12/03/2019
Mizoram :
Mizoram, the land of the blue mountain is one of the youngest states in the country situated in the north-eastern part of India. Mizoram is perched like a lonely state on the southernmost tip of the north eastern border of India. Mizoram is bordered by Burma in the east and south, Bangladesh and Tripura in the west and Assam and Manipur in the north. Mizoram is mainly a Christian populated state. Mizoram occupies an area of 21,087 square kms, and supports a population of over five Lakh who are known as 'Mizo'. The capital of Mizoram is Aizawl, a picturesque town built in tiers along the hill. Aizawl is located at nearly 4,000 feet above sea level, and a religious and cultural center of the Mizos. The climate is not uniform in the entire state. The valleys are warm and humid while the higher ridges are delightfully cool and pleasant even in the hot season of the year. The temperature ranges from 20 to 29 degree Celsius in summer and 11 to 20 degree Celsius in winter. There is something about the people, the blue hills rolling endlessly, clear blue skies, the lay of the land, white painted houses perched on bamboo sticks at
the edge of steep gorge and the temperate climate that makes every journey into Mizoram a pleasurable experience.
History of Mizoram
Very little is known about the early history of Mizoram. Between 1750 and 1850, the Mizo tribes formerly known as Lushai migrated from the nearby Chin Hills and subjugated the indigenous population. These tribes were assimilated into their own society. The Mizos were the group of tribesmen related to the Shans, who came to India. The Mizo developed an autocratic political system based on some 300 hereditary chieftainship. The tribes of Mizoram remained unaffected by foreign political influence until the British annexed Assam in 1826 under the Treaty of Yandabo. It was not annexed until the early 1890s, and come under British control after two decades. For the first few years after the British annexation, Lushai hills in the north remained under Assam while the southern half remained under Bengal. Both these parts were later combined in 1898 into one district called Lushai Hills District under the Chief Commissioner of Assam. With the implementation of the North-Eastern Reorganization Act in 1972, the Lushai Hills District was known as Mizoram and it became a Union Territory. Due to the historic memorandum of settlement signed between Government of India and the Mizo National Front in 1986, Mizoram became the 23rd state of the Indian Union on 29th February, 1987. The state has eight districts. The raiding of British tea plantations which carried on until around the end of the last century led to the introduction of the Inner Line Permits which gave free access to missionaries to visit the area.
Geography of Mizoram
Evergreen forests, exotic flora and fauna, and the hilly areas are criss-crossed by gushing rivers and their tributaries and various silvery streams. The hills with an average height of 900 meter, run in ridges from north to south. These ridges vary from about 3,000 feet to 7,000 feet. The steep hills are cut apart by rivers creating deep and narrow gorges. Besides a small portion lying in the plains, the entire state is full of ranges running in the north-south direction. The highest peak, the blue mountain locally known as "Phawngpui" that means vast meadow is about 2,065 m in height. The plains are mostly located in the eastern part of Mizoram
like Champhai (about 7-km in length and 3-km in width) and Vanlaiphai (about 6-km in length and 3-km in width). Through this land mass of hills and plains flow the main 13 rivers, which irrigate and render the soil fertile for cultivation.
People of Mizoram
The people of Mizoram are known as 'Mizos'. The term 'Mizo' is made of two words, 'Mi' means man and 'Zo' means hills. Thus Mizo means a "hill man". The Mizos are simple, happy, carefree, contented, generous and freedom-loving people. The Mizos are also known as the ‘Songbird of the North east'. The Mizos enjoy a rich culture, and are passionately drawn to dance and songs.
Dances of Mizoram
The main dances of Mizoram are Cheraw, Khuallam, Chheih Hla (Chheih lam) and Sawlakia. Cheraw is dedicated to the departed souls of mothers who died at childbirth so that she may enter the abode safely. In this dance, the dancers use bamboo sticks. Khuallam is a dance which is done in the honour of visitors and guests. Chheihlam is a dance which is done over gallons of rice beer. Sawlakia is the traditional dance of the Mara.
Festivals of Mizoram
The three main festivals of Mizos are Chapchar K*t, Mini K*t and Pawl K*t. Chapchar K*t is the greatest and traditional spring festival observed after completion of the cutting down of the jungles. This festival is celebrated in the beginning of March with dances and feasts. In this festival, the Mizos dressed in traditional Mizo costumes perform the most famous Cheraw dance. Mini K*t is the maize festival celebrated in September after the maize harvest is dedicated to the departed souls. Pawl K*t is observed after the harvest in December and devoted to children's welfare. During these festivals, villagers sing, dance and feast in thanksgiving.
Places in Mizoram
Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram has different places of interest. Some of the worth visiting places in Aizawl are Mizoram State Museum, Vantawng Water falls, Palak Lake, Phawngui mountain, Pukzing Cave, Tamdil Lake, Dampa Sanctuary, Champhai, Lunglei, Siaha. The Mizoram State Museum is situated on the top of the McDonald Hill. It has an interesting collection of historical relics, ancient costumes and traditional implements. Durtlang is the gateway to Aizawl and one of the highest points in town. From here one can have a panoramic view of the city of Aizawl spread out in all its splendour.
Art & Craft of Mizoram
The Mizo art and craft items can be treasured. Mizoram has rich and colourful range of handlooms. The Mizos are born weavers and the intricate designs created by them are a delight. Puandum, one of the most important handlooms of the Mizos, are made from cotton and are handmade. Hnika, made from silk or cotton, is also one of the finest handlooms of the Mizos. Bamboo and cane play a vital role in their lives. Most of the houses are made of bamboo, and various items like cane furniture and household items are carved out of bamboo. The main shopping attraction of Mizoram is the Khumbeu ceremonial Bamboo hat, which is made of waterproof wild Hnathial leaves. Bara Bazaar is the main shopping center in Aizawl. All handicrafts and handloom items, Chinese toys, Taiwanese electronic gadgets and Burmese fabric are available here. This shopping area has shops on either side, and the majority of them are run by women.
Wildlife Sanctuaries in Mizoram
Mizoram, being a thickly wooded state, has a very wide range of flora and fauna. The Himalayan Maple and bamboo are one of the most important trees in Mizoram. It is also the home of various rare species of orchids. Mizoram is home to a large family of birds and animals, moths and butterflies. There are various wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Mizoram like Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary, Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary, Phawngpui National Park, Murlen National Park, Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary, Palak Wildlife Sanctuary and Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary
