thumb|Kachari Rajbari Ruins]] | |||
Although is left in ruins after centuries of abandonment, after facing conflict with the Ahom King in 18th century and with the settlement of township occupying almost half of its former glorious fortress, is still a national heritage site. It signifies great historical importance for the region of North-East. It also gives great value to the state of Nagaland.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}} | |||
* '''Dimapur Jain Temple''' | *'''Dimapur City Tower''' | ||
The Dimapur City Tower is a major landmark of the city. It is located at Circular Road in the heart of Dimapur. Also known as the Clock Tower, the tower is decorated with [[Christmas Lights]] during the [[Christmas]] season.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}} | |||
*'''Dimapur Jain Temple''' | |||
{{main|Dimapur Jain Temple}} | {{main|Dimapur Jain Temple}} | ||
The Dimapur Jain Temple was built in 1947. The temple has some intricate glass work. The temple is considered very auspicious by the people of Dimapur. The temple was built by the tireless effort of Shri | |||
The Dimapur Jain Temple was built in 1947. The temple has some intricate glass work. The temple is considered very auspicious by the people of Dimapur. The temple was built by the tireless effort of Shri Jethmal Sethi, Shri Phulchand Sethi, Shri Udayram Chabra, Shri Chunnilal Kishanlal Sethi, Shri Kanhaiyal Sethi, Shri Mangilal Chabra, Motilal Patni, Subhkaran Sethi and other Jain families present in Dimapur at that time.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}} | |||
===Parks and other highlights=== | ===Parks and other highlights=== | ||
Dimapur has several places where tourist can visit such as | Dimapur has several places where tourist can visit such as Nagaland Science Center, Stone Park, Hazi Park, Shiv Mandir and [[Dimapur Kalibari|Kali Temple]].<ref name=holidayiq>{{cite web|title=Dimapur Places to Visit|url=http://www.holidayiq.com/Dimapur-Sightseeing-1066.html|publisher=holidayiq.com|access-date=18 February 2014|archive-date=22 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922090148/http://www.holidayiq.com/Dimapur-Sightseeing-1066.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Rangapahar Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[Nagaland Zoological Park]], [[Green Park (Chümoukedima)|Green Park]], [[Niathu Resort]], [[Noune Resort]], The Triple Falls, Nagaland Science Centre, Aqua Mellow Park and Agri Expo site in the neighbouring [[Chümoukedima district|Chümoukedima District]] can be easily accessible from Dimapur. | ||
==Transportation== | ==Transportation== | ||
===Airport=== | |||
{{main|Dimapur Airport}} | |||
[[file:Dimapur Airport in 2011.jpg|thumb|Dimapur Airport]] | |||
Dimapur is served by the [[Dimapur Airport]] located at 3rd Mile (AH1), [[Chümoukedima district|Chümoukedima District]]. It is the only civil airport in the state and operates routes to [[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport|Kolkata]], | |||
[[Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport|Guwahati]], [[Imphal Airport|Imphal]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://centreforaviation.com/news/alliance-air-confirms-plans-to-commence-guwahati-dimapur-imphal-service-in-dec-2019-959869|title=Alliance Air confirms plans to commence Guwahati-Dimapur-Imphal service in Dec-2019|work=CAPA|access-date=4 December 2019}}</ref> and [[Dibrugarh Airport|Dibrugarh]]. | |||
Bangladesh Air Force is born in Dimapur on 28 September 1971.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210831173720/https://baf.mil.bd/website/baf-history.php "BAF History]". ''Bangladesh Air Force''. Archived from the original on 31 August 2021. Retrieved 10 November 2025.</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=28 September 2021 |title=Fifty years ago, remote Dimapur airstrip gave wings to fledgling Bangladesh Air Force |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/fifty-years-ago-remote-dimapur-airstrip-gave-wings-to-fledgling-bangladesh-air-force/articleshow/86580036.cms |access-date=10 November 2025 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> | |||
===Roadways=== | ===Roadways=== | ||
====Highways passing through Dimapur==== | ====Highways passing through Dimapur==== | ||
* [[File:Tabliczka AH1.svg|30px]] [[Asian Highway 1]] | * [[File:Tabliczka AH1.svg|30px]] [[Asian Highway 1]] | ||
| Line 179: | Line 303: | ||
*{{jct|country=IND|NH|129A}}: [[National Highway 129A (India)]] | *{{jct|country=IND|NH|129A}}: [[National Highway 129A (India)]] | ||
=== | ===Railway=== | ||
{{main|Dimapur railway station}} | |||
{{main|Dimapur | |||
Dimapur has direct train services to cities like [[Guwahati]], [[Kolkata]], [[Patna]], [[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]]. | |||
It is one of the two railway stations in Nagaland. The other railway station is [[Shokhüvi railway station]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 August 2022 |title=Nagaland gets second Railway station after over 100 years {{!}} Nagaland Post |url=https://nagalandpost.com/index.php/nagaland-gets-second-railway-station-after-over-100-years/ |access-date=23 October 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
==Sports== | ==Sports== | ||
The [[Nagaland | The Dimapur District Sports Council Stadium is multi-purpose sports stadium in the city while the [[Nagaland State Stadium]] is another multi-disciplinary sports stadium currently under construction.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nagasconnect.com/editors-picks/14524/state-stadium-dimapur-why-is-it-taking-so-long-to-complete/amp|date=10 May 2020|title=State Stadium Dimapur – Why is it taking so long to complete?|website=Nagas Connect|access-date=22 December 2021}}</ref> | ||
==Economy== | ==Economy== | ||
[[file:Dimapur Town.jpeg|thumb|Market Area, Dimapur]] | [[file:Dimapur Town.jpeg|thumb|Market Area, Dimapur]] | ||
Dimapur is the commercial centre of Nagaland. It also acts as a transit hub for trading goods brought in from trains at [[Dimapur railway station]] and by road via [[National Highway 29 (India)|National Highway 29]] to other parts of [[Nagaland]]. Many private and central banks are also located in the city. Some major hotels are Hotel Acacia (3-star hotel), Hotel Saramati, Hotel Lake Shiloi among many others.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}} | |||
===Commerce=== | ===Commerce=== | ||
A number of shopping centers and markets have sprung up in Dimapur, with the | A number of shopping centers and markets have sprung up in Dimapur, with the HongKong 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 Notun Bosti.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}} | ||
The stretch from Purana Bazaar to [[Chümoukedima]] along the AH-1 is also rapidly developing into commercial areas.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}} | |||
The | 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 KL Sethi Market Complex, Jasokie Market, etc. at GS Road, Dimapur.{{citation needed|date= September 2022}} | ||
==Education== | |||
{{unreferenced section|date= September 2022}} | |||
=== | ===Colleges=== | ||
*[[Dimapur Government College]] | |||
*[[Public College of Commerce]] | |||
*[[Salesian College of Higher Education]] | |||
*Sakus Mission College | |||
*[[Trinity Theological College, Dimapur|Trinity Theological College]] | |||
*Unity College | |||
*Pranab College | |||
*S D Jain Girls College | |||
*Cornerstone College | |||
*Ngullie Memorial College | |||
*School of Engineering & Technology, Nagaland University | |||
*[[Yemhi Memorial College]] | |||
*St. John College | |||
== | ===Schools=== | ||
[[ | *Assam Rifles Public School | ||
*Assembly Of God Higher Secondary School | |||
*[[Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur|Don Bosco Higher Secondary School]] | |||
* Government Higher Secondary School | |||
*Greenwood School | |||
*Holy Cross School | |||
*Christian Higher Secondary School | |||
*Little Star Higher Secondary School | |||
*Living Stone Foundation Higher Secondary School | |||
*N. N. Nagi School | |||
*Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School | |||
*St. John Higher Secondary Residential School | |||
*King David School, Kushiabill | |||
*Hollotoli school | |||
== | == Notable people == | ||
*[[ | * [[Kevichüsa Angami]] (1903–1990), Politician | ||
*[[ | * [[Zhokhoi Chüzho]], Actor | ||
*[[ | * [[Zuboni Hümtsoe]] (1990–2017), Entrepreneur | ||
*[[ | * [[Hekani Jakhalu Kense]], Politician | ||
*[[ | * [[Chalie Kevichüsa]] (1943–1992), Journalist | ||
* [[ | * [[Razhukhrielie Kevichüsa]] (1941–2022), Bureaucrat and Musician | ||
* [[Tubu Kevichüsa]] (1948–1996), Nationalist Leader | |||
* [[Dolly Kikon]], Anthropologist | |||
* [[James Kithan]], Sportsperson | |||
* [[Viseyie Koso]], Sportsperson | |||
* [[Alobo Naga]], Musician | |||
* [[Phulchand Sethi]] (1911–1976), Businessperson | |||
* [[Kihoto Hollohon|Kihoto Hollohon Yepthomi]] (1932–2021), Politician | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Chümoukedima]] | * [[Chümoukedima]] | ||
==Notes== | |||
{{reflist}} | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{ | * {{citation |editor=Nyein Maung |date=1998 |title=Shay-haung Myanma Kyauksa-mya |trans-title=Ancient Burmese Stone Inscriptions |language=my |volume=V |location=Yangon |publisher=Archaeological Department}} | ||
* {{cite journal |last=Luce |first=Gordon H. |author-link=Gordon Luce |title=The Early ''Syam'' in Burma's history |journal=Journal of the Siam Society |date=1958 |volume=46 |issue=2 |pages=123–214 |url=https://thesiamsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/1958/03/JSS_046_2b_Luce_EarlySyamInBurmasHistory.pdf }} | |||
*{{citation|last1=Luce|first1=G.H|last2= Htway|first2=Tin|contribution=A 15th Century Inscription and Library at Pagán, Burma|year=1976|title= Malalasekera Commemoration Volume. Colombo: The Malalasekera Commemoration Volume Editorial Committee|pages =203–256|publisher=Dept of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Ceylon}} | |||
* {{cite book | last=Aung-Thwin | first=Michael A. | title=Myanmar in the Fifteenth Century | publisher=University of Hawai'i Press | year=2017 | location=Honolulu | isbn=978-0-8248-6783-6}} | |||
* {{cite thesis |type=Ph.D. |first=Uttam |last=Bathari |title=Memory History and polity a study of dimasa identity in colonial past and post colonial present |publisher=Gauhati University |year=2014|hdl=10603/115353 }} | |||
* {{Citation|last=Laichen|first=Sun|title=Ming -Southeast Asian overland interactions, 1368--1644.|year=2000}} | |||
* {{citation |last=Ramirez |first=Philippe |year=2007 |chapter=Politico-ritual variations on the Assamese fringes: Do social systems exist? |pages=91–107 |title=Social Dynamics in the Highlands of Southeast Asia Reconsidering Political Systems of Highland Burma |editor-first=Mandy |editor-last=Sadan |editor-first2=François |editor-last2=Robinne. |place=Boston |publisher=Brill}} | |||
* {{cite journal|last1=Shin|first1=Jae-Eun|year=2020|title=Descending from demons, ascending to kshatriyas: Genealogical claims and political process in pre-modern Northeast India, The Chutiyas and the Dimasas|journal=The Indian Economic and Social History Review|volume=57|issue=1|pages=49–75|doi=10.1177/0019464619894134|s2cid=213213265}} | |||
* {{Citation |last=Wade |first=Geoffrey |title=The Ming Shi-lu (Veritable Records of the Ming Dynasty) as a Source for Southeast Asian History -- 14th to 17th Centuries |place=Hong Kong |year=1994}} | |||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
Latest revision as of 13:23, 29 March 2026
Dimapur | |
|---|---|
City and municipality | |
  .jpg) | |
  Dimapur Location of Dimapur in Nagaland  Dimapur Dimapur (India) | |
| Coordinates: 25°54′33″N 93°43′36″E / 25.909174°N 93.726602°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Nagaland |
| District | Dimapur |
| Government | |
| • Type | Municipality |
| • Body | Dimapur Municipal Council |
| • Chairperson | Hukheto Yepthomi (Naga People's Front) |
| • Deputy Chairperson | Imlinaro Stephanie Ezüng (Naga People's Front) |
| • Police Commissioner | Kevithuto Sophie, IPS |
| Area | |
| • City and municipality | 18.13 km2 (7.00 sq mi) |
| • Metro | 70 km2 (30 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 145 m (476 ft) |
| Population | |
| • City and municipality | 122,834 |
| • Rank | 1st in Nagaland |
| Languages | |
| • Official | English |
| • Other major spoken languages | |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| Telephone code | 91 - (0) 03862 |
| Vehicle registration | NL-07 |
| Website | dimapur |
Dimapur (/diməˈpʊər/) is the largest city and municipality in the Indian state of Nagaland. As of 2024 , the municipality had a population of 172,000. The city is the main gateway and commercial centre of Nagaland. It is located near the border with Assam, along the banks of the Dhansiri River. Its main railway station is the second busiest station in Northeast India. It was an important logistics and supply hub for the Allied forces during the Second World War.[4]
Etymology[edit | edit source]
Many historians explain the name 'Dimapur' as the city of the Dimasa people. The compound word is derived from the Dimasa Kachari words: di (water), ma (big), and pur (settlement).[5]
In the Ahom Buranjis, Dimapur is referred to sometimes as Che-din-chi-pen (town-earth-burn-make) meaning "Brick-town" and its rulers as khun timisa[6] (distorted word for Dimasa).[7]
History[edit | edit source]
Situated on the banks of the Dhansiri (originally known as Dong-siri meaning a ravine of peaceful habitation), Dimapur was described as the 'Brick City' by the European scholars and by the Ahoms.[8]
Medieval period[edit | edit source]
Capital of the Kachari Kingdom[edit | edit source]
In the 13th century, the city was the capital of the Dimasa Kingdom.[9] In the heart of the city there is an old relic of the Dimasa Kingdom which speaks about the once prosperous era.[10]
The city of Dimapur is said to have been founded by a Kachari king Mahamanipha (1330-1370) and it remained as the capital of the Kacharis until it was captured by the Ahom ruler Suhungmung in 1526 A.D.[11]
With the Ming dynasty and kingdom of Ava (1400-1500)[edit | edit source]
It appears that Chinese Ming dynasty had political contacts with the Dimasa and other neighbouring kingdoms between 1406 and 1439.[12] The Ming dynasty canonised the Dimasa kingdom as a tusi in 1406.[13] A Pacification superintendency was established in the Dimasa kingdom and Lawangpa was appointed as the Di-ma-sa Pacification Superintendent.[14] The Ming court sent Zhou Rang, a Supervising Secretary to bestow Imperial orders, patent, seals, paper money, silks etc. to the kingdom[15] and in return, the chieftain of Dimasa sent horses and local products as a sign of tribute.[16] In 1425, paper money, ramie-silks, silk gauzes and thin silk were conferred to Mazhiasa who was sent to the Ming court by Diedaomangpa, the acting head of Di-ma-sa Pacification Superintendency.[17]
It is speculated that Dimasa kingdom is referred to as Timmasala in the Yan-anng-myin pagoda inscription of Burma in 1400 A.D.[19][20] In this inscription by Minkhaung I, the kingdom of Ava is said to extend on the east to Shan Pyi, northwest to Timmasala, west to Kula Pyi, and south to Talaing Pyi.[21]
In a 1442 inscription from Pagan of Burma mentions Timmasala (Hill Kacharis) to be one of the 21 principalities under Mong Mao ruler Thonganbwa (1413–1445/6),[22] who was later captured by the Governor of Taungdwin and presented to King Narapati I of Ava.[23]
The ruins of Dimasa Kingdom in Dimapur include a brick wall of the length of nearly 2 miles and 2 tanks about 300 yards square, are indicative of a city of considerable size.[24]
19th century Sanskritisation[edit | edit source]
During the early 19th century, the Dimasa chiefs with the assistance of Brahmins claim themselves to be descendent of Hidimba. According to the legend constructed in the court, During their exile, the Pandavas came to the Kachari Kingdom where Bhima fell in love with Hidimbi (sister of Hidimba). Bhima married princess Hidimbi according to the Gandharva system and a son was born to princess Hidimbi, named Ghatotkacha. He ruled the Kachari Kingdom for many decades. Thereafter, kings of his lineage ruled over the vast land of the "Dilao" river ( which translates to "long river" in English), now known as Brahmaputra River for centuries until 4th century AD.[25][26]
20th century[edit | edit source]
World War II[edit | edit source]
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 of Kohima about 77 km from Dimapur is considered the turning point for the Japanese retreat from Southeast Asia.[citation needed]
William Slim in his Defeat into Victory mentions that three all-weather roads were prepared by the Allied forces during World War II: Ledo Road in the north:Central Front road from Dimapur to Imphal; and a southern road from Dohazari to Arakan(Even though a road from Dimapur from Imphal already existed, a new road was made in 1942-43 with assistance from the pioneers of The 7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment[27]). Out of these, the Dimapur- Imphal Road proved to be the most critical as the events unfolded.[28]
Assam lease Dimapur to Nagaland[edit | edit source]
In 1918, Dimapur was leased to then Naga Hills District (Now Nagaland) by then erstwhile Assam Province of British of India for 30 years for construction of Railways lines (unclear from which district).[29] In 1963, it was again leased to now state of Nagaland for 99 years.[30] There is controversy surrounding this claim, as both state governments have not come forward to comment on the matter.[31]
21st century[edit | edit source]
2004 Dimapur bombings[edit | edit source]
On 2 October 2004, two powerful bombs were set off—one at the Dimapur Railway Station and the other at the Hong Kong Market killing 30 and injuring over 100 others.[32][33]
Geography[edit | edit source]
Dimapur is located in the southwest of Nagaland. The vast majority of this area is flat with the Dhansiri River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River flowing east of the city.[citation needed]
Climate[edit | edit source]
Dimapur is hot and humid in summers and moderately cold in winters.[34]
| Climate data for Dimapur | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average high °C (°F) | 21.3 (70.3) |
24.0 (75.2) |
27.5 (81.5) |
28.5 (83.3) |
29.2 (84.6) |
29.7 (85.5) |
29.5 (85.1) |
29.4 (84.9) |
28.9 (84.0) |
27.3 (81.1) |
24.8 (76.6) |
22.0 (71.6) |
26.8 (80.3) |
| Average low °C (°F) | 10.6 (51.1) |
12.6 (54.7) |
15.6 (60.1) |
18.7 (65.7) |
21.4 (70.5) |
22.9 (73.2) |
24.3 (75.7) |
24.1 (75.4) |
23.1 (73.6) |
20.0 (68.0) |
15.5 (59.9) |
12.0 (53.6) |
18.4 (65.1) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 24 (0.9) |
45 (1.8) |
96 (3.8) |
214 (8.4) |
241 (9.5) |
259 (10.2) |
247 (9.7) |
239 (9.4) |
199 (7.8) |
105 (4.1) |
26 (1.0) |
15 (0.6) |
1,710 (67.2) |
| Average rainy days | 4 | 5 | 7 | 12 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 16 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 128 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 78 | 72 | 66 | 76 | 82 | 84 | 85 | 85 | 86 | 85 | 81 | 80 | 80 |
| Source: [35] | |||||||||||||
Dimapur has been ranked 28th best “National Clean Air City” under (Category 3 population under 3 lakhs cities) in India.[36]
Demographics[edit | edit source]
According to the 2011 census, the city-population of the old Town Committee area (up to the old dhansiri bridge) at 122,834. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Dimapur has an average literacy rate of 86% male literacy is 88% and, female literacy is 84%.[3] In Dimapur, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. 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".[citation needed]
Besides the dominant Naga ethnic groups, who comprise about 50% of the city's population, other prominent groups include Bengalis, Assamese, Oriyas, Nepalese, Biharis, Meiteis, Marwaris, Punjabis and also Tamils, Telugus and Keralites. In the last two decades Tibetan traders have also settled in the city.[citation needed]
Religion[edit | edit source]
Christianity is the most followed religion in the city making up 45.10% of the city's population, closely followed by Hinduism at 41.11%. Islam is followed by 11.21%, Jainism by 1.73%, Buddhist by 0.48% and Sikhs by 0.19% respectively.[3]
Languages in Dimapur City
Bengali (25.47%)
Hindi (18.70%)
Ao (14.30%)
Lotha (6.52%)
Nepali (3.76%)
Angami (2.45%)
Manipuri (2.30%)
Zeliang (2.11%)
Assamese (2.01%)
Sema (1.91%)
Kabui (1.77%)
Sangtam (1.07%)
Chakhesang (0.81%)
Others (16.83%)
Tourism[edit | edit source]
Religious and historical sites[edit | edit source]
- Ruins of Kachari Rajbari
Although is left in ruins after centuries of abandonment, after facing conflict with the Ahom King in 18th century and with the settlement of township occupying almost half of its former glorious fortress, is still a national heritage site. It signifies great historical importance for the region of North-East. It also gives great value to the state of Nagaland.[citation needed]
- Dimapur City Tower
The Dimapur City Tower is a major landmark of the city. It is located at Circular Road in the heart of Dimapur. Also known as the Clock Tower, the tower is decorated with Christmas Lights during the Christmas season.[citation needed]
- Dimapur Jain Temple
The Dimapur Jain Temple was built in 1947. The temple has some intricate glass work. The temple is considered very auspicious by the people of Dimapur. The temple was built by the tireless effort of Shri Jethmal Sethi, Shri Phulchand Sethi, Shri Udayram Chabra, Shri Chunnilal Kishanlal Sethi, Shri Kanhaiyal Sethi, Shri Mangilal Chabra, Motilal Patni, Subhkaran Sethi and other Jain families present in Dimapur at that time.[citation needed]
Parks and other highlights[edit | edit source]
Dimapur has several places where tourist can visit such as Nagaland Science Center, Stone Park, Hazi Park, Shiv Mandir and Kali Temple.[38] The Rangapahar Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagaland Zoological Park, Green Park, Niathu Resort, Noune Resort, The Triple Falls, Nagaland Science Centre, Aqua Mellow Park and Agri Expo site in the neighbouring Chümoukedima District can be easily accessible from Dimapur.
Transportation[edit | edit source]
Airport[edit | edit source]
Dimapur is served by the Dimapur Airport located at 3rd Mile (AH1), Chümoukedima District. It is the only civil airport in the state and operates routes to Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal,[39] and Dibrugarh.
Bangladesh Air Force is born in Dimapur on 28 September 1971.[40][41]
Roadways[edit | edit source]
Highways passing through Dimapur[edit | edit source]
Asian Highway 1
Asian Highway 2
NH 29: National Highway 29 (India)
NH 129: National Highway 129 (India)
NH 129A: National Highway 129A (India)
Railway[edit | edit source]
Dimapur has direct train services to cities like Guwahati, Kolkata, Patna, 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.
It is one of the two railway stations in Nagaland. The other railway station is Shokhüvi railway station.[42]
Sports[edit | edit source]
The Dimapur District Sports Council Stadium is multi-purpose sports stadium in the city while the Nagaland State Stadium is another multi-disciplinary sports stadium currently under construction.[43]
Economy[edit | edit source]
Dimapur is the commercial centre of Nagaland. It also acts as a transit hub for trading goods brought in from trains at Dimapur railway station and by road via National Highway 29 to other parts of Nagaland. Many private and central banks are also located in the city. Some major hotels are Hotel Acacia (3-star hotel), Hotel Saramati, Hotel Lake Shiloi among many others.[citation needed]
Commerce[edit | edit source]
A number of shopping centers and markets have sprung up in Dimapur, with the HongKong 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 Notun Bosti.[citation needed]
The stretch from Purana Bazaar to Chümoukedima along the AH-1 is also rapidly developing into commercial areas.[citation needed]
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 KL Sethi Market Complex, Jasokie Market, etc. at GS Road, Dimapur.[citation needed]
Education[edit | edit source]
 | This section does not cite any sources. (September 2022) |
Colleges[edit | edit source]
- Dimapur Government College
- Public College of Commerce
- Salesian College of Higher Education
- Sakus Mission College
- Trinity Theological College
- Unity College
- Pranab College
- S D Jain Girls College
- Cornerstone College
- Ngullie Memorial College
- School of Engineering & Technology, Nagaland University
- Yemhi Memorial College
- St. John College
Schools[edit | edit source]
- Assam Rifles Public School
- Assembly Of God Higher Secondary School
- Don Bosco Higher Secondary School
- Government Higher Secondary School
- Greenwood School
- Holy Cross School
- Christian Higher Secondary School
- Little Star Higher Secondary School
- Living Stone Foundation Higher Secondary School
- N. N. Nagi School
- Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School
- St. John Higher Secondary Residential School
- King David School, Kushiabill
- Hollotoli school
Notable people[edit | edit source]
- Kevichüsa Angami (1903–1990), Politician
- Zhokhoi Chüzho, Actor
- Zuboni Hümtsoe (1990–2017), Entrepreneur
- Hekani Jakhalu Kense, Politician
- Chalie Kevichüsa (1943–1992), Journalist
- Razhukhrielie Kevichüsa (1941–2022), Bureaucrat and Musician
- Tubu Kevichüsa (1948–1996), Nationalist Leader
- Dolly Kikon, Anthropologist
- James Kithan, Sportsperson
- Viseyie Koso, Sportsperson
- Alobo Naga, Musician
- Phulchand Sethi (1911–1976), Businessperson
- Kihoto Hollohon Yepthomi (1932–2021), Politician
See also[edit | edit source]
Notes[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "Dimapur City".
- ↑ "Dimapur Info".
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Dimapur City Population Census 2011 | Nagaland". www.census2011.co.in.
- ↑ Roy, Kaushik (2012). "Review of Road of Bones: The Siege of Kohima, 1944. The Epic Story of the Last Great Stand of Empire". War in History. 19 (1): 113–114. ISSN 0968-3445.
- ↑ Bathari 2014, pp. 17-18.
- ↑ (Ramirez 2007:93)
- ↑ "SALESIAN PROVINCE OF DIMAPUR". donboscodimapur.org. Archived from the original on 24 March 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
- ↑ Bodo, Phirmi (15 October 2021). "Dimapur: Memories of a brick city". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
- ↑ District Dimapur, History, dimapur.nic.in, India, retrieved 12 February 2021
- ↑ (Shin 2020:63)
- ↑ "This city is probably the one mentioned in the Ahom Buranji, which records that Ahom king Suhungmung (alias Dihingia Rāja) and his son reached the city by ascending the river Timā (Dima or Dhansiri) in 1526 when the Ahoms attacked Dimapur."(Shin 2020:63)
- ↑ Mukherjee, Rila (2011). Pelagic Passageways: The Northern Bay of Bengal Before Colonialism. Primus Books. p. 147. ISBN 978-93-80607-20-7.
- ↑ (Laichen 2000:79)
- ↑ "As the regions of Da Gu-la and Di-ma-sa were broad, pacification superintendencies were established there, while in Xiao Gu-la, Cha-shan, Di-ban, Meng-lun and Ba-jia-ta, Chief's Offices were established. Po-di-na-lang was appointed as Da Gu-la Pacification Superintendent, and La-Wang-pa was appointed as Di-ma-sa Pacification Superintendent"(Wade 1994:301–302)
- ↑ "Patents, seals, Imperial tallies and red warrants engraved with gold characters were conferred upon all of them. The Supervising Secretary Zhou Rang was sent to take the Imperial orders and go and confer them upon these people. Further, paper money and silks as appropriate, were conferred upon them all."(Wade 1994:302)
- ↑ The chieftains sent separately by Po-di-na-lang, the pacification superintendent of Da Gu-la; La-wang-pa, the pacification superintendent of Di-ma-sa; Bai-zhang, the chief of Xiao Gu-la; and Zao-zhang, the chief of Cha-shan, offered tribute of horses and local products in gratitude for the Imperial grace manifested in the conferring of posts upon them."(Wade 1994:432)
- ↑ "Paper money, ramie- silks, silk gauzes and thin silks as appropriate, were conferred upon ...the monk Hui Yuan from Yun-nan Prefecture; the chieftain Ma-zhi-a-sa, who had been sent by Die-dao Mang-pa, the husband of the younger sister of the deceased pacification superintendent of the Di-ma-sa Pacification Superintendency and acting head of the superintendency;"(Wade 1994:862)
- ↑ Plate was discovered in Jorhat Assam from Ahom royal family. ① 永樂五年: Yong-le emperor 5 years: 1407 AD. ② 信符: Plate. ③ 底馬撒宣慰司: Di-ma-sa Xuanwei Si ④ 皇帝聖旨: Imperial edict ⑤ 合當差發: “合當” means must or should, "差發" is a commercial form in the early Ming dynasty that frontier ethnic groups or tribes exchange horses for tea with Ming officials. "合當差發" could be understood as if you have this plate then you can exchange horses for tea with a Ming official. The Ming dynasty prohibits the folk tea trade with frontier ethnics and tribes. "合當差發" is the only way they can get tea from Ming. ⑥ 不信者斬: If somebody does not comply, he should be killed.
- ↑ "The Yan-anng-myin pagoda inscription at Themaungan, south of Pinya, claims that in 1400 A.D. the rule of the king extended beyond the Kandu (Kadu, an ethnic group in northern Burma) and the “Palaung who grow tails,” to the “heretic kingdoms of the naked Nagas on the borders of Khamti Khun kyuiw, as far as the heretic kingdom called Timmasala where they kill people and turn into spirits.” This Timmasala should be identified with the Dimasa Kacharis of Upper Assam."(Laichen 2000:21–22)
- ↑ "The Khaṁtī mentioned after Muiwkon (Mogaung) and Muin Can (Maing Zin) in the Kyankse Hill inscription (List 1084a 5, 955 s.), is doubtless Singkaling Khamti. The recently discovered Yan-aung-myin pagoda inscription at Thèmaunggan, south of Pinya (Obverse, line 8, 762 s.), claims that in 1400 A.D. the rule of the king extended beyond the Kandu (Kadu) and the Ponlon amri yols ("Palaungs who grow tails"), to the "heretic kingdoms of the Naked Nagas on the borders of Khamti Khun lcyviw (?), as far as the heretic kingdom called Timmasàla where they kill people and turn into spirits," i.e., the Dimasa Kacharis of Upper Assam."(Luce 1958:174)
- ↑ "At, or shortly after, his formal ascension, Mingaung the First claimed in the same inscription noted above that “Myanma Pyi” extended on the east to “Shan Pyi,” on the northwest to “Timmasala” (Assam?), on the west to “Kula Pyi,” and on the south to “Talaing Pyi.” What these entities might have been depends on the word pyi. Since Pagan times, the Old Burmese word pran (pyi) has been used in both a concrete, geopolitical and cultural sense (as it is here), as well as in an abstract way, such as in the phrase nibban pyi (the state of nirvana)."(Aung-Thwin 2017:71)
- ↑ "On Tuesday the [5th] waxing of Tagu he captured the capital of Suiw Khut called Kale. On Thursday the 7th waxing of the month, he captured the Mo[Mong Mao] king Suiw Nam Phwa, own grandson of the lord of Nine Hundred Thousand, Suiw Khan Phwa (Thonganbwa), ruler of the 21 Umbrellas:- Muin Mo, Muin Nan; the ocean-ordered anklet wearing Kula (Indians) and Timmasala (Hill Kacharis); Muin Kale; Kasan (Manipur); Kakran (Kachin); Muin Tin; Muin Pran; Muin Ti; Muin Na; Muin Myan; Kyra Uiw; Muin Nuiw; Muin Luiw; Muin Saou; Muin Ya; Muin Khruin; Muin Khun; Muin Yuiw;........Many of these 'Umbrellas', i.e independent states can be identified :- Maw (Lu-ch'uan); Mohnyin (Mengyang); Kula and Dimasa; Kalemyo; Manipur; Kachin - these are unmistakeable"(Luce & Htway 1976:214)
- ↑ "Thonganbwa and the chief of Kale were soon afterwards taken by the governor (of Taungdwin) to the presence of King Narapadi, who was then sojourning in a temporary palace on Minwun hill, and on Sunday, the 12th waxing of Kason, several elephants and ponies and a quantity of jewellery obtained from Kale were presented to the king."(Nyein Maung 1998:38)
- ↑ "However, no clear trace of temples and images in the Dimapur ruins raises doubt about the scale and intensity of Brahmanisation in the early history of the Dimasas. The ruins of Dimapur, which include a brick wall of the aggregate length of nearly 2 miles and 2 tanks about 300 yards square, are indicative of a city of considerable size." (Shin 2020:63)
- ↑ (Shin 2020:68–70)
- ↑ (Bathari 2014:17–18)
- ↑ "BBC - WW2 People's War - THE ROAD FROM DIMAPUR TO KOHIMA". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ↑ Defeat into Victory by Field Marshal Sir William Slim; Originally published 1956.
- ↑ NP, Return Dimapur To Assam Demand Grows[permanent dead link], nagalandpage.com, India, 18 July 2018
- ↑ EMN, Assam politician wants Dimapur and Merapani from Nagaland, easternmirrornagaland.com, India, 19 September 2016
- ↑ Nagaland Post, Paying the Price of Silence Archived 22 January 2021 at the Wayback Machine, nagalandpost.com, India, 15 September 2018
- ↑ Vinayak, G (2 October 2004). "At least 30 killed in Nagaland blast". Rediff.com. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
- ↑ "India reels after deadly blasts". Al Jazeera. 3 October 2004. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
- ↑ "February Climate History for Dimapur". myweather2.com. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
- ↑ [1] Climate data
- ↑ "Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024" (PDF). Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024. 7 September 2024.
- ↑ "Dimapur City religious population". Census India 2011. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
- ↑ "Dimapur Places to Visit". holidayiq.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2018. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
- ↑ "Alliance Air confirms plans to commence Guwahati-Dimapur-Imphal service in Dec-2019". CAPA. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
- ↑ "BAF History". Bangladesh Air Force. Archived from the original on 31 August 2021. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ↑ "Fifty years ago, remote Dimapur airstrip gave wings to fledgling Bangladesh Air Force". The Economic Times. 28 September 2021. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ↑ "Nagaland gets second Railway station after over 100 years | Nagaland Post". 27 August 2022. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
- ↑ "State Stadium Dimapur – Why is it taking so long to complete?". Nagas Connect. 10 May 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
References[edit | edit source]
- Nyein Maung, ed. (1998), Shay-haung Myanma Kyauksa-mya [Ancient Burmese Stone Inscriptions] (in မြန်မာဘာသာ), vol. V, Yangon: Archaeological Department
- Luce, Gordon H. (1958). "The Early Syam in Burma's history" (PDF). Journal of the Siam Society. 46 (2): 123–214.
- Luce, G.H; Htway, Tin (1976), "A 15th Century Inscription and Library at Pagán, Burma", Malalasekera Commemoration Volume. Colombo: The Malalasekera Commemoration Volume Editorial Committee, Dept of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Ceylon, pp. 203–256
- Aung-Thwin, Michael A. (2017). Myanmar in the Fifteenth Century. Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press. ISBN 978-0-8248-6783-6.
- Bathari, Uttam (2014). Memory History and polity a study of dimasa identity in colonial past and post colonial present (Ph.D.). Gauhati University. hdl:10603/115353.
- Laichen, Sun (2000), Ming -Southeast Asian overland interactions, 1368--1644.
- Ramirez, Philippe (2007), "Politico-ritual variations on the Assamese fringes: Do social systems exist?", in Sadan, Mandy; Robinne., François (eds.), Social Dynamics in the Highlands of Southeast Asia Reconsidering Political Systems of Highland Burma, Boston: Brill, pp. 91–107
- Shin, Jae-Eun (2020). "Descending from demons, ascending to kshatriyas: Genealogical claims and political process in pre-modern Northeast India, The Chutiyas and the Dimasas". The Indian Economic and Social History Review. 57 (1): 49–75. doi:10.1177/0019464619894134. S2CID 213213265.
- Wade, Geoffrey (1994), The Ming Shi-lu (Veritable Records of the Ming Dynasty) as a Source for Southeast Asian History -- 14th to 17th Centuries, Hong Kong
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