3. MIZORAM AT A GLANCE
● Mizoram is a mountainous state nestling in the southern tip of the north-east region of India.
Covered with verdant forests dominated by thick bamboo groves, teeming with vibrant
wildlife, sheer cliffs and breathtaking waterfalls, dotted with unique landmarks of myriad
folklores and picturesque villages of houses built on stilts, a land of dramatic seas of morning
mists that enfold islands of hills and peaks.
● This is the land of the Highlanders, or the Mizos. For anyone looking for a quiet holiday or
outdoor activities in pristine and peaceful setting, this is a destination worth your while.
● Standing aloof from the adjacent plains of Assam and the other neighboring states, Mizoram
remains an exotic location sharing more than one-third of its boundary with Bangladesh and
Myanmar and its capital, Aizawl is still one of the least-frequented cities in India.
4. • The origin of the MIZOS, like those of many other tribes in the
northeastern India, is shrouded in mystery. The people living in
the Mizo Hills were generally referred to as the Cucis or Kukis by
their neighbouring ethnic groups which was also a term adopted
by the British writers. The claim that 'The Kukis are the earliest
known residents of the Mizo hills area,' must be read in this
light.
• The Lushais were the last of the Mizo tribes migrate to India.
The Mizo history in the 18th and 19th Century is marked by many
instances of tribal raids and retaliatory expeditions of security.
Mizo Hills were formally declared as part of the British-India by
a proclamation in 1895.
• Like several other northeastern states of India, Mizoram was
previously part of Assam until 1972, when it was carved out as
Union Territory. It become 23rd state of India, a step above
Union Territory, on 20th February 1987.
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HISTORY OF MIZORAM
5. • AIZAWL is the capital of the state of Mizoram in India. Aizawl was officially established on 25 February 1890.
• The population of Aizawl strongly reflects the different communities of the ethnic Mizo people.
• Aizawl is connected by air transport through Lengpui Airport which it is situated near Aizawl.
State’s Capital - AIZAWL
6. • Chawngvungi Lungdawh
Chawngvungi Lungdawh is a natural large rock
on which embossed figures of buffalo's heads and
humans were curved.
Historical & Heritage Sites in Mizoram
• Tomb of Vanhimailian
Tomb of Vanhimailian is dedicated to the memory
of a great chieftain named Vanhimailian. He was
the chief of Champhai plain which is located in the
Aizawl district. It is about 194 km from Aizawl in
the north eastern state Mizoram.
7. • Lamsial Puk
Lamsial Puk is a cave situated in proximity to the
Farkawn village, in Champhai district of Mizoram.
The cave stood witness to one of the most fatal wars
that was fought in the region. A large mound of
skeletons was discovered from the cave which
belonged to the warriors who lost their lives in the
war. These remnants have still been preserved
inside the cave along with the artillery used in the
war.
● Puk Zing, Mamit District
Literally "A Cave of Shouting Stone", Pukzing
is located near Pukzing village which is
30kms to the North - West of Aizawl. A
spacious cave, it has three chambers of about
4 sq.metre each connected with narrow
passages. A legend goes that in the olden days
the villagers used to hear evil spirits shouting
inside the cave.
8. • Solomon's Temple, Aizawl
A non denominational church founded by
Dr. L.B. Sailo in 1984 built Solomon’s
Temple. They are known as ‘Kohhran
Thianghlim’ locally and the ‘Holy Church’
in English.
Architectural Attractions
• K V Paradise
K V Paradise is also considered as Taj Mahal of
Mizoram and it symbolizes love as well. Situated
at a hilltop in Durtlang near Aizawl city
(approximately 10 kms away from city), K V
paradise was built in the memory of Mrs.
Rosangpui Varte who died in a tragic road
accident in 2001.
9. • Vantawng Falls, Aizawl
The highest waterfall in the state and the 13th
highest in the country, the Vantawng Waterfalls
is one of the most mesmerizing waterfalls of the
North East. Vantawng falls are the pride of
Mizoram and one of its prime attractions. The
waterfall which is located 137 km away from the
capital city of Aizawl is a gem in its own right.
● Phawngpui Peak, Aizawl
The highest point in the state, Phawngpui
Peak is a revered mountain among the tribes
of the state. The beautiful blue mountain
located some 300 km south of Aizawl is a
wonderful place to be and to bring out the
adventure enthusiast in you. The peak is
located within the Phawngpui National Park
and oversees a wondrous landscape full of
deep crevices and magnificent cliffs.
NATURAL BEAUTY
10. • Dampa Tiger Reserve, Aizawl
Dampa Tiger Reserve, a splendid Wildlife
Sanctuary, is located amidst the deep and
dense forests of Mizoram in India. The
forests are located about 125 kilometres
from Aizawl and are rich with a variety of
flora and fauna that draw tourists and
nature lovers to the North-eastern state of
India from all parts of the world. The
name Dampa was derived from the lonely
bachelors (Dam Pa meaning Lonely Men)
left in the region after the passing of a
majority of the female population.
• Rih Dil (Lake)
Rih Lake is the largest lake in Mizoram, and is
often contested to be situated in Myanmar. It is a
beautiful heart shaped lake, believed to be the
passage of souls to their eternal abode and is 14
miles from Champhai in Mizoram and 63 miles
from Falam, a town of Myanmar.
11. • LENGTENG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Located to the Northeast of Aizawl, Mt. Lengteng
and its surroundings have been declared a
wildlife sanctuary. The second-highest mountain
in the region is clothed in broad leaf and tropical
evergreen forests, and sheer rocky cliffs. This
paradise is home to the endangered state bird,
Vavu (Mrs. Hume's Pheasant), hornbills, etc. and
endangered mammals like the slow loris, the
leopard, the leopard cat, the serow, the goral, the
Asiatic black bear, etc. This lofty wildlife
sanctuary boasts of orchids of various hues and
beautiful flowering trees like rhododendrons,
cherry etc.
12. • Gong (Music)
Gongs are the main instruments used in the folk music of
Mizoram and no song is sung in this dance.
Music & Dance
• Khuallam (Dance)
Khuallam literary means 'Dance of the Guests'. It is a dance
usually performed in the ceremony called 'Khuangchawi'. In
order to claim a distinguished place in the society and to have
a place in paradise or Pialral one has to attain the coveted title
of 'Thangchhuah'.
● Chailam (Dance)
Chailam is a popular dance performed on the occasion of
'Chapchar Kut' one of the most important festivals of the
Mizos. In this dance, men and women stand alternatively
in circles, with the women holding on to the waist of the
man, and the man on the women's shoulder.
13. • CHAPCHAR KUT : The Mizo’s festival of joy
The Chapchar Kut is a festival of Mizoram, India.It is celebrated during March after
completion of their most arduous task of jhum operation i.e., jungle-clearing (clearing of
the remnants of burning). It is a spring festival celebrated with great favour and gaiety.
● Mim Kut Festival
The Mim Kut Festival is yet another important
harvest festival in the state of Mizoram. It is
dedicated to the loved ones and the departed
souls. The importance of the Mim Kut Festival is
also directly related to the importance of the
Chapchar festival.
Festivals
14. • Koat Pitha
Koat Pitha is fried fritters made using rice flour, jaggery and
bananas. It makes for a delicious dessert which is enjoyed during
special occasions.
Cuisines of Mizoram
• Paanch Phoron Torkari
One of the most popular dishes in Mizoram, Paanch Phoron Torkari is
made in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian fashion. In the vegetarian
version, brinjal, pumpkins and potatoes are used to make this dry dish and
in the non-vegetarian version, it is mostly prepared with chicken.
● Bai
This popular Mizo dish is made using steamed
vegetables with pork, spinach and bamboo shoot
spiced with local herbs.