Profile

      The state is bordering by Myanmar in the east and south and Bangladesh in the west, Mizoram occupies an area of great strategic importance in the north-eastern corner of India. It has a total of 630 miles boundary with Myanmar and Bangladesh. Mizoram has the most variegated hilly terrain in the eastern part of India. The hills are steep and are separated by rivers that flow either to the north or the south creating deep gorges between the hill ranges. The average height of the hills is about 900 metres. The highest peak in Mizoram is the Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) with a height of 2210 metres. Mizoram has a pleasant climate. It is generally cool in summer and not very cold in winter. During winter, the temperature varies from 11 C to 21 C and in the summer it varies from 20 C to 29 C. The entire area is under the direct influence of the monsoon. It rains heavily from May to September and the average rainfall in Aizawl is 208 cm. Its latitude lies at 21o58'&24o35'N and longitude- 92o 15' & 93 o 29' E.

      Mizoram is a mountainous region, which became the 23rd State of the Union in February 1987. It was one of the districts of Assam till 1972 when it became Union Territory. Mizoram is a state with one of the highest literacy rates in India. Situated on the extreme south of the north-eastern India, it is a land of unending natural beauty with an array of flora and fauna. It has 40 seats of legislative assembly. One member each represents the state in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Origin

The origin of the Mizos, like those of many other tribes in the northeastern India is shrouded in mystery. The generally accepted view is that they were part of a great wave of migration from China and later moved out to India to their present habitat. It is possible that the Mizos came from Sinlung or Chhinlungsan located on the banks of the Yalung River in China, first settled in the Shan State and moved on to the Kabaw Valley. It is also believed that Mizos originated from Mongolia, however there is no written proof.

The earliest Mizos who migrated to India were known as the Kukis , which were followed by the second batch called the New Kukis and finally by the Lushais .They built villages and called them by their clan names such as Seipui, Saihmun, and Bochung.

The Mizo history of the 18th and the19th century is marked by many instances of tribal raids and retaliatory expedition of security. Mizo hills were formally declared as a part of the British-India by a proclamation in1895.North and South hills were united into Lushai Hills districtin1898 with Aizawl as its headquarters.It was however only on20thFebrury 1987 that the formalization of Mizoram State took place.

People and Culture

"Tlawmngaihna" an untranslatable term meaning on the part of everyone to be hospitable, kind, unselfish and helpful to others happens to be the keystone of the Mizo society and stands for the compelling moral force which finds expression in self-sacrifice for the service of others. Sociable, hospitable and fun loving with very strong community bonds, the Mizos are therefore given the sobriquet of the "songbird of the North East". This reputation is well established as they are considered to be the finest choir singers of the north east.

The term "Mizo" is derived from two words-"Mi" means people and "Zo" means hills, which makes them the "hill people" of north east - a term which gives them a distinctive racial and ethnic identity. They came under the influence of the British Missionary in the 9th century and now most of the Mizos are Christians. One of the beneficial result of Missionary activities was the spread of education, the cumulative result of which is 95% literacy in the state which is considered highest in India .The Mizos are a close - knit society with no class or sex discrimination, where villages exists like one big family with every birth, marriage and death of any member are occasions in which the entire village comes together.

Fairs and Festivals

By establishing YMA (Young Mizo Association ) centres in almost every major village, the people of Mizoram has succeeded in reviving the old traditions and has infused the Mizo society with traditional lifestyle and customs.The traditional arrangement of festivals and folk dances offers a dilightfull insight into the rich Mizo culture. Inspired by agricultural activities, and culminating in lavish feasts, solemn rituals and delightful singing and dancing, some of the major festivals of the Mizo community are -

Chapcharkut - Generally held during the first Week of March, this seven day festival finds the Mizo tribes all geared up in their traditional ceremonial dresses, jewelry, headgear and weapons. The most important dance of the festival is the famous Cheraw or Bamboo dance.

Thalfavang Kut - This festival celebrates the completion of weeding the land in preparation of the coming harvest and fall during the month of November. This period of leisure and free time has been a time of celebration and relaxation and depicts the cultural heritage and traditional games of the Mizos. It is also a time to renew old bonds and ties.