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88-593: The Tlawng is a river of Mizoram , northeastern India. Its tributaries include the Tut , Teirei and the Ngashih. The city of Aizawl is situated to the east of the Tlawng river. In 2012, a dam ( Tlawng Dam ) was proposed for the river. In 1890, when the British came to Mizoram, the Tlawng river was the main means of transportation from Silchar . Sairang on the river banks of Tlawng,

176-517: 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

264-592: A Baptist Church under the Baptist Missionary Society of London expanded access to education and healthcare services. One of the cultural symbols linked to Mizoram's Christian religion is the non-denominational Solomon's Temple which serves as a tourist attraction. The temple has been under construction for 20 years since the laying of its foundations in 1996 before inaugurating its opening in December 2017. The Bnei Menashe also known as Shinlung are

352-645: 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

440-558: A cave sealed with the rock known as Chhinglung . The rock was lifted and the entrance was unsealed by Goddess Khuazingnu to repopulate the Earth. All the clans, tribes and different people exited this way until the Ralte clan exited with great noise. Due to this noise the Chhinglung rock was placed back and sealed. This also led to the coining of "Ralte bengchheng" meaning noisy/rowdy Ralte. Mizo

528-447: A circle around the dancer until the dancer would become tired and request another dancer to tag in and continue the performance. The circle would clap while musicians beat drums in an out circle. Mizoram shares characteristics to other regions of Northeast India and North India. The staple food of most of the Mizo people is rice, with meat and vegetables served on the side, ranging from

616-513: A community of Indian jews from the northeastern provinces. The movement was established in 1951 after a tribal leader had a dream of being one of the lost tribes of Israel and embracing the ideas of being Jews . Members of the Bnei Menashe mainly consist of Chin , Kuki and Mizo people. As a result of adopting Judaism, a significant number of approximately 5,000 of their 10,000 members have moved to Israel to continue their doctrine. In 2005,

704-472: A considerable change in the 20th century. The language developed mainly from the Lushai language , with significant influence from Pawi language , Paite language and Hmar language , especially at the literary level. A genre unique to Mizo history and culture is that of rambuai literature. Rambuai literature in Mizo means ' Troubled Land' . This is a reference to all poetry, songs and literature associated with

792-498: A decline in the use of the puan in male attire and the shedding of male jewellery by the 1960s. On the other hand, the evolution of women's fashion did not see a decline in the use of puan, even with the establishment of Christianity in Mizo culture. While some fashion trends were slow due to unaffordability or cultural values, the events of World War 2 saw many Mizo women integrate into the workforce, such as hospitality, medicine, and clerical work, which changed Mizo fashion. This led to

880-607: 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

968-437: A geographic indicator tag. The five puans are: Hmaram , Pawndum , Puanchei , Ngotekherh and Tawlhloh puan . A Puanchei is a multicolored striped Puan typically use as a traditional wedding garment for Mizo brides. The horizontal stripes of a puanchei are known as Sakeizangzia which allude to the stripes of a tiger. Common colour combinations of puanchei include red, green, yellow, black, blue, pink and white. Ngotekherh

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1056-433: 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

1144-592: A profession in Mizoram. In 2008 the Government of Mizoram began to support the filmmaking industry of Mizoram. Mizo music consists of three periods, namely Pipute Hla of pre-missionary era music, Sakhaw thar hla music developed within the missionary era, and Tunlai hlate of the contemporary era. Mizo folk music consists of vocals (singing) accompanied by traditional drums , gong and other native percussion instruments. Traditional Mizo songs are classified for different purposes. Dar hla were songs accompanied by

1232-412: 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

1320-467: A rise in Western clothing trends through working clothes such as uniforms made of skirts, coat suits, dresses, frocks and facial cosmetics. Mizo people have a number of dances which are accompanied with few musical instrument like the gong and drum. The different dances of Mizoram are Cheraw dance , Khuallam, Chheihlam, Chailam, Tlanglam, Sarlamkai and Chawnglaizawn. Cheraw dance means bamboo dance. It

1408-563: 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

1496-448: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . 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 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

1584-477: 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

1672-714: 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

1760-434: Is also used in mourning and condolence for respect of the dead. Tawlhloh Puan is an indigo-colored dress with red and green stripes. This is traditionally worn by warriors on the battleground but is treated as a prestige attire in current times. Traditional Mizo clothing before the onset of Christianity saw the puan worn by both men and women, with jewellery being worn and adorned by men. The evolution of Western garb led to

1848-420: 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

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1936-452: 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

2024-606: 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 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

2112-642: Is the endonym of the native inhabitants and 'ram' means 'land'. Thus "Mizoram" means "land of 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

2200-501: 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 the west, and Myanmar to the east and south, with domestic borders with the Indian states of Assam , Manipur , and Tripura . One of

2288-448: 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

2376-412: Is the most famous dance among Mizo communities. Cheraw was performed as part of a sacrifice to appease bad spirits responsible for the death of a child. The dance was believed to usher safe passage and victorious entry to pialral . Women dance by stepping in and out between and across pairs of bamboo sticks held against the ground by people sitting face to face. Khuallam means the guest dance. This dance

2464-712: Is the nearest town from Aizawl (about 14 kilometres away). The journey of about 140 kilometres from Sairang to Silchar used to take about 15–30 days depending upon the season and water level on a flat water boat. The Tlawng River is one of the longest rivers in Mizoram , measuring 234 km in length (Distance) or 185.50 km net displacement (a straight line) (as of 23.9.2015) Between Zobawk village near Lunglei Town to Bairabi (Mizoram Border) It originates in Zopui Hill (Near Zobawk) some 8 kilometres (5 mi) east of Lunglei at an elevation of 1,395 metres (4,577 ft). After

2552-650: Is the official language of Mizoram, along with English. Mizo language, or Mizo ṭawng, is a language belonging to the Sino-Tibetan family of languages, spoken natively by the Mizo people in Mizoram states of India and Chin State in Burma. Mizo ṭawng is a tonal language. It consists of four tones, a high tone, a low tone, a rising tone and a falling tone for a syllable to be expressed in four different meanings. Restraints on vocabulary have also introduced many English words into

2640-434: Is the traditional fabric known as puan . The puan is still worn and utilised in key festivals and festivities. While traditionally, the puan was worn by both men and women, it is now predominantly worn by women. A typical ritual in Mizo society involves a woman to bring puan to the grooms house after marriage and name it Thuam Chhawm . There are five puans that have played a crucial part in distinguishing Mizo culture and given

2728-419: Is traditionally known as Puan Hruih and consists of black and white stripes. It is worn for all festivals such as Chapchar Kut, Mim Kut, and Pawl Kut. Colour combinations for Ngotekherh are red, green, pink, black and white. Pawndum is usually woven in black, yellow and white stripes. Is is typically included in the trousseau of a Mizo bride and traditionally used to cover her husband's body after his death. It

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2816-753: The Mizo Insurgency 1966-1986 . Rambuai literature normally deals with the social and cultural traumas associated with the era such as sexual violence, air attacks, village groupings and curfews. To honour the contributions of Mizo poets and writers, the Mizo Hlakungpui Mual ( Mizo Poets' Square ) was established in 1986. The Committee nominates memorials for poets with exceptional contributions to Mizo culture and writers with 3-4 books with prolonged influence on Mizo culture. Four phases of monuments have been erected, totalling 36 notable literature individuals memorialized. The history of Mizo cinema begins with

2904-518: 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

2992-480: The Chin ethnic group, which have sought refuge in the region, with an estimated 70,000 to 100,000 Burmese refugees residing in 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

3080-506: 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

3168-566: 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

3256-694: 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 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

3344-546: 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, 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

3432-521: The Shavei Israel organisation and the local council of Kiryat Arba supported the Bnei Menashe to open its first community centre in Israel. Several synagogues have been subsequently built in Mizoram, Manipur and other areas, including a mikveh (ritual bath) in Mizoram and Manipur with the guidance of Israeli rabbis. Mizo folklore and mythology are varied and diverse across the several clans and tribes in

3520-506: 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 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

3608-647: 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 culture Despite significant westernization of Mizo culture due to Christianity and British influence, efforts have been made to revive pre-missionary traditions such as Chapchar Kut . The Mizo people ( Mizo : Mizo hnam ) are an ethnic group native to north-eastern India , western Burma (Myanmar) and eastern Bangladesh ; this term covers several ethnic peoples who speak various Kuki-Chin languages . Though

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3696-531: 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

3784-558: 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 ,

3872-695: The Arakan region of Burma, use the Chakma script and follow Buddhism instead of Christianity. Before the advent of Christian missionaries, Mizo communities believed in the primeval Mizo religion known as Lushai Animism. The Mizo religion is structured with a Supreme God known as Pathian and his wife the Goddess Khuanu . It is accompanied by many other beings both benevolent and malevolent. Benevolent spirits include Khuavang , Pu Vana , Vanchungnula , Sakhua and Khaltu . Malevolent spirits would include Ramhuai , Hmuithla , Phung and Khawring . Christianity

3960-665: 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

4048-449: 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,

4136-528: The Dar (traditional Mizo gong). These songs tended to use simple lyrics to accompany the gongs. Hlado were songs associated with warriors to hunt and celebrate victory upon returning to their villages. Similarly Bawh Hla is sung by warriors upon successful war or raids that lead to the headhunting of enemies. Thiam Hla were religious songs taught in private to priests through oral teaching. They would be used for medicinal purposes, animal sacrifices or rituals involving

4224-535: 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

4312-573: 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

4400-578: 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

4488-584: 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

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4576-631: 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

4664-557: The arrival of Christianity with stills and movie cameras from the missionaries. One of the first cinematic events in Mizoram was the silent film on Mizoram, "Land of the Lushai's", possibly between 1940 and 1950. Access to both Western and Hindi movies increased in the 1950s. Silent movies were introduced through movie halls such as 'Krishna Talkies' built-in Aizawl. Throughout the 70s, cinema halls further popularized Western movies and martial arts movies. Cinema culture, however, declined due to

4752-399: The circle, musicians such as drummers and horn players would stand and play a rhythm to dance on. Tlang lam is a dance where boys and girls clap their hands together while moving. Leg movements included three steps forward and three steps back and were done to the tune of puma songs . Chheih lam is a dance performed by a single person of either gender. A group would sit on short stools in

4840-449: 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,

4928-454: The confluence with Tut and Teirei River it eventually enters Cachar District. It is navigable by small boat up to Sairang . 24°52′N 92°36′E  /  24.867°N 92.600°E  / 24.867; 92.600 This article related to a location in the Indian state of Mizoram is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This article related to a river in India

5016-744: The difference is that the Paite in Central Mizoram have lost their original language as opposed to Churachandpur and North-East Mizoram. The Hmar people settled historically in the northern cities of Biate , Champhai and Vangchhia . Like the Lushai, they were composed of royal sub-clans and chiefdoms. The Maras in the South-East are known as Lackher by the Lushai. The Chakma people are split between South-West Mizoram and Chittagong tracts in Bangladesh. Unlike other clans and tribes in Mizoram, they descend from

5104-574: The earliest known residents of the Mizo hills area,' must be read in this light. The majority of 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 -

5192-537: 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)

5280-632: 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

5368-541: 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

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5456-407: The homely bai, a simple vegetable stew, non veg stew with sesame, garlic, onion and herbs. Zu is also a traditional Mizo rice beer . It was made from husked rice through a distillation process. This responsibility was typically handled by the youth of the village such as zawlbuk men or maidens for festivals such as Chapchar Kut , Mim Kut , Thalfavang Kut , marriage and feasts in the village. Zu

5544-693: 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

5632-483: The language. Words for objects, professions and other entities prefacing Mizo culture after the impact of Westernization are borrowed from English directly. As English is also an official language of Mizoram, established with the onset of Christianity, it is widespread in Mizoram and easy to integrate. Mizo literature is the literature written in Mizo ṭawng , the principal language of the Mizo peoples , which has both written and oral traditions . It has undergone

5720-469: 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

5808-460: 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

5896-454: The low maintenance of cinema halls and the popularization of television. In 1983, the "Young Stars Films Company" was established by film enthusiasts in Aizawl. The company produced the first full-featured Mizo film Phuba (Revenge) in 8mm film . The movie was based on a novel of the same title published previously by the producer. Between 1983 and 1990, more low-budget films were produced under different Mizo filmmakers with both 8mm film and

5984-529: 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

6072-844: The newly introduced video camera . Due to a lack of skilled personnel locally in Mizoram, movie productions in the 90s declined with the inability to handle post-production and afford video cameras at high prices. The establishment of the Aizawl Films and Drama Cooperative Society saw a slight increase in film production from 1993 onwards. Mizo movies began to experience a revival with the introduction of CD and DVD formats.Between 1999-2004, Mizo movies were in high demand with approximately 50-70 Mizo films produced annually. The movie industry outside of Aizawl also began to grow in towns such as Champhai, Saiha and Khawzawl. Filmmakers such as Mapuia Changthu of Leitlang Pictures and Napoleon RZ Thanga began to produce high-quality films and formulate filmmaking as

6160-531: 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

6248-483: 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

6336-483: 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

6424-485: The spirit world. Mizo music began to diverge from its traditional ways with the introduction of Christianity and the changes to Mizo culture. The folk music environment transitioned into hymns, gospels and choir instead. Many Mizo songs became direct translations of British English hymns incorporating worship. Parallel to the impact of Christianity on Mizo music, it also led to a new genre known as Hnam hla . This genre focussed on songs and music based around nationalism. It

6512-1074: 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

6600-536: The state. It ranges from stories of natural wonders and landscapes to individuals revered through oral legend. Several places in Mizoram often have a mythological story, including Kungawrhi puk , Sibuta Lung , Phulpui Grave and Chhingpui Memorial . The origin myth of the Mizo people describes the creation of the natural world by the Goddess Khuazingnu . The story recounts how a representative couple of each human community and animal species were placed inside

6688-588: The term Mizo is often used to name an overall ethnicity, it is an umbrella term to denote the various tribes and clans, such as the Hmar , Ralte , Lai , Lusei etc. A number of dialects are still spoken under the umbrella of Mizo; The history of these tribes is varied, with the largest one being the Lushai. The Lushai migrated and established dominance in the Northern Lushai hills between 1840 and 1850.The Paite are spread between Northern Mizoram and Southern Manipur,

6776-467: 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 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

6864-481: 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

6952-561: 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

7040-949: 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

7128-444: Was estimated at ₹ 69.91 billion (US$ 840 million). About 20% of Mizoram's population lives below 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'

7216-479: 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

7304-525: Was introduced via missionaries in 1984 via the Arthington Aborigines Mission. It marked the beginning of a cultural transformation in Mizoram through education and evangelisation. A Mizo alphabet was established in Roman script to allow the Mizo language to be written down. The missionaries also opened the first schools in Mizoram, which worked towards translating various gospels. The establishment of

7392-460: Was performed by a group of ten or more people and only men. It was traditionally performed by honoured invitees while entering the arena of a feast known as khuangchawi . The party would dance in the village streets while wearing puandum . Chai is the dance performed during the Chapchar Kut festival. Boys and girls stand in a circle alternately with their hands on each other's shoulders. Inside

7480-722: 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

7568-481: Was significant from the early 20th century to the creation of the Mizo Union and the Mizo Insurgency of 1966-1986. Notable composers of Hnam hla are known as Rokunga and include, Laltanpuia, Kaphleia and Captain L.Z Sailo whose songs rally for solidarity and connection to the land. Handloom weaving is a traditional and widely practiced art in Mizo culture and communities. The most significant handloom product

7656-455: 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

7744-469: 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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