Interesting Facts about Mizoram

Quick Basic Facts about Mizoram

Mizoram literally means land of Mizo people or land of hilly people. The tribes residing in the Mizo hills are called as Kukis.
During pre-British era the region was divided among the local chiefs each ruling their respective tribal territories. Inter-tribal wars were common, slavery and head hunting were common practices.
Before the British annexation of the Mizoram (before 1895) there were about 60 local chiefs. A number of Christian missionaries were set up at that time. There was large influence of christian missionaries on society and up to now Christianity is the main religion of the state.
Under British rule, Mizoram was a part of Assam Province under the name Lushai Hills district and Aizawl was its headquarters.
After Indian independence, the rule of local chiefs was abolished as per Acquisition of Chief’s Rights Act of 1954.
There was a major famine called Mautam in 1959 because of large population of rats (rat flood). A local body was formed to help aid the famine victims called Mizo National Famine Front. This group later converted to a political group Mizo National Front (MNF). This group became notorious for armed insurgency in the region.
Mizoram became the 23rd state of Indian Union by carving out from Assam on 20 Feb 1987.

Mizoram is located in southerneast part of country and landlockd with three other states – Assam in north, Manipur in northeast and Tripura in southwest. Mizoram shares international borders with two countries Myanmar in east and Bangladesh in west.
Tropic of cancer runs through the state nearly at middle.
Mizoram is the second least populous state of country.
The biggest river of the state is Chhimtuipui also known as Kaladan.
The Palak lake is the biggest of the state covering about 30 hectares area.
Mizoram faces a unique problem of rats. At every 48 years a particular species of bamboo flowers after which the population of rats become tremendously high and this is referred as Rat Flood (Mautam or Bamboo Death). This rat flood destroys entire villages, crops and farm yields.

Economy of the state is poor and in terms of GDP Mizoram ranks at last position among all Indian states. (as per year 2014 GDP data)
Mizos practice Slash and Burn cultivation (Jhum or shifting cultivation).
Mizoram is leading producers of Bamboo in India and supplies 14 % of India’s commercial bamboo.
Main Agriculture products of Mizoram – Mandarin oranges, maize, paddy, pulses, sugarcane, chillies, ginger, turmeric, potato, tobacco, banana, pineapple, passion fruit, grapes, papaya.
Main industries of Mizoram – Handlooms, rice mills, flour mills, brick making, bamboo handicrafts, sericulture.
Popular Crafts of Mizoram – Puans woven on traditional looms, thi-hi (amber bead necklace), Shawls, cane and bamboo work etc

Chapchar Kut is the famous colorful festival of Mizoram which is celebrated to mark the arrival of spring. It is observed in the month of march after completion of Jhum (cleaning of agriculture fields by burning). This festival is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm.
Pawl Kut is celebrated in the month of December after harvest. A ritual Chawnghnawt is observed during Pawl Kut festival. Mother and their children are made to sit on a platform. In this ritual mother feeds his children with eggs and meat. Meat and eggs are indispensable part of this festival and is observed in abundance in families.

Puan is traditional dress most commonly used by Mizo women. Puanchei is another traditional dress wore by Mizo girls during festival seasons of Chapchar Kut and Pawl Kut. Zakuolaisen is a traditional blouse with chrimson stripes. Ngotekherh is another traditional puan wrapped around waist and is common attire for both men and women.
Mizoram has high literacy rate of 91.58 % which is remarkably well above India’s average literacy rate of 74.04 %. Mizoram is the second most literate state of India after Kerala.
Mizoram is one of three states of India with Christian majority (87 %). Most of the people are from diverse tribal origin who converted to Christianity.
Mizoram is the second most literate state of India just after Kerala.
The people living in Mizo hills are also called as Kukis.
Mizoram is also called as Song Bird of East.

Jeje Lalpekhlua – is the famous football player who plays for Mohun Bagan. He Received AIFF Emerging player of the year award (2013).