CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The Konyaks are the largest of the Naga ethnic groups. They are found in Tirap, Longding, and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh; Sibsagar District of Assam; and also in Myanmar. They are known in Arunachal Pradesh as the Wanchos (’Wancho’ is a synonymous term for ‘Konyak’).

Detailed explanation-2: -The Konyaks are traditional hunters and warriors of Nagaland but now their main occupation is agriculture. A distinct group of Konyaks are easily recognized by their tattooed faces. In the past the Konyaks were renowned headhunters, they would often carry back the heads of their rivals as war trophy.

Detailed explanation-3: -The term ‘Konyak’ is believed to have been derived from the words ‘Whao’ meaning ‘head’ and ‘Nyak’ meaning ‘black’ translating to ‘men with black hair’. They can be grouped into two groups, namely “Thendu”, which means the “Tattooed Face” and “Thentho”, meaning the “White face”.

Detailed explanation-4: -Before the advent of Christianity into Nagaland, the Konyaks were the believers of “Animism” worshipping different objects of nature. About 95% of the population follows the Christian faith now. The Konyak society is obviously a patriarchal society and is dominated by male chauvinism.

Detailed explanation-5: -Konyak Tribe With a population of roughly 3 lakh, the area inhabited by the Konyaks extends into Arunachal Pradesh, with a sizeable population in Myanmar as well. They are known to be one of the fiercest warrior tribes in Nagaland.