“From the Furious Last Stand to Modern Existential Crisis: The Naga Journey Explored in Charles Chasie’s Must-Read Book”
The Battle of Khonoma was fought between the Naga people and the British Colonial Forces between 1879 and 1880 and proved to be the last Naga war against British colonialism and oppression. This war, in the author’s own words, was a watershed moment in the history of the Naga, as it paved the way for British dominance of the Naga Hills, leaving an everlasting impact on their history, culture, and way of life that shaped their future and current state.
Charles Chasie, in his book “The Battle of Khonoma and Other Essays,” vividly documents the events that led to this large-scale war. The author faithfully and eloquently explains how the Nagas crossed paths with the British, the different causes of conflict, how the British tried to control them, and how, when nothing else worked, the last option left was an all-out war.
Through his account, anecdotes, and references from numerous historical sources, Chasie is successful in establishing that the Battle of Khonoma was not only the largest conflict between the Nagas and an invading force but also laid the foundation for the rejection of any and every foreign rule by the Naga people in the future. This was the battle that united all Naga village republics, even at a time when they were known for infighting and headhunting.
The author beautifully paints a picture of Naga life in those times, explaining how their freedom, democracy, and territory were of utmost importance to them. He also describes in great detail how they could put up such a formidable fight against the vastly superior British military apparatus. I was intrigued and enthralled by the explanation of the Naga way of life and how various units of the Naga society in those days worked in tandem with each other. The history of violence among themselves and how that was a key part of their existence was also duly highlighted, shedding light on the fact that the Naga people were never afraid of war or standing up for what they believed in.
This not only explained the continuous surge of energy and willingness of the Naga people to fight against the British, even when they continually endured the loss of land, property, and life but also underlined the indomitable spirit of the Naga people that was impossible to break by any external force.
Chasie skillfully constructs a narrative of the battles that happened before the Battle of Khonoma, leading to the last war. All of it is done with such care and attention to detail that I was able to imagine how it all must have unfolded. It is probably because I have visited Nagaland often and am familiar with the topography and nature, allowing me to draw these images with more ease than someone who hasn’t been there before.
The author successfully concentrates on the key elements of the war and highlights the major characters who were instrumental and made significant contributions to the battle and the aftermath of it. For me, the most intriguing character of them all was Judelie Hiekha. He was the one who had killed the first British Political Officer in the Naga Hills and set forth a chain of events that ultimately led to the battle of Khonoma even though the precursor to the battle had been initiated when the British made a foray into Naga hills for the first time looking for a passage between Manipur and Assam. What happens with Hiekha in the end is a fascinating story that will tell you a lot more about the nature of the war and its aftermath than any number of written words could explain.
Charles Chasie doesn’t forget to tell us about the various gallantry awards that were awarded by the British to their soldiers, underlining once again the extreme nature of the conflict and the seriousness it held for them. This war was significant enough for the British to award a Victoria Cross, which at that time was the highest award for gallantry under the Crown.
The book is not solely about the Battle of Khonoma, even though it constitutes a large portion. There are also accounts of Charles Pawsey and Eric Lambert, who will forever remain a part of Naga history for very different reasons. While Pawsey was loved and respected by the Nagas, considered as their own for an act of selflessness and astute decision-making, Eric Lambert was a spymaster who worked wonders with the Naga people but was forgotten in the pages of history. His contribution to World War II in the region, using the indigenous spies at his disposal, was monumental. Anything more I write about these two intriguing individuals here will only spoil your fun of reading about them for the first time in the book, an experience that I will forever cherish.
One of the most important aspects of Naga society these days is their effort to rediscover their roots and infuse the old ways of life into their modern existence. This endeavour not only aims to respect their lineage and history but also helps them understand how they are different from other people and why their uniqueness is a matter of pride and not something to be rectified. This theme recurs in their writings and poetry, where a lot of emphases is placed on self-discovery, exploring the confusion of being a Naga, understanding what it means to be a Naga, and larger existential crises. These same elements find their way into this book, where we read Charles Chasie’s version of the Naga view of the world and the Naga world in transition. Both these essays not only give us a window into some of the most important factors impacting Naga life but also show us how detaching from their roots has become the primary cause of the Naga people feeling lost and confused.
Chasie doesn’t forget to underline the issues plaguing the Naga idea of democracy and how a pure democracy, like what the Nagas practised, is almost impossible in today’s time. That being said, he still shows us how completely detaching from the systems that worked for the Nagas for generations has been at the root of the decay that has set into Naga society. It makes for some compelling reading and will likely demand multiple readings to fully comprehend and appreciate.
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Overall, Charles Chasie’s “The Battle of Khonoma and Other Essays” is a remarkable exploration of Naga history, culture, and identity. It not only sheds light on a pivotal conflict with the British but also delves into the deeper themes of Naga resilience, democracy, and the ongoing struggle to maintain their unique heritage in a rapidly changing world. Chasie’s thorough research, vivid storytelling, and profound insights make this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Naga society and the enduring spirit of its people. It is a testament to the importance of remembering and honouring one’s roots while navigating the challenges of modernity.
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