Mizoram

Mizoram, in the local language, means the land of Mizos. Mizo itself means highlander. Under the British administration, Mizoram was known as Lushai Hills district. In 1954 by an Act of Parliament, the name was changed to Mizo Hills district. In 1972, when it was made into a union territory, it was named Mizoram. Mizoram became the 23rd state of the Indian union on February 20,1987.

Mizoram is situated between 21-58o to 24o 29' north latitude and 92o 29' to 93o 22' east longitude. The tropic of Cancer passes near the capital, Aizawl town. Mizoram occupies the north east corner of India. In shape it is rather like a narrow and inverted triangle. It is bounded on the north by the district of Cachar (Assam) and the state of Manipur, on the east and south by Chin Hills and Arakan (Myanmar) on the west by the Chittagong hill tracts of Bangladesh and the state of Tripura. Mizoram borders three states of India - Assam , Manipur and Tripura. Its geographical borders with Assam, Manipur and Tripura extended over 123 km, 95 km and 66 km, respectively. Mizoram is a land of hills. The hills run in ridges from north to south. They have an average height of 900 metres, the highest point being the Blue Mountain (2165 metres).

History
Mizoram was inhabited by the tribal groups of Tibeto-Burmese race. During the period 1750-1850 migrations led to settlements in the hills. The tribal groups were governed under a hereditary chieftainship. The Lushais are the most predominant tribe besides a few others like Panei, Lakher, Chakma, Riang. Agriculture is the main occupation of this region. During the British period, Mizoram became a part of the territory of the British India in 1891 though the administration of the villages were left to the local chieftains. The influence of the British also extended to conversion into Christianity. After independence of India, Mizoram continued to be part of Assam. In 1966 the Mizos resorted to the use of armed struggle to put forth their demands to set up a homeland. It was in 1986 that peace was established and Mizoram joined the main stream with the Indian Union.
 

The capital city, Aizawl, stands like a citadel watching over the valleys of Mizoram. White churches dot the landscape of this small city. If you are shopping for souvenirs, a visit to the Bara Bazaar and the Luangmual Handicrafts Centre will get you the most beautiful bamboo hats and shawls. The Mizoram State Museum is located in the centre of the town and the displays are scanty but give you an idea of Mizoram’s culture and history. This is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

For breathtaking views of blue hazed hills and vales, head to Phawangpui, also known as the Blue Mountain. It is the highest peak in Mizoram at an altitude of 7100 feet above sea level. The Durtlang Hills, south of Aizawl, are high ridges punctuated by small villages and Christian convents. This area is ideal for day-hikes from Aizawl. The beauty of the hills is punctuated by silver cascades as waterfalls crash their way down green clad, mist covered hills.


Tamdil Lake is 60km away from Aizawl and will take you three hours by road. It is a scenic and peaceful picnic spot that also has fish farms. Champai, 192km from Aizawl, is picturesque with rhododendrons crowding the surrounding hills. 5km away is Ruantlang, a village where the traditional Mizo way of life has been preserved.

Dampa is a huge wildlife sanctuary easily accessible from Aizawl by hired 4WDs. Sprawling over 572 sq. km., it is home to East Himalayan wild animals like tigers, bears, bisons and bears. It is a favourite destination of butterfly and bird enthusiasts.
 

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