The Angami Nagas

This book is the outcome of the author's Ph.D. work submitted to the Guwahati University, and is perhaps the first in-depth study on the Angami Nagas from the physical Anthropology point of view. The study provides a comprehensive account of the physical characteristics of the Angami Nagas-one of the major and important Naga tribes amongst the 13 main tribes of Nagaland. The study attempts to reflect on the ethnic position of the Angamis by comparing their physical traits with those of the other Naga tribes of Nagaland and other major tribes of North-east India, namely, Khasis Mishings, Kacharis, Adi Mishings, and others, as also with some of the Asiatic Mongoloids such as the Tibetans, Uzbeks Buriats, Mons, Limbus, Newars and Lepchas, for a wider perspective. For convenience and easy reference, the book has been divided into four chapters. Chapter 1 has introduction and Chapter 2 deals with physical traits of the Angami Nagas with sections on morphological traits, genetic traits, dermatoglyphics, behavioural traits, besides comparison of the present study with that of other workers. Chapter 3 discusses the ethnic position with sections on the relative position of the Angamis amongst other Naga tribes vis-a-vis the Mongoloid population of North-east India and the Asiatic Mongoloid. The last chapter summarises the study and the findings. Being the first comprehensive work of this nature, the book will evoke general interest among the readers and will pave the way for further researches on this and other major Naga tribes so as to have a greater understanding about their origin and the causes of population variation at the micro-level.

Renu Suri is an Anthropologist by academic qualification and a social development practitioner by profession. She has a diverse experience of 35 years both in development and academics. She was the Head of the Department of Anthropology at Science College, Kohima, Nagaland, from 1979 till 1986 and thereafter held senior positions in various national and international non-governmental organizations. Besides teaching and research, she has managed, directed and implemented several development projects ranging from health and family welfare, integrated health and nutrition, community development to girls' education, etc. She was also the Director, for the State of Rajasthan and Director, Gujarat Rehabilitation Programme, in CARE India. She has been the subject expert for Nagaland Service Commission. Widely travelled, she represents a good blend of professional experience, rich academic background and development experience within the interlinked sphere of education and development. Presently she is the Director of Gender Training Institute, Centre for Social Research, New Delhi.