The state capital of Nagaland, located in northeastern India, is Kohima. Situated 30 miles (48 km) southeast of the railroad at Dimapur, the settlement is situated in the Naga Hills.

During World War II, the Japanese advanced into British India as far south as Kohima. In 1944, Japanese forces briefly seized control of a large portion of the town until the British retook it. The conflict left Kohima largely destroyed, but it was later restored. Nagaland University was founded in the town in 1994. Pop. 77,030 in 2001; 99,039 in 2011