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Mizoram, or the land of Mizos (highlanders), has
international boundaries with Myanmar and Bangladesh while it
shares its domestic borders with the states of Assam, Manipur
and Tripura. The Tropic of Cancer runs through the heart of
Mizoram, and hence, it has a pleasantly temperate climate
throughout the year. A land of steep hills and deep gorges,
Mizoram's highest peak 'The Blue Mountain' rises to a height
of 2165 metres. Important rivers that flow through this hilly
state are Tlawang, Sonai, Tuivawl, Kolodine and Kamaphuli.
The Mizos belonging to the Mongoloid race, are original
settlers of the Shan State of Burma. Two of the tribes, the
Lushai and Himar, migrated to India and occupied the Lushai
hills. Mizoram was annexed in 1891 by the British as Lushai
Hill district, and made a part of Assam. With Independence,
Mizoram became a district of Assam. Mizoram was made a State
of the Indian Union on 20th February 1987, following the
historic Mizoram Peace Accord, signed between the Central
Government and the Mizo National Front in June 1986.
Religion
The Mizos are
divided into several tribes - the Lushais, Pawis, Paithes,
Raltes, Pang, Himars, Kukis etc. Previously believers of the
good spirit called Pathan, the Mizo community today is
greatly influenced by Christianity. Mizos have accepted
English as their medium of instruction, but the Mizo language
is still widely spoken.
Though mostly Christians, the hill people have kept alive
their rich cultural heritage, colourful customs and lively
traditions. Festivals and dances of the Mizos have a unique
tribal flavour. Other than Christmas and New Year's Day which
are the most popular festivals, Chapchar Kut (after clearing
of jungles for cultivation of the jhum crop in
February-March), Pawl Kut (after the harvests when the
granary is full in December) and Mim Kut (dedicated to
departed souls after the maize harvest in September), are the
other occasions celebrated with much gusto. The most popular
dances of Mizoram are Cheraw (Bamboo dance), Khuallam (dance
for visitors or guests), Chheih Lam (at the end of a day's
work) and Solakar or Sarlamkai (prevalent among the Mara and
Pawl tribes).
Capital
Aizwal, the
scenic capital of Mizoram, its surrounding areas and the rest
of the state have been developed to meet the influx of
domestic and foreign tourists. Aizawl, located at nearly
4,000 feet above sea -level, is 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.
Profession
Agriculture is
the main profession of the Mizos. The main pattern of
agriculture followed in Mizoram, is jhum or shifting
cultivation. The government is now taking steps to do away
with this pattern of agriculture, which is very harmful. They
have now introduced a new system of contour farming, with
trenches and hedging, with the intention of switching over to
permanent cultivation on hill slopes. Mizoram is famous for
the fibreless ginger grown in this area. Paddy, maize,
mustard, sugarcane, sesame and potatoes are the other
prominent crops grown in this area.
Concerted efforts have been made to accelerate the growth of
industries in Mizoram. The new industrial policy of Mizoram
was framed in 1989, under which some priority industries were
identified. These include agro and forest based industries,
handloom and handicrafts, electronics and consumer
industries.
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