What is customary land in Nagaland?

Customary land is held under tribal law and is collectively owned by a tribe, clan, or village. Rights are recognized by the community and local authority, not by formal government title. Most land in Nagaland is customary.

Is there a survey number system in Nagaland?

Formal survey numbers are very rare in Nagaland. Land is identified by village location, clan affiliation, and customary records maintained by the village headman or clan leader.

How do I verify my land rights in Nagaland?

Contact your village headman or clan leader. They maintain records of recognized land holders and can verify your community's rights. For formalized disputes, consult the Deputy Commissioner's office.

Can I buy land in Nagaland if I'm not a Naga citizen?

Article 371A restricts land ownership to Naga citizens. Non-Naga citizens cannot purchase land. For any transaction, consult a local advocate familiar with Nagaland's customary law.

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Survey Numbers in Nagaland

Overview

Land in Nagaland is governed by Article 371A of the Constitution and held under customary law — land is collectively owned by tribes, clans, and villages. Formal survey records and individual survey numbers are very limited. Land identity and rights are maintained through village and clan records, recognized by the tribe and local authority.

The 1acre map is coming soon to Nagaland, bringing clarity to this unique land system. Learn how property is identified locally and where to verify your land rights.

The Nagaland survey-number map is coming soon

We're building the interactive survey-number map for Nagaland. Get notified on WhatsApp — send us your district and we'll message you the moment it goes live.

One plot, many names — what ‘survey number’ means here

Customary Land

Land held and governed under tribal law and custom, managed collectively by a tribe, clan, or village. Formal legal title may not exist; rights are recognized by the community.

Village Land Register

A record maintained by the village headman (or village council) documenting recognized land holders and clan/community land divisions.

Clan / Community

The collective body (tribe, clan, village) that holds and manages land under customary law; consent of the community is often required for any land transaction.

Article 371A

Constitutional provision granting Nagaland significant autonomy over land law, restricting outside ownership and ensuring customary land governance.

Which record, which portal — for what

Different tasks need different records and portals. Here is the map.

What you want to do

Record / term

Where — official & free

Find a survey number by location

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On the 1acre map — coming soon for this state

Verify customary land rights

Village land register / clan records

Village headman or village council

Check community ownership

Tribe / clan / village records

Village elder or community authority

Resolve land disputes

Village authority or district administration

Deputy Commissioner's office or village council