Mizoram

Mizoram : A VISITOR’S DELIGHT

Mizoram is located at the southern-most tip of North East India. Mizoram is strategically located insofar as India’s borders with two countries, viz., Bangladesh on the south and south-east as well as Myanmar on its west.

It is only on the east, north east and the north that Mizoram is connected with Tripura, Manipur and Assam respectively — and therefore the Indian mainland.

POLITICAL STATUS

Mizoram is the 23rd state of India. Mizoram attained this political status in 1972. It was earlier known as the Lushai Hills.

Mizoram is inhabited by many tribes.
Each of these tribes settled down in the modern-day Mizoram at separate times. Obviously, some ‘unknown’ affinity among them made them united.

Interestingly enough, each of the Mizo tribes have each typical culture, language and cultural heritage.

MIZOS: A CULTURAL TROVE

The North East part of India is a cultural trove. Various tribes, sub-tribes and communities from various locations have settled in this verdant fertile tropical region of the present-day north-eastern part of India at different times of the year.

There is another fascinating fact about the people of the north-eastern part of India.

The fact that people belonging to various tribes of different backgrounds settle within a geographical location is a subject of research.

MIZOS: UNITY IN DIVERSITY

The other fact remains as to how individuals and groups belonging to diverse beliefs and cultures settle down at a particular place at various times.

The point to note is that such migration has been over a period of time.  Obviously, the exodus was in search of a better pasture and livelihood.

MIZOS: MIGRATION: TYPICAL FEATURE

Yet another remarkable aspect of the hundreds of tribes and sub-tribes living in the north-eastern part of India is that the tribes somehow identify among themselves.

This is despite the fact that each of the tribes has its own typical beliefs, dress and customs.

MIZOS: THE COMMON FACTOR

The common factor is that their roots are generally traced to the present-day China.

These tribes are variously known as ‘Mizos’ in India.

These tribes migrated from the Shan kingdom of China across the Himalayan ranges in the early part of the 16th century. They were in search of greener pastures.

The Mizos first settled in the Kabaw valley for some time. This highland drained by the Mu River is in the western Sagaing division of northern Burma. The valley is the home of a number of ethnic minorities including the Zo, the Mizo, the Kadu and the Kanan.

Some of these warring agrarian tribes moved on to the Khampat valley, and then to the Chin Hills in the middle part of that century.
 
Their migration to North East India was in two waves during the later part of the 17th century. The Mizo groups that migrated first to India were called the Kukis while the ones who migrated later were the New Kukis.

The Mizo Hills was marred by internecine strifes in the 18th and 19th centuries.
 
The region was brought under the British rule by a proclamation in 1895. The North Hills and the South Hills were amalgamated to form the Lushai Hills district with Aizawl as its headquarters in 1898.

Under the Government of India Act, 1919, the Lushai Hills along with some other tribal areas were grouped together to constitute a Backward Tract. This area was declared Excluded Area in 1935.

The first political party of Mizoram – the Common People’s Union – was formed April 9, 1946. This is a political watershed in the history of Mizoram. It was subsequently rechristened as Mizo Union.

The Constituent Assembly formed to draft a Constitution for the country (following Independence in 1947) set up an advisory panel to look into the issues of the minorities and the tribal communities of the north-eastern part of India. The sub-committee constituted to advise the Constituent Assembly on the tribal affairs of NE was under the chairmanship of Gopinath Bordoloi.

Acting on the recommendations of the Bordoloi sub-committee, the Lushai Hills administration was given a certain amount of autonomy under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Another significant political development was the abolition of the chieftainship in the Mizo society. It was the natural consequence of the formation of the Lushai Hills Autonomous District Council in 1952.
 
Leaders of the Mizo Union and the district councils moved the States Reorganization Commission (SRC) for integrating the Mizo dominated areas of Manipur and Tripura with their district councils. This move was made in 1954.

THE MIZORAM PACKAGE

The Mizoram package is packed with variety. You’ll have adventure sports coupled with eco and  and culture tourism. You can easily mingle yourself amidst the bounty of Nature.

PEACEFUL ISLE OF NE

Mizoram was one of the most turbulent states of NE. Mizoram was the first state to raise the banner of insurgency. It goes to the credit of the people of Mizoram that their state is now a model state for the world. Mizoram is presently the most peaceful state of the NE.

LOCATION

Aizawl, the capital town of Mizoram, is located at approximately 4,000 feet above the sea level. Aizwal is the Mizo cultural and religious epicenter.

LITERACY RATE

Mizoram has the second highest literacy rate after the state of Kerela in India. According to the latest Census in India, the literacy rate of Mizoram is 88.4%.

TOPOGRAPHY

As you proceed towards Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, you will come across many hills surrounded by tall natural bushes that dance to the winds.

In fact all the towns of Mizoram are located atop hill tops. So, crisscrossing the zig-zag roads of the state, you will have a fantastic view of the typical Mizoram topography.

Undulating hills, lush green valleys, Mizos in traditional dresses ambling along the roads welcome you along with the flowing tall, long, conical white flowing dancing bushes. It is a sight to be seen.

CLIMATE

You can visit Mizoram around the year. Mizoram has a pleasant weather throughout the year. The entire area is under the direct influence of the monsoon with heavy rains from May to September. Annual rainfall: 250 cm. 11-21 degrees Celsius in summer; 20-29 degrees Celsius in winter.

FLORA & FAUNA

Mizoram has a variety of flora and fauna. The typicality of the forests in Mizoram are the dense bamboo groves and the dancing full bloom dandelion tufts that dot the hill sides.

THE BEST TOURIST TRAVEL PERIOD

The best time to travel to Mizoram is between mid-September and mid March. The temperature remains mild. That is also the time when you can enjoy the scenic beauty of Mizoram.

TOURIST PERMIT

You need to get the special Permits to visit Mizoram. Foreign Tourists need to acquire the PAP (Protected Area Permit). On the other hand, the Indian tourists also need to apply for and get the ILP (Inner Line Permit). Both the Permits are valid for 10 days. Of course, the PAP and ILP can be extended.

THE NATURAL APPEAL OF MIZORAM

The main tourist destination spots of Mizoram are Thenzawl, Tamdil, Champai, and the Vantawng falls. Besides, tourists are enthralled by the Tamdil natural lake. You can also have a bird’s eye view of Myanmar from Champai. The highest waterfall in Mizoram is Vantawang. Let’s have a bird’s eye view of some of these special places.

TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP

The Mizos are known for their intricate craftsmanship with respect to the traditional cane and bamboo articles.
The Mizo women are also expert weavers. The handloom bags, shawls and caps
The typical caps, musical instruments, jewellery, pipes and culinary items made from bamboo are quite popular among the tourists. They serve as mementoes and also souvenirs.
These traditional Mizo fares are sold in the main shopping areaof Bara Bazar in Aizawl. You can procure them also from the Mizoram emporium or the Mizoram Government emporia in different state capitals and international as well as domestic airports.

A VIBRANT CULTURE

The main occupation of the Mizos is agriculture. Hence, most of their festivals are closely connected with the celebration of the wonders of Mother Nature.
These annual festivals commonly termed ‘kut’ are also their means to seek blessings from the Almighty for a bountiful harvest.
The Mizo society blooms in its colorful variety during these festivals.
The popular dances – Khuallam and Cheraw – reflect their vibrant cultural tradition.
The traditional dresses of the males are wrapped around their bodies with their shirts sleeveless. On the other hand, the women wear full-sleeved shirts and wrap around clothes. In some of the dances, they wear head gear while in others they don’t.
The different ethnic units have their typical ways of celebrating kut.
The commonly celebrated festivals are Thalfavang Kut, Pawl Kut, Mim Kut and Chapchar Kut.

THE MAIN CIRCUITS

The three major circuits to Aizawl are the following:

1.    Delhi to Aizawl via Guwahati;
2.    Shillong in Meghalaya to Aizawl;
3.    Delhi to Vantawng via Kolkata, Guwahati,and Shillong.

You can proceed to Aizawl through trains, vehicles and also by plane.

RAIL LINK

Silchar in Assam located 180 km away from Aizawl is the nearest railhead.
There is train link between Silchar and Guwahati – located 397 km away from Aizawl.
Guwahati is connected to all the major towns of India.

ROAD LINK

There are tour operators within Aizawl as well as from Imphal, Silchar and Guwahati to the caspital of Mizoram.
The vehicles ply on National Highway 54. You can also opt for the daily buses, mini-buses and cabs.
The Silchar-Aizawl journey takes eight hours at the most.
Night buses ply from Shillong  to Aizawl.

AIR LINK

There are regular Indian Airlines flights from Imphal (capital of Manipur) and Kolkata to Aizawl.
The Imphal-Aizawl  flight covers the distance in 30 minutes while the Kolkata-Aizawl flight takes almost 100 hours. Read More About Mizoram