Chümoukedima


Chümoukedima, previously spelled Chumukedima, formerly known as Samaguting, is a municipality in the Chümoukedima District of the Indian state of Nagaland. It is situated on the left bank of the Chathe and with its surrounding area that includes several other towns and villages, the Chümoukedima Metropolitan Area is the largest urban agglomeration in Nagaland in terms of area and third largest in terms of population, after Dimapur and Kohima.
Chümoukedima is the only municipality of the district of the same name. Chümoukedima was designated as the first headquarters of then Naga Hills District of Assam Province, British India, from 1866 until the administrative office moved to Wokha in 1875 and then to Kohima in 1879.
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Names

During the colonial era, Chümoukedima was mispronounced as "Samaguting" by British officials. This was later corrected in the book, My Experiences in Manipur and the Naga Hills by James Johnstone, who acknowledged that the proper name was Chumookodima.
In a public notice issued on 1 November 2017, the Chümoukedima Village Council stated that the name "Chümoukedima" had been incorrectly pronounced, spelled and recorded over time as "Chumukedima". To restore the original name, the council officially declared that henceforth it would be known and identified as "Chümoukedima" in all official and informal contexts.

History

Chümoukedima has a historical background rooted in the interactions between the indigenous Nagas, the Ahoms and the Dimasas. The region has been a focal point of trade, conflict and cultural exchange for centuries.

Early encounters and Ahom influence

According to Ahom chronicles, during Sukaphaa's reign, the Nagas, including those of the Angami Nagas in Chümoukedima, were engaged in conflicts with the Ahoms but were kept under control through land grants and taxation agreements. In the Burajis account, Sukhapha encountered a Kachari group that had been displaced from a place called Mohung after losing it to the Angami Nagas.
Following conflicts between the Ahoms and the Dimasa kingdom, the Dimasa Raja and his followers migrated to the Medziphema and Rüzaphema valleys before settling in the Chümoukedima peaks at Tsiedukhru. Remnants of this settlement, such as whetstones and pottery, continue to be found in the region.

Colonial era

During the British era from 1866 to 1875, Chümoukedima served as the first headquarters of the then Naga Hills District of Assam Province, when it was known as Samaguting, and coming to prominence during the 1944 Japanese offensive into Manipur and the Naga Hills during the South-East Asian theatre of World War II.

Contemporary era

On 2 December 1997, the Government of Nagaland declared the erstwhile-Dimapur Sub-Division of Kohima District as a full-fledged District with Chümoukedima as its district headquarter. Construction of a new Deputy Commissioner's Office Complex at Chümoukedima soon began with the old Additional Deputy Commissioner's Office Complex at Dimapur continuing to temporarily serve the new district but over the years there were stiff oppositions from various Dimapur-based Civil Society Organizations to shift the district headquarters to Chümoukedima. On 18 December 2021, the Government of Nagaland in response split the Dimapur District into three separate districts—Chümoukedima, the existing Dimapur and Niuland.

Geography

Chümoukedima is situated in the foothills of the Naga Hills rising above the city from the south. The main city centre is located on the left bank of the Chathe.
The Tourist Village at the top of the southern hills projects a bird's eye view of the whole of Chümoukedima District, Dimapur District and other parts of Karbi Anglong District of Assam. Waterfalls are also located in this area.

Climate

Chümoukedima experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasonal variations. Summers are typically hot and humid, while winters are mild. The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to the region.

Wards

The city has 11 administrative wards:

Demographics

India census, Chümoukedima had a population of 43,516.

Economy

Chümoukedima is one of the fastest-growing urban centres in Nagaland. In fact, it forms part of the Chümoukedima–Dimapur urban area, which is the largest and the fastest-growing urban hub of Nagaland. The town's population has grown by nearly five times in the last two decades.

Culture

Parks

Appu Park is a park located inside Chümoukedima Police Complex. The Nagaland Zoological Park, Green Park, Aqua Mellow Park, Agri Expo site, Niathu Resort and Noune Resort are all located in the Chümoukedima Metropolitan Area.

Media

Chümoukedima is home to Nagaland's first satellite television network: Hornbill TV.

Sports

Football is a popular sports in the city. The 2025 Nagaland Super League was held mainly at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium. The stadium is located inside the Chümoukedima Police Complex. The city is also home to Nagaland United FC, which plays in the Nagaland Super League.
Chümoukedima co-hosted the 3rd edition of the North East Games in 2024.

Transportation

Air

Chümoukedima is served by the Dimapur Airport located north from the city centre.

Road

Highways passing through Chümoukedima

Rail

Chümoukedima is connected with the Chümoukedima Shokhüvi Railway Station located south-west from the city center. The Dimapur Railway Station is located north from Chümoukedima.

Education

Universities and Colleges

Schools

Notable residents

Politics

S. C. Jamir, PoliticianSalhoutuonuo Kruse, PoliticianNeiphiu Rio, PoliticianZhaleo Rio, Politician

Sport

Chekrovolü Swüro, Sportsperson

Official sites

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