Kohima, May 10, 2025, Virthli (ONP): In a significant cultural and scholarly event, a book titled “The Lotha Naga Customary Law, Practices & Attires” authored by Shri P. Pius Lotha was officially released today at Dr. Imkongliba Ao Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima. The launch was graced by the Governor of Nagaland, Shri La. Ganesan, who commended the author for his meticulous documentation of Lotha Naga heritage.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ganesan praised Shri Lotha’s work as a “valuable contribution to preserving and promoting the rich cultural traditions of the Lotha Naga tribe.” He emphasized the importance of such documentation in preserving indigenous knowledge systems, especially at a time when traditional practices face erosion under the pressures of modernization and globalization.
The book delves into the customary laws, rituals, attire, and everyday practices of the Lotha Nagas, one of the major Naga tribes in Nagaland, primarily settled in the Wokha district. It draws from oral traditions, tribal elders' narratives, and historical accounts, serving as both a cultural preservation initiative and a scholarly resource for anthropologists, historians, and policy-makers.
Author P. Pius Lotha, a respected figure in the Naga academic and cultural community, expressed gratitude for the support received during the course of his research. He remarked that the work is an attempt “to provide future generations with a documented understanding of the Lotha way of life, customs, and traditional governance.”
The event was attended by academicians, government officials, members of the Lotha Hoho (tribal council), university students, and cultural enthusiasts. Attendees noted that the book will be a useful addition to the growing literature on indigenous jurisprudence and customary practices, which play a vital role in the region’s identity and community justice systems.
This publication adds to a growing interest in tribal customary law within India’s northeast, particularly as states seek to codify indigenous governance structures alongside constitutional frameworks. The Lotha community, known for its vibrant cultural identity and traditional systems of dispute resolution, has long advocated for formal recognition of its customs in legal and academic forums.
The Governor encouraged scholars and young researchers to undertake similar documentation efforts for other Naga tribes, emphasizing that "each community’s heritage is a thread in the diverse tapestry that is Nagaland".
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