Sky is My Father: A Naga Village Remembered

Experience the extraordinary tale unfold in this newly reissued masterpiece, the groundbreaking Naga novel in English. Set in the nineteenth century, it chronicles the epic clash between the British forces and the resilient warrior village of Khonoma.

From 1832 to 1880, the Angami warriors of Khonoma stood as a shining example of Naga resistance against British oppression. They launched daring raids and disrupted the forced recruitment of Nagas into bonded labor. In this exquisitely crafted historical novel, Easterine Kire, the esteemed winner of the Hindu Prize, breathes life into the Khonoma of yesteryears—a formidable fortress nestled amidst majestic mountains.

Life in the remote Naga hills revolved around the cycles of nature and the unwavering toil of both men and women in the fields. It was governed by social taboos, rituals, and vibrant festivals. Young men grew up enthralled by tales of valiant battles fought against rival villages, fearsome tigers, supernatural entities, and the encroaching British. The people cherished their deep connection to the land, finding honor in their struggle and sacrifice.

The courageous warriors of Khonoma engaged the British in numerous skirmishes, inspiring neighboring Naga villages to join their cause. In 1879, following the death of a British officer, the British forces laid siege to the tiny village. Despite being outnumbered and ill-equipped, Khonoma valiantly resisted their oppressors for an arduous four months, eventually concluding a historic peace treaty on March 27, 1880.

Originally hailed as “A Naga Village Remembered,” this revised edition seamlessly blends meticulous research, oral narratives, and captivating prose. It unveils the narrative of an extraordinary and proud community grappling with profound transformations, both from within and from the outside world.