General
Information
Mizoram
is one of the youngest states in the country situated in the north-eastern
part of India.Mizoram became the 23rd state of
the Indian Union on 29th of February 1987. Mizoram is perched
like a lone sentinel on the tip of the north eastern border of
India.Mizoram is sandwiched between Burma on
the east and south, Bangladesh and Tripura in the west and Assam
and Manipur to the north.
Mizoram, predominantly a Christian populated
state, is towards the southernmost tip of the North-Eaastern states,
sharing borders with Manipur, Assam, Tripura then jutting down
between Myanmar and Bangladesh. Lushai Hill District was the name
given by the British. It was part of the state of Assam until
it became a Union Territory in 1972.Later on it was called Mizoram.
Mizoram, a land of the Highlanders,lies in the
north east corner of India. The hills with an average height of
900 mt, run in ridges from north to south. These steep hills are
cut apart by rivers creating deep gorges.
Mizoram has a pleasant climate. It is generally
cool in summer and not very cold in. winter. The entire area is
under the direct influence of the monsoon with heavy rains from
May to September. Winter is rain - free and is very pleasant;
the skies are wonderfully blue, and the morning mist formed between
the hills gives an enchanting view of wide stretches of a vast
lake of cloud.
With its moderate height and
not-so-heavy rainfall, Mizoram has a pleasant climate, being cool
in summer and not very cold in winter. Thus a vist to the area
is advisable at any time during the year except between May to
September when the monsoons break. Earlier known as the Lushai
Hills, Mizoram formed a part of Assam till the area was declared
a Union Territory in 1971-1972. It was only after this period
that Mizoram really began its development and opened up some truly
splendid areas for the visitor.
Most of the festivals celebrated in Mizoram are
associated with agricultural activities that their ancestors recognised.
This preservation of the Mizo culture has been possible due to
the Inner Line Permit introduced by the British in the last century,
which prevented outsiders from settling down in Mizoram, thus
not leading to the indigenous lifestyle. No one can fail to ignore
the influence of Christianity in Mizoram.
Mizoram has a highly impressive literacy rate
of 88.06%.It is the second highest rate in India.The high literacy
rate is attributed to the influence of the church, as Mizos are
encouraged to read the Bible from a young age. The people here
are not much influenced by the strong Western culture.Mizos are
proud of their old customs and lifestyle.The traditional Mizo
dress is still worn in special occasions such as weddings and
festivals.The people are very much known for their warmth and
hospitality towards the visitors.It is indeed a very interesting
and lively place to visit.
The people residing in this wonderful piece of land are known
as the Mizos and their warmth and zest for life is reflected in
their dress, their songs, their soul-stirring music and their
beautiful crafts. The word Mizo means highlander, a collective
name given by their neighbours to a number of tribes which settled
in the area.
Mizos are originally believed
to have come from North - Western China and gradually pushed themselves
towards their present homeland, less than 300 years ago. The state
has thick bamboo forests. Rivers run in narrow ribbons that seem
to be challenging onlookers to plunge in for some adventure and
excitement. The hill ranges running in north-south direction are
resplendent with green vegetation throughout the year. The highest
peak, Phawngpui (meaning vast meadow) known as Blue Mountain,
a garden of rhodendron of arboreum and veitchianum species is
2,065 mts (7,100 ft) and the average height of the hills is around
1, 100 mts. There are a number of a hilly streams and rivers which
murmur through idyllic scenario.
The main occupation of Mizos is Agriculture.The main pattern of
agriculture followed in Mizoram, is jhum or shifting cultivation.
Mizoram is famous for the fibreless ginger grown in this area.
Paddy, maize, mustard, sugarcane, sesame and potatoes are the
other prominent crops. Concerted efforts have also been made to
accelerate the growth of industries here with priority being given
to agro and forest based industries, handloom and handicrafts,
electronics and consumer industries.
Capital( Aizawl)
Aizawl,
located at nearly 4,000 feet above sea -level, is a religious
and cultural centre of the Mizos. Aizwal, the scenic capital of
Mizoram, is dotted with quaint timber houses and a profusion of
flowers. Each house has its own window box of profusely blooming
orchids. The streets echo with melodies emanating from the guitars
of Aizawl youth playing at nearly every street corner.
Aizwalis also 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.
Champai, Tamdil, Vantawng fall
and Thenzawl are some of the other important tourist centres in
this state. Tamdil's fame rests on its natural lake; Vantawang
has the highest waterfall in Mizoram and Champai offers a view
of the Myanmar hills.
