fbpx
Wikipedia

Mizoram

Mizoram (English: /mɪˈzɔːrəm/ (listen)) is a state in Northeast India, with Aizawl as its seat of government and capital city. The name of the state is derived from "Mizo", the self-described name of the native inhabitants, and "Ram", which in the Mizo language means "land." Thus "Mizo-ram" means "land of the Mizos".[4] Within India's northeast region, it is the southernmost landlocked state, sharing borders with three of the Seven Sister States, namely Tripura, Assam and Manipur. The state also shares a 722-kilometre (449 mi) border with the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Myanmar.[5]

Mizoram
Clockwise from top: Vantawng Waterfall, Castle of Beino/Boinu, Mizo men and women performing Cheraw dance, Champhai
Coordinates (Aizawl): 23°22′N 92°48′E / 23.36°N 92.8°E / 23.36; 92.8Coordinates: 23°22′N 92°48′E / 23.36°N 92.8°E / 23.36; 92.8
Country India
Union territory21 January 1972
State20 February 1987
CapitalAizawl
Largest cityAizawl
Districts11
Government
 • GovernorKambhampati Hari Babu
 • Chief MinisterZoramthanga (MNF)
 • LegislatureUnicameral
 • Parliamentary constituency
 • High Court
Area
 • Total21,081 km2 (8,139 sq mi)
 • Rank24th
Population
 (2011)
 • Total1,091,014
 • Rank27th
 • Density52/km2 (130/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+05:30 (IST)
ISO 3166 codeIN-MZ
HDI (2022) 0.747
high[2]
Literacy91.58% (2011 Census)
Official languageMizo and English[3]
Websitemizoram.gov.in
Symbols of Mizoram
EmblemEmblem of Mizoram
MammalHimalayan serow (Capricornis thar)
BirdMrs. Hume's pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae)
FlowerRed Vanda (Renanthera imschootiana)
TreeIndian rose chestnut (Mesua ferrea)
It was elevated to the status of a full State by the State of Mizoram Act, 1986

Like several other northeastern states of India, Mizoram was previously part of Assam until 1972, when it was carved out as a Union Territory. 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.[6]

According to a 2011 census, in that year Mizoram's population was 1,091,014. It is the 2nd least populous state in the country.[7] Mizoram covers an area of approximately 21,087 square kilometres,[8] of which approximately 91% is forested.[9]

About 95% of Mizoram's population descends from a diverse tribal origin. Mizos first began to settle the area in the 16th century, coming in waves of immigration from Southeast Asia. This immigration lasted through the 18th century.[10] Among all of the states of India, Mizoram has the highest concentration of tribal people. The Mizoram people are currently protected under the Indian constitution as a Scheduled Tribe.[11] Mizoram is one of three states of India with a Christian majority (87%).[12] Its people belong to various Christian denominations, being mostly Presbyterians in the north and Baptists in the south.

Mizoram is a highly literate agrarian economy. Slash-and-burn jhum, or shifting cultivation, is the most common form of farming, though it gives poor crop yields.[13] In recent years, the jhum farming practices have been steadily replaced with a significant horticulture and bamboo products industry.[14][15] The state's gross state domestic product for 2012 was estimated at 69.91 billion (US$880 million).[8] About 20% of Mizoram's population lives below the poverty line, with 35% rural poverty as of 2014.[16] 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.[17]

Etymology

The term Mizoram is derived from two Mizo words-Mizo and ram. 'Mizo' is the name used to call the native inhabitants and 'Ram' means 'land'. There is a dispute on the term 'zo'. According to one view, 'zo' means 'highland' (or hill) and Mizoram means 'land of the Mizos'. B. Lalthangliana says 'zo' may also mean 'cold region' and therefore, Mizo may also signify people of the cold region.[18]

History

 
One of the many battles between British troops and British-aligned tribes of Mizoram against a Lusei clan in Mizoram.[19] This sketch is by Lieutenant Cole in 1889 titled "Looshai expedition".

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.[20] 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.[21]

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 - a form of subsistence agriculture.[22] The chiefs were the absolute rulers of their respective clans' territories (ram), although they remained under the nominal political jurisdictions of the Rajas of Manipur, Tripura and Burma.[23]

Prior to 1895, the year that the British Raj gained political control over Mizoram, there were many reports of head-hunting in the Mizoram area via tribal raids led by 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.[24]

British era (1840s to 1940s)

Some of the earliest records of raids and intertribal conflicts are from the early 19th century.[19] In the 1840s, Captain Blackwood of Britain marched into 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 the First British invasion, burning down a Lusei village of 800 tribal houses and freeing 400 Thadou captives.[19][25] 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.[26]

The Mizo Hills formally became part of British India in 1895, and practices such as head-hunting were banned in Mizoram as well as neighbouring regions.[27] The northern and southern Mizo Hills became the Lushai Hills, with Aizawl as their headquarters by declaring the whole area as an "excluded area" (a term sometimes used interchangeably with "backward tract") till India got independence from the British.[28] At the time of the British conquest, there were around 60 chiefs.[23] After Christian missionaries arrived with the gospel, the majority of the population became Christians in the first half of the 20th century.

Post 1947

By the time India gained independence from 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.[23][26] Village courts were re-implemented in the Mizo region along with other parts of Assam. Few Christian missionaries came to Mizoram during 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 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, a body formed for famine relief in 1959, later developed into a new political organisation, the Mizo National Front (MNF) in 1961.[29] A period of protests and armed insurgency followed in the 1960s, which resulted in the MNF seeking independence from India.[30] The Mizo insurgents were getting funded and sponsored by then East Pakistan and China. However, the turmoil for secession from India staged by MNF failed to garner any public support or participation from people. In an attempt to counter these insurgency threats, the Indian government bombed state areas affected with insurgency (which is the only known bombing of India on its own soil) on 5 March 1966. Four French-built Dassault Ouragan Fighter Jets (nicknamed Toofani) of the Indian Air Force and British hunters from Tezpur, Kumbhirgram and Jorhat in Assam were deployed to Aizawl (the heart of Mizoram) and other areas as a part of the operation, which continued until 13 March.

In 1971, the government agreed to convert the Mizo Hills into a Union Territory, which became Mizoram in 1972. Following the Mizoram Peace Accord (1986) between the Government and the MNF, Mizoram was declared a full-fledged state of India in 1987.[31] Mizoram was given two seats in the Parliament, one each in the Lok Sabha and in the Rajya Sabha.[32]

After the statehood of Mizoram, the region has benefited considerably from the creation of a Central University, High Court Bench and autonomous districts for tribes.

Geography

 
Tuirihiau falls

Mizoram is a landlocked state in North East India whose southern part shares 722[8] kilometres long international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, and northern part share domestic borders with Manipur, Assam and Tripura. It is the fifth smallest state of India with 21,087 km2 (8,142 sq mi). It extends from 21°56'N to 24°31'N, and 92°16'E to 93°26'E.[33] 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.[33]

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 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 the southeastern part of the state, is the highest peak in Mizoram at 2,210 metres (7,250 ft).[34] 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.[35] Slash-and-burn or jhum cultivation, though discouraged, remains in practice in Mizoram and affects its topography.[36][37] A report by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2021 states that Mizoram has the highest forest cover as a percentage of its geographical area of any Indian state, being 84.53% forest.[38]

 
 
Tlawng River (top) and Tuipui river of Mizoram

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 the Surma Group and Tipam Formation such as sandstone, siltstone, mudstone and rare pockets of shell limestone. The eastern part is the Barail Group.[39] 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.[40]

The biggest river in Mizoram 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 the Barak River in Cachar District. The rivers have a gentle drainage gradient particularly in the south.[39]

Palak lake is the biggest in Mizoram and covers 30 hectares (74 acres). The lake is situated in Saiha district of southern Mizoram. It is believed that the lake was created as a result of an earthquake or a flood. The local people believe that a submerged village remains intact deep under the waters. The Tam Dil lake is a natural lake situated 85 kilometres (53 mi) from Aizawl. Legend has it that a huge mustard plant once stood in this place. When the plant was cut down, jets of water sprayed from the plant and created a pool of water, thus the lake was named Ţam Dil which means of 'lake of mustard plant'. Today the lake is an important tourist attraction and a holiday resort. The most significant lake in Mizo history, Rih Dil, is ironically located in Burma, a few kilometres from the Indo-Burma border. It was believed that departed souls pass through this lake before making their way to Pialral or heaven. Mizoram is also called a "peninsula state" as it is surrounded by international borders on three sides.[citation needed]

Climate

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 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).[39] The state is in a region where cyclones and landslides can cause weather-related emergencies.[41]

Climate data for Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 20.4
(68.7)
21.7
(71.1)
25.2
(77.4)
26.8
(80.2)
26.3
(79.3)
25.5
(77.9)
25.3
(77.5)
25.5
(77.9)
25.7
(78.3)
24.7
(76.5)
23.0
(73.4)
21.0
(69.8)
24.3
(75.7)
Average low °C (°F) 11.4
(52.5)
12.8
(55.0)
15.6
(60.1)
17.5
(63.5)
18.1
(64.6)
18.9
(66.0)
19.1
(66.4)
19.1
(66.4)
19.2
(66.6)
18.0
(64.4)
15.1
(59.2)
12.2
(54.0)
16.4
(61.6)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 13.4
(0.53)
23.4
(0.92)
73.4
(2.89)
167.7
(6.60)
289.0
(11.38)
406.1
(15.99)
320.4
(12.61)
320.6
(12.62)
305.2
(12.02)
183.7
(7.23)
43.2
(1.70)
15.3
(0.60)
2,161.4
(85.09)
Source: [42]

Biodiversity

State symbols of Mizoram[43]
Animal Serow (Saza)  
Bird Mrs. Hume's pheasant (Vavu)  
Tree Indian rose chestnut (Herhse)  
Flower Red Vanda (Senhri)  
 
Vavu (Mrs. Hume's pheasant) is the state bird[44] (top) and Senhri (Renanthera imschootiana) the state flower of Mizoram.[45]

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.[9] Tropical semi-evergreen, tropical moist deciduous, subtropical broadleaved hill and subtropical pine forests are the most common vegetation types found in Mizoram. Bamboo is common in the state, typically intermixed with other forest vegetation; about 9,245 km2 (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 is covered by forests.[9]

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.[9]

 
Neptunia oleracea

Mizoram is host to numerous species of birds, wildlife and flora. About 640 species of birds have been identified in 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.[46] 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.[46] Each of these families have many species.

The state 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 is also home to many reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.[47][48]

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.[49]

Demographics

Historical population
YearPop.±%
1901 82,434—    
1911 91,204+10.6%
1921 98,406+7.9%
1931 124,404+26.4%
1941 152,786+22.8%
1951 196,202+28.4%
1961 266,063+35.6%
1971 332,390+24.9%
1981 493,757+48.5%
1991 689,573+39.7%
2001 888,573+28.9%
2011 1,091,014+22.8%
Source: Census of India[50]

Mizoram has a population of 1,091,014 with 552,339 males and 538,675 females.[7] This reflects 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.[51]

The literacy rate of Mizoram in 2011 was 91.33 per cent,[51] 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 the population of Mizoram lives in Aizawl district, which hosts the capital.[7][52][53]

Ethnic groups

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[26]). Mizo people are spread throughout the northeastern states of India, Burma, and Bangladesh. They belong to numerous tribes; however, to name a particular tribe as the largest is difficult as no concrete census has ever been undertaken.

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.[54] The term Kuki mean 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.[54]

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.[54] The Bnei Menashe tribe claim Jewish descent.[55]

The diversity of tribal groups reflects 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.[54] The Mizo people usually suffix their descriptive given names with their tribe.

Other than tribal groups, other ethnic groups inhabit Mizoram including Bengalis and Nepalis.[56][57] Nepali Gorkhas, for example, were encouraged to settle in Aizawl area and other parts of Mizoram during the British colonial times. Thousands of their descendants are now residents of Mizoram.[57]

Protected demographic category

 
Mizo girls in Lushei tribe traditional dress.

According to 2011 census, Mizoram had 1,036,115 people (95% of total) classified as Scheduled Tribe, the highest concentration of protected tribal people in all states of India.[11][58] This demographic classification, given to Mizoram tribes since the 1950s, has provided reservations and extra resources in education and government job opportunities, a preferential treatment as a means to accelerate their integration with mainstream society.[59]

Languages

Languages of Mizoram in 2011[56][60]

  Mizo (73.13%)
  Chakma (8.51%)
  Mara (3.84%)
  Tripuri (2.99%)
  Pawi (2.62%)
  Paite (2.04%)
  Hmar (1.65%)
  Bengali (1.37%)
  Other (3.85%)

Mizo and English are the official languages of the state.[61] Mizo is the most widely used language for verbal interactions, but English, being important for education, administration, formalities and governance, is widely used. The Duhlian dialect, also known as the Lusei, was the first language of Mizoram and has come to be known as the Mizo language. The language is mixed with other dialects like the Hmar, Mara, Lai, Thadou-Kuki, Paite, Gangte, etc. Christian missionaries developed the Mizo script. Writing is a combination of the Roman Script and Hunterian transliteration methodology with prominent traces of a phonetics-based spelling system. There are 25 letters in the alphabet: A, AW, B, CH, D, E, F, G, NG, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, R, S, T, Ṭ (with a dot under), U, V, Z.

Religion

Religion in Mizoram (2011)[62]

  Christianity (87.16%)
  Buddhism (8.51%)
  Hinduism (2.75%)
  Islam (1.35%)
  Other or not religious (0.23%)

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 the largest religious minority in the region, followed by Hindus at 2.7% according to the 2011 census.[62] 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.[55] Muslims make up about 1.3% of the state population. The remaining 3,000 people are Sikhs, Jains and other religions.

Christianity

The major Christian denomination is the Mizoram Presbyterian Church, which was established by the Welsh missionary Rev. D. E. Jones starting in 1894.[63] By the time India gained independence from British Empire, some 80% of Lushei tribe people had converted to Christianity.[64] 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 the southern hills of Mizoram, the Baptist Church had the dominant following.[64] Other Christian churches present in Mizoram include the United Pentecostal Church, the Salvation Army, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Church of God (Seventh Day), Mizoram Conference, Kohhran Thianghlim, Roman Catholic, Lairam Isua Krista Baptist Kohhran (LIKBK), Congregational Church of India (Maraland), Evangelical Church of Maraland, Independent Church of India (ICI) and Evangelical Free Church of India (EFCI).

Buddhism

According to 2011 census report there are 93,411 people who follow Buddhism in Mizoram.[62] The Chakmas and Tongchangya or Tanchangya have been Buddhist since[when?] historical times and there are approximately one hundred monasteries (known as vihara in Pali) in Mizoram.

Hinduism

According to the 2011 census, there were 30,136 Hindus in Mizoram or about 2.75% of the population.[62]

Others

There are also a few Mizos who practice Judaism (866 according to 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.[65]

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).[66]

Politics

 
Mizoram Assembly House

Originally village land, locally called ram, 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).[26]

After annexation by the British in the 1890s, northern part of Mizoram 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[26] consolidated executive and legislative political power to 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 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.[26] In the same year the Young Mizo Association was formed which is still an important institution in Mizoram.

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 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).[30] This group raised their demand for a separate state comprising all the hill districts of Assam. However, the demand was not accepted by the government.

 
Mizoram Peace Accord was signed in June 1986. The Accord granted political freedoms by making Mizoram a full state of India, and included infrastructure provisions such as a High Court and establishment of Mizoram University (shown).[67]

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 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.[29] The Front sought sovereign independence for the Mizo territory, staging an armed insurrection with the 28 February 1966 uprising against the government.[30] The revolt was suppressed by the government of India, which carried out airstrikes in Aizawl and surrounding areas.[68][69] The secessionist Mizo National Front was outlawed in 1967, as the Mizo Union and other organisations continued the demand for a separate Mizo state within the Republic of India.

Assam state 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.[26] 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 was held on 16 February 1987.[26] Elections have been held at 5-year intervals since then. The most recent Mizoram 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.[70]

Kambhampati Hari Babu is the governor of Mizoram since July 2021.[71]

Administration

District[72] Population
(2011)
Population Density
per km2
Aizawl 400,309 117
Lunglei 161,428 (Most Of the People are Chakma Buddhist) 35
Champhai 125,745 37
Lawngtlai 117,894 39
Mamit 86,364 29
Kolasib 83,955 56
Serchhip 64,937 47
Saiha 56,574 52
 
Districts of Mizoram

The Mizoram State Legislative Assembly has 40 seats and the Village Councils are 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.[73]

There are three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) for ethnic tribes in Mizoram, namely Chakma Autonomous District Council (in the southern part of state, bordering Bangladesh), Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) for Lai people in the southern part of the state, and Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC) for Mara people in the southern-eastern corner. The Chakma people has been demanding to covert the existing Chakma Autonomous District Council in Mizoram into a Union territory under the name Chakmaland. This is because the predominantly Buddhist Chakma people in Mizoram have faced discrimination by the Mizo people, who are predominantly Christian.[74]

There are eleven districts in Mizoram. A district of Mizoram is headed by a Deputy Commissioner who is in charge of the administration in that particular district. The Deputy Commissioner is the executive head of the district, responsible for implementing government regulations, the law and order situation in the district, as well as being responsible for tax collection for the government.[75]

A Superintendent of Police is responsible for the police administration of each district.[75] These officials work with the village councils in each district.

Economy

 
Aizawl The capital city of Mizoram

Mizoram gross state domestic product (GSDP) in 2011-2012 was about 69.91 billion (US$880 million).[8] The state's gross state domestic product (GSDP) growth rate was nearly 10% annually over 2001-2013 period. As of 2019, the state's GSDP was US$ 3.57 billion.[citation needed] With international borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar, it is an important port state for southeast Asian imports to India, as well as exports from India.[17]

The biggest contributors to state's GSDP growth are Agriculture, Public Administration and Construction work.[76] Tertiary sector of service sector continued to have the contribution to the GSDP with its share hovering between 58 per cent and 60 per cent during the past decade.[17][77]

As of 2013, according to the Reserve Bank of India, 20.4% of total state population is below poverty line, about same as the 21.9% average for India. Rural poverty is significantly higher in Mizoram, with 35.4% below the poverty line compared to India's rural poverty average of 25.7; while in urban areas of Mizoram, 6.4% are below the poverty line.[16]

Mizoram has a highly literate work force, with literacy rate of nearly 90% and widespread use of English. The state has a total of 4,300 kilometres of roads of which 927 kilometres are high quality national highways and 700 kilometres of state highways. The state is developing its Kolodyne River for navigation and international trade. Mizoram's airport is at the capital city of Aizawl. The state is a power deficit state, with plans to develop its hydroelectric potential. After agriculture, the major employer of its people include handloom and horticulture industries. Tourism is a growth industry. In 2008, the state had nearly 7,000 registered companies. The state government has been implementing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to encourage economic growth.[15]

Agriculture

 
A paddy field in Zawlpui, Serchhip

Between 55% to 60% of the working population of the state is annually deployed on agriculture.[13][14] The sector's contribution to the gross state domestic product was 30% in 1994, just 14% in 2009 due to economic growth of other sectors.[78]

Agriculture has traditionally been a subsistence profession in Mizoram. It is seen as a means for generate food for one's family, ignoring its potential for commerce, growth and prosperity. Rice remains the largest crop grown in Mizoram by gross value of output.[79] Fruits have grown to become the second largest category, followed by condiments and spices.[78]

Jhum practice

Before 1947, agriculture in Mizoram predominantly used to be slash-and-burn driven Jhum cultivation. This was discouraged by the state government, and the practice has been slowly declining.[80] A 2012 report[81] estimates the proportion of shifting cultivation area in Mizoram to be about 30% - predominant part of which was for rice production (56% to 63% depending on the year). Despite dedicating largest amount of labour, jhum cultivated and non-jhum crop area to rice, the yields are low; Mizoram average rice yields per acre is about 70% of India's average rice yield per acre and 32% of India's best yield. Mizoram produces about 26% of rice it consumes every year, and it buys the deficit from other states of India.[14]

The crop area used for jhum cultivation rotates in Mizoram; that is, the area slashed and burnt for a crop is abandoned for a few years and then jhumias return to slash and burn the same plot after a few years of non-use. The primary reasons for cyclical jhum cultivation includes, according to Goswami et al.,[81] personal, economic, social and physical. Jhum cultivation practice offers low crop yields and is a threat to the biome of Mizoram; they suggest increased government institutional support, shift to higher income horticultural crops, assured supply of affordable food staples for survival as means to further reduce jhum cultivation.

Horticulture
 
Oil palm in Mamit

In horticulture and floriculture, Mizoram is a significant producer and global exporter of Anthurium (over 7 million a year) and roses. It is also a significant producer and domestic supplier of banana, ginger, turmeric, passion fruit, orange and chowchow.[15] Mizoram has accomplished this horticulture success and exports in 2009, with just 6% of its cultivated land dedicated to horticulture and floriculture, indicating a large potential for further growth and economic integration with other Indian states as well export driven economy.[82] In 2013, the area dedicated to horticulture and floriculture increased to 9.4% of 1.2 million hectares potential.[8]

The agricultural productivity is very low in Mizoram.[83] The state gets a lot of rain, but its soil is porous and irrigation infrastructure very inadequate; this has affected it crop yield and reliability.[13] The yield issue that can be addressed by building irrigation infrastructure and adoption of better crop technologies. The state also has very low consumption of fertiliser and pesticides, which scholars[83] suggest offers an opportunity for organic farming particularly of vegetables and fruits.

Forestry, fisheries and sericulture

Mizoram is one of the leading producers of bamboo in India, has 27 species of bamboo, and supplies 14% of India's commercial bamboo.[8][17] Forest products contribute about 5% to the state's gross product. The state produces about 5,200 metric tonnes of fish a year, about 12% of potential that can be sustainably achieved.[8] Sericulture is an important handicraft industry engaged by nearly 8,000 families in over 300 Mizo villages.[17]

 
Mizoram produces over 7 million tonnes of Anthurium (shown), supplying the domestic market as well as exporting it to UAE, UK and Japan. The majority of producers and income earners from this business are Mizoram women.[15][84]

Industry

Mizoram faces difficulties in the advancement of industries. Lack of transport infrastructure is one of the major drawbacks. Other problems faced by the state include shortage of electricity, capital, telecommunication and export market access.

Mizoram has two industrial estates at Zuangtui and Kolasib.[17] Another software technology park is being established in Mizoram University campus.[85] The state government has acquired 127 acres of land in Khawnuam for development of the Indo-Myanmar border trade township.[17]

Education infrastructure

 
A school campus in Mizoram

The first primary school was set up in 1898 at Aizawl by Christian missionaries. The state has long enjoyed higher literacy rates than average literacy rates for India. In 1961, the literacy was 51%.[86] By 2011 census, it had reached 92%, compared to 74% average for India.[8] Mizoram is second only to Kerala.[87]

There were 3,894 schools in Mizoram as of 2012. Of these, 42% are publicly owned and managed by Central/State governments, 28% are private without government subsidies, 21% are private with government subsidies, and the rest are primary and middle schools that are government financed by run by three Autonomous District Councils of Mizoram. The teacher-pupil ratio is about 1:20 for primary, 1:9 for middle School, 1:13 for high, and 1:15 for higher secondary schools.[8]

There are several educational establishments under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education, including universities, colleges and other institutions. Within Mizoram University, there are 29 undergraduate departments including 2 professional institutions affiliated with the university. The state had 22 other colleges, and the total college enrolment was approximately 10,600 students in 2012.[8] Other well known institutes are National Institute of Technology Mizoram, ICFAI University, Mizoram, College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram and Regional Institute of Paramedical and Nursing Aizawl.

Energy infrastructure

Mizoram is not self-sufficient in power. In 2012, the state had a demand for 107 MW of power, but had an effective installed capacity of only 29.35 MW. To bridge the gap, it purchased electricity from the national grid.[88]

Of the total installed power generation capacity, all 29.35 MW came from hydel. The state also has 22.92 MW of thermal power and 0.50 MW of Diesel generating set as of March 2012. The thermal and diesel generating stations were kept on standby mode owing to their high cost of operation, and because it was cheaper to buy the power from the national grid than to operate these standby units.[88]

The hydroelectric power potential of Mizoram was assessed to be about 3600 MW in 2010,[89] and about 4500 MW in 2012.[90] If even half of this is realised, the state could supply all its citizens and industry with 24/7 electricity, as well as earn income by selling surplus power to the national grid. The topography of Mizoram hydroelectric resources is ideal for power projects. The following rivers are suited for hydel projects with minimal impact on its biosphere – Tuivai, Tuivawl, Tlawng, Tut, Serlui, Tuirial, Kolodyne, Tuichang, Tuipui, Tiau and Mat. Beyond the major rivers, Mizoram has many small but perennial streams and rivulets with ideal condition for developing micro/mini and small hydroelectric projects.[89] The state has proposed projects to attract private investments on Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis with financial assistance in rehabilitating its citizens were they to be affected by the project. The largest proposed project is expected to be on Kolodyne (460 MW), and there are dozens of small to micro projects that have been identified.[89]

By 2014, the state had signed memorandums to build and add 835 MW of electricity generation projects – Tuivai SHP with VGF (210 MW) in Champhai district, Kolodyne-II SHP with NHPC (460 MW) in Siaha district, Bairabi with Sikaria Power (80 MW) in Kolasib district, Tuirini with SPNL (38 MW) in Aizawl district, and Tuivawl with SPML as well (42 MW) in Aizawl district.[90][91]

Transport infrastructure

The state is the southernmost in India's far northeast, placing Mizoram in a disadvantageous position in terms of logistical ease, response time during emergencies, and its transport infrastructure. Prior to 1947, the distance to Kolkata from Mizoram was shorter; but ever since, travel through Bangladesh has been avoided, and traffic loops through Assam an extra 1,400 kilometres to access the economic market of West Bengal. This remoteness from access to economic markets of India is balanced by the state's closeness to southeast Asian market and its over 700 kilometres of international boundary.

  • Road Network: In 2012, Mizoram had a road network of around 8,500 kilometres (5,300 mi) including unsurfaced village roads to surfaced national highways; and there were 106,000 registered motor vehicles.[8] The village roads are primarily single lane or unmetalled tracks that are typically lightly trafficked. Mizoram had 871 kilometres of national highways, 1,663 kilometres of state highways and 2,320 kilometres of surfaced district roads. All of Mizoram's 23 urban centres and 59% of its 764 villages are connected by all weather roads. However, landslide and weather damage to these roads is significant in parts.[92] The state is connected to the Indian network through Silchar in Assam through the National Highway 54. Another highway, NH-150 connects the state's Seling Mizoram to Imphal Manipur and NH-40A links the State with Tripura. A road between Champhai and Tiddim in Burma has been proposed and is awaiting co-operation from the Burmese authorities.
 
Lengpui Airport Building
  • Airport: Mizoram has an airport, Lengpui Airport (IATA: AJL), near Aizawl and its runway is 3,130 feet long at an elevation of 1,000 feet.[93] Aizawl airport is linked from Kolkata – a 60-minute flight. Inclement weather conditions mean that at certain times the flights are unreliable. Mizoram can also be reached via Assam's Silchar Airport, which is about 200 kilometres (120 mi) (around 6 hours) by road to Aizawl.
  • Railway: There is a rail link at Bairabi railway station but it is primarily for goods traffic. The nearest practical station to Mizoram is at Silchar in Assam. Bairabi is about 110 kilometres (68 mi) and Silchar is about 180 kilometres (110 mi) from the state capital. The Government is now planning to start a broad gauge Bairabi Sairang Railway connection for better connectivity in the state.[citation needed]
  • Helicopter: A Helicopter service by Pawan Hans has been started which connects the Aizawl with Lunglei, Lawngtlai, Saiha, Chawngte, Serchhip, Champhai, Kolasib, Khawzawl, Mamit and Hnahthial.[94][95]
  • Water Ways: Mizoram is in the process of developing water ways with the port of Akyab Sittwe in Burma along its biggest river, Chhimtuipui. It drains into Burma's Rakhine state, and finally enters the Bay of Bengal at Akyab, which is a popular port in Sittwe, Burma. The Indian government considers it a priority to set up inland water ways along this river to trade with Burma. The project is known as the Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project.[96] India is investing $103 million to develop the Sittwe port on Burma's northern coast, about 160 kilometres (99 mi) from Mizoram. State Peace and Development Council of Burma has committed $10 million for the venture.[97] The project is expected to be complete in 2015, and consists of two parts.[98] First, river Kaladan (or Kolodyne, Chhimtuipui) is being dredged and widened from the port at Sittwe to Paletwa, in Chin province, adjacent to Mizoram. This 160 km inland waterway will enable cargo ships to enter, upload and offload freight in Paletwa, Myanmar; this is expected to be complete in 2014. As second part of the project, being constructed in parallel, includes a 62 km two-lane highway from Paletwa (also known as Kaletwa or Setpyitpyin) to Lomasu, Mizoram. Additionally, an all weather multilane 100 km road from Lomasu to Lawngtlai in Mizoram is being built to connect it with the Indian National Highway 54. This part of the project is slated to be complete by 2015. Once complete, this project is expected to economically benefit trade and horticulture exports of Mizoram, as well as improve economic access to 60 million people of landlocked northeast India and Myanmar.[98]

Education

 
Aizawl Theological College

Mizoram schools are run by the state and central government or by private organisation. Instruction is mainly in English and Mizo. Under the 10+2+3 plan, students may enroll in general or professional degree programs after passing the Higher Secondary Examination (the grade 12 examination). Mizoram has one Central University (Mizoram University), one engineering college (National Institute of Technology Mizoram) and one private university (a branch of the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India). A medical college, Zoram Medical College was also inaugurated on 2018 and offer 100 seats for MBBS course.

Culture

The culture of the Mizo tribes and its social structure has undergone tremendous change over 100 years, since the arrival of Christianity in the late 1890s. Contemporary people of Mizoram celebrate Christmas, Easter and other Christian celebrations replacing many of old tribal customs and practices.

The growth of Christianity, scholars state,[99] was shaped from a foundation of cultural, religious and socio-political structure. One such foundation cultural element of Mizo people was Hnatlang, states Hlawndo, which literally means social work, united labour or community labour (the word hna‘ means job or work in the Mizo language; and tlang‘ means together and mutual). The tribal members who were absent from such social work (for reasons other than illness and disability) were penalised – a form of strong peer pressure. Jhum cultivation and raids on neighbouring tribes required Hnatlang, the spirit of united labour and equal sharing of the result.

A consequence of Hnatlang was the culture of Tlawmngaihna, which does not have a direct English translation. Tlawmngaihna as cultural concept incorporates behaviour that is self-sacrificing, self-denying, doing what an occasion demands unselfishly and without concern for inconvenience caused, persevering, stoical, stout-hearted, plucky, brave, firm, independent, loath to lose one's good reputation.[100][101][102] Thus, after a fire or landslide or flood damage, the Mizo culture is one of spontaneous humble social work without demands or expectations.

Several other cultural elements of ancient Mizo tribes, some of which became less prevalent after arrival of Christianity, included:[101][103]

  • Zawlbuk: a place near the chief's home, which served as defence camp in times of war, as well as "bachelor house" where the youth gathered and centre of village life.[101][103]
  • Pathian: the term for god, to whom prayers and hymns were recited. The evil spirits were called ramhuai.[103]
  • Nula-rim: the method of courtship in ancient culture. Courtship, pre-marital sex and polygamy were accepted. The man and the woman could have many partners. If the woman got pregnant, the man was required either marry or pay a substantial sum called Sawnman. If the woman's parents discover the relationship, they had a right to demand a payment called Khumpuikaiman. While pre-marital sex was accepted, a woman who was virgin at marriage was more highly esteemed than one who wasn't.[101]
  • Pathlawi: a divorced man.[101]
  • Ramri lehkha: a boundary drawing that identified a chief's tenured land called ram. Only the chief owned the land, and this ownership was hereditary. The tribe and village worked and harvested the land.[101][103]

In modern Mizoram, much of the social life often revolves around church. Community establishments exist in urban centres that arrange social events, sports event, musical concerts, comedy shows and other activities.

Traditional festivals

 
Darkhuang, Zamluang or jamluang – a traditional musical instrument found in Mizoram.Other instruments include khuang (drum), dar (cymbals), as well as bamboo-based phenglawng, tuium and tawtawrawt.[104]

Traditional festivals in Mizoram often revolved around stages of jhum cultivation or the seasons.[105] Community festivals were called kut in the local language, and there were major and minor kuts such as Chapchar Kut, Thalfavang Kut, Mim Kut and Pawl Kut. Chapchar Kut was the festival of spring (February/March), just before jhum started and land was cut-and-burnt for a new crop. Chapchar Kut was most anticipated by youth, a major festival and involved dancing and feasts. Thalfavang Kut celebrated completion of weeding of the jhum crop fields.[106] Mim Kut was the festival dedicated to ancestors after first maize crop was collected, while Pawl Kut celebrated the end of harvest and the start of new year. These festivals slowly disappeared as Christianity became established in Mizoram.

Chapchar Kut was reintroduced and revived in 1973 by Mizo people to celebrate their heritage. Before Christianity arrived in Mizoram, home-brewed alcohol and many meat delicacies were part of the Chapchar celebrations. Now, with Mizoram's state law as a dry state, the youth busy themselves with music and community dancing.[107] Along with reviving traditional festivals, the community has been reviving the traditional dances at these festivals, for example, dances such as Cheraw, Khuallam, Chheihlam and Chai.[108]

Performing arts

Chapchar Kut cheraw dance in Mizoram. Chapchar Kut festival is celebrated during March after completion of their most arduous task of Jhum operation i.e., jungle-clearing (clearing of the remnants of burning).

Mizoram has many traditional dances, such as:

  • Cheraw – a dance that involves men holding bamboo close to the floor. They tap the sticks open and close with the rhythm of music. Women in colourful dresses dance on top, stepping in between and out of the bamboo with the music. It requires co-ordination and skill.[101]
  • Khuallam – a mixed-gender dance that traditionally celebrated successfully hunting with swaying cloth with singing and music.[109]
 
Dance of Mizoram
  • Chheihlam – typically performed over cool evenings with rice beer, people sit in a circle with two or more dancers in the centre; they sing with impromptu often humorous compositions about recent events or guests between them with music and dancers keeping up. The song was called Chheih Hla. Mizo people have tried to introduce Chheihlam dance during church sermons with controversy.[110]
  • Chai – an important dance at the Chapchar Kut, this places the musicians in the centre while men and women in colourful dresses alternate and form a circle; the women held the men at their waist, while men held the women at their shoulders; they step forward to move in circles while swaying left and right with the music. A song may be sung which is also called Chai.[101]

Music

Mizo traditional tunes are very soft and gentle, with locals claiming that they can be sung the whole night without the slightest fatigue. The guitar is a popular instrument and Mizos enjoy country style music. Within the church services are drums, commonly used and known locally as "khuang".[citation needed] The "khuang" is made from wood and animal hide and are often beaten enough to instigate a trance-like state with worshipers as they dance in a circular fashion.

Mizos enjoy singing and, even without musical instruments, they enthusiastically sing together, clapping hands or by using other rhythmic methods. Informal instruments are called chhepchher.[citation needed]

Sports

 
Lammual Stadium

Mizoram's first football league debuted in October 2012. The Mizoram Premiere League had eight teams during the 2012–2013 season and is the highest level league in Mizoram. The eight clubs include Aizawl, Chanmari, Dinthar, FC Kulikawn, Luangmual, Mizoram, RS Annexe, and Reitlang. The season starts each year in October and wraps up with the finals in March.[111]

Tourism

 
Kawpi Waterfall

The Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order 1958, a continuation of a protectionist British colonial rule, requires visitors to Mizoram to have one of two passes.

Domestic tourists

The state requires Indian citizens to have an Inner Line Permit. This is available from the Liaison officer, government of Mizoram in Kolkata, Silchar, Shillong, Guwahati and New Delhi. Those arriving by air can obtain a 15-day visit pass at Lengpui airport, Aizawl by submitting photographs and paying the fee of 120 (US$1.50).[112]

International tourists

Almost all foreign nationals can get the required Protected Area Permit on arrival, and face the same requirements as domestic tourists. However, they additionally have to register themselves with state police within 24 hours of arrival, a formality that most resorts can provide. Citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan and foreign nationals having their origin in these countries are required to get the pass through the Indian consulate or from the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi, before they arrive in Mizoram.[112]

Attractions

Mizoram is a place with flora and fauna rich landscape and pleasant climate.[113] The tourism ministry regulates the maintenance and upgrade of tourist lodges throughout the state.[citation needed]

The state is a bird watcher's destination. For Mrs. Hume's pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae), Mizoram is a stronghold.[114] Wild water buffalo, Sumatran rhinoceros, elephants and other mammals have been spotted in the past.[115][116][117]

Mizoram is also one of few places where a Winterline phenomenon is visible.

Issues

Chakmaland

Chakmaland is the proposed Union territory for the predominantly Buddhist Chakma people in Mizoram. Chakmas have been demanding to convert the existing Chakma Autonomous District Council in Mizoram into a Union territory.[74]

Alcohol prohibition

In 1996, the government of Mizoram banned liquor. The church leaders (Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee) argue that state government should keep the ban and not seek to amend the law, while others argue prohibition should be lifted.[118] However, it has been difficult to enforce the ban due to the high demand for alcohol.[119]

In 2008, the Mizoram Excise and Narcotics (Wine) Rules amended the ban of 1996 to allow the manufacture, export, sale, possession and consumption of wine in Mizoram made from grapes and guava[120] which would help the economy of the state, reduce fruit waste from farms, and encourage large scale commercialisation. In 2011 the bill was amended to include apple, ginger, passion fruit, peach and pear wine.[121]

In 2013, the state assembly unanimously passed a resolution to study the impact of liquor prohibition.[122] In 2014, the state's narcotics minister noted that the liquor ban had produced some serious problems in Mizo society due to the drinking of spurious and unhealthy (locally made) liquor, known as zu. The government suggested it would introduce an amended liquor bill allowing retail shops to operate in Aizawl and other district headquarters to sell liquor – but not in bars. Furthermore, they would not consult the powerful church on the issue.[119] The amended bill was proposed to be tabled for state legislative assembly discussion after May 2014.

The Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition and Control) Act, 2014 (Act No. 8 of 2014) was enacted on 10 July 2014 which received the assent of the governor of Mizoram on 11 July 2014 repealed the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1995, except the Mizoram Excise and Narcotics (Wine) Rules, 2008.

The Mizoram Liquor Prohibition and Control bill of 2014 was repealed on 20 March 2019 with the Mizoram Liquor Prohibition Bill 2019,[123] it was a legislation promised by the Mizo National Front.[124]

Rat problems

Every 50 years, the Mautam bamboo blooms and its high-protein seeds lead to an explosion in the black rat population in the jungle, also referred to as the rat flood, which has historically destroyed entire villages' food supplies after rats move on to farm fields and devour crops. The 1958–59 plague provoked a rural uprising during which the indigenous Mizo people launched a violent 20-year rebellion against the central government. The dispute only saw final resolution in 1986.[125] The 48-year rat problem re-occurred in Mizoram over 2006–08.[126] The crops suffered massive damage, with yields at 30-year lows; the crop yields recovered sharply to pre-mautam levels in 2009 after the mautam passed.[127]

Media and communication

See also Newspapers in Mizoram.

Mizoram's media is growing quickly. Internet access is average, and private television cable channels are popular.[128] Doordarshan, the national television service of India provides terrestrial broadcasting services and All India Radio broadcast programmes related to the indigenous culture and local news. Broadband access is available. In addition to these, there are several websites in local dialects. Print journalism remains a popular news medium in Mizoram; local newspapers include Vanglaini and The Zozam Times. The Mizoram Post, an English-language daily newspaper published from Silchar (Assam) was the most circulated newspaper in Mizoram, in 2007.[129]

Notable people

  • Laldenga (d.1990) - freedom Fighter of Mizoram. Former Party leader of the Mizo National Front (MNF) and the first Chief Minister of Mizoram.
  • Lalduhawma - politician and party president of the Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP). Former Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) for Mizoram.
  • Jeje Lalpekhlua - Mizo Footballer. Player at the Indian Super League (ISL) and Hero I-League. Former Captain of the India national football team.
  • Lalremsiami - hockey player representing India in several International Hockey Events.
  • Jeremy Lalrinnunga - Mizo Weightlifter who win Gold in International Weightlifting event.
  • Robert Lalthlamuana - Mizo Footballer. Player at the Indian Super League (ISL) and Hero I-League.
  • Shylo Malsawmtluanga - Mizo Footballer. Former player at the Hero I-League. Current player of the Mizoram Premier League (MPL).
  • Lalrindika Ralte - Mizo Footballer. Player at the Indian Super League (ISL) and Hero I-League. Currently the captain of East Bengal F.C.
  • Nuchhungi Renthlei (d.2002) - founder of Girls' Auxiliary, a poet, a singer and a school teacher, the first Mizo woman to receive the Padma Shri award
  • H. T. Sangliana, IPS Rtd. - a politician who was a member of the 14th Lok Sabha of India. He represented the Bangalore North Constituency of Karnataka from the BJP.
  • Lalsangzuali Sailo (d.2006)- a singer, songwriter, poet, All India Radio "A" grade artist and a recipient of Padma Shree Award.
  • Brig. T. Sailo (d.2015) - former Chief Minister of Mizoram. Former party leader of the Mizoram People's Conference (MPC)
  • Lal Thanhawla - former Chief Minister of Mizoram and party leader of the Mizoram Congress Party.
  • Ziona (d.2021) - a polygamous man with 38 wives and numerous children and grandchildren.
  • Zoramthanga - present Chief Minister of Mizoram and current party leader of the Mizo National Front (MNF).
  • Jerry Mawihmingthanga - Mizo footballer who plays as a midfielder or winger for Odisha in the Indian Super League.

See also

References

  1. ^ . www.mospi.gov.in. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  2. ^ "Sub-national HDI – Area Database". Global Data Lab. Institute for Management Research, Radboud University. from the original on 23 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
  3. ^ "Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, North East India". mdoner.gov.in. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  4. ^ Sajnani, Encyclopaedia of Tourism Resources in India, Volume 1, ISBN 81-78350173, p. 241.
  5. ^ About Mizoram 20 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine DIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS, Government of Mizoram.
  6. ^ "Mizoram To Be 23rd State Of India, Tribal Customs Protected". APN News. from the original on 28 July 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  7. ^ a b c "CHAPTER 2 SIZE, GROWTH RATE AND RURAL-URBAN DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION IN MIZORAM" (PDF). Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. (PDF) from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Economic Survey, Mizoram 2012-13 28 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine Planning & Programme Implementation, Department Government of Mizoram (2013)
  9. ^ a b c d 9.19 Mizoram 26 November 2013 at the Wayback Machine India State of Forest Report 2011, Govt of India (2012)
  10. ^ J.M. Lloyd, History of the Church in Mizoram: Harvest in the Hills (Aizawl: Synod publication Board, 1991, 2), OCLC 29798339.
  11. ^ a b Demographic Status of Scheduled Tribe Population of India 3 September 2013 at the Wayback Machine Table 1.1, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt of India (2013)
  12. ^ "Mizoram", Population by religious communities, IN: Census, 2001, from the original on 1 July 2010, retrieved 11 October 2013.
  13. ^ a b c State Agriculture Plan 16 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine Agriculture Department, Government of Mizoram (2013)
  14. ^ a b c Agriculture Statistical Abstract 2012-2013 8 August 2014 at the Wayback Machine Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Mizoram (2013)
  15. ^ a b c d Mizoram Economy 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine IBEF, New Delhi (2010)
  16. ^ a b . Reserve Bank of India, Government of India. 2013. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g Mizoram Snapshot 2 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine IBEF India
  18. ^ Lalthangliana B (2001) The History of Mizos in India, Burma and Bangladesh.
  19. ^ a b c C. Nunthara (2002), Mizoram: Society and Polity, ISBN 978-8173870590, pp 51-55
  20. ^ Chatterjee, Suhas (1994). Making of Mizoram: Role of Laldenga. M.D. Publications. p. 1. ISBN 978-81-85880-38-9. from the original on 31 December 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2013.
  21. ^ Singleton, Grant; Belmain, Steve; Brown, Peter; Hardy, Bill, eds. (2010). Rodent Outbreaks: Ecology and Impacts. International Rice Research Institute. pp. 22–. ISBN 978-971-22-0257-5. from the original on 31 December 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2013.
  22. ^ RAMAKRISHNAN and PATNAIK, Jhum: Slash and Burn Cultivation 7 September 2018 at the Wayback Machine, India International Centre Quarterly, Vol. 19, No. 1/2, INDIGENOUS VISION: PEOPLES OF INDIA ATTITUDES TO THE ENVIRONMENT (SPRING-SUMMER 1992), pp. 215-220
  23. ^ a b c Chatterjee, Suhas (1 January 1995). Mizo Chiefs and the Chiefdom. M.D. Publications. pp. 1–3. ISBN 978-81-85880-72-3. from the original on 9 June 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2013.
  24. ^ John Shakespeare, The Lushei Kuki Clans at Google Books, pages 60, 144-158, 200-220
  25. ^ Lalrinnunga Hmar (2010), MIGRATION AND SOCIAL FORMATION OF THE MIZO, PhD Thesis (Awarded), THE NORTH EASTER HILL UNIVERSITY SHILLONG, Chapter 5, pages 115-140
  26. ^ a b c d e f g h Michael Sailo (2006), Administration of Justice in Mizoram, ISBN 978-8183240598, Chapter 2
  27. ^ Ved Prakash (2007), Encyclopaedia of North-East India, Vol. 1 (ISBN 978-81-269-0703-8), 4 (ISBN 978-81-269-0706-9) & 5 (ISBN 978-81-269-0707-6)
  28. ^ Mizoram History 21 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine, National Informatics Centre, Government of India (2012)
  29. ^ a b Kumāra, Braja Bihārī (1 January 1998). Small States Syndrome in India. Concept. p. 75. ISBN 978-81-7022-691-8. from the original on 31 December 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2013.
  30. ^ a b c Dommen, A. J. (1967). Separatist Tendencies in Eastern India. Asian Survey, Vol. 7, No. 10 (Oct. 1967), 726-739
  31. ^ Stepan, Alfred; Linz, Juan J; Yadav, Yogendra (20 January 2011). Crafting State-Nations: India and Other Multinational Democracies. JHU Press. pp. 105–. ISBN 978-0-8018-9723-8. from the original on 31 December 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2013.
  32. ^ Baruah, Sanjib (2007). Durable Disorder: Understanding the Politics of Northeast India. Oxford University Press.
  33. ^ a b Rintluanga Pachuau, pagal Mizoram: A Study in Comprehensive Geography, ISBN 978-81-7211-264-6, Chapter 3
  34. ^ Hamlet Bareh, Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Mizoram, Volume 5, ISBN 8170997925, pp 173-175
  35. ^ Hydro Electric Power Policy of Mizoram 3 September 2014 at the Wayback Machine Government of Mizoram (2010), page 2
  36. ^ T. R. Shankar Raman, Effect of Slash-and-Burn Shifting Cultivation on Rainforest Birds in Mizoram, Northeast India Conservation Biology, Vol. 15, No. 3 (Jun. 2001), pp. 685-698
  37. ^ Grogan, P., Lalnunmawia, F., & Tripathi, S. K. (2012), Shifting cultivation in steeply sloped regions: a review of management options and research priorities for Mizoram state Northeast India, Agroforestry systems, 84(2), 163-177
  38. ^ "Forest Survey report 2021 released; increase of 2,261 sq km in the total forest and tree cover of the country in last two years". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  39. ^ a b c (PDF) (Report). Miscellaneous publication No. 30 Part IV. Vol. 1 (Part-2). Geological Survey of India, Government of India. 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 May 2013. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  40. ^ (Map). India Meteorological Department. Archived from the original on 3 June 2014. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  41. ^ Mizoram 29 March 2014 at the Wayback Machine National Disaster Management Authority, Govt of India (2011)
  42. ^ (PDF). India Meteorology Department. p. 8. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 April 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  43. ^ "Mizoram at a glance". National Informatics Centre:Mizoram. from the original on 30 June 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  44. ^ Mizoram at a glance 30 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine Government of India
  45. ^ State Flower 6 November 2014 at the Wayback Machine Government of Mizoram
  46. ^ a b Birds of Meghalaya 22 January 2015 at the Wayback Machine Avibase (2013)
  47. ^ Pawar, S. and Birand, A. (2001), A survey of amphibians, reptiles and birds in Northeast India, CERC Technical Report 6, Centre for Ecological Research and Conservation, Mysore
  48. ^ Choudhury (2001), Primates in Northeast India: An overview of their Distribution and Conservation Status, In: ENVIS Bulletin: Wildlife and Protected Areas, Non-Human Primates of India. (Editor: Gupta) 1(1): 92-101
  49. ^ WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 18 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine Department of Tourism, Government of Mizoram (2013)
  50. ^ "Census of India Website: Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India". www.censusindia.gov.in.
  51. ^ a b "Mizoram Profile" (PDF). Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. (PDF) from the original on 24 March 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  52. ^ (PDF). The Mizoram Gazette. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 April 2013. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  53. ^ "Alphabetical list of towns & their population, Mizoram" (PDF). India: Census. (PDF) from the original on 27 September 2012. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  54. ^ a b c d THE LAND SYSTEMS OF MIZORAM 14 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine, Govt of Mizoram (2007)
  55. ^ a b Zote, Mona (2005), Heaven in Hell: A paradox 13 September 2018 at the Wayback Machine, India International Centre Quarterly, Vol. 32, No. 2/3, pp 203-212.
  56. ^ a b ORGI. "Census of India Website: Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India". www.censusindia.gov.in. from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  57. ^ a b Hamlet Bareh, Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Mizoram, Volume 5, ISBN 8170997925, pp 260-261
  58. ^ SCHEDULED TRIBES Chapter 4.2 16 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine Planning Commission, Govt of India (2012)
  59. ^ Scheduled Tribes 20 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt of India (2013)
  60. ^ "C-1 Population By Religious Community". census.gov.in. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  61. ^ "Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region, Mizoram State Information". Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region. 2 November 2021. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
  62. ^ a b c d . Census of India, 2011. The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Archived from the original on 25 August 2015.
  63. ^ T Raatan, Encyclopaedia of North-east India: Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram; ISBN 978-8178350684
  64. ^ a b C. Nunthara (2002), Mizoram: Society and Polity, ISBN 978-8173870590, pp 59-63
  65. ^ "About Mizoram". Dept of Panchayati Raj, Government of Mizoram.
  66. ^ Table ST-14a, Indian Census 2001
  67. ^ Memorandum of Settlement (Mizoram Accord) 13 October 2016 at the Wayback Machine, United Nations
  68. ^ Lalchungnunga (1994). Mizoram politics of regionalism and national integration. Reliance.
  69. ^ "Memories of inferno still remain fresh", News link, IN, 6 March 2007, from the original on 3 March 2016, retrieved 17 April 2009.
  70. ^ . ECI. Election Commission of India. Archived from the original on 15 December 2013. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  71. ^ Kaushik, Krishn (6 July 2021). "Ahead of cabinet reshuffle, Thawarchand Gehlot appointed as Karnataka Governor, Sreedharan Pillai as Goa Governor". The Indian Express. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  72. ^ Districts 30 January 2004 at the Wayback Machine Government of Mizoram
  73. ^ Council of Ministers 24 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine Govt of Mizoram
  74. ^ a b Taba Ajum (21 September 2017). "SC verdict on Chakmas, Hajongs could prove catastrophic for Arunachal". Arunachal Times. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  75. ^ a b Districts in Mizoram 6 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine Govt of Mizoram (2012)
  76. ^ "Mizoram GSDP a thang chak NLUP inrêlbawlna sum a tam lo". Vanglaini. from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  77. ^ "Mizoram per capita income". Indian Express. from the original on 6 April 2011. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  78. ^ a b Birthal, Unlocking the potential of Agriculture in northeastern hill region of India, Ind. Journal of Agri. Econ., Vol 65, No. 3, July-Sept 2010, pp 335
  79. ^ Dikshit, K. R., & Dikshit, J. K. (2014), Agriculture in North-East India: Past and Present, In North-East India: Land, People and Economy (pp. 587-637), ISBN 978-94-007-7054-6, Springer Netherlands
  80. ^ . Sify News. Archived from the original on 10 May 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  81. ^ a b Goswami, K., Choudhury, H. K., & Saikia, J. (2012), Factors influencing farmers' adoption of slash and burn agriculture in North East India, Forest Policy and Economics, 15, pp 146-151
  82. ^ Economic and Financial Developments in Mizoram 6 April 2014 at the Wayback Machine Reserve Bank of India (2013)
  83. ^ a b Kumar et al. (2013), Prospects of organic agriculture in eastern himalayan region-A case study of Mizoram, Progressive Agriculture, Vol 13, Issue 2, pp 139-150
  84. ^ Singh and Punitha, Entrepreneurship Development through Anthurium Flower – A Case Study of Mizoram, North-East India, Indian Res. J. Ext. Edu. 12 (3), September 2012, pp 74-78
  85. ^ "Northeast's fourth software technology park in Mizoram". Assam Tribune. from the original on 16 July 2015. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  86. ^ C. Nunthara (2002), Mizoram: Society and Polity, ISBN 978-8173870590, pp 37-39
  87. ^ India Gov. "India 2010 - A Reference Annual". India Gov Website. from the original on 27 September 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2012.
  88. ^ a b Annual Report For 2011-12 28 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine Power & Electricity Department, Government of Mizoram (2013)
  89. ^ a b c Hydro Electric Power Policy Of Mizoram - 2010 3 September 2014 at the Wayback Machine Govt of Mizoram
  90. ^ a b Hydro Power Potential & its Development 28 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine, Power & Electricity Department, Government Of Mizoram
  91. ^ Lalfakzuala. . DIPR Mizoram. Archived from the original on 8 January 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2012.
  92. ^ Dilapidated roads snap Mizoram lifeline 7 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine The Assam Tribune
  93. ^ Aijawl airport 17 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine The Air Database (2011)
  94. ^ . Mizoram DIPR. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
  95. ^ . The Zozam Times. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  96. ^ Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project 28 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region, Govt of India
  97. ^ , Financial Express, archived from the original on 18 February 2007.
  98. ^ a b Nava Thakuria, Northeast India Anticipates Seaport 25 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine, The Diplomat (20 January 2014)
  99. ^ Z. Hlawndo, A STUDY OF THE CULTURAL FACTORS IN THE FOREIGN MISSIONS THINKING OF THE MIZORAM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, PhD Thesis (Awarded), University of Birmingham (2011)
  100. ^ James Dokhuma, "Tlawmngaihna" in Meichher, Vol XI, No. 11, April 1976
  101. ^ a b c d e f g h Nevill Parry, Lushai Custom: A monograph on customs and ceremonies at Google Books
  102. ^ K. Thanzauva, Mizo Tlawmngaihna and Nishkama Karma, in United Theological College Magazine, 1984.
  103. ^ a b c d Suhas Chatterjee (1995), Mizo Chiefs and the Chiefdom, ISBN 978-8185880723
  104. ^ Thanmawia HERITAGE OF MIZO TRADITIONAL MUSIC (AN OVERVIEW) 28 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine Government of Mizoram
  105. ^ Rintluanga Pachuau, Mizoram: A Study in Comprehensive Geography, ISBN 81-7211-264-5, pp 8-10
  106. ^ Thalfavang Kut 18 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine Department of Tourism, Mizoram Government
  107. ^ Chapchar Kut 27 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine Government of Mizoram
  108. ^ CHAPCHAR KUT 18 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine Dept of Tourism, Govt of Mizoram
  109. ^ Kurian, J. C., & Varte, R. T. (1995), CREROW AND KHUALLAM DANCES OF MIZOS, Encyclopaedic Profile of Indian Tribes, Vol 1, ISBN 978-8171412983, Chapter 8
  110. ^ Zama, Margaret (2006), Globalization and the Mizo Story 23 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine, Indian Folklife, No 22, pp 10-11
  111. ^ Khanna, Rakesh. "Mizoram with Rakesh Khanna: Wandering through the busy streets of the capital of Mizoram--its colourful neighbourhoods leaning jauntily on the steep hillsides, with hardly a piece of litter in sight--you will realise that there's a lot going on in the city". Living Media India, Limited. ProQuest 1285445467.
  112. ^ a b ENTRY FORMALITIES 18 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine Department of Tourism, Govt of Mizoram
  113. ^ Choudhury, A.U. (2008) A pocket guide to the birds of Mizoram. Gibbon Books & The Rhino Foundation for Nature in North East India, Guwahati, IN. 122pp. [Supported by Oriental Bird Club, UK]
  114. ^ Choudhury, A.U. (2002). Survey of Mrs Hume's pheasant in North East India. Technical Report No. 5. The Rhino Foundation for Nature in NE India, Guwahati, IN. 30pp. [Final report to the Oriental Bird Club, UK]
  115. ^ Choudhury, AU (1997), "The status of the Sumatran rhinoceros in north-eastern India", Oryx, 31 (2): 151–52, doi:10.1017/s0030605300022043.
  116. ^ Choudhury, A.U. (2010). The vanishing herds: wild water buffalo. Gibbon Books & The Rhino Foundation for Nature in NE India, Guwahati, IN. 184pp. [Supported by CEPF & Taiwan Forestry Bureau]
  117. ^ Choudhury, AU (2001), "The wild elephant Elephas maximus in Mizoram", J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 98 (3): 439–41.
  118. ^ "Mizoram Church no to liquor ban Act amendment Aizawl". webindia123. Suni Systems. 6 June 2009. from the original on 24 May 2012. Retrieved 25 December 2012.
  119. ^ a b Mizoram likely to lift liquor ban 14 February 2014 at the Wayback Machine The Times of India
  120. ^ (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 July 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
  121. ^ Mizoram amends liquor law 22 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine The Shillong Times
  122. ^ Mizoram Assembly clears Liquor Prohibition (Amendment) Bill 22 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine Business Standard (23 July 2013)
  123. ^ "Mizoram passes Bill for total prohibition". indianexpress. 21 March 2019. from the original on 21 March 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
  124. ^ "Mizoram goes dry again as Assembly passes Liquor Prohibition Bill 2019". nenow. 20 March 2019. from the original on 21 March 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
  125. ^ Foster, Peter (3 May 2007), "Indian farmers braced for rat plague", The daily Telegraph, UK, from the original on 3 October 2017, retrieved 5 April 2018.
  126. ^ PHOTOS: Rat Attack in India Set Off by Bamboo Flowering 24 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine National Geographic (March 2009)
  127. ^ Aplin, K., & Lalsiamliana, J. (2010), Chronicles and impacts of the 2005–09 mautam in Mizoram, in Rodent outbreaks: Ecology and Impacts 4 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine, International Rice Research Institute, ISBN 978-971-22-0257-5, pp 13-48
  128. ^ "note". from the original on 28 March 2019.
  129. ^ "Silchar's The Mizoram Post is Mizoram's "largest" paper". misual.com. 18 January 2007.

Further reading

  1. B. Hamlet, Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Mizoram, Volume 5, ISBN 8170997925
  2. C. Nunthara, Mizoram: Society and Polity, ISBN 978-8173870590
  3. T. Raatan, Encyclopaedia of North-east India: Arunachal Pradesh Manipur Mizoram, ISBN 978-8178350684
  4. Zoramdinthara, Mizo Fiction: Emergence and Development, ISBN 978-93-82395-16-4

External links

Government

  • Official website  
  • Official Tourism Site of Mizoram

General information

mizoram, english, ɔːr, listen, state, northeast, india, with, aizawl, seat, government, capital, city, name, state, derived, from, mizo, self, described, name, native, inhabitants, which, mizo, language, means, land, thus, mizo, means, land, mizos, within, ind. Mizoram English m ɪ ˈ z ɔːr e m listen is a state in Northeast India with Aizawl as its seat of government and capital city The name of the state is derived from Mizo the self described name of the native inhabitants and Ram which in the Mizo language means land Thus Mizo ram means land of the Mizos 4 Within India s northeast region it is the southernmost landlocked state sharing borders with three of the Seven Sister States namely Tripura Assam and Manipur The state also shares a 722 kilometre 449 mi border with the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Myanmar 5 MizoramStateClockwise from top Vantawng Waterfall Castle of Beino Boinu Mizo men and women performing Cheraw dance ChamphaiSealCoordinates Aizawl 23 22 N 92 48 E 23 36 N 92 8 E 23 36 92 8 Coordinates 23 22 N 92 48 E 23 36 N 92 8 E 23 36 92 8Country IndiaUnion territory21 January 1972State20 February 1987 CapitalAizawlLargest cityAizawlDistricts11Government GovernorKambhampati Hari Babu Chief MinisterZoramthanga MNF LegislatureUnicameral Assembly 40 seats Parliamentary constituencyRajya Sabha 1 seat Lok Sabha 1 seat High CourtGauhati High CourtArea 1 Total21 081 km2 8 139 sq mi Rank24thPopulation 2011 Total1 091 014 Rank27th Density52 km2 130 sq mi Time zoneUTC 05 30 IST ISO 3166 codeIN MZHDI 2022 0 747high 2 Literacy91 58 2011 Census Official languageMizo and English 3 Websitemizoram wbr gov wbr inSymbols of MizoramEmblemEmblem of MizoramMammalHimalayan serow Capricornis thar BirdMrs Hume s pheasant Syrmaticus humiae FlowerRed Vanda Renanthera imschootiana TreeIndian rose chestnut Mesua ferrea It was elevated to the status of a full State by the State of Mizoram Act 1986Like several other northeastern states of India Mizoram was previously part of Assam until 1972 when it was carved out as a Union Territory 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 6 According to a 2011 census in that year Mizoram s population was 1 091 014 It is the 2nd least populous state in the country 7 Mizoram covers an area of approximately 21 087 square kilometres 8 of which approximately 91 is forested 9 About 95 of Mizoram s population descends from a diverse tribal origin Mizos first began to settle the area in the 16th century coming in waves of immigration from Southeast Asia This immigration lasted through the 18th century 10 Among all of the states of India Mizoram has the highest concentration of tribal people The Mizoram people are currently protected under the Indian constitution as a Scheduled Tribe 11 Mizoram is one of three states of India with a Christian majority 87 12 Its people belong to various Christian denominations being mostly Presbyterians in the north and Baptists in the south Mizoram is a highly literate agrarian economy Slash and burn jhum or shifting cultivation is the most common form of farming though it gives poor crop yields 13 In recent years the jhum farming practices have been steadily replaced with a significant horticulture and bamboo products industry 14 15 The state s gross state domestic product for 2012 was estimated at 69 91 billion US 880 million 8 About 20 of Mizoram s population lives below the poverty line with 35 rural poverty as of 2014 16 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 17 Contents 1 Etymology 2 History 2 1 British era 1840s to 1940s 2 2 Post 1947 3 Geography 3 1 Climate 3 2 Biodiversity 4 Demographics 4 1 Ethnic groups 4 2 Protected demographic category 4 3 Languages 4 4 Religion 4 4 1 Christianity 4 4 2 Buddhism 4 4 3 Hinduism 4 4 4 Others 5 Politics 6 Administration 7 Economy 7 1 Agriculture 7 2 Forestry fisheries and sericulture 7 3 Industry 7 4 Education infrastructure 7 5 Energy infrastructure 8 Transport infrastructure 9 Education 10 Culture 10 1 Traditional festivals 11 Performing arts 11 1 Music 11 2 Sports 12 Tourism 12 1 Domestic tourists 12 2 International tourists 12 3 Attractions 13 Issues 13 1 Chakmaland 13 2 Alcohol prohibition 13 3 Rat problems 14 Media and communication 15 Notable people 16 See also 17 References 18 Further reading 19 External linksEtymology EditThe term Mizoram is derived from two Mizo words Mizo and ram Mizo is the name used to call the native inhabitants and Ram means land There is a dispute on the term zo According to one view zo means highland or hill and Mizoram means land of the Mizos B Lalthangliana says zo may also mean cold region and therefore Mizo may also signify people of the cold region 18 History EditMain article History of Mizoram One of the many battles between British troops and British aligned tribes of Mizoram against a Lusei clan in Mizoram 19 This sketch is by Lieutenant Cole in 1889 titled Looshai expedition 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 20 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 21 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 a form of subsistence agriculture 22 The chiefs were the absolute rulers of their respective clans territories ram although they remained under the nominal political jurisdictions of the Rajas of Manipur Tripura and Burma 23 Prior to 1895 the year that the British Raj gained political control over Mizoram there were many reports of head hunting in the Mizoram area via tribal raids led by 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 24 British era 1840s to 1940s Edit Some of the earliest records of raids and intertribal conflicts are from the early 19th century 19 In the 1840s Captain Blackwood of Britain marched into 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 the First British invasion burning down a Lusei village of 800 tribal houses and freeing 400 Thadou captives 19 25 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 26 The Mizo Hills formally became part of British India in 1895 and practices such as head hunting were banned in Mizoram as well as neighbouring regions 27 The northern and southern Mizo Hills became the Lushai Hills with Aizawl as their headquarters by declaring the whole area as an excluded area a term sometimes used interchangeably with backward tract till India got independence from the British 28 At the time of the British conquest there were around 60 chiefs 23 After Christian missionaries arrived with the gospel the majority of the population became Christians in the first half of the 20th century Post 1947 Edit By the time India gained independence from 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 23 26 Village courts were re implemented in the Mizo region along with other parts of Assam Few Christian missionaries came to Mizoram during 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 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 a body formed for famine relief in 1959 later developed into a new political organisation the Mizo National Front MNF in 1961 29 A period of protests and armed insurgency followed in the 1960s which resulted in the MNF seeking independence from India 30 The Mizo insurgents were getting funded and sponsored by then East Pakistan and China However the turmoil for secession from India staged by MNF failed to garner any public support or participation from people In an attempt to counter these insurgency threats the Indian government bombed state areas affected with insurgency which is the only known bombing of India on its own soil on 5 March 1966 Four French built Dassault Ouragan Fighter Jets nicknamed Toofani of the Indian Air Force and British hunters from Tezpur Kumbhirgram and Jorhat in Assam were deployed to Aizawl the heart of Mizoram and other areas as a part of the operation which continued until 13 March In 1971 the government agreed to convert the Mizo Hills into a Union Territory which became Mizoram in 1972 Following the Mizoram Peace Accord 1986 between the Government and the MNF Mizoram was declared a full fledged state of India in 1987 31 Mizoram was given two seats in the Parliament one each in the Lok Sabha and in the Rajya Sabha 32 After the statehood of Mizoram the region has benefited considerably from the creation of a Central University High Court Bench and autonomous districts for tribes Geography Edit Tuirihiau falls Main article Geography of Mizoram Mizoram is a landlocked state in North East India whose southern part shares 722 8 kilometres long international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh and northern part share domestic borders with Manipur Assam and Tripura It is the fifth smallest state of India with 21 087 km2 8 142 sq mi It extends from 21 56 N to 24 31 N and 92 16 E to 93 26 E 33 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 33 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 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 the southeastern part of the state is the highest peak in Mizoram at 2 210 metres 7 250 ft 34 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 35 Slash and burn or jhum cultivation though discouraged remains in practice in Mizoram and affects its topography 36 37 A report by Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change in 2021 states that Mizoram has the highest forest cover as a percentage of its geographical area of any Indian state being 84 53 forest 38 Tlawng River top and Tuipui river of Mizoram 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 the Surma Group and Tipam Formation such as sandstone siltstone mudstone and rare pockets of shell limestone The eastern part is the Barail Group 39 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 40 The biggest river in Mizoram 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 the Barak River in Cachar District The rivers have a gentle drainage gradient particularly in the south 39 Palak lake is the biggest in Mizoram and covers 30 hectares 74 acres The lake is situated in Saiha district of southern Mizoram It is believed that the lake was created as a result of an earthquake or a flood The local people believe that a submerged village remains intact deep under the waters The Tam Dil lake is a natural lake situated 85 kilometres 53 mi from Aizawl Legend has it that a huge mustard plant once stood in this place When the plant was cut down jets of water sprayed from the plant and created a pool of water thus the lake was named Ţam Dil which means of lake of mustard plant Today the lake is an important tourist attraction and a holiday resort The most significant lake in Mizo history Rih Dil is ironically located in Burma a few kilometres from the Indo Burma border It was believed that departed souls pass through this lake before making their way to Pialral or heaven Mizoram is also called a peninsula state as it is surrounded by international borders on three sides citation needed Climate Edit 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 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 39 The state is in a region where cyclones and landslides can cause weather related emergencies 41 Climate data for Aizawl the capital of Mizoram Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec YearAverage high C F 20 4 68 7 21 7 71 1 25 2 77 4 26 8 80 2 26 3 79 3 25 5 77 9 25 3 77 5 25 5 77 9 25 7 78 3 24 7 76 5 23 0 73 4 21 0 69 8 24 3 75 7 Average low C F 11 4 52 5 12 8 55 0 15 6 60 1 17 5 63 5 18 1 64 6 18 9 66 0 19 1 66 4 19 1 66 4 19 2 66 6 18 0 64 4 15 1 59 2 12 2 54 0 16 4 61 6 Average precipitation mm inches 13 4 0 53 23 4 0 92 73 4 2 89 167 7 6 60 289 0 11 38 406 1 15 99 320 4 12 61 320 6 12 62 305 2 12 02 183 7 7 23 43 2 1 70 15 3 0 60 2 161 4 85 09 Source 42 Biodiversity Edit State symbols of Mizoram 43 Animal Serow Saza Bird Mrs Hume s pheasant Vavu Tree Indian rose chestnut Herhse Flower Red Vanda Senhri Vavu Mrs Hume s pheasant is the state bird 44 top and Senhri Renanthera imschootiana the state flower of Mizoram 45 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 9 Tropical semi evergreen tropical moist deciduous subtropical broadleaved hill and subtropical pine forests are the most common vegetation types found in Mizoram Bamboo is common in the state typically intermixed with other forest vegetation about 9 245 km2 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 is covered by forests 9 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 9 Neptunia oleracea Mizoram is host to numerous species of birds wildlife and flora About 640 species of birds have been identified in 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 46 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 46 Each of these families have many species The state 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 is also home to many reptiles amphibians fish and invertebrates 47 48 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 49 Demographics EditHistorical populationYearPop 190182 434 191191 204 10 6 192198 406 7 9 1931124 404 26 4 1941152 786 22 8 1951196 202 28 4 1961266 063 35 6 1971332 390 24 9 1981493 757 48 5 1991689 573 39 7 2001888 573 28 9 20111 091 014 22 8 Source Census of India 50 Mizoram has a population of 1 091 014 with 552 339 males and 538 675 females 7 This reflects 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 51 The literacy rate of Mizoram in 2011 was 91 33 per cent 51 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 the population of Mizoram lives in Aizawl district which hosts the capital 7 52 53 Ethnic groups Edit 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 26 Mizo people are spread throughout the northeastern states of India Burma and Bangladesh They belong to numerous tribes however to name a particular tribe as the largest is difficult as no concrete census has ever been undertaken 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 54 The term Kuki mean 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 54 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 54 The Bnei Menashe tribe claim Jewish descent 55 The diversity of tribal groups reflects 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 54 The Mizo people usually suffix their descriptive given names with their tribe Other than tribal groups other ethnic groups inhabit Mizoram including Bengalis and Nepalis 56 57 Nepali Gorkhas for example were encouraged to settle in Aizawl area and other parts of Mizoram during the British colonial times Thousands of their descendants are now residents of Mizoram 57 Protected demographic category Edit Mizo girls in Lushei tribe traditional dress According to 2011 census Mizoram had 1 036 115 people 95 of total classified as Scheduled Tribe the highest concentration of protected tribal people in all states of India 11 58 This demographic classification given to Mizoram tribes since the 1950s has provided reservations and extra resources in education and government job opportunities a preferential treatment as a means to accelerate their integration with mainstream society 59 Languages Edit Main article Mizo language Languages of Mizoram in 2011 56 60 Mizo 73 13 Chakma 8 51 Mara 3 84 Tripuri 2 99 Pawi 2 62 Paite 2 04 Hmar 1 65 Bengali 1 37 Other 3 85 Mizo and English are the official languages of the state 61 Mizo is the most widely used language for verbal interactions but English being important for education administration formalities and governance is widely used The Duhlian dialect also known as the Lusei was the first language of Mizoram and has come to be known as the Mizo language The language is mixed with other dialects like the Hmar Mara Lai Thadou Kuki Paite Gangte etc Christian missionaries developed the Mizo script Writing is a combination of the Roman Script and Hunterian transliteration methodology with prominent traces of a phonetics based spelling system There are 25 letters in the alphabet A AW B CH D E F G NG H I J K L M N O P R S T Ṭ with a dot under U V Z Religion Edit Religion in Mizoram 2011 62 Christianity 87 16 Buddhism 8 51 Hinduism 2 75 Islam 1 35 Other or not religious 0 23 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 the largest religious minority in the region followed by Hindus at 2 7 according to the 2011 census 62 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 55 Muslims make up about 1 3 of the state population The remaining 3 000 people are Sikhs Jains and other religions Christianity Edit Main article History of Christianity in Mizoram Solomon s Temple Aizawl The major Christian denomination is the Mizoram Presbyterian Church which was established by the Welsh missionary Rev D E Jones starting in 1894 63 By the time India gained independence from British Empire some 80 of Lushei tribe people had converted to Christianity 64 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 the southern hills of Mizoram the Baptist Church had the dominant following 64 Other Christian churches present in Mizoram include the United Pentecostal Church the Salvation Army the Seventh day Adventist Church Church of God Seventh Day Mizoram Conference Kohhran Thianghlim Roman Catholic Lairam Isua Krista Baptist Kohhran LIKBK Congregational Church of India Maraland Evangelical Church of Maraland Independent Church of India ICI and Evangelical Free Church of India EFCI Buddhism Edit Main article Buddhism in Mizoram State According to 2011 census report there are 93 411 people who follow Buddhism in Mizoram 62 The Chakmas and Tongchangya or Tanchangya have been Buddhist since when historical times and there are approximately one hundred monasteries known as vihara in Pali in Mizoram Hinduism Edit Main article Hinduism in Mizoram According to the 2011 census there were 30 136 Hindus in Mizoram or about 2 75 of the population 62 Others Edit See also Mizo religion There are also a few Mizos who practice Judaism 866 according to 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 65 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 66 Politics EditMain articles Politics of Mizoram and Government of Mizoram Mizoram Assembly House Originally village land locally called ram 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 26 After annexation by the British in the 1890s northern part of Mizoram 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 26 consolidated executive and legislative political power to 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 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 26 In the same year the Young Mizo Association was formed which is still an important institution in Mizoram 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 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 30 This group raised their demand for a separate state comprising all the hill districts of Assam However the demand was not accepted by the government Mizoram Peace Accord was signed in June 1986 The Accord granted political freedoms by making Mizoram a full state of India and included infrastructure provisions such as a High Court and establishment of Mizoram University shown 67 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 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 29 The Front sought sovereign independence for the Mizo territory staging an armed insurrection with the 28 February 1966 uprising against the government 30 The revolt was suppressed by the government of India which carried out airstrikes in Aizawl and surrounding areas 68 69 The secessionist Mizo National Front was outlawed in 1967 as the Mizo Union and other organisations continued the demand for a separate Mizo state within the Republic of India Assam state 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 26 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 was held on 16 February 1987 26 Elections have been held at 5 year intervals since then The most recent Mizoram 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 70 Kambhampati Hari Babu is the governor of Mizoram since July 2021 71 Administration EditMain article List of districts of Mizoram District 72 Population 2011 Population Densityper km2Aizawl 400 309 117Lunglei 161 428 Most Of the People are Chakma Buddhist 35Champhai 125 745 37Lawngtlai 117 894 39Mamit 86 364 29Kolasib 83 955 56Serchhip 64 937 47Saiha 56 574 52 Districts of Mizoram The Mizoram State Legislative Assembly has 40 seats and the Village Councils are 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 73 There are three Autonomous District Councils ADCs for ethnic tribes in Mizoram namely Chakma Autonomous District Council in the southern part of state bordering Bangladesh Lai Autonomous District Council LADC for Lai people in the southern part of the state and Mara Autonomous District Council MADC for Mara people in the southern eastern corner The Chakma people has been demanding to covert the existing Chakma Autonomous District Council in Mizoram into a Union territory under the name Chakmaland This is because the predominantly Buddhist Chakma people in Mizoram have faced discrimination by the Mizo people who are predominantly Christian 74 There are eleven districts in Mizoram A district of Mizoram is headed by a Deputy Commissioner who is in charge of the administration in that particular district The Deputy Commissioner is the executive head of the district responsible for implementing government regulations the law and order situation in the district as well as being responsible for tax collection for the government 75 A Superintendent of Police is responsible for the police administration of each district 75 These officials work with the village councils in each district Economy EditMain article Economy of Mizoram Aizawl The capital city of Mizoram Mizoram gross state domestic product GSDP in 2011 2012 was about 69 91 billion US 880 million 8 The state s gross state domestic product GSDP growth rate was nearly 10 annually over 2001 2013 period As of 2019 the state s GSDP was US 3 57 billion citation needed With international borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar it is an important port state for southeast Asian imports to India as well as exports from India 17 The biggest contributors to state s GSDP growth are Agriculture Public Administration and Construction work 76 Tertiary sector of service sector continued to have the contribution to the GSDP with its share hovering between 58 per cent and 60 per cent during the past decade 17 77 As of 2013 according to the Reserve Bank of India 20 4 of total state population is below poverty line about same as the 21 9 average for India Rural poverty is significantly higher in Mizoram with 35 4 below the poverty line compared to India s rural poverty average of 25 7 while in urban areas of Mizoram 6 4 are below the poverty line 16 Mizoram has a highly literate work force with literacy rate of nearly 90 and widespread use of English The state has a total of 4 300 kilometres of roads of which 927 kilometres are high quality national highways and 700 kilometres of state highways The state is developing its Kolodyne River for navigation and international trade Mizoram s airport is at the capital city of Aizawl The state is a power deficit state with plans to develop its hydroelectric potential After agriculture the major employer of its people include handloom and horticulture industries Tourism is a growth industry In 2008 the state had nearly 7 000 registered companies The state government has been implementing Special Economic Zones SEZs to encourage economic growth 15 Agriculture Edit A paddy field in Zawlpui Serchhip Between 55 to 60 of the working population of the state is annually deployed on agriculture 13 14 The sector s contribution to the gross state domestic product was 30 in 1994 just 14 in 2009 due to economic growth of other sectors 78 Agriculture has traditionally been a subsistence profession in Mizoram It is seen as a means for generate food for one s family ignoring its potential for commerce growth and prosperity Rice remains the largest crop grown in Mizoram by gross value of output 79 Fruits have grown to become the second largest category followed by condiments and spices 78 Jhum practiceBefore 1947 agriculture in Mizoram predominantly used to be slash and burn driven Jhum cultivation This was discouraged by the state government and the practice has been slowly declining 80 A 2012 report 81 estimates the proportion of shifting cultivation area in Mizoram to be about 30 predominant part of which was for rice production 56 to 63 depending on the year Despite dedicating largest amount of labour jhum cultivated and non jhum crop area to rice the yields are low Mizoram average rice yields per acre is about 70 of India s average rice yield per acre and 32 of India s best yield Mizoram produces about 26 of rice it consumes every year and it buys the deficit from other states of India 14 The crop area used for jhum cultivation rotates in Mizoram that is the area slashed and burnt for a crop is abandoned for a few years and then jhumias return to slash and burn the same plot after a few years of non use The primary reasons for cyclical jhum cultivation includes according to Goswami et al 81 personal economic social and physical Jhum cultivation practice offers low crop yields and is a threat to the biome of Mizoram they suggest increased government institutional support shift to higher income horticultural crops assured supply of affordable food staples for survival as means to further reduce jhum cultivation Horticulture Oil palm in Mamit In horticulture and floriculture Mizoram is a significant producer and global exporter of Anthurium over 7 million a year and roses It is also a significant producer and domestic supplier of banana ginger turmeric passion fruit orange and chowchow 15 Mizoram has accomplished this horticulture success and exports in 2009 with just 6 of its cultivated land dedicated to horticulture and floriculture indicating a large potential for further growth and economic integration with other Indian states as well export driven economy 82 In 2013 the area dedicated to horticulture and floriculture increased to 9 4 of 1 2 million hectares potential 8 The agricultural productivity is very low in Mizoram 83 The state gets a lot of rain but its soil is porous and irrigation infrastructure very inadequate this has affected it crop yield and reliability 13 The yield issue that can be addressed by building irrigation infrastructure and adoption of better crop technologies The state also has very low consumption of fertiliser and pesticides which scholars 83 suggest offers an opportunity for organic farming particularly of vegetables and fruits Forestry fisheries and sericulture Edit Mizoram is one of the leading producers of bamboo in India has 27 species of bamboo and supplies 14 of India s commercial bamboo 8 17 Forest products contribute about 5 to the state s gross product The state produces about 5 200 metric tonnes of fish a year about 12 of potential that can be sustainably achieved 8 Sericulture is an important handicraft industry engaged by nearly 8 000 families in over 300 Mizo villages 17 Mizoram produces over 7 million tonnes of Anthurium shown supplying the domestic market as well as exporting it to UAE UK and Japan The majority of producers and income earners from this business are Mizoram women 15 84 Industry Edit Mizoram faces difficulties in the advancement of industries Lack of transport infrastructure is one of the major drawbacks Other problems faced by the state include shortage of electricity capital telecommunication and export market access Mizoram has two industrial estates at Zuangtui and Kolasib 17 Another software technology park is being established in Mizoram University campus 85 The state government has acquired 127 acres of land in Khawnuam for development of the Indo Myanmar border trade township 17 Education infrastructure Edit Main article Education in Mizoram A school campus in Mizoram The first primary school was set up in 1898 at Aizawl by Christian missionaries The state has long enjoyed higher literacy rates than average literacy rates for India In 1961 the literacy was 51 86 By 2011 census it had reached 92 compared to 74 average for India 8 Mizoram is second only to Kerala 87 There were 3 894 schools in Mizoram as of 2012 Of these 42 are publicly owned and managed by Central State governments 28 are private without government subsidies 21 are private with government subsidies and the rest are primary and middle schools that are government financed by run by three Autonomous District Councils of Mizoram The teacher pupil ratio is about 1 20 for primary 1 9 for middle School 1 13 for high and 1 15 for higher secondary schools 8 There are several educational establishments under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education including universities colleges and other institutions Within Mizoram University there are 29 undergraduate departments including 2 professional institutions affiliated with the university The state had 22 other colleges and the total college enrolment was approximately 10 600 students in 2012 8 Other well known institutes are National Institute of Technology Mizoram ICFAI University Mizoram College of Veterinary Sciences amp Animal Husbandry Selesih Aizawl Mizoram and Regional Institute of Paramedical and Nursing Aizawl Energy infrastructure Edit Mizoram is not self sufficient in power In 2012 the state had a demand for 107 MW of power but had an effective installed capacity of only 29 35 MW To bridge the gap it purchased electricity from the national grid 88 Of the total installed power generation capacity all 29 35 MW came from hydel The state also has 22 92 MW of thermal power and 0 50 MW of Diesel generating set as of March 2012 The thermal and diesel generating stations were kept on standby mode owing to their high cost of operation and because it was cheaper to buy the power from the national grid than to operate these standby units 88 The hydroelectric power potential of Mizoram was assessed to be about 3600 MW in 2010 89 and about 4500 MW in 2012 90 If even half of this is realised the state could supply all its citizens and industry with 24 7 electricity as well as earn income by selling surplus power to the national grid The topography of Mizoram hydroelectric resources is ideal for power projects The following rivers are suited for hydel projects with minimal impact on its biosphere Tuivai Tuivawl Tlawng Tut Serlui Tuirial Kolodyne Tuichang Tuipui Tiau and Mat Beyond the major rivers Mizoram has many small but perennial streams and rivulets with ideal condition for developing micro mini and small hydroelectric projects 89 The state has proposed projects to attract private investments on Build Own Operate and Transfer BOOT basis with financial assistance in rehabilitating its citizens were they to be affected by the project The largest proposed project is expected to be on Kolodyne 460 MW and there are dozens of small to micro projects that have been identified 89 By 2014 the state had signed memorandums to build and add 835 MW of electricity generation projects Tuivai SHP with VGF 210 MW in Champhai district Kolodyne II SHP with NHPC 460 MW in Siaha district Bairabi with Sikaria Power 80 MW in Kolasib district Tuirini with SPNL 38 MW in Aizawl district and Tuivawl with SPML as well 42 MW in Aizawl district 90 91 Transport infrastructure EditThe state is the southernmost in India s far northeast placing Mizoram in a disadvantageous position in terms of logistical ease response time during emergencies and its transport infrastructure Prior to 1947 the distance to Kolkata from Mizoram was shorter but ever since travel through Bangladesh has been avoided and traffic loops through Assam an extra 1 400 kilometres to access the economic market of West Bengal This remoteness from access to economic markets of India is balanced by the state s closeness to southeast Asian market and its over 700 kilometres of international boundary Road Network In 2012 Mizoram had a road network of around 8 500 kilometres 5 300 mi including unsurfaced village roads to surfaced national highways and there were 106 000 registered motor vehicles 8 The village roads are primarily single lane or unmetalled tracks that are typically lightly trafficked Mizoram had 871 kilometres of national highways 1 663 kilometres of state highways and 2 320 kilometres of surfaced district roads All of Mizoram s 23 urban centres and 59 of its 764 villages are connected by all weather roads However landslide and weather damage to these roads is significant in parts 92 The state is connected to the Indian network through Silchar in Assam through the National Highway 54 Another highway NH 150 connects the state s Seling Mizoram to Imphal Manipur and NH 40A links the State with Tripura A road between Champhai and Tiddim in Burma has been proposed and is awaiting co operation from the Burmese authorities Lengpui Airport Building Airport Mizoram has an airport Lengpui Airport IATA AJL near Aizawl and its runway is 3 130 feet long at an elevation of 1 000 feet 93 Aizawl airport is linked from Kolkata a 60 minute flight Inclement weather conditions mean that at certain times the flights are unreliable Mizoram can also be reached via Assam s Silchar Airport which is about 200 kilometres 120 mi around 6 hours by road to Aizawl Railway There is a rail link at Bairabi railway station but it is primarily for goods traffic The nearest practical station to Mizoram is at Silchar in Assam Bairabi is about 110 kilometres 68 mi and Silchar is about 180 kilometres 110 mi from the state capital The Government is now planning to start a broad gauge Bairabi Sairang Railway connection for better connectivity in the state citation needed Helicopter A Helicopter service by Pawan Hans has been started which connects the Aizawl with Lunglei Lawngtlai Saiha Chawngte Serchhip Champhai Kolasib Khawzawl Mamit and Hnahthial 94 95 Water Ways Mizoram is in the process of developing water ways with the port of Akyab Sittwe in Burma along its biggest river Chhimtuipui It drains into Burma s Rakhine state and finally enters the Bay of Bengal at Akyab which is a popular port in Sittwe Burma The Indian government considers it a priority to set up inland water ways along this river to trade with Burma The project is known as the Kaladan Multi modal Transit Transport Project 96 India is investing 103 million to develop the Sittwe port on Burma s northern coast about 160 kilometres 99 mi from Mizoram State Peace and Development Council of Burma has committed 10 million for the venture 97 The project is expected to be complete in 2015 and consists of two parts 98 First river Kaladan or Kolodyne Chhimtuipui is being dredged and widened from the port at Sittwe to Paletwa in Chin province adjacent to Mizoram This 160 km inland waterway will enable cargo ships to enter upload and offload freight in Paletwa Myanmar this is expected to be complete in 2014 As second part of the project being constructed in parallel includes a 62 km two lane highway from Paletwa also known as Kaletwa or Setpyitpyin to Lomasu Mizoram Additionally an all weather multilane 100 km road from Lomasu to Lawngtlai in Mizoram is being built to connect it with the Indian National Highway 54 This part of the project is slated to be complete by 2015 Once complete this project is expected to economically benefit trade and horticulture exports of Mizoram as well as improve economic access to 60 million people of landlocked northeast India and Myanmar 98 Education Edit Aizawl Theological College Main article Education in Mizoram See also List of institutions of higher education in Mizoram Mizoram schools are run by the state and central government or by private organisation Instruction is mainly in English and Mizo Under the 10 2 3 plan students may enroll in general or professional degree programs after passing the Higher Secondary Examination the grade 12 examination Mizoram has one Central University Mizoram University one engineering college National Institute of Technology Mizoram and one private university a branch of the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India A medical college Zoram Medical College was also inaugurated on 2018 and offer 100 seats for MBBS course Culture EditThe culture of the Mizo tribes and its social structure has undergone tremendous change over 100 years since the arrival of Christianity in the late 1890s Contemporary people of Mizoram celebrate Christmas Easter and other Christian celebrations replacing many of old tribal customs and practices The growth of Christianity scholars state 99 was shaped from a foundation of cultural religious and socio political structure One such foundation cultural element of Mizo people was Hnatlang states Hlawndo which literally means social work united labour or community labour the word hna means job or work in the Mizo language and tlang means together and mutual The tribal members who were absent from such social work for reasons other than illness and disability were penalised a form of strong peer pressure Jhum cultivation and raids on neighbouring tribes required Hnatlang the spirit of united labour and equal sharing of the result A consequence of Hnatlang was the culture of Tlawmngaihna which does not have a direct English translation Tlawmngaihna as cultural concept incorporates behaviour that is self sacrificing self denying doing what an occasion demands unselfishly and without concern for inconvenience caused persevering stoical stout hearted plucky brave firm independent loath to lose one s good reputation 100 101 102 Thus after a fire or landslide or flood damage the Mizo culture is one of spontaneous humble social work without demands or expectations Several other cultural elements of ancient Mizo tribes some of which became less prevalent after arrival of Christianity included 101 103 Zawlbuk a place near the chief s home which served as defence camp in times of war as well as bachelor house where the youth gathered and centre of village life 101 103 Pathian the term for god to whom prayers and hymns were recited The evil spirits were called ramhuai 103 Nula rim the method of courtship in ancient culture Courtship pre marital sex and polygamy were accepted The man and the woman could have many partners If the woman got pregnant the man was required either marry or pay a substantial sum called Sawnman If the woman s parents discover the relationship they had a right to demand a payment called Khumpuikaiman While pre marital sex was accepted a woman who was virgin at marriage was more highly esteemed than one who wasn t 101 Pathlawi a divorced man 101 Ramri lehkha a boundary drawing that identified a chief s tenured land called ram Only the chief owned the land and this ownership was hereditary The tribe and village worked and harvested the land 101 103 In modern Mizoram much of the social life often revolves around church Community establishments exist in urban centres that arrange social events sports event musical concerts comedy shows and other activities Traditional festivals Edit Darkhuang Zamluang or jamluang a traditional musical instrument found in Mizoram Other instruments include khuang drum dar cymbals as well as bamboo based phenglawng tuium and tawtawrawt 104 Traditional festivals in Mizoram often revolved around stages of jhum cultivation or the seasons 105 Community festivals were called kut in the local language and there were major and minor kuts such as Chapchar Kut Thalfavang Kut Mim Kut and Pawl Kut Chapchar Kut was the festival of spring February March just before jhum started and land was cut and burnt for a new crop Chapchar Kut was most anticipated by youth a major festival and involved dancing and feasts Thalfavang Kut celebrated completion of weeding of the jhum crop fields 106 Mim Kut was the festival dedicated to ancestors after first maize crop was collected while Pawl Kut celebrated the end of harvest and the start of new year These festivals slowly disappeared as Christianity became established in Mizoram Chapchar Kut was reintroduced and revived in 1973 by Mizo people to celebrate their heritage Before Christianity arrived in Mizoram home brewed alcohol and many meat delicacies were part of the Chapchar celebrations Now with Mizoram s state law as a dry state the youth busy themselves with music and community dancing 107 Along with reviving traditional festivals the community has been reviving the traditional dances at these festivals for example dances such as Cheraw Khuallam Chheihlam and Chai 108 Performing arts Edit source source source source source source source source source source source source Chapchar Kut cheraw dance in Mizoram Chapchar Kut festival is celebrated during March after completion of their most arduous task of Jhum operation i e jungle clearing clearing of the remnants of burning Mizoram has many traditional dances such as Cheraw a dance that involves men holding bamboo close to the floor They tap the sticks open and close with the rhythm of music Women in colourful dresses dance on top stepping in between and out of the bamboo with the music It requires co ordination and skill 101 Khuallam a mixed gender dance that traditionally celebrated successfully hunting with swaying cloth with singing and music 109 Dance of Mizoram Chheihlam typically performed over cool evenings with rice beer people sit in a circle with two or more dancers in the centre they sing with impromptu often humorous compositions about recent events or guests between them with music and dancers keeping up The song was called Chheih Hla Mizo people have tried to introduce Chheihlam dance during church sermons with controversy 110 Chai an important dance at the Chapchar Kut this places the musicians in the centre while men and women in colourful dresses alternate and form a circle the women held the men at their waist while men held the women at their shoulders they step forward to move in circles while swaying left and right with the music A song may be sung which is also called Chai 101 Music Edit Main article Music of Mizoram Mizo traditional tunes are very soft and gentle with locals claiming that they can be sung the whole night without the slightest fatigue The guitar is a popular instrument and Mizos enjoy country style music Within the church services are drums commonly used and known locally as khuang citation needed The khuang is made from wood and animal hide and are often beaten enough to instigate a trance like state with worshipers as they dance in a circular fashion Mizos enjoy singing and even without musical instruments they enthusiastically sing together clapping hands or by using other rhythmic methods Informal instruments are called chhepchher citation needed Sports Edit Lammual Stadium Main article Sports in Mizoram Mizoram s first football league debuted in October 2012 The Mizoram Premiere League had eight teams during the 2012 2013 season and is the highest level league in Mizoram The eight clubs include Aizawl Chanmari Dinthar FC Kulikawn Luangmual Mizoram RS Annexe and Reitlang The season starts each year in October and wraps up with the finals in March 111 Tourism Edit Kawpi Waterfall Main article Tourism in Mizoram See also Tourism in North East India The Foreigners Protected Areas Order 1958 a continuation of a protectionist British colonial rule requires visitors to Mizoram to have one of two passes Domestic tourists Edit The state requires Indian citizens to have an Inner Line Permit This is available from the Liaison officer government of Mizoram in Kolkata Silchar Shillong Guwahati and New Delhi Those arriving by air can obtain a 15 day visit pass at Lengpui airport Aizawl by submitting photographs and paying the fee of 120 US 1 50 112 International tourists Edit Almost all foreign nationals can get the required Protected Area Permit on arrival and face the same requirements as domestic tourists However they additionally have to register themselves with state police within 24 hours of arrival a formality that most resorts can provide Citizens of Afghanistan China and Pakistan and foreign nationals having their origin in these countries are required to get the pass through the Indian consulate or from the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi before they arrive in Mizoram 112 Attractions Edit Mizoram is a place with flora and fauna rich landscape and pleasant climate 113 The tourism ministry regulates the maintenance and upgrade of tourist lodges throughout the state citation needed The state is a bird watcher s destination For Mrs Hume s pheasant Syrmaticus humiae Mizoram is a stronghold 114 Wild water buffalo Sumatran rhinoceros elephants and other mammals have been spotted in the past 115 116 117 Mizoram is also one of few places where a Winterline phenomenon is visible Issues EditChakmaland Edit Chakmaland is the proposed Union territory for the predominantly Buddhist Chakma people in Mizoram Chakmas have been demanding to convert the existing Chakma Autonomous District Council in Mizoram into a Union territory 74 Alcohol prohibition Edit In 1996 the government of Mizoram banned liquor The church leaders Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee argue that state government should keep the ban and not seek to amend the law while others argue prohibition should be lifted 118 However it has been difficult to enforce the ban due to the high demand for alcohol 119 In 2008 the Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Wine Rules amended the ban of 1996 to allow the manufacture export sale possession and consumption of wine in Mizoram made from grapes and guava 120 which would help the economy of the state reduce fruit waste from farms and encourage large scale commercialisation In 2011 the bill was amended to include apple ginger passion fruit peach and pear wine 121 In 2013 the state assembly unanimously passed a resolution to study the impact of liquor prohibition 122 In 2014 the state s narcotics minister noted that the liquor ban had produced some serious problems in Mizo society due to the drinking of spurious and unhealthy locally made liquor known as zu The government suggested it would introduce an amended liquor bill allowing retail shops to operate in Aizawl and other district headquarters to sell liquor but not in bars Furthermore they would not consult the powerful church on the issue 119 The amended bill was proposed to be tabled for state legislative assembly discussion after May 2014 The Mizoram Liquor Prohibition and Control Act 2014 Act No 8 of 2014 was enacted on 10 July 2014 which received the assent of the governor of Mizoram on 11 July 2014 repealed the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act 1995 except the Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Wine Rules 2008 The Mizoram Liquor Prohibition and Control bill of 2014 was repealed on 20 March 2019 with the Mizoram Liquor Prohibition Bill 2019 123 it was a legislation promised by the Mizo National Front 124 Rat problems Edit Every 50 years the Mautam bamboo blooms and its high protein seeds lead to an explosion in the black rat population in the jungle also referred to as the rat flood which has historically destroyed entire villages food supplies after rats move on to farm fields and devour crops The 1958 59 plague provoked a rural uprising during which the indigenous Mizo people launched a violent 20 year rebellion against the central government The dispute only saw final resolution in 1986 125 The 48 year rat problem re occurred in Mizoram over 2006 08 126 The crops suffered massive damage with yields at 30 year lows the crop yields recovered sharply to pre mautam levels in 2009 after the mautam passed 127 Media and communication EditSee also Newspapers in Mizoram Mizoram s media is growing quickly Internet access is average and private television cable channels are popular 128 Doordarshan the national television service of India provides terrestrial broadcasting services and All India Radio broadcast programmes related to the indigenous culture and local news Broadband access is available In addition to these there are several websites in local dialects Print journalism remains a popular news medium in Mizoram local newspapers include Vanglaini and The Zozam Times The Mizoram Post an English language daily newspaper published from Silchar Assam was the most circulated newspaper in Mizoram in 2007 129 Notable people EditLaldenga d 1990 freedom Fighter of Mizoram Former Party leader of the Mizo National Front MNF and the first Chief Minister of Mizoram Lalduhawma politician and party president of the Zoram Nationalist Party ZNP Former Member of Parliament Lok Sabha for Mizoram Jeje Lalpekhlua Mizo Footballer Player at the Indian Super League ISL and Hero I League Former Captain of the India national football team Lalremsiami hockey player representing India in several International Hockey Events Jeremy Lalrinnunga Mizo Weightlifter who win Gold in International Weightlifting event Robert Lalthlamuana Mizo Footballer Player at the Indian Super League ISL and Hero I League Shylo Malsawmtluanga Mizo Footballer Former player at the Hero I League Current player of the Mizoram Premier League MPL Lalrindika Ralte Mizo Footballer Player at the Indian Super League ISL and Hero I League Currently the captain of East Bengal F C Nuchhungi Renthlei d 2002 founder of Girls Auxiliary a poet a singer and a school teacher the first Mizo woman to receive the Padma Shri award H T Sangliana IPS Rtd a politician who was a member of the 14th Lok Sabha of India He represented the Bangalore North Constituency of Karnataka from the BJP Lalsangzuali Sailo d 2006 a singer songwriter poet All India Radio A grade artist and a recipient of Padma Shree Award Brig T Sailo d 2015 former Chief Minister of Mizoram Former party leader of the Mizoram People s Conference MPC Lal Thanhawla former Chief Minister of Mizoram and party leader of the Mizoram Congress Party Ziona d 2021 a polygamous man with 38 wives and numerous children and grandchildren Zoramthanga present Chief Minister of Mizoram and current party leader of the Mizo National Front MNF Jerry Mawihmingthanga Mizo footballer who plays as a midfielder or winger for Odisha in the Indian Super League See also Edit Geography portal Asia portal India portalOutline of India Bibliography of India Mizo Hlakungpui Mual Mizo musicReferences Edit AREA AND POPULATION Statistical Year Book India 2017 Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation Government Of India www mospi gov in Archived from the original on 4 August 2020 Retrieved 9 February 2020 Sub national HDI Area Database Global Data Lab Institute for Management Research Radboud University Archived from the original on 23 September 2018 Retrieved 25 September 2018 Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region North East India mdoner gov in Retrieved 24 February 2021 Sajnani Encyclopaedia of Tourism Resources in India Volume 1 ISBN 81 78350173 p 241 About Mizoram Archived 20 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine DIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION amp PUBLIC RELATIONS Government of Mizoram Mizoram To Be 23rd State Of India Tribal Customs Protected APN News Archived from the original on 28 July 2013 Retrieved 20 August 2012 a b c CHAPTER 2 SIZE GROWTH RATE AND RURAL URBAN DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION IN MIZORAM PDF Registrar General amp Census Commissioner India Archived PDF from the original on 13 November 2013 Retrieved 20 June 2014 a b c d e f g h i j k Economic Survey Mizoram 2012 13 Archived 28 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine Planning amp Programme Implementation Department Government of Mizoram 2013 a b c d 9 19 Mizoram Archived 26 November 2013 at the Wayback Machine India State of Forest Report 2011 Govt of India 2012 J M Lloyd History of the Church in Mizoram Harvest in the Hills Aizawl Synod publication Board 1991 2 OCLC 29798339 a b Demographic Status of Scheduled Tribe Population of India Archived 3 September 2013 at the Wayback Machine Table 1 1 Ministry of Tribal Affairs Govt of India 2013 Mizoram Population by religious communities IN Census 2001 archived from the original on 1 July 2010 retrieved 11 October 2013 a b c State Agriculture Plan Archived 16 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine Agriculture Department Government of Mizoram 2013 a b c Agriculture Statistical Abstract 2012 2013 Archived 8 August 2014 at the Wayback Machine Directorate of Agriculture Government of Mizoram 2013 a b c d Mizoram Economy Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine IBEF New Delhi 2010 a b See 2012 data in 3rd set of Table 162 Number and Percentage of Population Below Poverty Line Reserve Bank of India Government of India 2013 Archived from the original on 7 April 2014 Retrieved 20 April 2014 a b c d e f g Mizoram Snapshot Archived 2 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine IBEF India Lalthangliana B 2001 The History of Mizos in India Burma and Bangladesh a b c C Nunthara 2002 Mizoram Society and Polity ISBN 978 8173870590 pp 51 55 Chatterjee Suhas 1994 Making of Mizoram Role of Laldenga M D Publications p 1 ISBN 978 81 85880 38 9 Archived from the original on 31 December 2013 Retrieved 28 August 2013 Singleton Grant Belmain Steve Brown Peter Hardy Bill eds 2010 Rodent Outbreaks Ecology and Impacts International Rice Research Institute pp 22 ISBN 978 971 22 0257 5 Archived from the original on 31 December 2013 Retrieved 28 August 2013 RAMAKRISHNAN and PATNAIK Jhum Slash and Burn Cultivation Archived 7 September 2018 at the Wayback Machine India International Centre Quarterly Vol 19 No 1 2 INDIGENOUS VISION PEOPLES OF INDIA ATTITUDES TO THE ENVIRONMENT SPRING SUMMER 1992 pp 215 220 a b c Chatterjee Suhas 1 January 1995 Mizo Chiefs and the Chiefdom M D Publications pp 1 3 ISBN 978 81 85880 72 3 Archived from the original on 9 June 2016 Retrieved 28 August 2013 John Shakespeare The Lushei Kuki Clans at Google Books pages 60 144 158 200 220 Lalrinnunga Hmar 2010 MIGRATION AND SOCIAL FORMATION OF THE MIZO PhD Thesis Awarded THE NORTH EASTER HILL UNIVERSITY SHILLONG Chapter 5 pages 115 140 a b c d e f g h Michael Sailo 2006 Administration of Justice in Mizoram ISBN 978 8183240598 Chapter 2 Ved Prakash 2007 Encyclopaedia of North East India Vol 1 ISBN 978 81 269 0703 8 4 ISBN 978 81 269 0706 9 amp 5 ISBN 978 81 269 0707 6 Mizoram History Archived 21 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine National Informatics Centre Government of India 2012 a b Kumara Braja Bihari 1 January 1998 Small States Syndrome in India Concept p 75 ISBN 978 81 7022 691 8 Archived from the original on 31 December 2013 Retrieved 28 August 2013 a b c Dommen A J 1967 Separatist Tendencies in Eastern India Asian Survey Vol 7 No 10 Oct 1967 726 739 Stepan Alfred Linz Juan J Yadav Yogendra 20 January 2011 Crafting State Nations India and Other Multinational Democracies JHU Press pp 105 ISBN 978 0 8018 9723 8 Archived from the original on 31 December 2013 Retrieved 28 August 2013 Baruah Sanjib 2007 Durable Disorder Understanding the Politics of Northeast India Oxford University Press a b Rintluanga Pachuau pagal Mizoram A Study in Comprehensive Geography ISBN 978 81 7211 264 6 Chapter 3 Hamlet Bareh Encyclopaedia of North East India Mizoram Volume 5 ISBN 8170997925 pp 173 175 Hydro Electric Power Policy of Mizoram Archived 3 September 2014 at the Wayback Machine Government of Mizoram 2010 page 2 T R Shankar Raman Effect of Slash and Burn Shifting Cultivation on Rainforest Birds in Mizoram Northeast India Conservation Biology Vol 15 No 3 Jun 2001 pp 685 698 Grogan P Lalnunmawia F amp Tripathi S K 2012 Shifting cultivation in steeply sloped regions a review of management options and research priorities for Mizoram state Northeast India Agroforestry systems 84 2 163 177 Forest Survey report 2021 released increase of 2 261 sq km in the total forest and tree cover of the country in last two years pib gov in Retrieved 28 February 2022 a b c Geology and mineral resources of Manipur Mizoram Nagaland and Tripura PDF Report Miscellaneous publication No 30 Part IV Vol 1 Part 2 Geological Survey of India Government of India 2011 Archived from the original PDF on 10 May 2013 Retrieved 20 June 2014 Seismic zoning map Map India Meteorological Department Archived from the original on 3 June 2014 Retrieved 20 June 2014 Mizoram Archived 29 March 2014 at the Wayback Machine National Disaster Management Authority Govt of India 2011 Monthly mean maximum amp minimum temperature and total rainfall based upon 1901 2000 data PDF India Meteorology Department p 8 Archived from the original PDF on 13 April 2015 Retrieved 20 June 2014 Mizoram at a glance National Informatics Centre Mizoram Archived from the original on 30 June 2015 Retrieved 5 May 2015 Mizoram at a glance Archived 30 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine Government of India State Flower Archived 6 November 2014 at the Wayback Machine Government of Mizoram a b Birds of Meghalaya Archived 22 January 2015 at the Wayback Machine Avibase 2013 Pawar S and Birand A 2001 A survey of amphibians reptiles and birds in Northeast India CERC Technical Report 6 Centre for Ecological Research and Conservation Mysore Choudhury 2001 Primates in Northeast India An overview of their Distribution and Conservation Status In ENVIS Bulletin Wildlife and Protected Areas Non Human Primates of India Editor Gupta 1 1 92 101 WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Archived 18 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine Department of Tourism Government of Mizoram 2013 Census of India Website Office of the Registrar General amp Census Commissioner India www censusindia gov in a b Mizoram Profile PDF Registrar General amp Census Commissioner India Archived PDF from the original on 24 March 2016 Retrieved 20 June 2014 Classification of urban areas and rural areas in Mizoram PDF The Mizoram Gazette Archived from the original PDF on 12 April 2013 Retrieved 27 August 2012 Alphabetical list of towns amp their population Mizoram PDF India Census Archived PDF from the original on 27 September 2012 Retrieved 27 August 2012 a b c d THE LAND SYSTEMS OF MIZORAM Archived 14 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine Govt of Mizoram 2007 a b Zote Mona 2005 Heaven in Hell A paradox Archived 13 September 2018 at the Wayback Machine India International Centre Quarterly Vol 32 No 2 3 pp 203 212 a b ORGI Census of India Website Office of the Registrar General amp Census Commissioner India www censusindia gov in Archived from the original on 15 August 2018 Retrieved 9 August 2018 a b Hamlet Bareh Encyclopaedia of North East India Mizoram Volume 5 ISBN 8170997925 pp 260 261 SCHEDULED TRIBES Chapter 4 2 Archived 16 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine Planning Commission Govt of India 2012 Scheduled Tribes Archived 20 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine Ministry of Tribal Affairs Govt of India 2013 C 1 Population By Religious Community census gov in Retrieved 3 January 2021 Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region Mizoram State Information Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region 2 November 2021 Retrieved 9 November 2021 a b c d Population by religion community 2011 Census of India 2011 The Registrar General amp Census Commissioner India Archived from the original on 25 August 2015 T Raatan Encyclopaedia of North east India Arunachal Pradesh Manipur Mizoram ISBN 978 8178350684 a b C Nunthara 2002 Mizoram Society and Polity ISBN 978 8173870590 pp 59 63 About Mizoram Dept of Panchayati Raj Government of Mizoram Table ST 14a Indian Census 2001 Memorandum of Settlement Mizoram Accord Archived 13 October 2016 at the Wayback Machine United Nations Lalchungnunga 1994 Mizoram politics of regionalism and national integration Reliance Memories of inferno still remain fresh News link IN 6 March 2007 archived from the original on 3 March 2016 retrieved 17 April 2009 Assembly Elections December 2013 Results ECI Election Commission of India Archived from the original on 15 December 2013 Retrieved 4 May 2017 Kaushik Krishn 6 July 2021 Ahead of cabinet reshuffle Thawarchand Gehlot appointed as Karnataka Governor Sreedharan Pillai as Goa Governor The Indian Express Retrieved 24 May 2022 Districts Archived 30 January 2004 at the Wayback Machine Government of Mizoram Council of Ministers Archived 24 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine Govt of Mizoram a b Taba Ajum 21 September 2017 SC verdict on Chakmas Hajongs could prove catastrophic for Arunachal Arunachal Times Retrieved 11 March 2021 a b Districts in Mizoram Archived 6 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine Govt of Mizoram 2012 Mizoram GSDP a thang chak NLUP inrelbawlna sum a tam lo Vanglaini Archived from the original on 17 October 2013 Retrieved 24 August 2012 Mizoram per capita income Indian Express Archived from the original on 6 April 2011 Retrieved 20 August 2012 a b Birthal Unlocking the potential of Agriculture in northeastern hill region of India Ind Journal of Agri Econ Vol 65 No 3 July Sept 2010 pp 335 Dikshit K R amp Dikshit J K 2014 Agriculture in North East India Past and Present In North East India Land People and Economy pp 587 637 ISBN 978 94 007 7054 6 Springer Netherlands Mizoram to implement new land use policy Sify News Archived from the original on 10 May 2013 Retrieved 20 August 2012 a b Goswami K Choudhury H K amp Saikia J 2012 Factors influencing farmers adoption of slash and burn agriculture in North East India Forest Policy and Economics 15 pp 146 151 Economic and Financial Developments in Mizoram Archived 6 April 2014 at the Wayback Machine Reserve Bank of India 2013 a b Kumar et al 2013 Prospects of organic agriculture in eastern himalayan region A case study of Mizoram Progressive Agriculture Vol 13 Issue 2 pp 139 150 Singh and Punitha Entrepreneurship Development through Anthurium Flower A Case Study of Mizoram North East India Indian Res J Ext Edu 12 3 September 2012 pp 74 78 Northeast s fourth software technology park in Mizoram Assam Tribune Archived from the original on 16 July 2015 Retrieved 20 August 2012 C Nunthara 2002 Mizoram Society and Polity ISBN 978 8173870590 pp 37 39 India Gov India 2010 A Reference Annual India Gov Website Archived from the original on 27 September 2012 Retrieved 10 August 2012 a b Annual Report For 2011 12 Archived 28 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine Power amp Electricity Department Government of Mizoram 2013 a b c Hydro Electric Power Policy Of Mizoram 2010 Archived 3 September 2014 at the Wayback Machine Govt of Mizoram a b Hydro Power Potential amp its Development Archived 28 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine Power amp Electricity Department Government Of Mizoram Lalfakzuala Bairabi Dam Project 80MW leh Tlawng Hep 55MW Tan Mou Ziakfel DIPR Mizoram Archived from the original on 8 January 2014 Retrieved 13 August 2012 Dilapidated roads snap Mizoram lifeline Archived 7 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine The Assam Tribune Aijawl airport Archived 17 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine The Air Database 2011 Mizorama helicopter service Tur chief minister in Hawng Mizoram DIPR Archived from the original on 12 December 2013 Retrieved 14 August 2012 Nilaini atangin Helicopter Service The Zozam Times Archived from the original on 23 September 2015 Retrieved 20 August 2012 Kaladan Multi modal Transit Transport Project Archived 28 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region Govt of India Govt to spend 100 million on linking Mizoram to Burma Financial Express archived from the original on 18 February 2007 a b Nava Thakuria Northeast India Anticipates Seaport Archived 25 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine The Diplomat 20 January 2014 Z Hlawndo A STUDY OF THE CULTURAL FACTORS IN THE FOREIGN MISSIONS THINKING OF THE MIZORAM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PhD Thesis Awarded University of Birmingham 2011 James Dokhuma Tlawmngaihna in Meichher Vol XI No 11 April 1976 a b c d e f g h Nevill Parry Lushai Custom A monograph on customs and ceremonies at Google Books K Thanzauva Mizo Tlawmngaihna and Nishkama Karma in United Theological College Magazine 1984 a b c d Suhas Chatterjee 1995 Mizo Chiefs and the Chiefdom ISBN 978 8185880723 Thanmawia HERITAGE OF MIZO TRADITIONAL MUSIC AN OVERVIEW Archived 28 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine Government of Mizoram Rintluanga Pachuau Mizoram A Study in Comprehensive Geography ISBN 81 7211 264 5 pp 8 10 Thalfavang Kut Archived 18 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine Department of Tourism Mizoram Government Chapchar Kut Archived 27 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine Government of Mizoram CHAPCHAR KUT Archived 18 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine Dept of Tourism Govt of Mizoram Kurian J C amp Varte R T 1995 CREROW AND KHUALLAM DANCES OF MIZOS Encyclopaedic Profile of Indian Tribes Vol 1 ISBN 978 8171412983 Chapter 8 Zama Margaret 2006 Globalization and the Mizo Story Archived 23 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine Indian Folklife No 22 pp 10 11 Khanna Rakesh Mizoram with Rakesh Khanna Wandering through the busy streets of the capital of Mizoram its colourful neighbourhoods leaning jauntily on the steep hillsides with hardly a piece of litter in sight you will realise that there s a lot going on in the city Living Media India Limited ProQuest 1285445467 a b ENTRY FORMALITIES Archived 18 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine Department of Tourism Govt of Mizoram Choudhury A U 2008 A pocket guide to the birds of Mizoram Gibbon Books amp The Rhino Foundation for Nature in North East India Guwahati IN 122pp Supported by Oriental Bird Club UK Choudhury A U 2002 Survey of Mrs Hume s pheasant in North East India Technical Report No 5 The Rhino Foundation for Nature in NE India Guwahati IN 30pp Final report to the Oriental Bird Club UK Choudhury AU 1997 The status of the Sumatran rhinoceros in north eastern India Oryx 31 2 151 52 doi 10 1017 s0030605300022043 Choudhury A U 2010 The vanishing herds wild water buffalo Gibbon Books amp The Rhino Foundation for Nature in NE India Guwahati IN 184pp Supported by CEPF amp Taiwan Forestry Bureau Choudhury AU 2001 The wild elephant Elephas maximus in Mizoram J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 98 3 439 41 Mizoram Church no to liquor ban Act amendment Aizawl webindia123 Suni Systems 6 June 2009 Archived from the original on 24 May 2012 Retrieved 25 December 2012 a b Mizoram likely to lift liquor ban Archived 14 February 2014 at the Wayback Machine The Times of India The Mizoram Excise amp Narcotics Wine Rules 2008 PDF Archived from the original PDF on 7 July 2017 Retrieved 12 October 2017 Mizoram amends liquor law Archived 22 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine The Shillong Times Mizoram Assembly clears Liquor Prohibition Amendment Bill Archived 22 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine Business Standard 23 July 2013 Mizoram passes Bill for total prohibition indianexpress 21 March 2019 Archived from the original on 21 March 2019 Retrieved 21 March 2019 Mizoram goes dry again as Assembly passes Liquor Prohibition Bill 2019 nenow 20 March 2019 Archived from the original on 21 March 2019 Retrieved 21 March 2019 Foster Peter 3 May 2007 Indian farmers braced for rat plague The daily Telegraph UK archived from the original on 3 October 2017 retrieved 5 April 2018 PHOTOS Rat Attack in India Set Off by Bamboo Flowering Archived 24 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine National Geographic March 2009 Aplin K amp Lalsiamliana J 2010 Chronicles and impacts of the 2005 09 mautam in Mizoram in Rodent outbreaks Ecology and Impacts Archived 4 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine International Rice Research Institute ISBN 978 971 22 0257 5 pp 13 48 note Archived from the original on 28 March 2019 Silchar s The Mizoram Post is Mizoram s largest paper misual com 18 January 2007 Further reading EditB Hamlet Encyclopaedia of North East India Mizoram Volume 5 ISBN 8170997925 C Nunthara Mizoram Society and Polity ISBN 978 8173870590 T Raatan Encyclopaedia of North east India Arunachal Pradesh Manipur Mizoram ISBN 978 8178350684 Zoramdinthara Mizo Fiction Emergence and Development ISBN 978 93 82395 16 4External links Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mizoram Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Mizoram Government Official website Official Tourism Site of MizoramGeneral information Mizoram at Curlie Geographic data related to Mizoram at OpenStreetMap Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Mizoram amp oldid 1128783618, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.