mizoram

Mizoram is a state in north-eastern India. The state’s name is derived from the world "Mizo", which is the name of the group of its native inhabitants, and "ram", which in the Mizo language means "land." So, Mizoram means “Land of Mizos”. It has the highest concentration of tribal people in India.

It is the 2nd least populous state in the country. Aizawl is its capital city.

Before the British rule in India, the various Mizo clans in this state ad been living in autonomous villages, but in around 1895, “The Mizo Hills” as these were called, formally became part of British India. The Mizo hills had 2 divisions - northern and southern Mizo Hills (which were also known collectively as the Lushai Hills), and Aizawl was declared their headquarters by the British, making it an “Excluded Area” from the rest of India.

Some years post-independence from British Raj (in 1971), the Indian government converted Mizo Hills into a Union Territory, and it was re-named to “Mizoram” in 1972.

In 1987, following an official agreement between the Indian government and the Mizo National Front (MNF) – a political party in Mizoram that worked towards ending insurgency and violence in the region and protecting its people, Mizoram was declared by the government a full-fledged state of India was in 1987, with Aizawl as its official capital.

There are a total of 23 small cities and towns in Mizoram, which are grouped into 8 districts.

These include: Aizawl (the capital), Lunglei, Kolasib, Khawzawl, Bairabi, Lengpui, Sairang, Zawlnuam, Thenzawl.

Mizoram is home to people belonging to several cultural groups and tribes. The state has a population of 13.09 Lakhs (as of 2020). A large number of people here follow Christianity (more than 87%). Apart from this, some other people follow Hinduism (around 3.5%), Buddhism (8%) and Islam (1.1%).

Christianity is predominant in Mizoram – and is the most followed religion by contemporary Mizos. Christianity came to Mizoram only in the 1890s after British rule, and ancient traditional practices were replaced by Christian traditions, as these were accepted by the people in the region.

The state has many Christian religious spots and the people here celebrate most Christian festivals like Christmas, Easter, Good Friday, and so on.

The official language of Mizoram state is Mizo, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family, and is also spoken in the Chin state of Myanmar (Burma). Across the state, Mizo is spoken is various different dialects by different (tribal) groups.

Apart from Mizo, English is also widely spoken and understood in Mizoram.

Staple foods of Mizo cuisine include rice, with meat and vegetables (usually in the form of stews or porridge) .

Some popular dishes from Mizoram cuisine include:

• Bai – A dish made of herbs cooked with string beans and some herbs
• Veg and Non-veg stews (with vegetables or meat, garlic and herbs)
• Chhum han – A dish of mixed steamed vegetables
• Rep – A dish od smoked meat (like fish, chicken, pork or beef) cooked with spices, especially a special kind of hot chillies
• Bekang – A simple dish consisting of just fermented soya beans

For inter-state travel, Mizoram has a domestic airport and a railway station connecting to other cities in the state or other states. For travel within cities, there are many other modes such as rickshaws, buses, and private vehicles like 2-wheelers and cars, cycling or even walking.

Airports - Mizoram has just one airport, which is domestic (with flights connecting to cities in other states in the country, i.e.-

• Lengpui Airport (at Aizawl, Mizoram)

Mizoram has just one train station, from where trains to various cities, towns and villages within the state or surrounding states can be boarded –

• Bairabi railway station, in Kolasib district

Mizoram’s government is also trying to augment public transport in the state by planning to introduce inter-city and inter-state buses service in the next couple of years.

Mizoram’s scene is a blend of cultures, tribes and natural beauty. It has some of the most peaceful places in the country, mainly due to lesser population of locals as well as tourists.

Some incredible places to visit in Mizoram are:

• Solomon Temple – A Christian “temple” built in white marble (resembles its namesake located in Israel).
• Mizoram State Museum – An exhibition of a collection of regional historic artefacts and objects belonging to the Mizo people and their heritage.
• Phawngpui Tlang – Also known as the “blue mountain”; it is the highest peak in the state. Usually populated by herds of mountain goats, and minimal humans, it is a peaceful abode. Also has good trekking and hiking trails that adventure enthusiasts can enjoy, along with stunning views and pleasant weather.
• Khwanglung Wildlife Sanctuary – Being a place filled with ecological spots and a good share of the country’s flora and fauna, wildlife sanctuaries are also obviously present here. This sanctuary has been preserved in Mizoram for many years, and is located about 35 km away from the capital city of Aizawl. It housed many animals such as the Indian Bengal tigers and Sambar deer.
• Vantawng Falls – Mizoram’s highest and best natural waterfall.

Mizoram has some interesting places that people can travel to or explore; and which are perfect for a short vacation or a weekend getaway, such as –

• Phawngpui Tlang – Also known as the “blue mountain”; it is the highest peak in the state. Usually populated by herds of mountain goats, and minimal humans, it is a peaceful abode. Also has good trekking and hiking trails that adventure enthusiasts can enjoy, along with stunning views and pleasant weather.
• Khwanglung Wildlife Sanctuary – Being a place filled with ecological spots and a good share of the country’s flora and fauna, wildlife sanctuaries are also obviously present here. This sanctuary has been preserved in Mizoram for many years, and is located about 35 km away from the capital city of Aizawl. It housed many animals such as the Indian Bengal tigers and Sambar deer.
• Falkawan Village – a great place to experience Mizo lifestyle.
• Dampa Tiger Reserve – for the wildlife enthusiasts.
• Champhai – An adventure hub (around 188 km from Aizawl)

Some thrilling activities and things to do in Mizoram for adventure lovers are –

• Rock Climbing
• River Rafting
• Mountaineering
• Caving
• Trekking and Hiking
• Para Sailing
• Cycling

Mizoram has many historical gems to see. Some popular sites of historical significance in the state are –

• Solomon Temple – A Christian “temple” built in white marble (resembles its namesake located in Israel)
• Mizoram State Museum – An exhibition of a collection of regional historic artefacts and objects belonging to the Mizo people and their heritage.
• Reiek Heritage Village – An old and typical Mizo village consisting of the distinctive traditional huts of the different sub-tribes of Mizoram; resting on a mountain at an elevation 1465 metres overlooking Aizawl town, from where it is about 29 km away.