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Society and Religion in Mizoram: a Study of Revival Movement (1906-1937)

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Society and Religion in Mizoram: a Study of Revival Movement (1906-1937) SOCIETY AND RELIGION IN MIZORAM: A STUDY OF REVIVAL MOVEMENT (1906-1937) A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND ETHNOGRAPHY, SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, MIZORAM UNIVERSITY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Rohmingmawii 2013 DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY & ETHNOGRAPHY MIZORAM UNIVERSITY AIZAWL: MIZORAM JAGDISH LAL DAWAR 0389-2330410(O) 2330531(O) 2330488(R) 919436352895(M) PROFESSOR & HEAD e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] C E R T I F I C A T E This is to certify that the thesis entitled “SOCIETY AND RELIGION IN MIZORAM: A STUDY OF REVIVAL MOVEMENT (1906-1937) submitted by Miss Rohmingmawii in fulfillment of PhD degree of this University is an original research work and has not been submitted elsewhere for other degree. It is recommended that this thesis be placed before examiners for the award of degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Dated: (JAGDISH LAL DAWAR) Supervisor & Head Place: DECLARATION I, Rohmingmawii, hereby declare that the thesis entitled, “SOCIETY AND RELIGION IN MIZORAM: A STUDY OF REVIVAL MOVEMENT (1906-1937)” is the record of work done by me, that the contents of this thesis did not form basis for the award of any previous degree to me or to the best of my knowledge to anybody else, and that the thesis has not been submitted by me for any research degree in other University or Institute. This is being submitted to the Mizoram University for the award of Doctor of Philosophy in History. Place: Aizawl, Mizoram (ROHMINGMAWII) Date: 12-3-2013 (JAGDISH LAL DAWAR) (JAGDISH LAL DAWAR) Head Supervisor Department of History & Ethnography Mizoram University Tanhril; Aizawl DEDICATION To my beloved parents Mr, Lengthanga & Mrs. Darthangi TABLE OF CONTENTS Certificate Declaration List of Figures .................................................................................................................... iv Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................... v-vii Abbreviations .................................................................................................................. iviii INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 1-13 Chapter 1: UNDERSTANDING REVIVAL MOVEMENT ............................................14 1.1 Historiography of Christianity in Mizoram .................................................... 14-20 1.2 Approaches to Revival Movement ................................................................... 20-33 1.3 Debate on Mizo Revival .................................................................................. 33-40 1.4 Understanding of Revival in Mizoram ........................................................... 41-44 Conclusion ..................................................................................................... 44-46 Chapter 2: THE SETTING ................................................................................................47 2.1 Advent of the British ..............................................................................................48 2.1.1 Earlier Encounter ................................................................................... 48-50 2.1.2 Mizo Resistance ...................................................................................... 50-54 2.1.3 Establishment of British Rule in Mizoram ............................................ 54-55 2.2 Changes under Colonial Administration in Mizoram ..................................... 55-56 2.2.1 Devolution of Political Power .......................................................................56 2.2.1.a. The Chiefs ..................................................................................... 56-59 2.2.1.b. Circle Admnistration ..................................................................... 59-61 2.2.2 Permanency vis-a-vis Circumscription ................................................... 61-62 2.2.3 Impressed Labour (Kuli) ......................................................................... 62-67 2.2.4 Materialism ............................................................................................. 67-69 2.2.5 Exploration of Wider World ................................................................... 69-70 2.3 Advent of Christianity...................................................................................... 70-73 2.3.1 Mission Works .............................................................................................73 2.3.1.a Education........................................................................................ 73-83 2.3.1.b Medical Mission............................................................................. 84-86 2.3.1.c Proselytization ................................................................................ 86-93 2.3.1.d Growth and Development of the Church ....................................... 93-96 2.4 The Mizo Experience ..................................................................................... 96-102 Conclusion ............................................................................................ 102-103 Chapter 3: THE WAVES .................................................................................................104 3.1 Revival in Northeast India ........................................................................... 105-107 3.2 Revival in Mizoram ..................................................................................... 107-110 3.2.1 The First Wave .................................................................................... 110-117 3.2.2 The Second Wave ............................................................................... 117-124 3.2.3 The Third Wave .................................................................................. 124-131 3.2.4 The Fourth Wave ................................................................................ 131-135 3.3 Features of the Revival ........................................................................................135 3.3.1 Indigenization ..................................................................................... 135-139 3.3.2 Ecstatic Phenomenon .......................................................................... 139-140 3.3.3 Self-expression .................................................................................... 140-142 3.3.4 Challenge to Established Authority .................................................... 142-147 3.3.5 A Movement of the People ................................................................. 147-150 3.3.6 Statistical Growth of Christians .......................................................... 150-151 Conclusion ...........................................................................................................152 Chapter 4: RESPONSE TO REVIVAL ...........................................................................153 4.1 Non-Christians' Response ............................................................................ 153-156 4.1.1 Persecution .......................................................................................... 156-164 4.1.2 Puma Zai ............................................................................................. 164-173 4.2 Christians' Response ............................................................................................173 4.2.1 The Official Church ............................................................................ 173-175 4.2.1.a The European Missionaries ........................................................ 175-185 4.2.2.b Native Church Leaders ............................................................. 185-189 4.2.2 The Christian Masses .......................................................................... 189-195 ii 4.3 Government's Response ............................................................................... 195-198 Conclusion ................................................................................................. 198-199 Chapter 5: THE CANVASS .................................................................................... 200-202 5.1 Rereading Revival Movement ..................................................................... 202-239 Conclusion .................................................................................................. 239-241 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................ 242-247 APPENDICES APPENDIX A: Christian Population in Mizoram-I ........................................................248 APPENDIX B: Christian Population in Mizoram-II .......................................................249 APPENDIX C: List of Punitive Labourers of Kelkang Village (after 1937 stirring)250-251 APPENDIX D: A Copy of Circle Interpreter's Report to Superintendent Regarding Kelkang Stirring .........................................................................................................252 APPENDIX E: A Copy of Release Order to the Imprisoned Revivalists........................253 Glossary ................................................................................................................... 254-257 Bibliography ............................................................................................................ 258-276 iii LIST OF FIGURES Number Page Figure 1: Revival Movement: First Wave ....................................................................111
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