Echoes of hymns in hills: A tale of Christianity's imprint on Nagaland

Kohima (Nagaland) [India], July 2 : Nagaland, embraces an overwhelmingly Christian population, with over 80 percent of its inhabitants following the faith. This northeastern state houses approximately 1,708 churches and claims the largest Baptist Christian community globally, underlining the profound influence Christianity has on Naga society.

In December 2022, Nagaland celebrated the significant milestone of 150 years since Christianity first graced its land, marking a transformative era in Naga history. This event, which deeply influenced the cultural, social, and political life of the region, involved more than just American missionaries. Integral figures in this transformation include local Naga inhabitants and an Assamese evangelist who contributed significantly to this event.

American missionary Edward Winter Clark, who baptized 15 converts from the Ao Naga village of Molungkimong on December 22, 1872, is celebrated as a hero in Nagaland. His legacy is preserved in monuments, museums, and educational institutions. However, equally significant contributors, such as Supongmeren Tzudir of Molungkimong and Assamese evangelist Godhula Brown, have often been overlooked.

Godhula Brown was a converted Christian from Assam's Sibsagar district, which lies adjacent to the Naga Hills. He established a connection with Supongmeren and his companions from Molungkimong when they ventured into Sibsagar in search of resources following a devastating epidemic. Godhula, recognized to some extent in Assamese and Naga Baptist Christian circles, shared a complex relationship with Clark, with their perspectives often diverging.

The tale of Christianity in Nagaland is also rich with cultural adaptations, as seen in the inclusion of the indigenous deity Lungkitsungba in the first hymns composed in Ao Naga. This was a sensitive approach to make new converts feel comfortable, ultimately substituting Lungkitsungba with Yisu Khrista or Jesus Christ in Ao.

Moreover, the arrival of Christianity brought about noticeable shifts in Naga society, as seen in the change of clothing among the newly converted. Adopting garbs that covered their bodies more fully was seen as a mark of civilization and modernity.

An intriguing aspect of traditional Naga life was the smoking of tobacco pipes, which persisted even after the introduction of Christianity. However, these pipes and weaponry had to be left outside when the Nagas came to pray, marking the adoption of new etiquettes in response to the new faith.

An embodiment of the strong Christian presence in Nagaland is the monumental Sumi Baptist Church in the town of Zunheboto. Holding the title of Asia's largest church, this architectural marvel stands as a testament to the state's religious devotion. Built over ten years, the church can accommodate around 8,500 worshippers and its imposing structure, standing 75 feet high, can be seen for miles around.

The sight of this imposing church, nestled amidst the scenic hills of Nagaland, is a stark and beautiful symbol of the enduring influence of Christianity in the region, underscoring the unique religious landscape that sets Nagaland apart.

The transformation that Christianity brought to Nagaland extends beyond the physical and social changes, encompassing even indigenous artistic and storytelling traditions. The influence of religion has transformed local comic traditions and marked the beginning of a vibrant theatre scene in contemporary Nagaland. Indigenous folklore, religion, performance aesthetics, and graphic storytelling remain integral elements of this rich, multifaceted narrative.

The tale of Christianity in Nagaland is not merely a story of religious transformation; it's a testament to the melding of faiths, cultures, and traditions, illustrating how the global can merge seamlessly with the local. Christianity's deep roots in Nagaland reveal a complex interplay of adaptation, tradition, and change, offering a unique model of religious evolution.