The Impact of Christianity and Cultural Traditions of Ao-Naga Tribe in Nagaland

Abstract

The rise of ‘colonial modernity’ in the beginning of the 19th century initiated the process of change and transformation of the many traditions of northeast India. The ‘colonial modernity’ has been traditionally seen as an ideology in late nineteenth century Europeans institutionalized colonial domination in the name of missionary education, medical facilities, establishing infrastructure facilities etc,. for the colonial countries. They advocated ‘colonial modernity’ as a way of promoting good government. However, the concept of ‘modernity’ has been resisted and questioned in multiple forms by the local communities. In this context this paper is an attempt to assess the impact of Christianity on the cultural past of the Ao-Naga tribe of Nagaland. It can be argued that various socio-cultural traditions of the Ao-Nagas have been changed due to intervention of Christian Missionaries in Nagaland.