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His Majesty's Headhunters: The Siege of Kohima that Shaped World History
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 Empireand 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.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published March 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 11, 2025
His Majesty’s Headhunters: The Siege of Kohima That Shaped World History by Mmhonlumo Kikon ji
- The Second World War (1939–1945) stands as one of the most decisive events in world history and for the Nagas, it became equally significant through their participation in the Battle of Kohima.
This battle fought between April and June 1944 as part of the Burma Campaign turned the hills of Nagaland into the stage of a global conflict.
In His Majesty’s Headhunters: The Siege of Kohima That Shaped World History, the author reconstructs this story with remarkable clarity, blending archival research, oral testimonies and cultural memory into a narrative that challenges colonial accounts and foregrounds the agency of the Naga people.
The book begins by situating the Naga Hills within the wider framework of British colonial expansion. The author draws on historical records to show how the Nagas resisted repeated incursions and a detailed table documenting expeditions against their villages since 1827 powerfully illustrates the scale of violence unleashed by the empire .
The book also highlights the headhunting practices which colonial writings dismissed as barbarity but they are instead presented as culturally meaningful, tied to honor, vitality and collective identity. This shift alone marks a significant contribution, giving readers a nuanced understanding of the Nagas before the war.
As the narrative moves into the wartime years, the book carefully weaves together multiple perspectives.
Japan’s strategic attempt to break into India is placed alongside the lived experiences of the Nagas, who became essential to the Allied campaign.
The author restores dignity to their overlooked roles as porters, stretcher-bearers, scouts, and intelligence providers without which the defense of Kohima may not have succeeded.
Equally important is the book’s attention to the aftermath. The war did not end with the Japanese retreat; it left deep imprints on the social and economic life of the Nagas. Agriculture was disrupted, livelihoods were unsettled and the rhythms of traditional society were forced to adapt to a post-war world. By the time the book concludes it becomes clear that His Majesty’s Headhunters is not just military history but a re-writing of the historical record. It is both meticulous and empathetic, balancing the rigor of archival research with the depth of oral history and cultural insight. The work restores the memory of the Nagas as unsung heroes of the war, while also making an important intervention in how the history of Northeast India is written. For anyone interested in the Second World War, Indigenous histories, or postcolonial perspectives, this book is an essential read. It ensures that the story of Kohima is remembered not only as a strategic battle but as a moment where a people’s resilience altered the course of history.
Even lighter details such as anecdotes about Japanese commander Kotuku Sato, make the larger conflict more human while maintaining focus on the serious geopolitical stakes.The chapters devoted to the Siege of Kohima itself are particularly gripping. Described as the “Stalingrad of the East,” the battle is presented not only as a turning point in the Second World War but also as a moment when the Nagas’ contributions proved decisive. The prose captures the exhaustion of the terrain, the brutality of the fighting, and the displacement of local communities with an intensity that makes history feel alive. What emerges most powerfully is that the Nagas were not mere spectators to a clash of empires, but active participants whose sacrifices shaped the outcome of a global conflict
- The Second World War (1939–1945) stands as one of the most decisive events in world history and for the Nagas, it became equally significant through their participation in the Battle of Kohima.
This battle fought between April and June 1944 as part of the Burma Campaign turned the hills of Nagaland into the stage of a global conflict.
In His Majesty’s Headhunters: The Siege of Kohima That Shaped World History, the author reconstructs this story with remarkable clarity, blending archival research, oral testimonies and cultural memory into a narrative that challenges colonial accounts and foregrounds the agency of the Naga people.
The book begins by situating the Naga Hills within the wider framework of British colonial expansion. The author draws on historical records to show how the Nagas resisted repeated incursions and a detailed table documenting expeditions against their villages since 1827 powerfully illustrates the scale of violence unleashed by the empire .
The book also highlights the headhunting practices which colonial writings dismissed as barbarity but they are instead presented as culturally meaningful, tied to honor, vitality and collective identity. This shift alone marks a significant contribution, giving readers a nuanced understanding of the Nagas before the war.
As the narrative moves into the wartime years, the book carefully weaves together multiple perspectives.
Japan’s strategic attempt to break into India is placed alongside the lived experiences of the Nagas, who became essential to the Allied campaign.
The author restores dignity to their overlooked roles as porters, stretcher-bearers, scouts, and intelligence providers without which the defense of Kohima may not have succeeded.
Equally important is the book’s attention to the aftermath. The war did not end with the Japanese retreat; it left deep imprints on the social and economic life of the Nagas. Agriculture was disrupted, livelihoods were unsettled and the rhythms of traditional society were forced to adapt to a post-war world. By the time the book concludes it becomes clear that His Majesty’s Headhunters is not just military history but a re-writing of the historical record. It is both meticulous and empathetic, balancing the rigor of archival research with the depth of oral history and cultural insight. The work restores the memory of the Nagas as unsung heroes of the war, while also making an important intervention in how the history of Northeast India is written. For anyone interested in the Second World War, Indigenous histories, or postcolonial perspectives, this book is an essential read. It ensures that the story of Kohima is remembered not only as a strategic battle but as a moment where a people’s resilience altered the course of history.
Even lighter details such as anecdotes about Japanese commander Kotuku Sato, make the larger conflict more human while maintaining focus on the serious geopolitical stakes.The chapters devoted to the Siege of Kohima itself are particularly gripping. Described as the “Stalingrad of the East,” the battle is presented not only as a turning point in the Second World War but also as a moment when the Nagas’ contributions proved decisive. The prose captures the exhaustion of the terrain, the brutality of the fighting, and the displacement of local communities with an intensity that makes history feel alive. What emerges most powerfully is that the Nagas were not mere spectators to a clash of empires, but active participants whose sacrifices shaped the outcome of a global conflict
April 23, 2024
His Majesty's Headhunters is a book about Naga history, and how Nagapur came to be what it is today.
His Majesty's Headhunters is a PERFECTLY written book. It tells the story of two wars; one where the British seized Nagaland and the other where the Japanese were repelled from Nagaland.
The book goes into poetic details of both accounts, without delving too deep into it (although I would love to read a "definitive" book on the pre-Christianity religion and culture of the Nagas). It tells us just enough to understand what is happening while leaving us wanting to learn more about the Nagas.
The book is straight to the point, yet we see the events from the eyes of the Naga people throughout the narrative. Most narratives rarely tell the stories and the impact of war on the little people; especially without forcing their "littleness" onto a psuedo-nodern and perceived sense of "little" in the class sense.
The story of the Nagas enclosed in this book also has a hidden moral: that no matter how good one's grander intentions may be, if their goodness is not reflected in their daily lives then it is worth nothing.
The book also avoids the narrative that the Japanese are the potential saviours of Bharat; they were yet another colonizing force in our history.
And last but not least, the details in the citation are just as great at painting a vivid story of the war.
For these reasons, this book is a
10/10
For more reviews, follow @cokedupreviews on Instagram!
His Majesty's Headhunters is a PERFECTLY written book. It tells the story of two wars; one where the British seized Nagaland and the other where the Japanese were repelled from Nagaland.
The book goes into poetic details of both accounts, without delving too deep into it (although I would love to read a "definitive" book on the pre-Christianity religion and culture of the Nagas). It tells us just enough to understand what is happening while leaving us wanting to learn more about the Nagas.
The book is straight to the point, yet we see the events from the eyes of the Naga people throughout the narrative. Most narratives rarely tell the stories and the impact of war on the little people; especially without forcing their "littleness" onto a psuedo-nodern and perceived sense of "little" in the class sense.
The story of the Nagas enclosed in this book also has a hidden moral: that no matter how good one's grander intentions may be, if their goodness is not reflected in their daily lives then it is worth nothing.
The book also avoids the narrative that the Japanese are the potential saviours of Bharat; they were yet another colonizing force in our history.
And last but not least, the details in the citation are just as great at painting a vivid story of the war.
For these reasons, this book is a
10/10
For more reviews, follow @cokedupreviews on Instagram!
December 6, 2023
A great slice of forgotten history book.
February 23, 2024
This book argues, Naga tribes played a key, often ignored, role in the Battle of Kohima (1944), aiding the Allies and impacting the war's outcome.
Key Points:
#Challenges portrayal of Kohima as solely Allied-Japanese clash.
#Highlights motivations of Naga warriors: hunting skills, protecting homeland.
#Analyzes strategic importance of Naga involvement: terrain knowledge, guerilla tactics, intelligence.
#Questions colonial narratives: challenges stereotypes, sheds light on Naga contributions
A new fiction on the region chronicle old and new struggles, the history of insurgency and other battles, and life in the border areas.
The book also throws light on a host of issues from patriarchy to the struggle of everyday life.
"In many a conversation," the author writes in the Introduction, "the Nagas cite three reasons for the victory of the Allied forces over the Imperial Japanese Army -
first and foremost being the intelligence input tales and the labour service provided by Naga villagers." Kikon profiles the headhunters who "decapitated the right blow of the dao" and generals like Yambamo Lotha, considered "one of the best headhunters from Phiro village in Lotha country."
The second reason for the loss of the Japanese is attributed to their "improper planning" and differences among the top two generals, with
the third being the air cover provided by the U.S. Air Force and the supply of ammunition and arms.
Key Points:
#Challenges portrayal of Kohima as solely Allied-Japanese clash.
#Highlights motivations of Naga warriors: hunting skills, protecting homeland.
#Analyzes strategic importance of Naga involvement: terrain knowledge, guerilla tactics, intelligence.
#Questions colonial narratives: challenges stereotypes, sheds light on Naga contributions
A new fiction on the region chronicle old and new struggles, the history of insurgency and other battles, and life in the border areas.
The book also throws light on a host of issues from patriarchy to the struggle of everyday life.
"In many a conversation," the author writes in the Introduction, "the Nagas cite three reasons for the victory of the Allied forces over the Imperial Japanese Army -
first and foremost being the intelligence input tales and the labour service provided by Naga villagers." Kikon profiles the headhunters who "decapitated the right blow of the dao" and generals like Yambamo Lotha, considered "one of the best headhunters from Phiro village in Lotha country."
The second reason for the loss of the Japanese is attributed to their "improper planning" and differences among the top two generals, with
the third being the air cover provided by the U.S. Air Force and the supply of ammunition and arms.
January 11, 2024
-A War Forgotten-
Review of ‘His Majesty’s Headhunters’ by @mmhon
🖋️📖
A lot of the stories, most of them true, have been lost to us. Some of them have fallen through the sieve of time, others just faded by history’s indifference. And so many of these stories are from the time when the British ruled us. One Such story, pulled out from the sands of time is the siege of Kohima, skilful recounted in ‘His Majesty’s Headhunters by Mmhonlumo Kikon.
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.
The Battle of Kohima during the Second World War has been written about with momentous vigour and skill by both American and British historians, writes Kikon.
In a contest organized by the British National Army Museum, United Kingdom, the Battle of Kohima was picked over the more celebrated battles of D-Day and Waterloo, as Britain's greatest battle. Historians even say that this was the last real battle of the British Empire and the first battle of the new India.
The story of the Kohima Stone, erected by Raja Gambhir Singh in the book made my hairs stood on their ends.
A must read for everyone who’s interested in history and wars.
Review of ‘His Majesty’s Headhunters’ by @mmhon
🖋️📖
A lot of the stories, most of them true, have been lost to us. Some of them have fallen through the sieve of time, others just faded by history’s indifference. And so many of these stories are from the time when the British ruled us. One Such story, pulled out from the sands of time is the siege of Kohima, skilful recounted in ‘His Majesty’s Headhunters by Mmhonlumo Kikon.
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.
The Battle of Kohima during the Second World War has been written about with momentous vigour and skill by both American and British historians, writes Kikon.
In a contest organized by the British National Army Museum, United Kingdom, the Battle of Kohima was picked over the more celebrated battles of D-Day and Waterloo, as Britain's greatest battle. Historians even say that this was the last real battle of the British Empire and the first battle of the new India.
The story of the Kohima Stone, erected by Raja Gambhir Singh in the book made my hairs stood on their ends.
A must read for everyone who’s interested in history and wars.
July 20, 2024
Kikon’s book is a look back at the lesser known but a greatly important battle that was fought in Kohima in the northeastern part of India during World War II between the Indian forces under British rule to stop the advent of Japanese forces. The book has two parts to it - a) the manner in which the British established their rule slowly over northeast India, especially the Nagas, over many decades, and b) the role played by the Nagas in the Battle of Kohima to stop the advancing Japanese. The book has been written with a good amount of compassion, knowledge and research, though its construction is not as tight as more famous historians narrate tales of the old; nonetheless, it still has a voice of its own which evokes memories of those events that might have faded with time but deserve to be retold and remembered now and then for it is a history of our land, of our world, filled with bravery and valour that tilted the scales of the war.
April 19, 2024
"His Majesty's Headhunters: The Siege of Kohima That Shaped World History" is a book by Mmhonlumo Kikon, a politician and Naga poet, that provides a new perspective on the Battle of Kohima during World War II. The book narrates the complex interactions between British soldiers, Japanese invaders, and the indigenous Nagas, highlighting their sacrifices and accomplishments. Kikon's book contrasts traditional narratives by emphasizing the Nagas' role in assisting Allied soldiers and halting the Japanese advance. The book offers a comprehensive analysis of the region's turbulent past and emphasizes the Nagas' valour and sacrifices.
August 21, 2025
It’s always refreshing find a book that highlights a significant time in history yet has remained somewhat out of the mainstream of WWII history. I thought the author did a good job of setting the scene by going back to the earliest British engagements with the Naga people. My only critique is there could have been more written about the actual battle of Kohima given it lasted over three months?
February 10, 2026
It has a very detailed and vivid description of the Battle of Kohima, but the rest of the book fails to impress me.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews