Dimapur () is the largest city and municipality in the Indian state of Nagaland. As of 2011, the municipality had a population of 122,834. The city is the main gateway and commercial centre of Nagaland. Located near the border with Assam along the banks of the Dhansiri River. Its main railway station is the second busiest station in Northeast India.
Etymology
The name Dimapur is derived from the Dimasa words; Di means "water", ma means "large" and pur means "city", translating to Big-river-city, associated with the meaning of "Kachari" which is "people of the river valley" and after the river which flows through it (Dhansiri).
There are two accounts of the way in which Dimapur got its name: many writers are of the opinion that the name 'Dimapur' was derived from Dimasa Kachari words Di-meaning water, Ma-meaning big and Pur-meaning city or township in the Dimasa dialect; while others contend that Dimapur is a corruption of Hidimbapur, meaning the city of Hidimbi (of Mahabharata fame) - the rakshasi-turned-woman whose marriage to the Pandava prince Bhima led to the birth of Ghatotkacha, which was the Hindu lineage created for Dimasa rulers by the Brahmin pandits at Khaspur. According to the second theory, the name Hidimbapur is conjectured to have been abbreviated to Dimbapur and subsequently to have lost a consonant to become Dimapur. It is to be noted that Dimasa Kachari Kingdom at point of time was known as the "Heramba Kingdom". In the Ahom Buranjis, Dimapur is referred to sometimes as Che-din-chi-pen (town-earth-burn-make) meaning "Brick-town" and its rulers as khun timisa (distorted word for Dimasa).
History
Situated on the banks of the Dhansiri (originally known as Dong-siri meaning a ravine of peaceful habitation), Dimapur was described as the 'Brick City' by the European scholars and by the Ahoms.
Medieval period
In the 13th century, the city was the capital of the Dimasa Kingdom, which was once a powerful and predominant state in the now North East India (Brahmaputra or Dilao Valley). In the heart of the city there is an old relic of the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom which speaks about the once prosperous era.
The city of Dimapur is said to have been founded by a Kachari king Mahamanipha (1330-1370) and it remained as the capital of the Kacharis until it was captured by the Ahom ruler Suhungmung in 1526 A.D.
The ruins of Dimasa Kingdom in Dimapur include a brick wall of the length of nearly 2 miles and 2 tanks about 300 yards square, are indicative of a city of considerable size.
20th century
World War II
During World War II, Dimapur was the centre of action between British India and Imperial Japan. It was the staging post for the Allied offensive. The Japanese could reach Kohima where a siege was laid. Allied reinforcement came through Dimapur by rail and road for the push against the Japanese. An airport at Dimapur was also in use for supplies to the allied forces in Burma. The battle for Kohima about 77 km from Dimapur is considered the turning point for the Japanese retreat from South East Asia.
Assam lease Dimapur to Nagaland
In 1918, Dimapur was leased to then Naga Hills District (Now Nagaland) by then erstwhile Assam Province of British of India for 30 years for construction of Railways lines (unclear from which district). In 1963, it was again leased to now state of Nagaland for 99 years. There is controversy surrounding this claim, as both state governments have not come forward to comment on the matter.
21st century
2004 Dimapur bombings
On 2 October 2004, two powerful bombs were set off—one at the Dimapur Railway Station and the other at the Hong Kong Market killing 30 and injuring over 100 others.
Geography
Dimapur is located in the southwest of Nagaland. The vast majority of this area is flat with the Dhansiri River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River flowing east of the city.
Climate
Dimapur is hot and humid in summers and moderately cold in winters.
Demographics
According to the 2011 census, the city-population of the old Town Committee area (up to the old dhansiri bridge) at 122,834. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Dimapur has an average literacy rate of 86% male literacy is 88% and, female literacy is 84%. In Dimapur, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. Unlike other places in the state, this city has a heterogeneous mix of people from all over India, and for which it is also known as "Mini India".