Famous State of Mizoram in india

  By Dhananjai | September 4, 2012 | INDIAN CULTURE

History It is believed the Mizo people came from China and settled here about 300 years ago. Mizoram, in the 18th century, had an autocratic political system, ruled by hereditary chieftains. In the 1890s, the British annexed the Lushai Hills (as the hills of Mizoram are commonly known as) district to Assam. During the British rule, Christian missionaries were encouraged to come to Mizoram to proselytise and preach. They did and as a consequence, almost 95% of the Mizo population is Christian. The indigenous Buddhist and animist tribes such as the Chakmas and Reangs have been persecuted and even driven out of the state. In 1959 a natural calamity called ‘Mautam’ began. Every 18 years the bamboo forests burst into flower and the blooms attract hordes of rats who multiply in hordes, having fed on the flower that is reputed to have aphrodisiacal properties. These rodents then proceed to devour the rice fields and vegetable gardens. The bamboo flowering was followed by a two-year famine. The Mizo people were enraged at the apathy of the Indian Administration and formed the Mizo National Front, which fought a long drawn insurgency with the Central government. A peace accord was signed in 1986 and Mizoram became a state of India on 20th February 1987.

Economy Mizoram has a predominantly agricultural economy. Small-scale irrigation is undertaken to help the growth of crops. The state is famous for fibreless ginger. Other crops grown here are rice, maize, mustard, sugarcane, sesame and potatoes. Basketry, saw mills, printing press, brick making, sericulture and soap making also contribute to the economy. The state has rubber, coffee and tea plantations. It is rich in coal, limestone and natural gas.

Language The Mizo people are of a Mongoloid race related to the Shaans of Burma. The Lushai, Hmars, Paithes, Raltes, Pang, Mara, Lakher, Kukis and Pawis of Mizoram are the tribes who were previously believers of the Pathan (good spirit). With the coming of the British and consequently the Christian missionaries, most people converted to Christianity. The nomadic Chakmas practice a curious mix of Hinduism, Buddhism and Animism. Most people speak in English besides Mizo. Mizo is written in Roman script. In the tribal villages, the Chief’s house and ‘Zawlbuk’ (the community house for the single men) are the major attractions. All women are taught to weave from the age of 8 and men are adept at basketry. The most interesting fact of the social fabric is the complete lack of gender and class discrimination. Apart from Mizo, the tribal language, English is very widely spoken.

Religion 95% of the population is Christian and this is quite evident in the numerous white churches that dot the landscape.

Food Mizo food is simple, basically made up of lentils, bamboo shoots and fish; pork, chicken and wild game meat and rice are hot favourites. Maize is widely grown and eaten.

Culture and Crafts Although the advent of Christianity brought about a big change, the colourful culture of the Mizos has remained intact. They have done away with animal sacrifices and drinking of the local liquor “zu” but have preserved the concept of “bride money”. All Christian festivals are celebrated with traditional gaiety. The well-known “Cheraw” or bamboo dance is just one of the numerous tribal dances of Mizoram. Predominantly an agrarian state, the dances and festivals celebrate an agricultural event like sowing or reaping. Very hospitable, the tribes also dance and sing to entertain their guests. Western choral singing has become very popular since Christianity became the main religion. The traditional crafts of Mizoram are weaving and cane and bamboo work. The Mizo women weave intricate traditional designs on their looms. Worth mentioning are the shawls that have tribal clan motifs woven into them and are passed down the generations.

Tourist info centres

1. Mizoram House, Circular Road, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi: 110021. Tel: 011 23016408/23017017, 23010548
2. Mizoram House, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi – 110021 Tel: 011 26145360/26145401
3. Mizoram House, Block 1B, Plot No 168, Sector 3, Salt Lake, Calcutta: 700091. Tel: 033 23353209
4. Mizoram House, Christian Basti, G.S. Road, Guwahati: 788005. Tel: 0361 56426.

How to get there by Air Flights from Kolkata, Silchar and Guwahati connect Aizawl, the capital city, six.

How to get there by Rail Mizoram does not have any rail links. The nearest railhead, Silchar, in Assam, is 180 km away. Silchar railway station is well connected to Aizawl along National Highway 54 by buses and hired taxis. However, the most convenient railhead is Guwahati (Assam), which is very well connected to the rest of India. From Guwahati to Aizawl, it is a 506 km drive and there are plenty of buses and taxis that cover the distance.

How to get there by Road All the north eastern states of India are linked to Mizoram by reasonably good roads. Silchar to Aizawl (180 km) is a 6-8 hr journey on the National Highway 54. Reasonably good roads link Guwahati (506 km), Imphal (374 km), Kohima (497 km), (Shillong 430 km) and Agartala (443km) to Aizawl. Several buses ply between these distances. Taxis and hired cars with chauffers are readily available because roads are the only effective way of communication between the neighbouring states and Mizoram.

Getting around Within Mizoram, one can move about in state run buses, private buses and tourist taxis. Car rental is possible in the capital city, Aizawl.

Where to Stay in Mizoram

There is a range of places to stay in Mizoram - mid-range and budget accommodation is available in Aizawl, the capital city. In the rest of the state the places to stay there are government circuit houses and small hotels, which need to be booked in advance.

Best Time to Visit Mizoram

November to March is the best time to visit Mizoram with the mercury dropping to a comfortable range between 11º and 29°C. The sky is a brilliant blue and the morning mists envelope the valleys between the hills presenting a visual treat. This is lovely time to go trekking in the hills and also see nature at it’s very best. The rains come in May to Mizoram and continue till September making the region very wet and humid. So it may be best to avoid travel here at this time of the year. The Mizos celebrate an agarian festival called ‘Kut’ and it is celebrated thrice a year – March, September and then again in November. The festivities are connected with the planting, ploughing, and harvesting of the crops. Christmas is also celbrated with fervour all over Mizoram.

Climate The Tropic of Cancer runs through the middle of Mizoram. The climate therefore is temperate with cool summers and not-so-cold winters. The state experiences heavy rains from May to September. Winter is very pleasant; the skies are wonderfully blue and the sunshine is immensely enjoyable. Annual rainfall: 250 cm. Average temperatures are 11°-21° C in winter and 20°-29° Celsius in summer.

Things to do in Mizoram

The picturesque beauty and various tourist attractions in Mizoram provide a traveller with several options on what things to do here. Visit Aizawl, the capital city, for its beautiful churches and shopping areas; Durtlang Hills, Tamdil Lake, Champai, and Ruantlang for their scenic beauty. Take a trip to Dampa wildlife sanctuary which houses East Himalayan wild animals.
Go shopping to the Bada Bazaar in Aizawl, for exclusive handicrafts, handloom items and a variety of souvenirs. Outdoor activities in Mizoram range from angling and boating to camping, caving, trekking and mountaineering. The major festivals of Mizoram centre on agriculture and have many dances associated with them. The three Kut Festivals are the most significant festivals of the state.