Area :21,081 sq km
Capital :Aizawl
Population :Approx. 4 million
Language :Mizo, Hindi
Literacy Rate :81.23%
District :3
Annual rainfall: 250 cm.
Temperature: 11-21°C in Summer;
20-29 °C in Winter.
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.
