Mizoram

Mizoram

History of Mizoram

Mizoram is derived from the words Mi, Zo and Ram which means people, belong to Lushai hills and land respectively, which means “land of hill people” when combined together. Majority of the tribes in the state are the migrants from the neighboring countries several centuries ago. The Mizo Hills officially became part of British India in the year 1895, and head-hunting were banned in the state and its neighboring regions. Mizoram carved out from Assam in the year 1972 and became Union Territory. On 20 February 1987, Mizoram became the 23rd state of India.

Geography of Mizoram

Mizoram is located on the north eastern part of India. Mizoram shares national boundaries with Tripura, Assam, Manipur and international boundaries with Bangladesh and Myanmar. Mizoram is spread in an area of 21087 sq kms making it the fifth smallest state in the country. The tropic of cancer passes through almost middle of the state. The maximum north-south distance is 285 km, and maximum east-west distance is 115 km. About 76% of Mizoram is covered by forest. Chhimtuipui is the biggest river in the state. It is originated in Burma and ends in Burma. Mizoram is also known as peninsula state as it has international land on three sides and domestic land on the reaming side.

Government and Administration of Mizoram

For administration purpose Mizoram is divided into eight districts. Mizo National Front and the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee are the major political parties in the state. Alcohol is prohibited in the state by state Government. Wine is allowed in the year 2011, which is made from fruits, and discussion is going to lift the ban completely. Mizoram legislative assembly consists of 40 seats. Mizoram contributes two members to the Indian Assembly.

Language and Culture of Mizoram

Cheraw is one of the traditional dance forms of the state, where men hold bamboos close to the floor and tap open and close the sticks depending on music. Women dance on top, stepping in between and out of the bamboo. Khuallam is a mixed gender dance that traditionally celebrated after successfully hunting. Chheihlam is typically performed over cool evenings with rice beer. Chai is an important dance, where musician are placed in the centre, men and women forms circles around them and dance. Mizo traditional tunes are very soft and gentle. Local people claim that they can sing whole night without any fatigue. Mizo is widely spoken followed by Pawi, Paite, Hmar, Hindi and English.

Educational Status of Mizoram

Literacy rate of Mizoram is approximately 91% which is the second highest in the country. Mizoram University is one of the important universities in the state which have 29 undergraduate departments including 2 professional institutions which are afflicted to it. NIT, ICFAI University, College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry are some of the prominent colleges in the state.

Economy of Mizoram

GSDP of Mizoram was 6991 crore in the year 2011-2012. Mizoram’s GSDP growth rate was nearly 10% annually during 2001-2013 periods. Agriculture, Public Administration and Construction work are the main contributors to the economy. Approximately 20% of state population is below the poverty line as per RBI in 2013. Mizoram had approximately 7000 registered company in the year 2008. More than half the population depends on agriculture. Rice is the largest crop followed by fruits, condiments and spices. State is one of the leading producers of bamboo in the country, and supplies 14% of India's commercial bamboo. Forest products contribute approximately 5% to the state's DSDP.

Tourism in Mizoram

Tualchang is the biggest monolith in the state which is situated in Aizwal district. Sibuta Lung is a memorial which was erected around 300 years ago by the Palian chief. Tomb of Vanhimailan was built in the memory of Vanhimailan Sailo which is in Champhal plain. Phawngui is the highest peak in the state and is considered to be the abode of Gods. Lungvandawt is a tall beautiful chiseled pillar made of stone, which is about 75 cm in diameter and 3 m in height.

Festivals Celebrated in Mizoram

Mim Kut is one of the important festivals in the state, which is celebrated in the month of August/September, when the maize crop is ready for harvesting. Pawl Kut is a thanks giving ceremony celebrated in the month of December/January. Chapchar Kut is one of the oldest festivals in the state, which is celebrated for a week. Thalfavang Kut is celebrates to showcase the hidden cultural traits of the Mizoram tribes.