98-656: Champhai is the third largest town in Mizoram , northeast India and is one of the oldest settlements founded by the Mizo people , that initially served as a capital for the Hmar dynasty. Located near the India–Myanmar border facilitates cross-border trade , it serves as a hub for trade and commerce in the region. Unlike most urban places in Mizoram, Champhai is situated in a valley and on top of
196-522: A union territory on 21 January 1972. Pu Laldenga , the president of the Mizo National Front, signed a peace accord in 1986 with the Government of India, stating Mizoram was an integral part of India. Pu Laldenga came to the ministry in the interim government , which was formed in coalition with Congress in 1987. The statehood of Mizoram was proclaimed on 20 February 1987. With 91.58% literacy,
294-517: A 22.8% growth since 2001 census; still, Mizoram is second least populated state of India . The sex ratio of the state is 976 females per thousand males, higher than the national ratio 940. The density of population is 52 persons per square kilometre. The literacy rate of Mizoram in 2011 was 91.58 per cent, higher than the national average 74.04 per cent, and second best among all the states of India. About 52% of Mizoram population lives in urban areas, much higher than India's average. Over one third of
392-431: A big puan that varies colors, and different style of wearing it. They wear a shorter puan that are above the knees at the bottom. In order to protect themselves from the heat during the summer, they are often seen with clothing around their waists and a type of turban on their heads. In modern days, people prefer t-shirts with traditional patterns. There are numerous Mizo women's traditional outfits. The most popular one
490-583: A body formed for famine relief in 1959, later developed into a new political organisation, the Mizo National Front (MNF), in 1961. On 28 February 1966, the Mizo National Front launched an uprising in Aizawl to declare independence from India. The Indian government retaliated with coordinated air bombings in the only instance to happen on Indian soil on 5–6 March on Aizawl and subdued the uprising. The Mizo National Front turned to underground operations within
588-557: A form of subsistence agriculture . The chiefs were the absolute rulers of their respective clans' territories ( ram ), although they remained under the nominal political jurisdictions of the rulers of Manipur, Tripura and Burma. Prior to 1889, the year that the British Raj gained political control over Mizoram through the Chin-Lushai Expedition , there were many reports of head-hunting in the Mizoram area via tribal raids led by
686-433: A preferential treatment as a means to accelerate their integration with mainstream society. Languages of Mizoram in 2011 Mizo and English are the official languages of the state. Religion in Mizoram (2011) The majority (87%) of Mizos are Christians in various denominations, predominantly Presbyterian . Mizoram has a significant Theravada Buddhist population of 8.5%, who are mainly Chakma people , making them
784-412: A region where cyclones and landslides can cause weather-related emergencies. Mizoram has the third highest total forest cover with 1,594,000 hectares (3,940,000 acres), and highest percentage area (90.68%) covered by forests, among the states of India, according to 2011 Forest Survey of India. Tropical semi-evergreen, tropical moist deciduous, subtropical broadleaved hill and subtropical pine forests are
882-466: A relatively new clan, as they started entering present-day Lushai Hills around 1700 AD. The word Lusei comes from two Lusei Mizo words, Lu meaning "head," and sei meaning "long." They consist of 10 commoners and six royals, and those are:- Pachuau, Chhangte, Chawngthu, Hauhnar, Chuanga, Chaunghang, Hrahsel, Tochhawng, Vanchhawng and Chhakchhuak (the commoners) and the royals are:- Zadeng, Palian, Thangluah, Rivung, Rokhhum and Sailo. The word Ralte
980-549: A result of pressure from the east. It is possible to fairly precisely follow the path of their migration to the current area. Both the Siaha and the Saiko are Tlongsai people, and they claim to have come from a site named Leisai, which is located between Leitak and Zaphai. Their habitation in the Lusei Hills is said to have been established about 200–300 years ago. After Indian independence,
1078-516: A small hill. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,678 meters (5,505 feet) above sea level. It had an estimated population of 44,000 in 2023. Champhai was the headquarters of Lalbura Sailo, son of Vanhnuailiana, a Mizo Chief against whom the British Expedition of 1871–72 was directed. It was accorded the status of a fort during the British period . The Champhai Valley was once a lake and
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#17328591908281176-399: Is rice , which they pair with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries. The scent of the food is provided by the usage of bamboo shoots . Bai (a stew made with a variety of veggies), Vawksa Rep (smoked pork), Buhchiar (porridge) and Arsa Buhchiar (chicken porridge) are a few examples of classic Mizo dishes. Mizo people are excellent in performing arts . Cheraw dance , also referred to as
1274-563: Is Chhimtuipui, also known as Kaladan (or Kolodyne). It originates in Chin state in Burma and passes through Saiha and Lawngtlai districts in the southern tip of Mizoram, goes back to Burma's Rakhine state. Although many more rivers and streams drain the hill ranges, the most important and useful rivers are the Tlawng , Tut , Tuirial and Tuivawl which flow through the northern territory and eventually join
1372-615: Is a legend that says that the Mizo people used to have their own script. But one day, while all the village went to their farm, a hungry dog ate up all the paper that have the scripts and then the people forgot how to read and write. Currently, in Mizoram, the Roman script is used to write the Mizo language using the Hunterian transliteration . Locally, it is commonly known as the "Mizo A AW B" , or "Mizo Hawrawp." The Mizo language can be read by 91.3% of
1470-477: Is also home to many reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. The state has two national parks and six wildlife sanctuaries – Blue Mountain (Phawngpui) National Park, Dampa Tiger Reserve (largest), Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Murlen National Park, Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary, Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary, Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary, and Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary. Mizoram has a population of 1,091,014 with 552,339 males and 538,675 females. This reflects
1568-714: Is also host to a variety of fauna, just like its sister northeastern Indian states. Mammal species observed in the Mizoram forests include slow loris ( Nycticebus coucang ), red serow ( Capricornis rubidus ), which is the state animal, goral ( Nemorhaedus goral ), tiger ( Panthera tigris ), leopard ( Panthera pardus ), clouded leopard ("Neofelis nebulosi"), leopard cat ( Prionailurus bengalensis ), Bengal fox ( Vulpes bengalensis ), and Asiatic black bear ( Ursus thibetanus ). Primates seen include stump-tailed macaque ( Macaca arctoides ), hoolock gibbon ( Hylobates hoolock ), Phayre's leaf monkey ( Trachypithecus phayrei ) and capped langur ( Trachypithecus pileatus ). The state
1666-423: Is called Kawrchei . It is hand woven from cotton stuff. When dancing, the blouse is frequently paired with puanchei. These have typically vivid colors and chequered patterns. Tlawmngaihna (t͡lɔmŋaɪʔna) is a social code of conduct in Mizo culture that has no direct translation into English . It essentially means to be ethical, gracious, considerate, and helpful to others without thinking of yourself. A saying in
1764-420: Is covered by forests. Jhum cultivation, or slash-and-burn practice, was a historic tradition in Mizoram and a threat to its forest cover. This practice has reduced in recent decades, due to a government-supported initiative to support horticultural crops such as pineapple and banana plantations. Mizoram is host to numerous species of birds, wildlife and flora. About 640 species of birds have been identified in
1862-415: Is estimated that this is exaggerated to further curtail enemies and raiders on the settlement. However, it is agreed upon that Selesih was the largest settlement in terms of population at the time. The exact date of the establishment of Tualte is difficult to trace however its earliest acknowledgement and confirmation is in 1861. It consisted of 1,000 houses at the time with a large population.Tualte housed
1960-451: Is in southern China , situated near on the banks of Yalong River . The Mizos have songs and tales that have been passed down from one generation to the next by influential people about the splendor of the old Chhinlung civilization. However, it has not been archaeologically confirmed. According to K. S. Latourette , there were political upheavals in China in 210 B.C. when the dynastic rule
2058-452: Is influenced by monsoons , raining heavily from May to September with little rain in the dry (cold) season. The climate pattern is moist tropical to moist sub-tropical, with average state rainfall 254 centimetres (100 in) per annum. In the capital Aizawl, rainfall is about 215 centimetres (85 in) and in Lunglei , another major centre, about 350 centimetres (140 in). The state is in
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#17328591908282156-522: Is made up of two words: ral meaning "enemy" and te being a plural marker. Because of their high-pitched voice, the Ralte people are regarded to be the noisiest members of the Mizo people. Pawi is a name given by Lusei to those who tie their hair on the top of their foreheads. The Pawi themselves call themselves Pnot awi but Lai. Hakha , or Halkha in the Mizo language , is the capital city of Chin State which
2254-631: Is never used to denote all cool/cold temperatures, the term for which is "vawt". Mizo is a broad ethnic classification of subgroups or clans inhabiting Mizoram (in colonial times the Lushai Hills) in India. Members of many subgroups , especially speakers of the Central Kuki-Chin languages have joined and adopted the Mizo category. Some Mizos have a belief that their ancestors left a place known as " Chhinlung " to immigrate. Some agree that this location
2352-467: Is the Puan , which has three items of clothing—a shirt, a pair of leggings, and a head covering that resembles a dupatta —and is pretty similar to a churidar and a kurta . Even though puan is one of their favorite outfits, they like to wear 'Puanchei' on special occasions and during weddings. It is essentially a two-piece outfit with a top or shirt worn over the long skirt-like lower portion. The stunning blouse
2450-448: Is the fifth smallest state of India with 21,087 km (8,142 sq mi). It extends from 21°56'N to 24°31'N, and 92°16'E to 93°26'E. The tropic of cancer runs through the state nearly at its middle. The maximum north–south distance is 285 km, while maximum east–west stretch is 115 km. Mizoram is a land of rolling hills, valleys, rivers and lakes. As many as 21 major hill ranges or peaks of different heights run through
2548-590: Is the main settlement of Pawis in Myanmar, where they are known as the Hakha Chin people. The Hakha Chin people do not identify themself as Mizo and prefer the name Lai or Chin . In 1953, India adopted a constitution defining itself as a sovereign democratic republic. At that time, the Lai people of the southern part of Mizoram, a segment of the much larger population of Lai/Chin, were granted an Autonomous District Council under
2646-518: The Barak River in Cachar District . The rivers have a gentle drainage gradient particularly in the south. Mizoram has a mild climate, being relatively cool in summer 20 to 29 °C (68 to 84 °F) but progressively warmer, most probably due to climate change, with summer temperatures crossing 30 degrees Celsius and winter temperatures ranging from 7 to 22 °C (45 to 72 °F). The region
2744-506: The Deputy Commissioner and District magistrates , with village chiefs in advisory role. The political and judiciary powers of chiefs were neither final nor exclusive, thereafter. Rulings could be appealed to courts staffed with British officials. After India gained independence from the colonial rule, the region was granted autonomous status in 1952, where Mizo people formulated their own laws and delivered judicial decisions. The region
2842-628: The Deputy Commissioner(DC) of the district. All district level Government undertakings including the police are under the purview of the DC. The current (2023) DC of Champhai District is James Lalrinchhana, a senior officer of the Mizoram Civil Services . In law enforcement, the DC is assisted largely by the Superintendent of Police (SP) who is the district head of all policing matters in
2940-619: The First British invasion , burning down a Lusei village of 800 tribal houses and freeing 400 Thadou captives. British historical records on the Mizo Hills state that similar inter-ethnic tribal raids continued for decades after the First British Invasion. Such raids would be for the purpose of seeking out loot, slaves or retaliation for earlier lost battles. The Mizo Hills became part of British India in 1889 split between Assam in
3038-662: The Hmar dialect . The Hmars have royal sub-clans. After reaching present-day Khampat in the Kabaw Valley of Myanmar , they established themselves there, according to L.H. Songate, and started the system of a chieftainship . Three chiefs ( Hmar : Reng ) were chosen by the Hmar King ( Hmar : Rengpui ) Chawnmanga to lead his realm. Chawnmanga then gave Lersia authority over the kingdom's southern region, Zingthlova over its northern region, and Luopuia over its central region. Then split to thre kingdoms. King Lersia ( c. 920–970 A.D.)
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3136-502: The Kukish languages . The term Mizo is derived from two Mizo words: Mi and Zo . Mi (cognate to Chinese : 民 ; pinyin : mín ) in Mizo means "person" or "civilian". The term Zo has three meanings. According to one view, Zo means 'highland' or perhaps 'remote' (Willem van Schendel's term Zomia ). Another meaning is "cool" or "crisp" (i.e., a sense/feeling of cool and refreshing air/environment of higher altitude). "Zo"
3234-512: The Mizo people forming the majority. Early civilisations in Mizoram are believed to have thrived around 2,400 years ago, with significant archaeological evidence uncovered in the Vangchhia region. Following this, Tibeto-Burman-speaking peoples gradually migrated from the Chin Hills in present-day Myanmar. These groups formed organised chiefdoms and adopted jhum agricultural practices . By
3332-709: The Tibeto-Burman language of Mizo , the official language and lingua franca of Mizoram. The state is the second most literate state in India , at more than a rate of 90%. The Chin people of Myanmar and the Kuki people of India and Bangladesh are the kindred tribes of Mizos and many of the Mizo migrants in Myanmar have accepted the Chin identity. The Chin, Kuki, Mizo, and southern Naga peoples are collectively known as Zo people ( Mizo : Zohnahthlak ; lit. "descendants of Zo") which all speak
3430-498: The grassroots of democracy and leadership in Mizoram. The state has a chief minister, council of ministers with a portfolio of ministries responsible for different priorities and role of the government. Mizo people The Mizo people , historically known as the Lushais , are an ethnic group native to the state of Mizoram in India and neighbouring states (such as Manipur , Assam , Meghalaya ) of Northeast India . They speak
3528-580: The 18th century, various clans in the region united to form the Mizo identity, becoming the dominant inhabitants of the area, introducing the Mizo language , culture , and the Sakhua religion . In the mid-19th century, the British conducted a series of military expeditions to assert control over the region, Mizoram was annexed by the British in 1895 and incorporated into the Assam Province . Under British rule,
3626-531: The 1959–60 mautam famine. The Mizo National Famine Front, a body formed for famine relief in 1959, later developed into a new political organisation, the Mizo National Front (MNF) in 1961. The Front sought sovereign independence for the Mizo territory, staging an armed insurrection with the 28 February 1966 uprising against the government. The revolt was suppressed by the government of India, which carried out airstrikes in Aizawl and surrounding areas. Assam state
3724-490: The 19th century, as the British Raj subjugated the chieftainship under its dominance, which they later abolished by Assam-Lushai District (Acquisition of Chief's Rights) Act, 1954. The spread of education by Christian missionaries led to a high literacy rate of 91.58% by 2011. Almost all the Mizos also adopted Christianity, and most continue to be so till the present day. In the 19th century, European Christian missionary activity in
3822-558: The 2001 census) and a modernised traditional Mizo religion called Hnam sakhua , which places a special emphasis on Mizo culture and seeks to revive traditional Mizo values while opposing the influence of Christianity on Mizo people. A total of 1,367 people practised the Mizo religion according to the 2001 census. This number included, in addition to the original Mizo religion (755 people), adherents of other tribal religions such as Lalchhungkua (279), Lalhnam (122), and Nunna Lalchhungkua (211). Originally village land, locally called ram ,
3920-665: The British Empire, the number of tribal chiefs had increased to over 200. The educated elites among the Mizos campaigned against the tribal chiefdoms under the banner of the Mizo Union . As a result of their campaign, the hereditary rights of the 259 chiefs were abolished under the Assam-Lushai District ("Acquisition of Chief's Rights") Act, 1954. Village courts were re-implemented in the Mizo region along with other parts of Assam. Few Christian missionaries came to Mizoram during
4018-449: The British colonial times. Thousands of their descendants are now residents of Mizoram. According to 2011 census, Mizoram had 1,036,115 people (nearly 95% of total) classified as Scheduled Tribe , the highest concentration of protected tribal people in all states of India. This demographic classification, given to Mizoram tribes since the 1950s, has provided reservations and extra resources in education and government job opportunities,
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4116-535: The District Council in Assam. The tribal leaders in the northeast were unhappy with the final SRC recommendations and met in Aizawl in 1955 to form a new political party, Eastern India Tribal Union (EITU) . In the 1950s, the fears of Assamese hegemony and perceived lack of government concern led to growing discontent among the Mizos. The Mizos were particularly dissatisfied with the government's inadequate response to
4214-573: The Mizo Hills with his troops to punish a Palian tribal chief for raiding British interests in India. A few years later, Captain Lester was wounded in a battle with the Lusei tribe in the region that is now Mizoram. In 1849, a Lusei tribal raid killed 29 members of the Thadou tribe and added 42 captives to their clan. Colonel Lister retaliated in 1850, with the co-operation of the Thadou tribe, an event historically called
4312-551: The Mizo culture goes: Sem sem dam dam, ei bil thi thi" which can be interpreted to: Those who hoard will perish but who shares will live" This saying was important during the 1958 famine in the Mizo Hills . Another part of the Mizo's tlawmngaihna is the Nghah Loh Dawr shops. In Mizoram , it is quite typical to see sheds or small shops by the side of the road where vegetables and fruits are stored with signs stating
4410-563: The Mizo people which are Hmar , Lusei, Ralte , Lai (Pawi) , and Mara (Lakher) which are known as the awzia . Some Lais and Maras may not identify as Mizo due to political and linguistical differences. Hmar in the Lusei dialect of Mizo means "north," indicating that the Hmars lived at the north of the Luseis. They are descendants of Manmasi, who came out of the Chhinlung cave, known as Sinlung in
4508-567: The Mizos as guests but did not exclude them either. Before relocating to the Kabaw Valley in the 8th century, the Mizos had resided in the Shan States for almost 300 years. It was in the Kabaw Valley that Mizos had cultural influence with the local Burmese . It is conceivable that the Mizos learned the technique of cultivation from the Burmese at Kabaw as many of their agricultural implements bore
4606-734: The Mizos had already acquired considerable architectural skills . They are said to have planted a banyan tree at Nan Yar before they left Khampat as a sign that the town was made by them. In the early 14th century, they moved westward to Indo-Burmese border into the Lushai Hills . They built villages and called them by their clan names such as Seipui , Saihmun , Bochung , Biate , Vangchhia , etc. The hills and difficult terrains of Chin Hills forced division into several villages and ethnic diaspora arose. The migration of Mizo tribes and clans did lead to some noticeable large settlements. Selesih
4704-450: The Mizos have been using different musical instruments . They can broadly be divided into three: striking instruments, wind instruments, and stringed instruments. Khuang is the only Mizo traditional musical instrument that is popularly used in the present day. In the olden days, Khuang had no role in religious functions; but today, the use of Khuang is a must in every church service . A typical Mizo traditional attire for men comes with
4802-425: The Mizos still valued their ancient customs and values, much has changed beyond recognition. There has been a recent trend toward going back to the basics. A wide range of art and craft products are sold at Mizoram 's markets. The main subset of craftwork is textiles , bamboo , cane , and basketry . Many women engage in weaving and basketry, but because Mizoram is known for its expertise in bamboo cane craftwork,
4900-543: The Mizos" or "Mizo land". The origin of the Mizos , like those of many other tribes in the northeastern India, is shrouded in mystery. The people living in the Mizo Hills were generally referred to as the Cucis or Kukis by their neighbouring ethnic groups which was also a term adopted by the British writers. The claim that 'The Kukis are the earliest known residents of the Mizo hills area,' must be read in this light. The majority of
4998-578: The North and Bengal in the South. Practices such as head-hunting were banned in Mizoram as well as neighbouring regions. The northern and southern Mizo Hills became the Lushai Hills, with Aizawl as their headquarters by declaring the whole area as an "excluded area" till India got independence from the British. At the time of the British conquest, there were around 60 chiefs. By the time India gained independence from
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#17328591908285096-538: The Sixth Schedule of the constitution in support of their identity. Lawngtlai was created as the headquarters of Lai Autonomous District Council . The Maras are called Lakher by the Luseis. They live in the Lushai Hills' southeast section. Although the Maras are said to have originated in the north, it is known that they all traveled from various locations in central Chin State to their current residences, most likely as
5194-584: The Surma Group and Tipam Formation such as sandstone, siltstone, mudstone and rare pockets of shell limestone. The eastern part is the Barail Group. Mizoram lies in seismic zone V , according to the India Meteorological Department; as with other northeastern states of India, this means the state has the highest risk of earthquakes relative to other parts of India. The biggest river in Mizoram
5292-631: The Welsh missionary David Evan Jones starting in 1894. By the time India gained independence from British Empire , some 80% of Lushei tribe people had converted to Christianity . The Mizoram Presbyterian Church is one of the constituted bodies of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of India at Shillong in Meghalaya ; it became the dominant Christian group in north Mizoram hills. In
5390-411: The area is covered by forests, making it the most heavily forested state in India . With an estimated population of 1.25 million in 2023, it is the second least populated state in India . With an urbanisation rate of 51.5% it is the most urbanised state in northeast India , ranking fifth in urbanisation nationwide. It shares 722-kilometre (449 mi) of international borders with Bangladesh to
5488-582: The bamboo cane industry blossoms and prospers. Besides producing bamboo baskets, the Indian economic census covered that Mizo artisans create cane stools , gourd crafts, and pottery across its districts and subdivisions. The majority of the non-vegetarian dishes eaten by the Mizos are served on banana leaves and are representative of rich cuisine. When preparing cuisine, mustard oil is utilized along with spices like garlic, ginger, and chilli. They have less spice in their diet than other places. Their staple food
5586-419: The bamboo dance, is considered to be the oldest dance of the Mizos, dating back until the 1st century while the Mizos were still in Chhinlung , China before their great migration . The dance is now performed in almost all festivals and occasions. Other dances include Chheih Lam , Khual Lam , Chai Lam , Tlang Lam , Par Lam , and Sarlamkai . Note that Lam in Mizo means "dance." From time immemorial ,
5684-449: The colonial period knowing that the rural hill population was busy fighting among different tribes. The missionaries propagated Christianity with the support of the British government. As a result, majority of the population converted to Christianity and changed their faiths without any resistance. The Mizos were particularly dissatisfied with the government's inadequate response to the 1959–60 mautam famine. The Mizo National Famine Front,
5782-527: The democratic change in the administrative setup of Mizoram led to an anti-chief movement. The feeling was widespread against the autocratic chiefs and for the Mizo Union . In 1955, at a meeting of representatives of various Mizo villages held in Aizawl , the demand arose for a separate hills state. The local people felt they had been ill-served by the Assam Government during the Mautam famine . When in 1960
5880-588: The district. He/she functions closely with the Deputy Commissioner and reports to the DC on all law enforcement related matters of the district. The current (2023) DC of Champhai District is Lalrinpuia Varte, a senior officer of the Mizoram Police Service. The economy of Champhai is mainly agriculture and border trade. Champhai is also the main trading centre of Mizoram with goods like clothes, silverware and electronics imported from Myanmar through
5978-537: The forested regions of Mizoram and utilised towns and villages as logistic points and other guerrilla operations. This led to the army to pursue displacement policies in which villages were grouped and moved close to highways. The insurgency would continue to operate at lower levels until the signing of the Mizo Accord in 1986. In 1971, the government agreed to convert Mizo District into a Union Territory, which became Mizoram in 1972. In 1986, Mizoram Peace Accord (1986)
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#17328591908286076-567: The government introduced Assamese as the official language of the state, there were many protests against the Official Language Act of 1961. That was followed by the March 1966 Mizo National Front uprising , resulting in attacks on the military installations in Aizawl , Lunglei and other towns. The Mizo National Front , formerly known as Mizo National Famine Front, declared independence from India. The Indian government designated Mizoram as
6174-632: The highest forest cover as a percentage of its geographical area of any Indian state, being 84.53% forest. Mizoram terrain is, according to the Geological Survey of India, an immature topography, and the physiographic expression consists of several almost north–south longitudinal valleys containing series of small and flat hummocks, mostly anticlinal, parallel to sub-parallel hill ranges and narrow adjoining synclinal valleys with series of topographic highs. The general geology of western Mizoram consists of repetitive succession of Neogene sedimentary rocks of
6272-541: The historical immigration patterns. Different tribes and sub-tribes arrived in the present Mizoram, in successive waves and settled down in different parts of the state. Further, as they arrived, there were raids, fear of raids and intertribal feuds. The resulting isolation and separation created numerous tribes and sub-tribes. Other than tribal groups, other ethnic groups inhabit Mizoram including Bengalis and Nepalis . Nepali Gorkhas , for example, were encouraged to settle in Aizawl area and other parts of Mizoram during
6370-693: The inhabitants of the interior and inaccessible mountain tracts. Sometimes grouped as Kuki-Chin tribes, The First batch were called Old Kukis, which are the Biate , Ranglong and the Hrangkhol , and the second batch that followed include Lushei (or Lusei), Paite , Lai , Mara , Ralte , Hmar , Thadou , Shendus, and several other. The Bru ( Reang ), Chakma , Tanchangya are some non-Kuki tribes of Mizoram, with some suggestion that some of these are Indo-Aryan in their origins. The Bnei Menashe tribe claim Jewish descent. The diversity of tribal groups reflects
6468-461: The introduction of administrative reforms and the spread of Christianity significantly impacted Mizo society. After India gained independence in 1947, Mizoram remained part of Assam as the Lushai Hills District . After the Assamese Government 's negligence of the Mizos during the famine , insurgency was led by the Mizo National Front in the 1960s which culminated in the signing of the Mizoram Peace Accord in 1986. On 20 February 1987, Mizoram
6566-400: The largest religious minority in the region, followed by Hindus at 2.7% according to the 2011 census. There are several thousand people, mostly ethnic Mizo, who have converted to Judaism claiming to be one of the lost Judaic tribe group Bnei Menashe , with descent from the biblical Menasseh . The major Christian denomination is the Mizoram Presbyterian Church , which was established by
6664-404: The length and breadth of the state, with plains scattered here and there. The average height of the hills to the west of the state is about 1,000 metres (3,300 ft). These gradually rise up to 1,300 metres (4,300 ft) to the east. Some areas, however, have higher ranges which go up to a height of over 2,000 metres (6,600 ft). Phawngpui Tlang also known as the Blue Mountain, situated in
6762-529: The most common vegetation types found in Mizoram. Bamboo is common in the state, typically intermixed with other forest vegetation; about 9,245 km (44%) of the state's area is bamboo bearing. The state and central governments of India have cooperated to reserve and protect 67% of the land covered by forests, and additional 15% by management. Only 17% of the land is non-forested area for cultivation, industry, mining, housing and other commercial human activity. Satellite data suggests 91% of state's geographical area
6860-426: The most famous people among the Mizo - the Pasalṭha Vanapa(Thangzachhinga), Chawngduma, Zampuimanga, Keikawla and Tawkthiala among many others. Whatever the genuine strengths of these so called cities, it can be crudely inffered that Tualte had more intergrity than Selesih because while places like Selesih was ruled by a group of chiefs, Tualte was under the rule of one man- Vanhnuailiana, whose great grandpa, Lalsavunga,
6958-425: The population of Mizoram , making the state to have the third-highest literacy rates in India . The Mizo culture is diverse and rich due to the various tribes and clans. After the 19th century, it has been heavily based on Christianity —the main festival of the Mizos is Christmas , or locally known as Krismas. In addition, the attire for men are influenced by the Western culture; they wear coats. Even though
7056-531: The population of Mizoram lives in Aizawl district , which hosts the capital. The great majority of Mizoram's population consists of several ethnic tribes who are either culturally or linguistically linked. These ethnic groups are collectively known as Mizos ( Mi means People, Zo meaning the name of a progenitor; Mizo thus is People of Zo origin ). Sometime in the 16th century CE, the first batch of Mizo crossed Tiau River and settled in Mizoram and they were called as Kukis by Bengalis . The term Kuki mean
7154-434: The poverty line, with 35% rural poverty as of 2014. The state has about 871 kilometres of national highways, with NH–54 and NH–150 connecting it to Assam and Manipur respectively. It is also a growing transit point for trade with Myanmar and Bangladesh. The term Mizoram is derived from two Mizo words: Mizo and ram . 'Mizo' is the endonym of the native inhabitants and 'ram' means 'land'. Thus "Mizoram" means "land of
7252-454: The prefix Kawl , a name given by the Mizos to the Burmese. Khampat in the Kabaw Valley (now in Myanmar ) is known to have been the next Mizo settlement. The area claimed by the Mizos as their earliest town was encircled by an earthen rampart and divided into several parts. The residence of the ruler stood at the central block called Nan Yar (Palace Site). The construction of the town indicates
7350-565: The prices of things, but no merchant in sight. It is trusted that onlookers will pick up what they require and deposit the cash in a box. The customers are urged to assist themselves from the same container if they need to make a change. The shops operate under the tenet of trust. Pre-colonialist Mizos were animists , i.e. they followed Lushai animism in which the Lushai tribes believed in nature-based spirits and other natural living objects. Mizo people were influenced by British missionaries in
7448-951: The region led to conversion of some Chin, Kuki, and Mizo peoples. In the mid-to-late 20th century, a rather small number of Mizo and related ethnic peoples in Assam and Mizoram began practicing Judaism, after a community leader had a dream in 1951 that they were descendants of the biblical figure Manasseh , a lost tribe of Israel . They number, at most, several thousand in a population of more than 3.7 million in these states. Genetic studies have shown very low affinity with Middle Eastern peoples (including ethnic Jews), and rabbinic authorities in Israel have acknowledged Bnei Menashe people as Jews subsequent to their conversion to Judaism under normative Jewish practices. Several hundred have already emigrated to Israel, where they must undergo complete conversion to be accepted as Jews. There are five major clans or tribes of
7546-483: The southeastern part of the state, is the highest peak in Mizoram at 2,210 metres (7,250 ft). About 76% of the state is covered by forests, 8% is fallows land, 3% is barren and considered uncultivable area, while cultivable and sown area constitutes the rest. Slash-and-burn or jhum cultivation, though discouraged, remains in practice in Mizoram and affects its topography. A report by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2021 states that Mizoram has
7644-483: The southern hills of Mizoram, the Baptist Church had the dominant following. According to 2011 census report, there are 93,411 people (8.51%) who follow Buddhism in Mizoram. The Chakmas and Tanchangya have been Buddhist for many centuries According to the 2011 census, there were 30,136 Hindus in Mizoram or about 2.75% of the population. There are also a few Mizos who practice Judaism (866 according to
7742-1074: The state, many of which are endemic to the Himalayan foothills and southeast Asia. Of the birds found in Mizoram forests, 27 are on the worldwide threatened species lists and eight are on the critically endangered list. Prominent birds spotted in Mizoram include those from the families of Phasianidae , Anatidae , Ciconiidae , Threskiornithidae , Ardeidae , Pelecanidae , Phalacrocoracidae , Falconidae , Accipitridae , Otididae , Rallidae , Heliornithidae , Turnicidae , Burhinidae , Charadriidae , Scolopacidae , Jacanidae , Laridae , Columbidae , Psittacidae , Cuculidae , Strigidae , Caprimulgidae , Apodidae , Alcedinidae , Meropidae , Bucerotidae , Ramphastidae , Picidae , Pittidae , Laniidae , Campephagidae , Dicruridae , Corvidae , Paridae , Hirundinidae , Cisticolidae , Pycnonotidae , Sylviidae , Timaliidae , Sittidae , Sturnidae , Turdidae , Dicaedae, Chloropseidae , Ploceidae , Motacillidae , Fringillidae , Nectariniidae and Muscicapidae . The state
7840-457: The state. Mizoram is a highly literate agrarian economy . Slash-and-burn farming, also known as jhum , is the most common form of farming in the state. In recent years, the jhum farming practices have been steadily replaced with a significant horticulture and bamboo products industry. The state's gross state domestic product for 2012 was estimated at ₹ 69.91 billion (US$ 840 million). About 20% of Mizoram's population lives below
7938-517: The state. Mizoram's population is predominantly made up of Mizo or Zo tribes, comprising about 83.4% of the state's population, with other significant communities including the Chakma (8.5%) and Tripuri (3%). Due to the prolonged civil conflict in Myanmar , Mizoram has also seen an influx of Burmese communities , especially from the Chin ethnic group, which have sought refuge in the region, with an estimated 70,000 to 100,000 Burmese refugees residing in
8036-588: The trading post in Zokhawthar. The Major Media in Champhai are: A helicopter service by Pawan Hans has been started which connects the Aizawl with Champhai. The distance between Champhai and Aizawl is 194 km and is connected with regular service of bus and maxi cab. Mizoram Mizoram is a landlocked state in northeastern India , with Aizawl as its capital and largest city. It covers an area of 21,087 square kilometres (8,139 sq mi) which 91% of
8134-475: The tribes classified as "Mizo" today most likely migrated to their present territories from the neighbouring countries in several waves, starting around 1500 CE. Before the British Raj , the various Mizo clans lived in autonomous villages. The tribal chiefs enjoyed an eminent position in the gerontocratic Mizo society. The various clans and subclans practised slash-and-burn, locally called jhum cultivation -
8232-481: The village chieftains. Head-hunting was a practice which often involved the ambushing of a rival tribe, the taking of slaves and the cutting off of the heads of the defenders. These heads would sometimes be displayed at the entrances to the tribal village of the victors. Some of the earliest records of raids and intertribal conflicts are from the early 19th century. In the 1840s, Captain Blackwood of Britain marched into
8330-424: The west, and Myanmar to the east and south, with domestic borders with the Indian states of Assam , Manipur , and Tripura . One of the two official languages and most widely spoken tongue is Mizo , which serves as a lingua franca among various ethnic communities who speak a variety of other Tibeto-Burman or Indo-Aryan languages . Mizoram is home to the highest percentage of scheduled tribes in India, with
8428-581: Was abolished and the whole empire was brought under one administrative system. Rebellions broke out and chaos reigned throughout the Chinese state, and the Mizos left China as part of one of those waves of migration. They arrived in the Shan States for the first time in the fifth century . When Mizos arrived there from Chhinlung, the Shans had already established themselves firmly in their States. The Shans did not accept
8526-507: Was administered as the Lushai Hills district of Assam , while southern Mizoram was part of Bengal . In 1898, the southern part was transferred from Bengal to Assam. The colonial power retained the chiefs and Mizo customs, including the socially stratified hereditary transfer of political power. In 1937, under Section 6 of the Scheduled District Act, the British administration consolidated executive and legislative political power to
8624-949: Was agreed between the Government and the MNF. In 1986, the Indian Parliament adopted the 53rd amendment of the Indian Constitution, which allowed for the creation of the State of Mizoram on 20 February 1987, as India's 23rd state. Mizoram was given two seats in the Parliament , one each in the Lok Sabha and in the Rajya Sabha . Mizoram is a landlocked state in North East India whose southern part shares 722 kilometres long international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, and northern part share domestic borders with Manipur, Assam and Tripura. It
8722-399: Was arguably the largest and most famous settlements of the Mizo tribes. It stood between the years of 1740 to 1750 AD. In terms of modern-day Mizoram, it was situated between Khawbung South and Zawlsei . Selesih was formed with the cooperation of seven chiefs who wished to counteract the raids of the tribes across the river Tiau. The settlement had historically boasted 7,000 houses, but it
8820-425: Was considered one of the greatest Kings of the Mizo people, as he established trade with the Shans and Burmese , with his kingdom spanning 40,000 miles. Historical cities of Mizoram such as Biate , Champhai and Vangchhia were historically inhabited by the Hmars. The Luseis were the first Mizo people whom the British encountered and so all were was initially known as the Lushai people. The Luseis are also
8918-681: Was gradually silted to obliterate the lake. The soil of the plain was still uncultivated during the Lushai Expedition of 1872. Irrigated rice cultivation started in Champhai in the year 1898 encouraged by the British Colonial Authorities to supply rice for their soldiers and laborers. As of 1922, there was only 1 shop in Champhai. On 1 March 1966, the MNF declared unilateral Mizo Independence and attacked Assam Rifles post at Champhai. As with all other districts, general administration of all aspects of polity and economy are headed by
9016-406: Was granted full statehood, becoming the 23rd state of India. Mizoram is predominantly Christian , with about 87% of the population practicing Christianity , mainly Protestant denominations such as Presbyterian and Baptist . It is one of the three states of India with a Christian majority (87%). Other religions such as Buddhism (8.51%), Hinduism (2.75%), and Islam (1.35%) are also practised in
9114-479: Was held on 16 February 1987. Elections have been held at 5-year intervals since then. Elections were held for 40 seats of legislative assembly on 28 November 2018. The voter turnout was 80%. The Mizo National Front led by Zoramthanga was elected to power. Kambhampati Hari Babu is the governor of Mizoram since November 2021. The Mizoram State Legislative Assembly has 40 seats and the Village Councils are
9212-521: Was located. The modern Mizo people speak the Mizo language , a member of the Sino-Tibetan languages and one of the official languages of Mizoram , along with English . Like the Chinese language , Mizo is a tonal language , meaning one syllable's meaning changes depending on the tone. Other regional dialects include Hmar , Biate , etc. The Mizos did not have their own ancient script. However, there
9310-722: Was renamed as Mizo District within Assam State in April 1954 and in that year, the institution of hereditary chieftainship was abolished, and instead village courts/council were set up. The representatives of the Lushai Hills Autonomous District Council and the Mizo Union pleaded with the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) to integrate the Mizo-dominated areas of Tripura and Manipur with
9408-455: Was split, re-organised into multiple political regions, Mizo hills area was declared Mizoram after the insurgency, and it received status as a Union Territory in 1972. A Peace Accord was signed between central government and insurgent groups of Mizoram on 30 June 1986. Per the accord, insurgents surrendered their arms and Mizoram became the 23rd state of India in 1986, formalised the following year. The first election of Mizoram Legislative Assembly
9506-579: Was the one of the wealthiest chiefs in Mizo history. Tualte eventually declined with the onset of the mautam famine. The Dungtlang Village was founded by the Thangluah Chiefs Vanhnuaithanga and Vanpuia. Dungtlang consisted of two localities where they were later joined by the Chhakchhuak and some allied Pawi from Chawnghawih. The location of Dungtlang is not currently known. However there are some places that are said to be where Dungtlang
9604-420: Was the property of the tribal chief. The institution of chieftainship began in the 16th century. Each village behaved like a small state, and the chief was called Lal . The rule was hereditary, and there were no written laws (the first script for Mizo language was developed by Christian Missionaries Lorraine and Savidge about 1895). After annexation by the British in the 1890s, the northern part of Mizoram
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