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The village of Sachima, destined to be the head quarters of the field force for a considerable period, is situated on the west side of the Zubzu valley ( see chapter I, p. 3). Like all Naga villages it stands high; being built " on the summit of a truncated cone, rising from the crest of a spur which juts out from the lofty peak of Sewanchika, one of the highest mountains of the Barel range. Far below in the valley, at a depth of about 4,000 feet, the river, like a silver thread, is seen winding its tortuous course. Towering aloft at the opposite side is the mighty Japoo ( Japvo), the highest of the Naga Hills, its altitude being 10,000 feel above sea level." ( Correspondent of Pioneer.) |
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The troops were camped below the village in the fields of Sachima. The spot is described " as a splendid sloping plateau of open ground, running down from the (34) range parallel to the Zubzu, and about a mile above it. The plateau is two miles or more in length, and about one third of a mile in width, while down the centre and throughout its length runs a broad brook fringed with weeping willows. On the right (west) a path leads up to the village, and thence to Mozima, nestling by itself in a hill bellow the mighty Barel." ( Correspondent of Madras Mail.) The site is large enough to accommodate several thousand men. Strategically considered, it is important, being very centrally situated with regard to the Angami country, and in immediate proximity to the most warlike and turbulent villages; it also commands a view of a great portion of the theatre of operations, which lies spread out like a map before it. Northwards, also on a spur from Sewanchika, is the village of Karuphima on the Piphima road; and, looking round from east to west can be seen the large villages of Merima, Kohima, Jotsoma, Konoma, and Mozima, ( Spelt Mezuma in the map.) at distances varying from four to ten miles. The long narrow hill or spur on which Jotsoma stands is directly opposite across the valley; and, away to the south, not more than five miles distant in a direct line, Konoma crowns the long and lofty spur which divides the two principal sources of the Zubzu river. This spur is double, that is to say, it is split into two ridges for about two thirds of its total length. Konoma is at the extremity of the right hand (west) branch; the other is known as the Basoma ridge, from a peak on it, which has somehow got itself marked in the maps as "Basoma Old Fort." ( Vide Lieutenant MacGregor's Reconnaissance Report of 27th February 1880.) |
