His Majesty's Headhunters - by Mmhonlümo Kikon (Hardcover)

About the Book

As Lt Gen. Sato is said to have remarked, if it were not for the Naga people, the Allied forces would have been defeated in Kohima, and the Japanese Army would have easily secured the Dimapur railway station and moved victoriously towards Bengal via Assam, thus reversing the outcome of the war.

Book Synopsis

Surprisingly little is known about the siege of Kohima, considered a game-changing event that altered the course of world history during the Second World War. His Majesty's Headhunters adds to our understanding of this battle and shows how it redefined a whole era.

Providing a unique perspective of Nagaland and its warriors, this book uncovers the untold story of the siege, regarded as one of the more celebrated battles of D-Day and often referred to as the ' Stalingrad of the East' by Western scholars. Historians even believe that this was the last battle of the British Empire
and the first battle of the ' New India' .

However, that is just the tale told so far by everyone except the Nagas. The real history of this battle-- which involved the Japanese Army, led by Lieutenant General Sato, and the Allied forces-- is yet to be recounted. As Lt Gen. Sato is said to have remarked, if it were not for the Naga people, the Allied forces would have been defeated in Kohima, and the Japanese Army would have easily secured the Dimapur railway station and moved victoriously towards Bengal via Assam, thus reversing the outcome of the war.

This rare and deeply researched historical account, drawing on records left by the officers and soldiers who fought in Kohima, is a page-turner. It brings to light the valour and spirit of the Naga ' headhunters', who made the supreme sacrifice to protect the honour of their people.

Review Quotes

The incredible story of a unique town straddling India's north-eastern horizon, which was witness to an epic battle that secured the destiny of the free world. A spectacular and insightful read. ― Nirupama Menon Rao, Former Foreign Secretary of India and Former Ambassador to the United States, China and Sri Lanka

About the Author

Mmhonlü mo Kikon was born in Kohima and studied literature at the University of Delhi. He is the author of three book of poems, namely, The Penmi Poems, 2018, The Village Empire, 2019, and Slingstones, 2021.
Mmhonlü mo was a legislator in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for two terms from 2013-2023.