Dimapur: The Gem Of Nagaland

Dimapur, Nagalands largest city, is also its best connected.

- Priya Bala

While many visitors to the northeastern state use Dimapur as a hopping off point for other destinations, its rich past and natural attractions make it an ideal spot for a short break in this part of the country.

Built on the banks of the Dhansiri river, Dimapur was the ancient capital of the influential Dimasa Kachari community. This seat of power was created as a walled city, built mainly of bricks. Today, you can see unique relics from the past which provide glimpses into the power and prosperity of a previous era. Archaeological finds in Dimapur include a series of monoliths. These are believed to be memorials to the rulers of Dimapur. The largest among these stands at an impressive height of 17 feet and is said to be dedicated to Makardhwaj, in whose time the Dimasa Kachari kingdom saw the pinnacle of its glory. Another group of stone monuments represents the 17 royal clans of the Dimasa Kachari aristocracy, as historians refer to them.