The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The Chakhesang are a prominent indigenous ethnic group in Northeast India, recognized for their distinct social organization and advanced agricultural techniques that support sustainable livelihoods in hilly terrain.
Statement 1 is Correct:
The Chakhesang community is primarily found in the state of Nagaland, with a high concentration in the Phek district. The name "Chakhesang" is an acronym derived from the names of three sub-tribes: Cha (Chokri), Khe (Khezha), and Sang (Sangtam). They are one of the major recognized Naga tribes.
Statement 2 is Incorrect:
The Chakhesang people are traditionally renowned for Terrace Wet Rice Cultivation, not shifting cultivation without terraces. Unlike many other tribes in the region that rely predominantly on Jhum (slash-and-burn) cultivation, the Chakhesang have developed a sophisticated system known as Zabo (meaning "impounding water"). This system integrates forestry, water harvesting, and animal husbandry with agriculture on permanent terraced fields to ensure soil fertility and water availability.
Key Takeaway:
The Chakhesang tribe of Nagaland is distinguished by its traditional practice of the Zabo system (terrace farming and water harvesting), which stands in contrast to the shifting cultivation common elsewhere in the Northeast.