Chonmipem Horam
Mizoram lies in the north -eastern part of India, bordering Myanmar, Bangladesh, Manipur, Assam, and Tripura. A mountainous region rich in flora and fauna, it became the 23rd State of Indian Union in February 1987. Known as the `land of the highlanders`, the state is endowed with an amazing moderate climate which is neither hot in summer nor cold in winter.
History
Historians are of the view that Mizo tribes were a part of the Mongolian race that migrated from China to India. Early migrants were known as Kukis, the second immigrants were called the New Kukis. Lushais were considered the last of the migrants. During the Britsh rule various incidents took place that led to the political awakening of the Mizos.
History has its record that Mizoram was once devastated by a tremendous famine in 1959 known as the`Mautam Famine`.This havoc was caused by flowering of bamboos that multiply rat population. They started attacking crops. Thousands lost their lives out of starvation. With government unable to provide support, Mizo Cultural Society (now christened as Mizoram National Front) was founded with Pu Laldenga as its secretary to voice for affected sections of people.
Demands for separation from India became popular in due course. There were various reports of tribal raids, demanding status of statehood. This revolution continued for over 3 decades. It ultimately led to the signing of an accord between (MNF) and Union Government on 30th June, 1986. Thus, the formalization of the state of Mizoram came into being in 20 February, 1987.
Geography
Mizoram is basically a land of hills, rivers and lakes. Its landscape is defined by large mountainous regions with slopes forming deep gorges leading to several streams and rivers. The highest peak in Mizoram is the Blue Mountain with height of 2210 metres. Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram is the political, commercial, educational and cultural hub of the state. It is divided into 11 districts.The climate is pleasant throughout the year. The temperature varies between 20ºC -30ºC during summer and between 11ºC -21ºC in winter.
Demographics
With a population of over 8,91,058, the state ranks 1st in literacy rate with 91.1%.
Mizos are divided into numerous tribes, the largest of which are possibly the Lushais, that comprise almost two-thirds of the state`s population. Other tribes include Hmar, Mara, Paite, Lai, Ralte. Out of these, 87% of population practice christianity.
Culture
Mizos adopted close-knit society with no discrimination on grounds of class, sex.
They practice Jhum cultivation and most festivals wove around such agricultural activities. Mim Kut, Pawl kut, Chapchar Kut festivals are some of the prominent ones across the state.
Mim Kut is celebrated after the harvest of maize around the month of August-September. Singing, dancing, drinking rice-beer, and feasting are the main activities. Chaphar Kut, another spring festival is celebrated during March after completion of Jhum operation. Pawl Kut is harvest festival, celebrated after December harvest.
The most distinctive dance of Mizos is called `Cheraw`, known as `Bamboo dance`. Long bamboo staves are used for this dance. The dance is performed to wish safe passage and victorious entry into the adobe of the dead called `Pialral` for the souls of mothers, who die at childbirth.
The drum and gong are two traditional musical instruments of the Mizos. But contemporary music are incorporated with western genres such as rock, pop, hip-hop and R&B.
Economy
Agriculture is the mainstay of the people of Mizoram. More than 70% of the total population is engaged in agriculture. Cottage industry and other small-scale industries play important roles in the state`s economy. The agro-climatic conditions of Mizoram are conducive to agricultural and horticultural crops. As a result, strong and effective food processing sector plays significant supportive role in economy.
Tourism
Mizoram can be the right gateway from the crowded city life with a wide array of festivals and dances, handicrafts, flora and fauna, natural beauty and a cool temperate climate.
There are a number of places in Mizoram which are ‘must see’ tourist sports.
Blue Mountain: The Highest peak in Mizoram, the Blue Mountain (Phawngpui) is situated in Chhimtuipui district overlooking the bend of river Koldyne (Chhimtuipui) close the state`s border with Myanmar.
Pukzing Cave: The largest cave in Mizoram, it is situated at Pukzing village near Marpara in the district of Aizawl district (Mamit).
Milu Puk: Puk meaning cave in Mizo is situated near Mamte village over 100 kms, from Lunglei town believed to contain heaps of human skeleton.
Lamsial Puk: Found in Farkawn village in Aizawl (Champhai) district, the cave as a silent testimony of a battle between two neighboring villages in which many lost their lives. The bodies of the fighters from village Lamsial are said to have been kept in the cave.
Sibuta Lung: Erected about three hundreds years ago by a tribal chief, this memorial stone is named after him. The memorial offers a terrible story of jilted love and lust for revenge. Having been rejected by a girl he had fallen headlong in love with, Sibuta went mad for revenge and decided to raise a memorial to himself in a manner which displayed an insane mind. A huge rock awash with the blood of three people sacrificed by Sibuta was carried over a distance of 10 km from the Tlawng river. Darlalpuii, a beautiful young girl, was crushed alive in a pit dug to erect the mausoleum. The memorial was raised over Darlai who lost her life under weight of the stone.
Phulpui Grave, Chhingpuii Memorial, Mangkhai Lung(memorial stone) Syangpuilawn Inscriptions are some of notable ones.
Connectivity
Mizoram is accessible from Kolkata via Silchar Airport, which is about 200 km. from Aizawl. It is connected from the rest of states through National Highway 54. NH-150 also connects the state to Imphal, Manipur. While, NH-40A links the State with Tripura. Mizoram can be easily reached by train at Bairabi rail station or via Silchar. Bairabi is about 110 km, where Silchar is about 180 km. from Aizawl.
Polity
Mizoram is governed by a Chief Minister (currently, Shri Zoramthanga) and a Council of Ministers responsible to an elected unicameral legislature and by Governor (Lt. Gen MM Lakhra), appointed by President of India. The Mizoram Legislative Assembly has 40 members who are elected by means of a popular vote.
Mizoram is represented in Parliament by 2 Members, one in Lok Sabha and the other in Rajya Sabha.
|
