State of India - Mizoram

Area: 21,081 sq km

Population: 6,89,756

Capital Of City: Aizawl

Languages: Mize and English

How You Know: Most of our mountain ranges run east to west, but the hills of Mizoram run north to south with the highest parts in the east. The hills of Mizoram are extremely steep and ranges are separated by rivers, which cut deep gorges between them. The highest peak called Phawang Phui or the Blue Mountain is 2065 meters high.

History: Mizoram is located at a very important position in the Northeast, sharing international borders with Burma and Bangladesh. The word Mizo means highlander and it is a term used by their neighbours for the inhabitants of this land. The Mizos are of Mongoloid stock and are believed to have migrated from upper Myanmar during the 17th century. Although they have a tribal past (the Lushais, Pawis, Paihtes, Raltes, Pang, Hmars are some of the tribes) most of the Mizos today are Christians.Mizo dances are spontaneous community dances. The Cheraw or bamboo dance of the Mizos is popular all over the country. Long bamboo sticks are used and dancers step in and out of bamboo formations close to the ground. In earlier times this dance was performed to wish a safe passage into the other world (called 'Pialral') for the soul of a mother, who died at childbirth. Fundu Fact The spread of Christianity with its emphasis on Bible reading has meant that Mizoram today is India's most literate state. According to officials of the Directorate of Adult Education in Mizoram, the 1998-99 figures show that 96 per cent of Mizoram's seven-lakh odd population can read or write. Mizoram is one of the few states where 'jhum cultivation' is still practiced. The Mizos slash down the jungle, burn the trees and cultivate the land. The government is trying to encourage them to drop this method of cultivation as it is harmful for the environment. Chapchar Kut is the most popular festival of the Mizos. It is celebrated after the completion of the difficult task of clearing the jungle for 'jhum' cultivation. People dress in their tribal costumes and get together to sing, dance and celebrate.