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About
Mizoram
 Mizoram, or the land of Mizos (highlanders), has
international boundaries with Myanmar and Bangladesh while it
shares its domestic borders with the states of Assam, Manipur
and Tripura. 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. The
Mizos belonging to the Mongoloid race, are original settlers
of the Shan State of Burma. Two of the tribes, the Lushai and
Himar, migrated to India and occupied the Lushai hills.
Mizoram was annexed in 1891 by the British as Lushai Hill
district, and made a part of Assam. With Independence, Mizoram
became a district of Assam.
Mizoram was made a State of the
Indian Union on 20th February 1987, following the historic
Mizoram Peace Accord, signed between the Central Government
and the Mizo National Front in June 1986. The Mizos are
divided into several tribes - the Lushais, Pawis, Paithes,
Raltes, Pang, Himars, Kukis etc. Previously believers of the
good spirit called Pathan, the Mizo community today is greatly
influenced by Christianity. Mizos have accepted English as
their medium of instruction, but the Mizo language is still
widely spoken.
Though mostly Christians, the hill people have kept alive
their rich cultural heritage, colourful customs and lively
traditions. 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).
Aizwal, the scenic capital of Mizoram, its surrounding
areas and the rest of the state have been developed to meet
the influx of domestic and foreign tourists. Aizawl, located
at nearly 4,000 feet above sea -level, is a religious and
cultural centre of the Mizos. Champai, Tamdil, Vantawng fall
and Thenzawl are some of the other important tourist centres
in this state. Agriculture is the main profession of the
Mizos. The main pattern of agriculture followed in Mizoram, is
jhum or shifting cultivation. The government is now taking
steps to do away with this pattern of agriculture, which is
very harmful.
They have now introduced a new system of
contour farming, with trenches and hedging, with the intention
of switching over to permanent cultivation on hill slopes.
Mizoram is famous for the fibreless ginger grown in this area.
Paddy, maize, mustard, sugarcane, sesame and potatoes are the
other prominent crops grown in this area. 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. |
