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Mizoram

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Mizoram is a state located in northeastern India.

View of the ridgetop city of Aizawl, state capital of Mizoram
View of the ridgetop city of Aizawl, state capital of Mizoram

Its capital and largest city is Aizawl. The state covers an area of 21,081 square kilometers. It shares 722 kilometers of international borders with Bangladesh to the west. It also borders Myanmar to the east and south. Within India, Mizoram shares borders with Assam, Manipur, and Tripura.

Districts of Mizoram (2021)
Districts of Mizoram (2021)

This region is characterized by its high-altitude landscape and dense vegetation.

Nature dominates the physical landscape of the state. Satellite data shows that forests cover 84.53% of Mizoram. This makes it the fourth most heavily forested state in India. The terrain is often steep and mountainous. Because of this, many people live in urban areas. Mizoram has an urbanisation rate of 51.5%. This is the highest rate in northeast India. Nationally, it ranks fifth in urbanisation. The state's environment supports various industries, such as bamboo and horticulture.

Archaeological evidence shows that ancient civilizations thrived here long ago. The Vangchhia necropolis site is a major discovery.

Kawtchhuah Ropui Vangchhia Mapuia Hnamte (2)
Kawtchhuah Ropui Vangchhia Mapuia Hnamte (2)

This site contains human remains, pottery, and ornaments. These items date back to 600 BC. The site includes a 200-metre long water pavilion. This stone structure resembles those found in Mughal cities. It likely served as a place for social gatherings. There is also an "Ancestors' Pathway" at the site. This path features rocks engraved with images of heads and flowers.

Following these early inhabitants, Tibeto-Burman-speaking peoples migrated into the region. They moved from the Chin Hills in present-day Myanmar. These groups formed organized chiefdoms. They practiced jhum cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn farming. By the 18th century, various clans united to form the Mizo identity. This group became the dominant population in the area. They introduced the Mizo language and the Sakhua religion. The name Mizoram comes from the Mizo people and the word "ram," meaning land or forest.

Political changes significantly altered the region during the 19th and 20th centuries. The British conducted military expeditions in the mid-19th century. They annexed Mizoram in 1895. At that time, it was part of the Assam Province. Under British rule, administrative reforms and Christianity spread throughout society.

After India gained independence in 1947, the area was known as the Lushai Hills District. In the 1960s, the Mizo National Front led an insurgency. This conflict ended with the Mizoram Peace Accord in 1986. On February 20, 1987, Mizoram became the 23rd state of India.

Today, Mizoram has a unique cultural and religious makeup. The population is about 1.26 million people. It is the second least populated state in India. About 83.4% of the people are from the Mizo or Zo tribes.

Mizo girls in Mizo traditional dress
Mizo girls in Mizo traditional dress

Christianity is the most practiced religion, held by 87% of the population. Most followers belong to Protestant denominations like the Presbyterian or Baptist churches. Other groups practice Buddhism, Hinduism, or Islam. The Mizo language serves as a lingua franca. This allows many different ethnic communities to communicate with one another.

The economy of Mizoram is transitioning from traditional methods to new industries. Many people still practice jhum farming. However, this is being replaced by horticulture and bamboo products. For example, the state produces over 7 million tonnes of Anthurium flowers.

אנטוריום1
אנטוריום1

The state also relies on its infrastructure for trade. It has about 871 kilometers of national highways.

Lengpui Airport Building
Lengpui Airport Building

Highways NH–54 and NH–150 connect the state to Assam and Manipur. Mizoram is becoming an important transit point for trade with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

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🖼️ Images & Media (32)
File:Kawtchhuah Ropui Vangchhia Mapuia Hnamte (2).JPG
Kawtchhuah Ropui Vangchhia Mapuia Hnamte (2).JPG
File:First Shell Fired At Howsatta's Village - ILN 1889.jpg
First Shell Fired At Howsatta's Village -...
File:Mizo-Village-Zawlbuk.jpg
Mizo-Village-Zawlbuk.jpg
File:Lallula territory.png
Lallula territory.png
File:Lushai woman reading western magazine.jpg
Lushai woman reading western magazine.jpg
File:Zakapa captured by Shakespear.jpg
Zakapa captured by Shakespear.jpg
File:Lushai chiefs allegience to the Union Jack.jpg
Lushai chiefs allegience to the Union Jack.jpg
File:Lushai recruits departing for enlistment.jpg
Lushai recruits departing for enlistment.jpg
File:Lushai chiefs having tea at superintendent's house.jpg
Lushai chiefs having tea at...
File:Laldenga.jpg
Laldenga.jpg
File:IAF Ouragan surrender 1965.jpg
IAF Ouragan surrender 1965.jpg
File:Tuirihiau falls, Mizoram 2.jpg
Tuirihiau falls, Mizoram 2.jpg

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