The name Assam comes from the same origin as Siam, which means Thailand. The larger part of the population finds its roots far to the east, from where their ancestors, the Ahums, entered the area in the 13th century. For more than 600 years the Ahums upheld a kingdom in Assam. Especially in the last two centuries the Assamese culture, language and genetics have changed due to frequent immigration from India, Nepal and later Bangladesh.

Before the Ahums settled in the Brahmaputra Plain, other peoples already lived here. The most important of these are the Bodos, who now live mainly in the north and northwest of Assam (population about 1.5 million).

The people of Nagaland belong to the Burmese-Tibetan ‘race’, and originate probably from Tibet, perhaps with influx from Southeast Asia. They are believed to have settled around the year 1000 in present day Nagaland. Although he Nagas never had their own state, they were considered a culturally and geographically distinct entity by neighbouring countries.

One of the causes of this lack of statehood was the habit of the Naga tribes to continuously wage wars between them. In addition, the Nagas had the curious habit of head hunting. The heads and scalps were cherished as trophies and can still be seen in the villages. Contact with Christianity has eventually made them abandon the practice, but not before the early fifties. Today the war dances of he Nagas, performed at festivals, are a major draw for tourists.

There are 18 different tribes, each with its own distinct customs, dialect and clothing. But the Nagas are united in their cultural traditions and customs, religion – today, almost all Nagas are Christians – and the use of Nagamese – a lingua franca that is a mix of Naga and Assamese.