Mizo people

The Mizo people (Lushai: Mizo hnam) are a Tibeto-Burmese ethnic group native to the Indian state of Mizoram and neighbouring regions of Northeast India. They are related to the Zomi people and Chin people. The term Mizo covers several related ethnic groups or clans inside the Mizo group. The term Kuki or Mizo was used as a general classification in government records for the Zo ethnic groups who resided in the Lushai hills ie Mizoram and Parts of (now) Tripura,Manipur and Myanmar. However, with the establishment of the state of Mizoram, the term Mizo became more widely recognized and used.

Mizo
Mizo girls in Lushai traditional dress
Total population
c. 825,000[1]
Regions with significant populations
 IndiaMizoram
           MizoramAizawl
 MyanmarMizo people in Myanmar
           Chin StateN/A
           Sagaing RegionN/A
Languages
Mizo language
Religion
Majority - Christianity 99% (Predominantly Protestantism),[2] Minority - Judaism (Bnei Menashe) and Mizo religion
Related ethnic groups
Zo people  · Chin  · Zomi  · Kuki  · Mara  · Bnei Menashe, Ranglong

Some Mizos claim (from their folklore) that Sinlung (alternatively called "Chhinlung" or "Khul") was the cradle of the Mizos. Sinlung can either refer to "enclosed with a rock" in the Mizo languages or to a main ancestor named "Chin-Laung" from whom Mizo and other Chin clans descended.

The present Indian state of Mizoram (meaning Mizoland or land of the Mizos") was historically called the Lushai Hills or Lushai District. (The word "Lushai" is a now-deprecated British transliteration of "Lusei".) The Lushai Hills area was defined as an excluded area during the British Raj, and as a district of Assam in independent India.[3][4]

The Mizo are divided into several clans, including the Ralte, Paite, Rokhum, Lai, Hmar, Lusei, Mara, and Thadou/Kuki. In addition to the state of Mizoram, Mizo people inhabit other states in the immediate vicinity, such as Tripura, Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland. The majority of Mizo outside India live across the border in neighbouring Chin State and Sagaing Region, Burma.

The dispersed distribution of Mizo people can be attributed to two factors: migratory practices due to the practice of Jhum agriculture by the Mizos, which in turn led to a rapid expansion of their territory during the 18th and 19th centuries, and the pacification of India under British rule.

The Mizo were particularly dissatisfied with the government's inadequate response to the 1959–60 mautâm famine. The Mizo National Famine Front, a body formed for famine relief in 1959, later developed into a new political organisation, the Mizo National Front (MNF) in 1961.[5] A period of protests and armed insurgency followed in the 1960s, with the MNF seeking independence from India.[6]

In 1971, the government agreed to convert the Mizo Hills into a Union Territory, which came into being as Mizoram in 1972.[7] Following the Mizoram Peace Accord (1986) between the Government and the MNF, Mizoram was declared a full-fledged state of India in 1987.[8]

The Mizo people historically speak the Tibeto-Burman Mizo language. There are multiple varieties corresponding to the various clans, but the official and most widely spoken is Duhlian language, which serves as a lingua franca among the Mizo clans. English is the most widely used language for non-Mizo speakers and for education in Mizoram. The state has one of the highest literacy rates in India, at more than 90%.[9]

Etymology

The term Mizo is derived from two Mizo words: Mi and Zo. Mi in Mizo means "person" or "people". The term Zo has two meanings. According to one view, Zo means 'highland' or perhaps 'remote' (Willem van Schendel's term Zomia). [10]Another meaning is "cool" or "crisp" (i.e., a sense/feeling of cool and refreshing air/environment of higher altitude. "Zo" is never used to denote all cool/cold temperatures; the term for such temperature is "vawt"). Zo, in its contemporary sense as well as its usage in terms like Mizo, is cultural and denotes an ethnolinguistic group and identity. Hence, while Mizo may be translated as "highlanders" or "people living in high hills" or "remote areas," the term specifically denotes a person with Zo ethnic membership; that is, Mizo literally means "A Zo person".

Mizo is a broad ethnic classification of subgroups inhabiting the regions known as Mizoram (in colonial times the Lushai Hills) in India, the Chin Hills in Myanmar and the Chittagong Hills in Bangladesh. Mizo most often refers to those residing in Mizoram. Members of many subgroups of the Zo family have joined and adopted the Mizo category while others have not.[11]

Though the term Mizo is often used to name an overall ethnicity, it is also an umbrella term to denote the various clans, such as the Hmar, Ralte, Lusei, Mara, Paite, Bawm, Pang, Thadou, Vaiphei, Gangte, and Biate. A number of dialects are still spoken under the umbrella of these mentioned clans;[12] some of them are Mizo ṭawng (which is an official language of Mizoram), the Hmar languages, the Paite languages, the Lai languages, Ralte language, and Paang language.

Demography

Crammed between Myanmar to the east and south and Bangladesh to the west, the Indian State of Mizoram and its surrounding areas are inhabited by the Mizo people. They are found in the Indian states of Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura and the neighboring Bangladesh and Myanmar. According to Rev Liangkhaia, the clergyman and Mizo historian, in his book Mizo Chanchin – the first-ever published historical account of the Mizo – the Mizo people migrated from China in around 750 AD and stayed in western Myanmar. They then slowly began migrating towards the present-day Mizoram during the fourth decade of the 16th century. Most of the Mizos and their clans had completely migrated to their present location by the third decade of the 18th century.

Mizo people were influenced by British missionaries in the 19th century, as the British Raj subjugated the chieftainship under its dominance, which they later abolished by Assam-Lushai District (Acquisition of Chief’s Rights) Act, 1954[13] The spread of education by Christian missionaries led to a high literacy rate of 91.58% by 2011. Almost all the Mizos also adopted Christianity, and most continue to be so till the present day.[14]

Lushai Animism
Main article: Mizo religion

Pre-colonialist Mizos were animists, i.e they followed Lushai animism in which the Lushai tribes believed in nature-based spirits and other natural living objects.[15]

Bnei Menashe
See also: Bnei Menashe

In the 19th century, European Christian missionary activity in the region led to conversion of some Chin, Kuki, and Mizo peoples. In the mid-to-late 20th century, a rather small number of Mizo and related ethnic peoples in Assam and Mizoram began practicing Judaism, after a community leader had a dream in 1951 that they were descendants of the biblical figure Manasseh, a lost tribe of Israel.[16] They number, at most, several thousand in a population of more than 3.7 million in these states. Genetic studies have shown very low affinity with Middle Eastern peoples (including ethnic Jews),[17][18] and rabbinic authorities in Israel have acknowledged Bnei Menashe people as Jews subsequent to their conversion to Judaism under normative Jewish practices. Several hundred have already emigrated to Israel, where they must undergo complete conversion to be accepted as Jews.

History
Main article: History of Mizoram

During the later part of British rule, the people in Lushai Hills as well as in Manipur hills held that the British administration was trying to exert control through the chiefs of the communities. There were several rebellions against the British rule as a result,[19] and an anti-chief movement gained ground.

In 1946, the Mizo Common People's Union (MCPU) was formed. Upon India becoming independent, the Mizo Union, as it was soon called, demanded that Mizoram should be with India rather than adjoined to Myanmar,[20] as the pro-chief party advocated.

With the independence of India, a secessionist group in the Union favored joining with Myanmar, to which they were linked historically, ethnically and linguistically, with common roots to their languages. The separation of India from Myanmar in the year 1937, the partition of India in 1947, and the government's administrative extension over the Indian part of the area reduced the free mobility of the inhabitants. The rules to allow free passage across the India-Myanmar and India-East Pakistan (now India-Bangladesh) international borders were not regularly honored. Chafing at the restrictions, many of the Mizo never accepted the new territorial boundaries; they rebelled in the March 1966 Mizo National Front uprising.

Clans

Khiangte

The Khiangtes are the descendants of Pu Thuantak (Pu meaning grandfather). They have two brothers, Sizang/Siyin and Thaute. It is believed that they came to the present Mizo Hills along with the successive migrations of the Luseis between 1600 A.D. to 1700 A.D. Khiangte is composed of Khupthlang, Khupchhung, Tumchhung, Mualvum, Khello, Chhinghel and Chawngte (Tuichhung, Pamte, Lungte and Muchhipchhuak) clans. They spread throughout Mizoram, Assam, Manipur and Tripura in India; Chittagong hills tracts in Bangladesh, and the Chin State and Sagaing Division.[21]

Paite
Main article: Paite people

The Paites are indigenous tribes of Mizoram under the Greater Assam state since 1750 AD. The Tribal Research Institute of Mizoram in their published book,"Paite in Mizoram" stated that the Paite people with their Guite chiefs entered the present Mizoram along with Palian Chief of Lushai around the first half of the 18th century. The Union Government has recognised Paite as one of the tribes in Mizoram via The Gazette of India Notice No. 10 of 2003 date 8 January 2003 of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment) Act, 2002.

Lai
Main article: Lai people

In 1953, India adopted a constitution defining itself as a Sovereign Democratic Republic. At that time, the Lai people of the southern part of Mizoram, a segment of the much larger population of Lai/Chin, were granted an Autonomous District Council under the Sixth Schedule of the constitution, to support their identity. Lawngtlai was created as the headquarters of Lai Autonomous District Council.[22]

Hmar
Main article: Hmar people

The Hmar tribe occupy a large area in the northeast of India: Pherzawl District of Manipur, various places across Tripura and Cachar, Hailakandi, Karimganj, and the NC Hills District of Assam. In Mizoram, the Hmar are found in the Aizawl, Kolasib, Champhai and Lunglei districts. A majority of Hmars who live in Mizoram speak the Duhlian language, while few of them who live within Sinlung Hills District Council (SHDC) speak the Khawsak/Darngawn dialect, which is accepted by some as 'the' Hmar language.

Renthlei

Even though the Renthleis may not seem numerous and ancient. In fact, they are a very ancient tribe as compared to the Luseis (descendants of Thlapaa, son of Ngaite). They are a very brave tribe who also settled at Muchhiptlang and Mulen along with Chawngte, Tochhawng and Vanchhawng clans. Their clans include Lianhlun, Zachhing, Tinkulh, Chhing thlang, Chho nghek, Thangthlawl, Sohnel, Thuandum.[23]

Ralte
Main article: Ralte people

The Ralte tribe consisted of 4 main clans, divided into a number of smaller clans. The 4 main clans are Siakeng, Kawlni (Colney), Lelhchhun and Khelte. They are descended from Thahdo,[24] the son of Aisan Pa (Sektak), who was the son of Nuaimangpa Songthu and his wife Neihtong. 1.Siakeng clans - Engkhai, Siakhang, Haizang (Chawnthang & Chawnchhin), Chawngtual, Thangbur, Khumchiang, Hilki, Chhakawm, Engkhung, Khelhau, Darkim, Kipawm, Manglut, Hnawtkhel, Khumtung, Hilthang (Thangsiam, Damphut & Tukhum), Lehvung, Lehvung, Aite, Hauhniang & Hualkheng. 2.Kawlni clans - Arte, Lawisut, Helhlah, Thasûm, Saphaw, Khawnghawr, Bhal eng, Thangkawp, Chuaungeng, Holat, Hlamvel, Zahuat [Chalbawk (Kawlvawm, Chalsawp, Chalchiang, Chaltum, Kawltung, Chalchung) & Doubul {(Renghang-Rengsi, Rengngo), Bungsut & Thangchhuan}].[25] 3.Lelhchhun clans - Chhunthang, Chhiarkim, Vawngsual, Tunglei, Leihang, Chuanglawk, Thangbung, Hratchhum, Hangdem, Hauphut, Selpeng, Haudim & chungleh. 4.Khelte clans - Vohang, Hausel, Vangtual, Chhinghlu, Hauvawng, Lawnghau, Chiangthir, Tualthang, Chiangkhai, Zaucha, Vohlu, Thatchhing, Chhiarchuang, Zahlei & Keulak.[26] They also have their own dialect *Ralte.

Chawngthu

The Chawngthu are said to be the descendants of Lersia Saivate. Two main clans are present in Mizoram: the Khuntil, made up of the Khunsut, Khunthlang, Haukawi, and Saithleng, and the Vanchiau, made up of the Maluang, Chingruam, and Thangchuang.[26]

Political, linguistic and economic situation

After Indian independence, the democratic change in the administrative set-up of Mizoram led to an anti-chief movement. The feeling was widespread against the autocratic chiefs and for the Mizo Union. In 1955, at a meeting of representatives of various Mizo villages held in Aizawl, the demand arose for a separate hills state. The local people felt they had been ill-served by the Assam Government during the Mautam famine.

When in 1960 the government introduced Assamese as the official language of the state, there were many protests against the Official Language Act of 1961. This was followed by the March 1966 Mizo National Front uprising,[27] resulting in attacks on the military installations in Aizawl, Lunglei and other towns. The Mizo National Front, formerly known as Mizo National Famine Front, declared independence from India.

The Indian government designated Mizoram as a Union Territory on 21 January 1972. Pu Laldenga, the President of Mizo National Front,[28] signed a Peace accord in 1986 with the Government of India, stating Mizoram was an integral part of India. Pu Laldenga came to the ministry in the Interim government which was formed in coalition with Congress in 1987. The Statehood of Mizoram was proclaimed on 20 February 1987.

Present demand for inclusion in the Eighth Schedule

With 91.58%[14] literacy, the 2nd highest in Indian states, Mizoram is a leader in the national emphasis on education. Because of this, its people have demanded that Mizo ṭawng be recognized as an official language in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution.[29] The demand is important and expressed in various aspects of social and political life.

The English language is widely used in the state, especially in the fields of education, official matters and other formal domains, as it is in other parts of India. English had already penetrated the life of the Mizo people for a long time along with the spread of education.

Christian missionaries in the 19th century developed the current alphabetic system adopted for a written form of the Mizo language. Adoption of the Latin script has facilitated people's learning English as a second language. The admiration and demand for the use of English in Mizoram is no different from the same attitude in other parts of India.

The Mizo have conducted a long, drawn-out socio-political struggle for identity and recognition, and succeeded in gaining political power from the central government in New Delhi. They fear being assimilated with other communities, and continue to insist on their separate identity and use of traditional languages to help maintain that.

References
  1. "Statement 1: Abstract of speakers' strength of languages and mother tongues – 2011". www.censusindia.gov.in. Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
  2. Religion data of census 2011cpsindia.org October 2016 Archived 1 December 2022 at the Wayback Machine
  3. Zorema, J. (2007). Indirect Rule In Mizoram 1890-1954. Mittal Publications. ISBN 9788183242295.
  4. Govt. Of India (Excluded & Partially Excluded Areas) Order, 1936
  5. Kumāra, Braja Bihārī (1 January 1998). Small States Syndrome in India. Concept. p. 75. ISBN 978-81-7022-691-8. Archived from the original on 31 December 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2013.
  6. Dommen, A. J. (1967). Separatist Tendencies in Eastern India. Asian Survey, Vol. 7, No. 10 (Oct. 1967), 726-739
  7. Chopra, Sanjeev (5 September 2020). "Mizoram: from UT to State". MillenniumPost. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  8. Stepan, Alfred; Linz, Juan J.; Yadav, Yogendra (2011). Crafting State-Nations: India and Other Multinational Democracies. Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 105. ISBN 978-0-8018-9723-8. Archived from the original on 31 December 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2013.
  9. "Mizoram Population 2022 | Sex Ratio & Literacy rate 2023". www.census2011.co.in. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  10. van Schendel, Willem (2002). "Geographies of knowing, geographies of ignorance: Jumping scale in Southeast Asia". Environment and Planning D: Society and Space. 20 (6): 653 (note 13). doi:10.1068/d16s. S2CID 220080961. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
  11. Pachuau, Joy L. K.; van Schendel, Willem (2015). The Camera as Witness. Cambridge University Press. pp. 8–9. ISBN 978-1-107-07339-5.
  12. KHAWTINKHUMA, VANTHUAMA. "MEMORANDUM SUBMITTED TO HIS MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT BY MIZO UNION". ZOLENTHE.NET. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  13. "Assam Lushai Hills District (Acquisition of Chiefs' Rights) Act, 1954". www.indianemployees.com. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  14. Census of India 2011, Provisional Population.
  15. Srijani Bhattacharjee (November 2017), From Animism To Structured Beliefs: Socio-Cultural Changes In Lushai Hills With The Advent Of Christianity And British Administration In The Region, International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies, p. 37, S2CID 220631805
  16. Weil, Shalva. "Double Conversion among the 'Children of Menasseh'" in Georg Pfeffer and Deepak K. Behera (eds) Contemporary Society Tribal Studies, New Delhi: Concept, pp. 84–102. 1996 Weil, Shalva. "Lost Israelites from North-East India: Re-Traditionalisation and Conversion among the Shinlung from the Indo-Burmese Borderlands", The Anthropologist, 2004. 6(3): 219–233.
  17. Isaac Hmar, "The Jewish Connection: Myth or Reality", E-Pao
  18. "The lost and found Jews in Manipur and Mizoram", E-Pao
  19. Dutta, Dr Ankita (14 December 2021). "Account of How Pasalthas in Lushai Hills of Mizoram Resisted British Rule". myIndiamyGlory. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  20. Nunthara, C. (1996). Mizoram: Society and Polity. New Delhi: Indus Publishing Company. pp. 127–128. ISBN 81-7387-059-4.
  21. Liangkhaia, Rev. (2011). Mizo chanchin. L.T.L Publication.
  22. Pachuau, Rintluanga (2009). Mizoram: A Study in Comprehensive Geography. Northern Book Center.
  23. Liangkhaia, Rev (2011). Mizo chanchin. L.T.L Publication.
  24. Zawla, K. (2011). Mizo pi pute leh an thlahte chanchin. Lalnipuii, Mission veng.
  25. Zawla, K. (2011). Mizo pi pute leh an thlahte Chanchin. Lalnipuii, Mission veng.
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  27. Joshi, Hargovindh (2005). Mizoram History Past and Present. Mittal Publications. pp. 11–. ISBN 978-81-7099-997-3.
  28. Chatterjee, Suhas (1994). Making of Mizoram: Role of Laldenga. Vol. 1. New Delhi: M.D. Publications. p. 73. ISBN 978-81-85880-38-9.
  29. "Requests to include 38 languages in Constitution pending: Govt". The Hindu. 1 December 2009. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
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