International Research Journal of Management Sociology & Humanities

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Shri Param Hans Education & Research Foundation Trust

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IRJMSH YEAR [2013] Volume 4 Issue 1 online ISSN 2277 – 9809

Historical Backdrop and Cultural life of the Mizo Ethnic Tribe

Paresh Adhikari Ph.D. Scholar in Department of Economics CMJ University, Shillong, Abstract : Really speaking the are an ethnic group native to north-eastern , western Burma and eastern who speak any of various Kukish languages. The present Indian state of was called the Lushai Hills and was a district of , before it became a Union Territory and afterwards a full-fledged state. The Lusei people were the first Mizo people to have an external exposure and hence the ethnicity was initially known as the Lushai people. The demand for a distinct political territory for the people of Lushai Hills resulted in the creation of a separate Union Territory and afterwards the State of Mizoram. In this struggle, one of the powerful factors was the movement to call themselves Mizo, rather than by distinct clan names such as Paite, Lushei, Ralte, Gangte, Mara, Pawi, Hmar etc. Their languages belong to the Tibeto-Burman, their brethren are the Chins in the adjacent of Burma, as well as those of the Kukis.

Important that the variegated cultural fiestas of Mizoram reflects the quintessential lifestyle and traditional heritage of the inhabitants of the Mizoram, popularly known as the 'Songbird of the North east'. The people of Mizoram are collectively known as the Mizo. The term Mizo can be bifurcated into 'Mi' meaning people and 'Zo' that signifies the hill. Thus the very nomenclature of the tribal community illustrates the fact that they hail from the highland.

Key Words : Ethnic, Lushai Hills, Mizo, Religion, Traditional.

Introduction : Mizo people are a part of the great waves of the Mongoloid races spilling over into the eastern and southern India from and Yunnan province in the 18th century. Their sojourn in western Burma, into which they eventually drifted around the 7th century, lasted about ten centuries. Mizo people came under the influence of the British missionaries in the 19th century. The spread of education by Christian missionaries led to the high percentage of 91.58% literacy. Mizoram ethnicity comprises of a variety of social elements like the different tribal groups, religions, rituals and festivals. The people of this region have kept alive their age-old socio- cultural lineage. Their colorful and bright clothes and traditional customs are still in use at this hilly part of India. One of the fascinating aspects of Mizoram ethnicity is their ethical code. The

International Research Journal of Management Sociology & Humanities Page 257 http:www.irjmsh.com IRJMSH YEAR [2013] Volume 4 Issue 1 online ISSN 2277 – 9809 highlight of the ethical code of the Mizos is the tlawmngaihna. This local term highlights that each person who belongs to this place is cordial, helpful, soft-hearted and sociable. The people of Mizoram are very proud of their cultural legacy and go great lengths to preserve it despite considerable foreign intrusion. With changing times, Mizoram too is moving towards modernization but the state government has ensured that every bucolic hamlet in the state, irrespective of its remote location, is endowed with an YMA (Young Mizo Association). This body has been designed with the sole aim to leave a distinct tincture of the traditional societal values and customs among the state's youth. This is highlighted in the state's cultural extravaganzas and numerous fairs and festivals and music and dance that have been passed down through the generations. Though the concept Mizo is often used to name a nation, it is rather an umbrella term to denote the various clans, such as Pawi, Mara etc. Statement of the Problem : Despite tremendous changes of time, the Mizo ethnic tribe have been able to maintain their old traditions, religious beliefs and practices intact in the midst of various socio-political trails through the decades. Aims and Objectives : The objective of this paper is to study the historical backdrop and the impact of cultural life on Mizo society. Significance of the Study : 1. The study is significant to know about the historical backdrop of the Mizo community. 2. This study is significant for social study because this research is one of the few studies undertaken which gives a new way to look at Mizo cultural life. Hypothesis : It is hypothesized that cultural life brought social changes among the Mizo ethnic tribe. Methodology adopted in the Study Area : The paper is mainly based on descriptive research. Need base secondary data is collected from published books and unpublished thesis and journals, souvenir, pamphlets, magazines, internet etc. Libraries are visited for the purpose. Historical Perspective : During the later part of the British regime, the people in Lushai Hills as well as in hills felt that the British administration was trying to highlight the policy of control through the Chiefs of the community. There were variegated movements against the British rule as a result, an anti- Chief movement gained ground and in 1946, a political party named Mizo Common Peoples' Union (MCPU) was formed. In the event of India being independent, the Mizo Union, formerly known as Mizo Common Peoples' Union declared that Mizoram should be with Assam rather than adjoined with Burma, which the pro-Chief party advocated.

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With the independence of India, the secessionist group in MCPU favored joining with Burma. The separation of India from Burma in the year 1937, the partition of India in 1947 and the administrative extension over the Indian part of the area negatively impacted the free mobility of the inhabitants, despite the existing rules that allowed free cross-over across India-Burma and India-East Pakistan (now India-Bangladesh) international border. Religious Identity : Important those, a great majority of ethnic Mizo peoples are Christians. The major Christian denominations are Presbyterian (majority), Baptist, The Salvation Army, Lairam Jesus Christ Baptist Church (LIKBK) Seventh-day Adventist, Evangelical Church of Maraland (ECM), Congregational Church of India (Maraland) in the southern district of Saiha, Roman Catholic and Pentecostal. In recent generations small groups of Mizo have claimed themselves as Jews; see Bnei Menashe. Traditional Mizo gatherings are planned according to the agricultural calendar. Mim Kut, Chapchar Kut and Pawl Kut are festivals which are celebrated with aplomb and signify the onset or the offset of the harvesting season. Social Impact : The multi-ethnic and pluralistic state of Mizoram exhibits a co-existence of different communities, such as the Mizo (majority) (Lusei, Gangte, Pawi, Lakher, or Mara), the Riang (Mizo: Tuikuk), and the Chakma. Lai : With the promulgation of the Indian Constitution as a Sovereign Democratic Republic in 1953, the of Southern part of Mizoram have been given constitutional safeguards by granting them an Autonomous District Council under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. was created as the Headquarters of Lai Autonomous District Council. Their language has been maintained in the community and even in their education. Maintenance of language as a symbol of identity has been inculcated up to Middle school standard. The Lai Autonomous District Council managed their education from Primary to Middle stage in which the state government has no control and interference. For the expansion point of Christianity, education spread and molded their social life. Lai people speak both Lai and Mizo language. Mara : Mara, formerly known as Lakher, is the predominant community of the southeastern district of Saiha. The demand for a separate Lakher hills district in 1945 led to the formation of an organized political party called Mara Freedom Party. An autonomous district council, Mara Autonomous District Council under the Sixth Schedule Amendment of Indian Constitution was given to them. Their struggle for identity, having passed through several politico-historical events, now plays an important part in the political arena. Their maintenance of language as a symbol of identity has been supported by their education. For the expansion point of Christianity, education spread and molded their social life. Important that, have a native– like understanding of Mizo language.

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Political, Linguistic and Economic Arena : Consequent to Indian independence, the democratic change in administrative set-up of Mizoram led to an anti-Chief movement. The agitation brought forward the general mass feeling against the autocratic Chiefs and support for the Mizo Union.

In 1955, the demand regarding the formation of a separate hills state was put forward in a meeting of representatives of various Mizo villages held in Aizawl, due to the feeling that the involvement of the Assam Government during the mautam famine was unsatisfactory. The introduction of Assamese as the official language of Assam in 1960 led to the protest against the Official Language Act of 1961.

Pu Laldenga came to the ministry in the Interim government which was formed in coalition with Congress in 1987 and the Statehood of Mizoram was proclaimed on February 20, 1987. Inclusion in 8th Schedule : The dominance of the English language is evident especially in the fields of education, official matters and other formal domains as in other parts of India. English had already penetrated the life and blood 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 the Mizo language. Adoption of the Roman script has further facilitated the learning of the English language. The admiration and demand for the use of English in Mizoram is no different from the same attitude in other parts of India.

Mizo have engaged them actively in a long drawn out socio-political struggle for identity and recognition, and extracting political power from the Central Government in New Delhi. Due to the fear of being assimilated with other communities, aversion towards cultural admixture seems to be a reality of the Mizo people.

Major Tribes of Mizoram : The major tribes that are found in the land of Mizoram are Dulien, Ralte, Poi, Jahao, Pankhup, Lakher, Paite, Falam, Tangur, Khuangli, Dalang, Sukte, Fanai, Leillul and Mar. All of these tribes are known to exist in Mizoram ever since this hilly landscape came into existence. Apart from main tribal groups Mizoram people are divided into different sub-tribes also. Some of the sub-tribes of Mizoram include Lakhers, Pawis and Lushais.

Cultural Fiestas in Mizoram : Festivals in Mizoram mostly centers around the harvest seasons. Some other general festivals are celebrated by the people of Mizoram with great enthusiasm and vigor. Since cultivation is the mainstay of the people of Mizoram hence most of the festivals are celebrated to reflect the fertile bliss of the place. The concept Kut means festivals. As such the names of all the festivals of Mizoram are followed by this common term of Kut. Mim Kut festival of Mizoram is based on

International Research Journal of Management Sociology & Humanities Page 260 http:www.irjmsh.com IRJMSH YEAR [2013] Volume 4 Issue 1 online ISSN 2277 – 9809 the harvesting of maize crop. This festival is followed to pay respect to the dead. The Pawl Kut festival is followed by the people of Mizoram for two whole days. During the months of December and January the festival of Pawl Kut is celebrated in Mizoram.

Chapchar Kut is really attractive festival of Mizoram which is celebrated at a time when trees and bamboos are kept for drying so that these can be burned for jhum cultivation. It is believed that Chapchar Kut existed in the land of Mizoram from the era of 1450 to 1600.

Dance Festivals of Mizoram : 1. Dances of Mizoram highlight the cultural vibrancy of the place. Deriving inspiration from the natural beauty of the hilly terrains, the dances of Mizoram are synonymous to the multi- cultural aura of Mizoram. The Khuallam dance of Mizoram dates back to the pre-Christian times. Known as the dance of the guests, Khuallam dance is performed by the males of Mizoram by wearing a traditional costume called Puandum. 2. Cheraw dance is celebrated by both males and females of Mizoram. Use of the bamboo staves is the unique trait of the dance of Cheraw in Mizoram. Sarlamkai popularly known as Solakia, is an ancient dance form of Mizoram. It is believed that in the past warriors use to indulge in the Sarlamkai dance. Men and women enthusiastically participate in the dance of Solakia. 3. The Chailam dance of Mizoram constitutes four different variations namely Chai Lamthai 1, Chai Lamthai 2, Chai Lamthai 3 and Chai Lamthai 4. This dance is performed especially during the festival of Chapchar Kut in Mizoram.

Folk Music of Mizoram : 1. The origin of music of Mizoram is a mystery story. It is very difficult to chronologically arrange the sequences of the heritage of Mizoram Music. Developments of some couplets can be traced between 1300 and 1400 AD during the establishment of Thantlang in Burma. 2. B. Lalthangliana has stated that some of the folk songs that evolved during this period were Hla do (Chants of hunting); Dar Hla (songs on gong); Nauawih Hla (Cradle songs) and Bawh Hla (War chants). More songs were developed between late 15th and 17th Century AD. 3. A number of musical instruments accompany the folk songs of Mizoram. These musical instruments can be broadly classified into three categories: String instruments, Beating or Striking instruments and Wind instruments. Some of the String instruments are Tingtang, Lemlawi and Tuiumdar. Talhkhuang, Khuang and Dar, Bengbung, Seki are few Beating or Striking instruments. 4. The popular Wind instruments are Hnahtum, Mautawtawrawl, Rawchhem, Tumphit, Phenglawng and Buhchangkuang.

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Food Habit : 1. The Mizoram cuisine offers mainly non-vegetarian delicacies. The people who belong to this place do eat vegetables. They prefer to add some non-vegetarian ingredients to each and every dish they prepare. 2. The food in Mizoram is quite similar to the food in the other north-eastern states of India. 3. The cuisine of the north-eastern states of the country including Mizoram has an identity of its own.

Art and Crafts : 1. The main art and crafts of Mizoram are textiles, bamboo and cane works and basketry. 2. The textile industry is one of the main art and crafts of Mizoram. The Mizo women are engaged in weaving which constitutes a major sector of Mizoram cultural life. 3. Some of the most popular textile products of this part of India are puanspuon dum, puon pie, thangou puon, puon laisen, jawl puon, thangsuo puon, hmarm and zakuolaisen. 4. The pivotal bamboo and cane works of the state are hats, animal and fish trapscones, different types of baskets, japis, wide range of jewelry and circular boxes. 5. The basketry industry is a prominent segment of Mizoram art and crafts. Some of the popular products of the basketry industry of Mizoram are paiem, dawrawn, paikawng, tlamen, emsin, fawng-te-laivel, fawng and thul.

Major Findings : From the research paper I have arrived the following findings : 1. The Mizo people are an ethnic group native to north-eastern India, western Burma and eastern Bangladesh. 2. A great majority of ethnic Mizo people are Christians. 3. During the later part of the British regime, the people in Lushai Hills as well as in Manipur hills felt that the British administration was trying to adopt the policy of control through the Chiefs of the community. 4. Though the concept Mizo is often used to name a nation, it is rather an umbrella term to denote the various clans, such as Pawi, Mara etc. 5. The names of all the festivals of Mizoram are followed by this common term of Kut. 6. Mim Kut festival of Mizoram is based on the harvesting of maize crop. 7. Dances of Mizoram reflect the cultural vibrancy of the place. 8. Mizoram ethnicity comprises of a variety of social elements.

Suggestion for Future Research : 1. To study social work manpower to deal with specific problems or issues in the society especially in relation to local and regional concerns.

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2. To highlight an interest in social work research for the researchers to carry on social investigations this will help them in their future journey of life. 3. To develop literature for the benefit of the official working at different levels in the tribal areas. 4. Opportunity should be given to Mizo and other ethnic tribe in relation to financial allocation by the State and Central Governments.

Conclusions : The origin of the Mizo tribe is shrouded in mystery. Traditional music in Mizoram is very gentle and soft, and the locals claim that their songs can be sung throughout the night without any hint of fatigue. Country style music is very popular in Mizoram with the guitar being a popular instrument. Gospel music forms an integral part of their culture. Festivals in Mizoram are greatly influenced by Western culture. Christmas is the biggest festival in the state and community feasts are organized during this time.

References : 1. F. Hrangkhuma, ed., Christianity in India : In Search of Liberation and Identity (Delhi : ISPCK, 1998). 2. Horam, M., Naga Polity, B.R Publishing Corporation, New Delhi, 1975. P. 61 & Chinkholian Guite, Politico-Economic Development of the Tribals of Manipur: A Study of the Zomis, Anmol Publication, 1999. 3. Hminga, Life and Witness, 294. As Cited in Lawmsanga, Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Birmingham University. 4. Kamkhenthang, H., An aspect of Tribal Poverty and Remedy among the Tribes of Manipur’ Directorate of Development of Tribals & Backward Classes, Imphal, 1987 5. Lalrinawmi, Crab Theorology, 203. As Cited in Lawmsanga, Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Birmingham University. 6. Lalsawma, Revivals, 78.. As Cited in Lawmsanga, Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Birmingham University. 7. Liangkhaia, Mizo Chanchin, 165. As Cited in Lawmsanga, Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Birmingham University. 8. Liangkhaia, ‘Hla Thu’ [Poetical Words] in B. Lalthangliana, ed., Hranghluite Sulhnu (Aizawl: RTM Press, 1996), 99. As Cited in Lawmsanga, Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Birmingham University. 9. Lawmsanga, Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Birmingham University. 10. Nunthara, C., Mizoram: Society and Polity, Indus Publishing Company, New Delhi, 1996. 11. Saiaithanga, Mizo Kohhran Chanchin, 164. As Cited in Lawmsanga, Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Birmingham University.

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12. Sangkuma, Missionary-te Hnuhma [Footprints of the Missionaries] (Aizawl : M.C. Lalrinthanga, 1995), 150.. As Cited in Lawmsanga, Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Birmingham University. 13. Sharma, Arvind K., Rural Development in Mizoram -A Study of IRDP, Har-Anand Publication, New Delhi. 2004.

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