7 Amazing Facts about Mizoram
Traveling gives you new insights. It would open new vistas of knowledge, enriching you with unique experiences. You will meet new people, and each of these experiences would contribute to your development as a human being. New paths and new friendships would blossom you into a new personality. When you interact with new cultures, you will definitely grow. This article is all about the facts about Mizoram that will help you in getting to know more about this lovely state.
Have you ever thought about spending some time in a pristine area, surrounded by lush and verdant landscapes? If the answer is yes, then welcome to Mizoram. This beautiful state is welcoming you to experiences that you will cherish for a lifetime. Let us check some of the unique facts about Mizoram.
State Symbols of Mizoram
These are the state symbols of Mizoram-: State Tree (Indian Rose chestnut), State Flower (Senhri), State Bird (Mrs Humes’s pheasant) and State Animal (Serow).
History
The early history of the state of Mizoram is shrouded in mystery. According to local legends, the tribe of Mizo had emerged from a rock known as Chhinlung, which means Rock Cover. The earliest ancestor of the Mizos was Thlapa. Those tribes who reside in the Mizo hills are commonly known as Kukis. Mizos lived almost independently, controlled by chieftains until the arrival of the British. During the last half of the 19th century, some of the tribes started to raid the British Indian territory, much to the chagrin of the Britishmen. To quell the unrest, the British army entered the hilly terrain and annexed it. When India got independence, Mizoram was made part of the State of Assam, under the Lushai Hills District with Aizwal as its headquarters. Then in 1959, there happened a famine, called Mautam, caused by the proliferation of rats. This culminated into a full-fledged insurgency by the late 1960s. The Indian army had to intervene and eventually the rebels were defeated. In 1972 Mizoram became a Union Territory and was granted statehood in 1987.
Geography
Mizoram can be described as hilly terrain. The landscape is exquisitely beautiful and could feel like heaven for a potential tourist. The major rivers in the state are-:
1. Chimtuipui (originates from Burma)
2. Tlawng (It is very important as the state capital, Aizwal lies on the shores of this river)
3. Tuiral
4. Khawthlangtuipui
5. Tuichang
6. Tuichawng
7. Mat
8. Tuirini
9. Serlui
The Major lakes in the state are-:
1. Palak -: A beautiful destination. Legends say that a village was submerged in it.
2. Rih Dil-: Kind of a sacred place, connected to afterlife thoughts.
Waterfalls-:
1. Vantawng Falls
Mountain Ranges-:
1. Phawngpui-: With an elevation of 2157 m, this is the highest point in the State of Mizoram. This peak is religiously important to the Mizos, with many folklores connected to it. Blessed with diverse flora and fauna, like Black Eagle, Hornbill, Mrs Hume’s Pheasants, Peregrine Falcon etc, this site offers a unique scenery. The mountain is known as the blue mountain, and it encompasses the Phawngpui National Park, one of the two national parks in Mizoram.
Another thing, 91% of Mizoram is densely forested.
Tropic of Cancer cuts through the middle of the state.
Economy of Mizoram
Mizoram lags in terms of economy. It ranks as the last state in India, in terms of Economy. They practice the Jhum cultivation. Mizoram is blessed with an abundance of Bamboos, which is also a curse because of the rat threat. Main industries in Mizoram are handicrafts, rice mills, handlooms, rice mills etc. Mizoram produces 14% of the total bamboo in India. Main agricultural products include papaya, ginger, turmeric, Potato, Sugarcane, and Chillies etc. Mizos are adept in producing shawls as well, and traditional clothing known as Plans. Puans are worn by both sexes. Puan means clothing in the local language, and they are produced mainly in districts such as Serchhip and Aizawl.
Culture of Mizoram
Traditional Dances of Mizoram are the bamboo dance, Cheraw Kan, Kuallam, and Khantum Solokia etc. The main festivals in the state are Christmas, Easter, Thalfvang (celebrated in November, this can be described as a harvest festival), and Chap char Kut (Historically marks the end of the Jhum cultivation). Mizos are musically inclined people. The state is called the Songbird of the East. This state is very popular for making musical instruments.
Places to Visit in Mizoram-:
1. Burra Bazar
This is a well- known shopping area in the capital Aizwal. This is a typical crowded area.
2. Falkawn Model village
Located 22 km away from Aizawl, this village gives you rich insights into the traditional lifestyle of the Mizo people.
3. Reiek
With an elevation of 1465m, this mountain is a popular tourist spot in the state of Mizoram. You can even see the land of Bangladesh from here. This has a typical Mizo village, where the traditions are protected. There is also an Anthurium festival is organized, to promote the Mizo customs.
4. Kola Sib
This is the capital of the eponymous district. When you are here, you can visit the River Tlawng, the longest river in the state of Mizoram. If you have time, you can also have a sneak peek of the Tam Dil Lake, where boating facilities are available.
5. Dampha Tiger Reserve
There is a legend attributed to this sanctuary about a village where all the women had died, and the name means ‘lonely men’. This is a tiger reserve. Apart from the Bengal Tigers, there are leopards, barking deer’s, are also found here.
6. Aizawl
The state capital. This hilly area has lots of attractions such as the Solomon Temple, Mizoram state museum etc.
7. Lunglei
Another important town in the state. A paradise for the nature lovers. Major attractions are the Stone bridge and Khawnglung Wildlife sanctuary.
8. Mizo Hlakungpui Mural
This is a monument to commemorate the Mizo poets. It was established in 1986.
Cuisine of Mizoram
Bamboo Shoot Fry
This is one of the most popular recipes in Mizoram. It is made by frying bamboo shoots in a mixture of herbs and shitake mushrooms are also used to prepare it.
Koat Pitha
Made using rice flour and bananas, people also add fish into it. Tastes sweet due to the addition of Bananas.
Bai
This is an extremely popular dish in Mizoram. It is made using spices and herbs. Pork, Bamboo shoots are the main ingredients.
Conclusion
Like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram is also blessed with abundant beauty. This is essentially known as a paradise of travelers. If you want to visit Mizoram, please go ahead as otherwise, you will be missing a great chance to explore one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
