Tourism of Mizoram
The hilly city Aizawl located nearly 4,000 feet above sea-level, is a religious and cultural centre of Mizoram where indigeneous handicrafts are also available. Champhai is a beautiful resort on the Myanmar border. Tamdil a natural lake with virgin forest is 60 km from Aizawl and 10 km from tourist resort of Saitual, Vantawng falls, five km from hill station Thezawl, are the highest and most beautiful waterfalls in Mizoram. The department of tourism has opened Tourist Lodge at Aizawl, Lunglei, Champhai and wayside restaurant at Thingdawl, Hnahthial, recreational centre at Beraw Tiang and Alpine picnic hut at District Park near Zobawk.
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Mizoram is one of the seven northeastern states of India, bordered by Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) to the east and south, Bangladesh to the west, and by the states of Manipur, Assam, and Tripura to the north. Mizoram means . Land of the Highlanders. in the local language, Mizo. The Mizo Hills, which dominate the state's topography, rise to more than 2000 m (6560 ft) near the Myanmar border. Aizawl, the state capital, is 1220 m (4000 ft) above sea level.
An amalgam of the former north and south Lushai hill districts, Mizoram is a land of great natural beauty, an endless variety of landscape with rich flora and fauna, clusters of whispering pines and quaint villages with houses on stilts.
The Tropic of Cancer runs through the heart of Mizoram, and hence, it has a pleasantly temperate climate throughout the year. A land of steep hills and deep gorges, Mizoram's highest peak 'The Blue Mountain' rises to a height of 2165 metres. Important rivers that flow through this hilly state are Tlawang, Sonai, Tuivawl, Kolodine and Kamaphuli.
Mizoram has a single-chamber Legislative Assembly of 40 seats. The state sends two members to the Indian national parliament: one to the Rajya Sabha (upper house) and one to the Lok Sabha (lower house). The state has eight districts.
History
Little is known of Mizoram's early history. Between 1750 and 1850 the Mizo (formerly called Lushai) tribes migrated from the nearby Chin Hills and subjugated the indigenous population; these similar tribes were assimilated into their own society. The Mizo developed an autocratic political system based on some 300 hereditary chieftanships.
The tribes of Mizoram remained unaffected by foreign political influence until the British annexed Assam in 1826 under the Treaty of Yandabo. During the next decades, Mizo raids into British territory led to occasional punitive expeditions by the British. Although not formally annexed until the early 1890s, the region had come under British control two decades earlier.
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 amalgamated in 1898 into one district called Lushai Hills District under the Chief Commissioner of Assam. With the implementation of the North-Eastern Reorganisation Act in 1972, Mizoram became a Union Territory and as a sequel to the signing of the historic memorandum of settlement between Government of India and the Mizo National Front in 1986, it was granted statehood on 20 February 1987.
Society and Culture
The Mizos are divided into several tribes - the Lushais, Pawis, Paithes, Raltes, Pang, Himars, Kukis etc. Society is based largely around tribal villages. The chief's house and the zawlbuk (community house for young, single men) are the focus of village life. Mizo and English are the official languages. The literacy rate in Mizoram is about 82 percent, one of the highest in India. More than 80 percent of the population are Christians; the great majority are Protestants who were converted by missionaries during the 19th century. There are Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu minorities. The nomadic Chakmas practice a combination of Hinduism, Buddhism, and animism (the worship of nature deities and other spirits).
Though mostly Christians, the hill people have kept alive their rich cultural heritage, colourful customs and lively traditions. An interesting tradition amongst the Mizos is the code of Ethics which revolves around tlawmngaihna, an untranslatable term which means that every Mizo is duty bound to be hospitable, kind, unselfish and helpful to the poor and needy.
Festivals and dances of the Mizos have a unique tribal flavour. Other than Christmas and New Year's Day which are the most popular festivals, Chapchar Kut (after clearing of jungles for cultivation of the jhum crop in February-March), Pawl Kut (after the harvests when the granary is full in December) and Mim Kut (dedicated to departed souls after the maize harvest in September), are the other occasions celebrated with much gusto. The most popular dances of Mizoram are Cheraw (Bamboo dance), Khuallam (dance for visitors or guests), Chheih Lam (at the end of a day's work) and Solakar or Sarlamkai (prevalent among the Mara and Pawl tribes).
Economy and Infrastructure
About three-quarters of the population of Mizoram earn their living from agriculture. Both terraced cultivation and jhum (shifting) tillage (in which tracts are cleared by burning and sown with mixed crops) are practiced. The greater number of people farming has reduced the traditional eight-year jhum cycle, and there has been an accompanying decline in yields.
Mizoram is famous for the fibreless ginger. Paddy, maize, mustard, sugarcane, sesame and potatoes are the other prominent crops grown in this area. Small-scale irrigation projects are being developed to increase the crop yield.
There are no major industries in the state. Small-scale industries include sericulture, handloom and handicrafts industries, sawmills and furniture workshops, oil refining, grain milling, and ginger processing.
The state's poor transport and communications are a major obstacle to economic growth. Although a road system is being developed, a single road links the towns of Aizawl and Lunglei in Mizoram to Silchar in Assam. There are no railways. Vayudoot, India's low-capacity and short-haul domestic airline, provides service from Aizawl to Silchar and to Calcutta in West Bengal.
Concerted efforts have been made to accelerate the growth of industries in Mizoram. The new industrial policy of Mizoram was framed in 1989, under which some priority industries were identified. These include agro and forest based industries, handloom and handicrafts, electronics and consumer industries. With the opening up of border trade, the state would be able to be a major business hub.
Hotels of Mizoram
The State has hotels of star and non star category catering to the needs of the tourists visiting Mizoram. Besides it has resorts, restaurants and cafes which cater to the needs of all segment of travelers.
Mizoram, India is one of the Seven Sister States in Northeast India. The state is regarded as the territory of the Mizo community which consists of Lushei, Hmar, Lai, Paite, Gangte, Mara, and various other minor clans. The state of Mizoram, India has common boundaries with the Indian states of Assam, Tripura, and Manipur. The state shares international boundaries with Burma (Myanmar) and Bangladesh. It is the 23rd state of the country and achieved statehood on February 20, 1987.Capital of Mizoram
The capital of the Indian state of Mizoram is Aizawl and it is also the biggest city of the state.
Area of Mizoram
The state covers a total area of 8,139.4 sq miles or 21,081 km2.
Population of Mizoram
According to the census performed in 2011, the population of the state is 1,091,014.
Weather of Mizoram
The state of Mizoram features a pleasant weather. The temperatures are comfortable during the summer months and they range between 68°F and 84°F or 20°C and 29°C. In the winter months, the weather is not so cold and the temperatures range between 52°F and 70°F or 11°C to 21°C. The climate of the state is mostly controlled by torrential rains and the area experiences a large volume of precipitation during the months of May to September. During the winter months, there is insignificant amount of precipitation. The mean amount of precipitation in Mizoram is 100 inches or 254 cm every year. In the city of Aizawl, the volume of precipitation is approximately 82 inches or 208 cm. In Lunglei, another significant place in the state, the amount of precipitation is around 138 inches or 350 cm.
Geography of Mizoram
The state is a territory of undulating mountains, basins, lakes, rivers, and water bodies. Mizoram is home to 21 important mountain ranges and there are summits of various altitudes all over the state. There are plains or flat areas in the state as well. The mean altitude of the mountains in the western portion of the territory is approximately 3,281 feet or 1,000 meters. These summits steadily escalate to elevations of 4,265 feet or 1,300 meters towards the east. Nevertheless, certain places have taller mountain ranges which can ascend to an elevation of more than 6,562 feet or 2,000 meters. Phawngpui Tlang is named as the Blue Mountain as well and it lies in the southeastern portion of the state. It is also the tallest summit in the state with an elevation of 7,251 feet or 2,210 meters.
- Rivers in Mizoram
The name of the longest river in the state is Chhimtuipui and another name of this river is Kaladan. The source of this river is situated in the Chin State in Myanmar and the river flows across the Lawngtlai and Saiha districts in the southern end of the state. Subsequently, the stream reverts to the Rakhine province of Myanmar and ultimately pours into the Bay of Bengal close to Akyab, an important harbor in Sittwe, Myanmar. Despite the fact that various other torrents and rivers flow through the mountainous areas of the state, the most significant and helpful rivers in the state of Mizoram, India are as follows:
- Tut
- Tlawng
- Tuivawl
- Tuirial
The Chhimtuipui River has its source in Myanmar and is a major stream in the southern part of the state. The river has four branches and it flows in an irregular fashion. The western section of the state is irrigated by the Khawthlang Tuipui River and its branches. Various major townships and communities such as Chittagong of Bangladesh are located at the opening of the stream. Prior to the achievement of freedom, other areas of India could only be reached via the river itineraries through Chittagong to the south and Cachar to the north. Later on, access was discontinued once there was division in the subcontinent and East Pakistan (present Bangladesh) was created. - Lakes in Mizoram
The largest lake of the state is the Palak Lake and it is located in the Saiha district of the state. The Saiha district forms an important part of the state of Mizoram, India. The Palak Lake encompasses an area of approximately 74 acres or 30 hectares. Another popular lake in the state is the Tamdil Lake which is a natural lake. It lies at a distance of approximately 53 miles or 85 km from Aizawl.
Unfortunately, the state of Mizoram is a highly earthquake prone area and it falls under zone 5. Minerals found in the area include the following:
- Arenaceous and argillaceous sandstones
- Siltstones
- Shale
- Greywacke
- Mudstones
Mizoram Demographics
Most of the people of the state belong to the various clans and communities who are ethnically or linguistically associated with each other. These clans and tribes are jointly named as Mizos where Mi stands for People and Zo stands for Hill. Other than Mizoram, these people inhabit places in Bangladesh, Myanmar, and other northeastern states of India. The Mizo tribes comprise Lushei, Hmar, Lai, Paite, and Mara. The Hmar people are again subdivided into clans like Lungtau, Thiek, Khawbung, Darngawn, and Zote.
Popular cultural festivals in Mizoram
The popular cultural festivals in Mizoram, India are as follows:
-
Mim Kut
- Pawl Kut
The Pawl Kut festival refers to a straw harvesting festival since the word Pawl stands for straw. The festival is normally held in the month of December every year. - Chapchar Kut
The Chapchar Kut is one more important festival which is observed in the month of March, following the conclusion of their most difficult job of Jhum maneuver, that is, forest-cleaning (removal of the leftovers of burning). - Popular dance forms in Mizoram
The popular dance forms in the state are as follows:
- Cheraw - The most vibrant and unique dance of the state
- Chheih Lam
- Khuallam
The Mim Kut festival is normally observed in the months of August and September, following the cultivation of maize. People observe this festival by dancing, singing, drinking, and eating.
Languages used in Mizoram
The official language of the state is Mizo. However, English, due to its significance in academics and government functions, is predominantly used. The Mizo language is blended with other languages such as the Lai, Mara, and Hmar.
Major religions in Mizoram
Most of the people of the state belong to the Christian community. There are many churches in the state and some of the important churches are as follows:
- Baptist Church of Mizoram
- Mizoram Presbyterian Church
- The Salvation Army
- United Pentecostal Church
- Kohhran Thianghlim
- The Seventh-day Adventist Church
- Lairam Jesus Christ Baptist Church(LIKBK)
- Roman Catholic
- Independent Church of India (ICI)
- Evangelical Church of Maraland
- Evangelical Free Church of India (EFCI)
Governor of Mizoram
At present, the Governor of the state is His Excellency Vakkom Purushothaman.
Chief Minister of Mizoram
Currently, the Chief Minister of the state is Pu Lalthanhawla. He represents the Indian National Congress (INC).
Economy of Mizoram
Small-scale industries and cottage industries form the backbone of the economy of the state. The Industry Department of the Government dynamically supports the following:
- Mizoram Khadi and Village Industry Board (MKVIB)
- Zoram Industrial Development Corporation (ZIDCO)
- Mizoram Food and Allied Industries Corporation Limited (MIFCO)
- Zoram Handloom and Handicraft Corporation Limited (ZOHANCO)
- Zoram Electronics Development Corporation (ZENICS)
Last Updated on 6 March 2013
