The original name of Kohima is Kewhira, clarifies KVC

DIMAPUR — The Kohima Village Council (KVC) has clarified that the original name of Kohima is Kewhira, stating that different versions from dubious sources can be found on digital platforms on the origin and meaning of the words ‘Kewhi’ and ‘Kewhira’, and the need was felt to set the record straight.

In a press note, the KVC mentioned that, according to stories, people from different places and directions came in search of a place to settle down and formed a homogenous group that necessitated the establishment of a village.

They named it ‘Kewhira’, which is derived from the Tenyidie word ‘kephfükewhi’, which means to meet and assemble together, and ‘ra’ means village.

“The people of Kewhira are called Kewhimia (mia means people), who are the indigenous inhabitants and hereditarily owned the land of Kewhira,” the note read, mentioning that Kohima village is believed to be more than 700 years old.

The KVC said that in the year 1878, the British shifted their administrative headquarters from Samaguting (Chümoukedima) to Kewhira, and they inquired about the name of the place, to which the indigenous inhabitants responded, ‘Kewhira’. However, the British mispronounced it as Kohima.

Though it was a misnomer, it officially came to be known as Kohima instead of Kewhira, the note said, maintaining that the people of the Angami tribe till today call Kohima as Kewhira and its people as Kewhimia.

The note further mentioned that the current population of Kewhimia is estimated to be around 21,600, with a total household of about 5,500.

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