The Contextual Linkages Between Recorded Mizo

Senhri Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, Vol. 4, No. 1 (January - June 2019), p. 82-89

Senhri Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies ISSN: 2456-3757 Vol. 04, No. 01 A Journal of Pachhunga University College Jan.-June, 2019 (A Peer Reviewed Journal) Open Access https://senhrijournal.ac.in DOI: 10.36110/sjms.2019.04.01.010

THE CONTEXTUAL LINKAGES BETWEEN RECORDED MIZO HISTORY AND LITERATURE: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS Ruatdiki Hmar 1* & Vanlaltana Khiangte2 1Department of Political Science, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram 2Department of Folkloristics, North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong *Corresponding Author: [email protected] Ruatdiki Hmar: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0208-3247

ABSTRACT There was a time when history and literature were regarded as a single field of study in the Mizo society. Mizo history showcased past events based on the actual occurrence of events while Mizo literature highlighted the culture, societal set up and lifestyles of the Mizo people. Mizo literature may not be regarded as a fully reliable source for undertaking a comprehensive, detailed analysis of Mizo history but is still able to offer an extensive insight due to the inclusion of the prevailing societal set up and lifestyle; the incorporation of characters created in accordance with those that may have existed in that particular mode of history; the emphasis on the political system and the turmoil that may have plagued the Mizo society at a particular phase in history. Mizo literature is richly laded with the political, economic and social realities that existed at different phases of Mizo history. This paper aims to partake on a critical analysis of the commonalities or the differences that may be located between the recorded history and the literature created or made available during that same historical period through selected Mizo literature that have time and again been regarded as reflective of Mizo history.

Keywords: Mizo history, Mizo literature, contextual linkage, Mizo Union, MNF Movement.

Introduction participants dead and its history told, is what the general public perceives as the K. Kris Hirsat said, “History is the immutable bedrock on which we historians study of the human past as it is described in and archeologist stand. But as a purveyors of the written documents left by human beings. the past, we recognized that the bedrock is The past, with all its decisions completed, really quick stand, that bits of the story are

© SJMS, 2019 82 Senhri Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, Vol. 4, No. 1 (January - June 2019), p. 82-89 yet untold, and that what has been told novels are Thanpuii Thlan, written by comes tainted by the conditions of what we Vanlalrawna where the central point of the are today.” iHistory is also defined as the study will be based on the Mizo Union. events of a particular period, country, or ivThe second novel is Nunna Kawng subject; something that has been done or Thuampuiah written by Zikpuii Pav where experienced by a particular person or thing the MNF Movement will be the main point repeatedly over a long period (Cambridge of contention. These two works are in the Dictionary).iiHistory can best be summed up vernacular language from which relevant as the record of events that actually quotations were drawn accordingly.viThe happened in the past. It cannot be altered, Mizo Union was the first political party in extended or re-created based on one‟s view Mizoram, established on the 9th of April, point. It has to be recorded and written down 1946. It brought about political awakening in the exact manner in which events actually among the Mizo people. It successfully took place in the society. campaigned for the abolition of chieftainship. It rigorously fought for the Novels are tales or fabrications, creation of a District Council in Lushai Hills made up stories or anecdotes about events and rejected the Language Bill of 1960, that took place in the past where the introduced by the government of Assam characters‟ actions threw light on the past (Assamese was to be given the status of the and present journey embarked upon by man. official language of the state). The MNF The plots in novels are richly laden with Movement (referred to as rambuai in Mizo minute details and are highly complex.iii writings) occurred during the period of Novels can be described as a source for 1966-1986 where Lushai Hills witnessed drawing the amalgation of facts from fiction turmoil, instability due to the movement where the life experiences of man coupled spearheaded by nationalistic goals i.e. with his dreams, hopes, aspirations and ideas attainment of independence and autonomy are encapsulated into one form. Unlike for the Mizo people. This Movement history, which is recorded based on ultimately concluded with the signing of the historical facts and findings, novels use the Peace Accord on the 30th of June, 1986 characters as storytellers to depict the which led to the birth of the state of intentions and feelings that the author Mizoram. These segments/ areas of study intended to portray. This is one fundamental chosen for the paper all form a part of the difference between the two. Mizo political history i.e. are part of the For the purpose of this study, it is not major entities that shaped Mizo political possible to undertake an analytical study of history. all historical novels. Two historical novels Thanpuii Thlan and the Mizo Union which at a glimpse, appear to offer a contextual linkage between the historical Thanpuii Thlan written by Anthony events recorded at a particular time frame in Vanlalrawna in 2016 is a novel which Mizo history will be studied. These two follows the love and affection that

© SJMS, 2019 83 Senhri Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, Vol. 4, No. 1 (January - June 2019), p. 82-89 blossomed between two people, during the to exert power and authority in the society period of formation of the first political was one of the defining features that party in Mizoram and the subsequent birth promoted the dissent of some people of a nationalistic party. His writing traces towards Mizo Union, paving way for their the emergence and birth of the Mizo Union alliance with the nationalist front.ix as a political party along with its profound The very first General Assembly of imprint on the minds of the Mizo people. Mizo Union was held in Sikulpui, where the In Thanpuii Thlan, special mention Mizo Union stated that, “Mizo Union was a of Mizo Union (the first political party in party that represents the entire Mizo society. Mizoram) was made numerous times. Nothing should transpire in Mizoram, Anthony Vanlalrawna writes “around two without the wishes and support of the Mizo months ago, a party called the Mizo Union Union as it is the people‟s representative”. was born in Aizawl. The leaders of the party This statement was not supported by the distributed themselves and went to all Deputy Commissioner (DC). The various villages, trying to win over the villagers and undertakings and proceedings of the Mizo get their approval”. The mention of the Union failed to win over the support and establishment of the Mizo Union in this approval of the administrators. When L. L. novel throws light on the initial years of its Peters was the DC, in matters of existence.vii disagreement he always sided with the nationalist group and always ruled against The opportunity towards generating the Mizo Union. Before giving the Mizo a societal upliftment within Mizoram and Union a chance to truly represent their side the transpiring of a greater Mizo unity wave of events, the DC jailed them immediately awoke the sentiments of the people created a without any fair trial. Such incidents were buzz of excitement amongst the people. The elaborated in Thanpuii Thlan. The writer writer mentions, “The male heads of all the writes, “The people no longer wanted to pay households willingly paid the membership taxes to the Chiefs which enraged the chiefs fee of one rupee. Their wives and children and the chiefs shared their grievances to the became associate members, and paid fifty DC. The DC in accordance with the paisa.” The swaying of the people‟s grievances shared by the Chiefs, issued an emotions and feelings coupled with the order and started arresting all the people subsequent lack of support from the whom the Chiefs had complained against. associates of the Chiefs led to a situation The accused were transported to Aizawl and where the pool of supporters later gave their were locked up.”x favor towards the nationalist driven front viiiwhich was established a year after Mizo These incidents mentioned in Union started making waves. Subsequently, Thanpuii Thlanare also mentioned in R. two groups i.e. the Mizo Union and the Vanlalawma‟s writings. R. Vanlalawma, a nationalistic driven front were both in the Mizo historian in his writings mentioned forefront. The desire for a handful of people that, “the Mizo Union took steps for the

© SJMS, 2019 84 Senhri Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, Vol. 4, No. 1 (January - June 2019), p. 82-89 removal of Pu Peter xi and undertook an With the new decree made by the agitation for his speedy removal from his Assam government, the institution of incumbent post. The agitation was to Chieftainship came to an end. Each village commence on the 28th of December, 1948. elected a Village council to undertake The President of Mizo Union during this governance and administration at the local period was Thanhlira. Thanhlira and level. In the elections for the Village Hrangaia, on behalf of the Mizo Union went Council, majority of the chosen people were to Shillong to share their discontentment all members of the Mizo Union.xiv With the about the DC; Pu Peter. The DC‟s officials overwhelming details and facts on the Mizo were waiting for their return. On the 11th of Union and the corresponding backdrop December 1945, Hrangaia was caught and entailed within the novel, one can assume kept in jail. Later, Thanhlira on arriving in that the writer has channeled all historical Aizawl was also caught. An agitation grew facts in his writing. The incorporation of the in Aizawl due to their arrest. The Mizo transcending political historical details Union carried out protests and raised the within this novel appears to be reflective of slogan “Peter go home”. The Mizo Union the events that had transpired in Mizo leaders, based on the Maintenance of Public society. These details more or less falls in Order Act, 1947 were sentenced to six line with the Mizo political history recorded months in jail commencing from the 29th of by various historians along with the December 1948. The agitation spread in the anecdotes which have been time and again villages as well.xii shared by the many remaining survivors of this era (The insight from the survivors have Besides the birth of the Mizo Union been expressed/made known through and the proceeding events leading to the various public outlets which are in oral form establishment of the nationalist party , their expressed during various occasions ranging efforts towards attaining liberation from the from public speeches, informal and religious control of the Chiefs and the desire to grant gatherings). power in the hands of the people also found due mention in Thanpuii Thlan. The writer Nunna Kawng Thuampuiah and says,” The chiefs were extremely scared of Rambuai: being dismissed and raised their concerns to The author of the book, Nunna the government of India and the government Kawng Thuampuiah is KC Lalvunga, who of Assam. Based on the wishes of the Mizo used the pseudonym Zikpuii Pa in his Union, the Assam government passed an writings. His work, Nunna Kawng order, leading to the abolition of Thuampuiah written in 1989 offers an chieftainship in Mizo society. The Mizo elaborate backdrop into the hardships and Union was exhilarated and full of joy. The turmoil prevailing in society with the advent frustrations of the people over the tyrannical of the Mizo National Front (MNF) rule came to an end.xiii Movement. The MNF Movement (1966- 1986) was the era of grave social and

© SJMS, 2019 85 Senhri Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, Vol. 4, No. 1 (January - June 2019), p. 82-89 political turmoil in Mizoram. Many was left in blazes. The land and possession historians termed this period as „the era of of many rich Mizo businessmen were insurgency‟ in Mizoram. The MNF seized… the army men abused the Mizo Movement, referred to as rambuai by Mizo women where children, mothers and young writers was the phase when the MNF girls were not spared…”xvii demanded independence for the Mizo Aizawl Treasury was the only place people. Large and small scale attacks were that was clearly specified by Zikpuii Pa. undertaken by both the Government of India Zoramthanga‟s recording on the advent of and the MNF. In the process, many innocent insurgency movement mentions, “the people lost their lives. Entire villages insurgency commenced on the night of 28th suffered grave losses. There was instability February when the Mizo National Army had and fear in the minds of many Mizo people. gathered, were on a line of command but The MNF Movement ended with the signing accidently triggered their grenades, leading of the historic Peace Accord in 1986.This to the advent of the insurgency at a time novel is believed to have been written by the earlier than intended. On 2nd March, the author based on his personal experiences Assam Rifles and police on patrol were along with the experiences of those close to ambushed .On the 3rd of March 1966, during him .The sufferings of the people under the night time the firings started in Aizawl hands of the British Indian army men, the city… on the 5th of March 1966; jet fighters administrative set up and undertakings of the started bombing possible areas where the government, the true impact of rambuaixv on Mizo fighters (the insurgents) may have the lives of the people along with the church stationed themselves from 10am onwards. based, family based and personal xviii C. Herman made a continuation of the perspectives is deeply depicted throughout above extracts, “The declaration of his writing. Mizoram‟s Independence by the MNF on The start or advent of the period of the night of 1st March 1966 was over the All rambuai (insurgency) was depicted by India Radio, Gauhati Station and the Zikpuii Pa. “The MNF was on a role. They rebellion of the MNF from the government were able to bring the Aizawl treasury under of India saw the entry of security forces. The their domain…the period of insurgency Indian governments send the central security commenced in Mizoram. With the start of forces on a mission, a mission to free the the insurgency era, the capital Aizawl and civilians of Mizoram from the control of the all the surrounding areas became the Mizo rebels.”xix platform for armed rebellion… the Mizo Recordings on the attack carried out army and Assam Rifles started firing shots on the army convoy on the 7th of May at each other and the Assam Rifles slowly between Zanlawn and Serkhan can also be started retreating towards their safe found in Nunna Kawng Thumpuiah. There haven.”xviIn chapter 5 of the novel the is mention of a particular incident. At author mentions, “the capital Aizawl was around 3 pm, when the characters in the reclaimed and the central area, Bara Bazar

© SJMS, 2019 86 Senhri Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, Vol. 4, No. 1 (January - June 2019), p. 82-89 novel were on their journey towards women were kept at a certain place and were Zanlawn, upon crossing Khankhawn the being attacked by the army men on a nightly MNF ambushed their convoy and started basis. Some of these women screamed for firing the British Indian army. The army had help, some tried to fight of the attacks.xxiii better weapons and were abundant in Even if majority of such incidents could not number but the Mizo side were not to be be verified, the volume of human emotions easily intimidated. Close to 30 people were and sufferings included in them cannot be killed in this incident. xxThis small incident disregarded as they appear to be true mentioned in the novel is actually a very reflections and glimpses into the happenings crucial historical fact in Mizo history. that were taking place along with the inhumane injustice that were being The mention of the declaration made committed on Mizo women. The nature of by the major General in Nunna Kawng sufferings handed to the Mizo women and Thuampuiah, “whosoever rapes or commits the number of suicides committed out of a sexual offence against any Mizo women, sheer agony may not be recorded irrespective of their rank will be brought statistically but was a dominant part of the under the summary court”xxi but the further society.xxiv mention of the lack or sheer absence of any actions taken against the accused by the Conclusion: writer is another eye opener. Also, the writer Based on the comparative analysis of clearly delimitated the contradictory role of historical writings and novels depicted the so-called protectors of the civilians, who through the two selected Mizo novels, it is were in reality the actual culprits who had evident that certain parts/ elements of these caused great sufferings on the women. The novels hold the key towards unraveling portrayal of the devious actions of the army more details in Mizo history. At the same to a great extent is reflective of the actual time, while certain entries appear to be state of affairs that were happening in the closely related to the truth, they may in Mizo society during this period of time. actuality be nothing more than elaborated or In Rambuai Literature, one can find false fabrications. Lalawmpuia Vanchiau recordings where in places of warzone or clearly stated that while some details could rebellion one could rarely locate incidents indeed be made up or fabricated, it was not where atrocities have been committed on humanly possible to make up or create women or children by the army men as they certain entities found in these novels based were always shielded by the superiors and on one‟s mere imagination.xxv higher authority.xxii This further validated The debate on the reliability of the nature of injustice and sufferings that novels as a source for making an insight into were faced by the Mizo women and the events and situations of the Mizo society children. has found many takers and refuters. Novels, In Nunna Kawng Thuampuiah, there being a part and parcel of literature have is a mention of a series of encounters where indeed opened up a flood gate for new

© SJMS, 2019 87 Senhri Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, Vol. 4, No. 1 (January - June 2019), p. 82-89 insights and understandings of historical iv events and many a times, act as The Mizo Union was the first political supplementary agents for the existing party in Mizoram which was established on history. At the same time, validating these the 6th of April, 1946. works on the grounds of reliability is a v daunting task. One should never forget that Mizo writer, KC Lalvunga used the the creators have full freedom to entwine pseudonym, Zikpuii Pa in many of his both real and false events in their writings. writings. The early writers did indeed incorporate vi major parts of their present experiences and All direct quotations in the paper are observations in their writings, but questions translated works from the original novels, raised on their validity and reliability are left which were written in the vernacular unanswered. At the same time, based on the language by the Mizo writers. similarities with the recorded history along vii with the societal level occurrences deduced Vanlalrawna, A. (2016). Thanpuii Thlan. from these two novels, it is evident that Aizawl: Samaritan Printer, p.130 many Mizo novels are indeed a source of viiiThe national front was a group or historical writings which can prove instrumental towards encapsulating a association that was driven by its aim of deeper, micro level understanding of the attaining independence for Lushai Hills. past events that transpired in Mizoram. ixVanlalrawna, A, op cit., p.151 xIbid., p.148 xiL.L.Peters was called “Pu Peter” by the

Lushai people which when translated in End Notes English means “Mr.Peter” or “sir Peter”. i Hirst, K. Kris. “What is History? A xiiVanlawma, R. (1989). Ka Ram Leh Kei. th Collection of Definitions.” retrieved on 13 Aizawl: MC Lalrinthanga , p.210 February, 2019 from xiii Vanlalrawna, A,op cit., p.215 https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-history- xivIbid.,p.215 collection-of-definitions-171282 xvRambuai is a Lushai term which refers to ii “History meaning”. Cambridge Dictionary. the period of armed rebellion or insurgency th retrieved on 13 February, 2019 from that occurred in Mizoram from 1966-1986. http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/e xviLalvunga, K. (1998). Nunna Kawng nglish/history Thuampuiah. Aizawl , p.69 iii Khiangte,Laltluangliana. (2005).Thuhlaril. xviiIbid.,p.70 CTBET:Aizawl , p.71

xviiiZoramthanga. (2016). Mizo Hnam Movement. Aizawl: Dingdi Press, p.36 xixHermana, C. (2015).Zoram Buai lai khan.

Aizawl: Synod Press, p.43 xxLalvunga, K. op cit.,p.82 xxiIbid.,p.106 xxiiC. Lalawmpuia Vanchiau, P. (2014). Rambuai Literature. Aizawl: Lengchhawn Press, p.448 xxiiiVanlawma, R, op cit., p.84 xxivC. Lalawmpuia Vanchiau, P.,op cit., p.428 xxvIbid.,p.86

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