|
About Mizoram |
 |
Mizoram, the
land of the blue mountain is one of the youngest states in the
country situated in the north-eastern part of India. Mizoram
is perched like a lonely state on the southernmost tip of the
north eastern border of India. Mizoram is bordered by Burma in
the east and south, Bangladesh and Tripura in the west and
Assam and Manipur in the north. Mizoram is mainly a Christian
populated state. Mizoram occupies an area of 21,087 square kms,
and supports a population of over five Lakh who are known as 'Mizo'.
The capital of Mizoram is Aizawl, a picturesque town built in
tiers along the hill. Aizawl is located at nearly 4,000 feet
above sea level, and a religious and cultural center of the
Mizos. The climate is not uniform in the entire state. The
valleys are warm and humid while the higher ridges are
delightfully cool and pleasant even in the hot season of the
year. The temperature ranges from 20 to 29 degree Celsius in
summer and 11 to 20 degree Celsius in winter. There is
something about the people, the blue hills rolling endlessly,
clear blue skies, the lay of the land, white painted houses
perched on bamboo sticks at the edge of steep gorge and the
temperate climate that makes every journey into Mizoram a
pleasurable experience.
|
|
|
|
|
History
of Mizoram |
|
Very little
is known about the early history of Mizoram. Between 1750
and 1850, the Mizo tribes formerly known as Lushai
migrated from the nearby Chin Hills and subjugated the
indigenous population. These tribes were assimilated into
their own society. The Mizos were the group of tribesmen
related to the Shans, who came to India. The Mizo
developed an autocratic political system based on some 300
hereditary chieftanships. The tribes of Mizoram remained
unaffected by foreign political influence until the
British annexed Assam in 1826 under the Treaty of Yandabo.
It was not annexed until the early 1890s, and come under
British control after two decades. For the first few years
after the British annexation, Lushai hills in the north
remained under Assam while the southern half remained
under Bengal. Both these parts were later combined in 1898
into one district called Lushai Hills District under the
Chief Commissioner of Assam. With the implementation of
the North-Eastern Reorganisation Act in 1972, the Lushai
Hills District was known as Mizoram and it became a Union
Territory. Due to the historic memorandum of settlement
signed between Government of India and the Mizo National
Front in 1986, Mizoram became the 23rd state of the Indian
Union on 29th February, 1987. The state has eight
districts. |
|
|
|
|
Geography of Mizoram |
|
Evergreen
forests, exotic flora and fauna, and the hilly areas are
criss-crossed by gushing rivers and their tributaries and
various silvery streams. The hills with an average height
of 900 meter, run in ridges from north to south. These
ridges vary from about 3,000 feet to 7,000 feet. The steep
hills are cut apart by rivers creating deep and narrow
gorges. Besides a small portion lying in the plains, the
entire state is full of ranges running in the north-south
direction. The highest peak, the blue mountain locally
known as "Phawngpui" that means vast meadow is about 2,065
m in height. The plains are mostly located in the eastern
part of Mizoram like Champhai (about 7-km in length and
3-km in width) and Vanlaiphai (about 6-km in length and
3-km in width). Through this land mass of hills and plains
flow the main 13 rivers, which irrigate and render the
soil fertile for cultivation. |
|
| |
|
People
of Mizoram |
|
The people of
Mizoram are known as 'Mizos'. The term 'Mizo' is made of two
words, 'Mi' means man and 'Zo' means hills. Thus Mizo means a
"hill man". The Mizos are simple, happy, carefree, contented, generous and
freedom-loving people. The Mizos are also known as the
‘Songbird of the North east'. The Mizos enjoy a rich culture,
and are passionately drawn to dance and songs.
More Information
on People of Mizoram
|
 |
|
|
|
Dances of
Mizoram |
 |
The main dances
of Mizoram are Cheraw, Khuallam, Chheih Hla (Chheih lam) and
Sawlakia. Cheraw is dedicated to the departed souls of mothers
who died at childbirth so that she may enter the abode safely.
In this dance, the dancers use bamboo sticks. Khuallam is a
dance which is done in the honour of visitors and guests.
Chheihlam is a dance which is done over gallons of rice beer.
Sawlakia is
the traditional dance of the Mara.
More Information
on Dances of Mizoram
|
|
|
|
|
Festivals
of Mizoram |
|
The three
main festivals of Mizos are Chapchar Kut, Mini Kut and
Pawl Kut. Chapchar Kut is the greatest festival observed
after completion of the cutting down of the jungle in
February. In this festival, the Mizos dressed in
traditional Mizo costumes perform the most famous Cheraw
dance. Mini Kut is the maize festival celebrated in
September after the maize harvest is dedicated to the
departed souls. Pawl Kut is observed after the harvest in
December and devoted to children's welfare. During these
festivals, villagers sing, dance and feast in
thanksgiving. |
 |
|
|
|
|
Places
in Mizoram |
|
Aizawl, the
capital of Mizoram has different places of interest. Some of
the worth visiting places in Aizawl are Mizoram State Museum,
Vantawng Water falls, Palak Lake, Phawngui mountain, Pukzing
Cave, Tamdil Lake, Dampa Sanctuary, Champhai, Lunglei, Siaha.
The Mizoram State Museum is situated on the top of the
McDonald Hill. It has an interesting collection of historical
relics, ancient costumes and traditional implements. Durtlang
is the gateway to Aizawl and one of the highest points in
town. From here one can have a panoramic view of the city of
Aizawl spread out in all its splendour.
More
Information on Places in Mizoram
|
|
|
|
|
Art & Craft
of Mizoram |
|
The Mizo art and
craft items can be treasured. Mizoram has rich and colourful
range of handlooms. The Mizos are born weavers and the
intricate designs created by them are a delight. Puandum, one
of the most important handlooms of the Mizos, are made from
cotton and are handmade. Hnika, made from silk or cotton, is
also one of the finest handlooms of the Mizos. Bamboo and cane
play a vital role in their lives. Most of the houses are made
of bamboo, and various items like cane furniture and household
items are carved out of bamboo. The main shopping
attraction of Mizoram is the Khumbeu ceremonial Bamboo hat,
which is made of waterproof wild Hnathial leaves. Bara Bazaar
is the main shopping center in Aizawl. All handicrafts and
handloom items, Chinese toys, Taiwanese electronic gadgets and
Burmese fabric are available here. This shopping area has
shops on either side, and the majority of them are run by
women.
|
|
|
|
|
Wildlife Sanctuaries in
Mizoram |
 |
Mizoram, being a
thickly wooded state, has a very wide range of flora and
fauna. The Himalayan Maple and bamboo are one of the most
important trees in Mizoram. It is also the home of various
rare species of orchids. Mizoram is home to a large family of
birds and animals, moths and butterflies. There are various wildlife
sanctuaries and national parks in Mizoram like Ngengpui
Wildlife Sanctuary, Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thorangtlang
Wildlife Sanctuary, Phawngpui National Park, Murlen National
Park, Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary, Palak Wildlife Sanctuary and
Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary.
More
Information on Wildlife Sanctuaries in Mizoram
|
|
|
|
|
