Patsho
Patsho, also spelled Pathso, is a village in the state of Nagaland within Northeast India. It is situated within the Indo-Burma region of Patkai range, towards the east of Mount Khülio-King. The town is considered one of the biggest villages in the Noklak district.
History
The etymology of the name "Patsho" is obscure, although it may mean "congregation of people." The Patsho people originate from the region of Khiamnyunga, from where a group of people moved towards west to occupy Lümuoking and subsequently inhibited the extant Patsho village.During the British Raj, the Khiamniungans were referred to as kalyo Kenyu - Slate-House dwellers particularly in the works of anthropologists such as Christoph von Fürer-Haimendorf.
People
Historical accounts note a notable hospitality extended toward certain foreigners in earlier periods, which subtly reflects aspects of the community's character. In contrast, the people of Patsho, a Kalyo-Kengyu village, were once regarded as among the most formidable in warfare, with opponents from neighboring villages hesitating to attack or raid the settlement. They were adept in the use of poisoned arrows and mastered tactical engagements, where a single warrior or a pair could fiercely and effectively overcome larger groups of adversaries. Unlike that past era, the community is now characterized by a consistently polite and courteous demeanor, actively demonstrating compassion by supporting the indigent and aiding the impecunious. This profound evolution has been significantly influenced by the advent of Christianity and the introduction of modern education, which progressively supplanted traditional vernacular systems. Presently, societal transformation continues to accelerate, further fueled by globalization and the dynamic exchange of knowledge across cultures.Education
In the past, educational attainment remained out of reach for most villagers, hindered by a social framework that undervalued formal learning and by the immediacy of subsistence challenges. This paradigm shifted fundamentally with the advent of new academic institutions in the village.List of academic institutions in the village
List of Private Schools- Union Mission School - Established in 2017. – Class A-2
- Government Primary School Pathso – Class A-4, Established in the year 1963.
- Government High School – Class 5-10, Established in 1970.
Politics
History
The Kalyo Kengyu villages, including Patsho, did not feature a system of hereditary chieftainship. Instead, their social organization operated on democratic principles, with leadership typically accorded to men who distinguished themselves through martial prowess or economic success. In the specific case of Patsho, however, a single hereditary role existed: a male figure within a designated clan who held exclusive responsibility for conducting magical and religious ceremonies.Present Administration
Patsho forms part of Thonoknyu Assembly constituency #57 in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. Patsho neighbors Kingnyu to the east, Tshüvau and Lingnyu to the northeast, Yokau and Iekhau to the north, Patsho Nokking and Patsho Town to the south, Kingphu and New Sanglau Longding to the south west, Yakor to the north west and Shamator to the west.Local Administration
"As per constitution of India and Panchyati Raj Act, Patsho village is administrated by Sarpanch who is elected representative of village."Chairman
- Buming
- Chietei
- Pushong - Incumbent
- Mukom
- Sheying - Incumbent
- Pingchang
- Sheying
- Chietei - Incumbent
Economy
Culture
Patsho functions as the principal cultural hub for the Khiamniungan community, renowned as a central repository and living showcase of its folklore, artistic traditions, heritage, and sartorial customs.Advancing gender equality by fostering inclusivity throughout every cultural sphere is a critical step toward building a thriving cultural landscape and a cohesive, peaceful society.
Marriages
The social structure is organized around two exogamous clans, known as Shiu and Lam, between which intermarriage traditionally occurs. The community strictly adheres to monogamous marriages and notably does not practice the custom of bride-price.Seisei-ie
Furthermore, the skilled use of wordplay and puns constitutes a distinctive cultural tradition among the Khiamniungan people, particularly within the community of Patsho, dating to the village's foundation. Historically, this practice took the form of competitive exchanges between villages, contrasting with its contemporary function primarily as a mode of entertainment.Traditional dances
Some cultural dance performed by the villagers.Climate
Patsho village undergoes a sub-tropical climate with four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter.Patsho comes under the climate zone of Humid subtropical, dry winter. The average mean temperature is around 25.05 °C. It experience hottest on average in the month of June, when the day time temperature may reach up-to 29.34 °C, and is coolest in January when the average low temperature may fall below 11.33 °C.
Rainfall in the area varies from 150 to 250 cm. The bulk of rainfall is received between May and October.
Agricultural practice
The people predominantly follow Jhum cultivation and the major crops are maize, rice, yam, millet, Job's tears, beans, sweet potatoes, pulses and spices.| Workers | Total | Male | Female |
| Main workers | 1015 | 521 | 491 |
| Cultivators | 930 | 458 | 472 |
| Agricultural labourers | 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Other workers | 75 | 60 | 15 |
| Marginal workers | 142 | 66 | 76 |
| Non working | 960 | 470 | 490 |
Religion
is the only religion followed by the people and the church has celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015.| Sl no | Pastors | Duration |
| 1 | Marnungsang Ao | |
| 2 | Muno Patsho | |
| 3 | Tongthan Ao | |
| 4 | Shingnyo Patsho | 2000-2021 |
| 5 | Mukom Patsho | 2021-incumbent |