Glimpse of Ao Nagas’ Beliefs and Practices: Аn Outlook of the Traditional Mode of Defensive Tactics in Pre-colonial India

Abstract

The Aos are a major tribe of the Nagaland state located in the Northeastern part of India. Belief in the existence of the Supreme Being is common to most of the tribal people. Therefore, for the Ao Nagas religion become a part of their life and is interwoven in their social life, economic activities, and in their beliefs and rituals. The practice of headhunting was closely connected with these beliefs. Most people misunderstood «headhunting» as mere chopping off a head. However, for the Ao Nagas, headhunting was one of the main necessary defense mechanisms and regulation of the life in a sovereign setting. Headhunting was also associated with masculinity and survival itself as well as a vital source for fertility of crops and women. However, one should keep in mind that the practice is the thing of the past. After the advent of British, they introduced Christianity and the practice of headhunting was abolished.