India: 'Marauding Tribe: Hill Naga, Cachar'. Early British colonial photograph, 1860s

The term Naga people refers to a conglomeration of several tribes inhabiting the North Eastern part of India and north-western Burma. The tribes have similar cultures and traditions, and form the majority ethnic group in the Indian states of Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

The Naga speak various distinct languages, which each belong to branches of Tibeto-Burman, including Angami–Pochuri, Ao, Kukish, Sal, Tangkhul, and Zeme. In addition, they have developed Nagamese creole, which they use between tribes and villages, which each have their own dialect of language.

As of 2012, the state of Nagaland officially recognises 17 Naga tribes. In addition, some other Naga tribes occupy territory in the contiguous adjoining states of Manipur, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh, India; and across the border in Burma. Prominent Naga tribes include the Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Lotha, Pochury, Phom, Poumai, Rongmei Naga, Rengma, Sangtam, Sema (Sumi), Mao (Memei), Maram Naga, Thangal Naga, Yimchunger, Zeliang.

Some of these tribes are: Zeme, Liangmai, Mao (Memei), Maram Naga, Nocte, Phom, Pochuri, Poumai Naga, Rongmei Naga, Tangsa, Tutsa, and Wancho.

The Naga tribes practised headhunting and preserved the heads of enemies as trophies before the 19th century.

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