NAGALAND

The State of Nagaland was formally inaugurated on December 1^st, 1963, as the 16^th State of the Indian Union. It is bounded by Assam in the West, Myanmar (Burma) on the east, Arunachal Pradesh and part of Assam on the North and Manipur in the South. The State consists of seven Administrative Districts, inhabited by 16 major tribes along with other sub-tribes. Each tribe is distinct in character from the other in terms of customs, language and dress.

The emblem or seal of Nagaland consists of a bull statant proper in a hilly landscape Vert. Legend: UNITY / GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND.

It is supposed that the seal replaced the older Asoka-capital, common for most of the Indian states, in 2005.

The seal shows a Gaur (Bos gaurus - Bovidae), the largest species of wild cattle, bigger than the Cape buffalo, water buffalo and bison. The domesticated form of the gaur is called gayal or mithun.

The Gaur occurs as a supporter in many achievements of the former princely states of India.

Gaur (Bos gaurus - Bovidae)

On 30 june 2005 The Telegraph Calcutta wrote:

I-Day debut for Naga emblem

OUR CORRESPONDENT

Kohima, June 29: Nagaland will officially replace the national Ashoka emblem with one of its own on Independence Day.

Official sources said the state government had another date in mind, Republic Day, in the event of the emblem not being introduced on August 15.

The cabinet last week decided to replace the Ashoka emblem with one depicting symbols of Naga culture and, more importantly, with the word “unity” above the state’s name. The explanatory note states that the indigenous entities in the emblem represent the current political set-up “as a strong and vibrant government having its roots in the people”.

Designed by 23-year-old Merimvu Duolo, who owns the designer graphics shop Duolo’s Art Villa, the emblem was completed in 15 days. “I had to work really hard to make it in a fortnight, after which the chief minister introduced the words “unity” and “Nagaland”,” the artist said.

An indigenous species of bison called mithun (Bos frontalis), symbolising wealth and status, dominates the emblem. It is perched on a logdrum and surrounded by other Naga symbols. ‘The shield forming the background, originally used for defence by Naga warriors, speaks of the inherent trait of the Nagas to defend and protect their land and all the things that form a part of their lives,” says the accompanying note.

The initial reactions to the emblem have been good. Naga Students Federation vice-president Elu Ndang said the emblem was indicative of the uniqueness of Naga traditions. Government officials, too, said they were pleased to see the traditional motifs.

I. Imkong, leader of the Congress Legislature Party, said, “It is a good move. But several other states also have their own symbols. So too much should not be read into the move.”

However, a source said the move was certainly aimed at sending a message to the Centre about the desire of the Naga people to come together under a single administrative umbrella. “The timing tells it all,’ he said.

It is not known what has happened with the proposal.

Nagaland Police

The Nagaland Police uses the bull, now charging, as well. He is placed on a field parted per pale of Gules and Azure with the title of the Nagaland Police above and the motto SECURIY SERVICE SACRIFICE on a ribbon below. In chief is the crest of India with its motto.