FACTS & FIGURES

INTRODUCTION

Mizoram is a state with one of the highest literacy rates in India. Situated on the extreme south of the northeastern India, it is a land of unending natural beauty with a variety of flora and fauna. The word Mizo means highlanders.

Location

Mizoram shares its boundary with two neighboring countries: Myanmar on its east and south and Bangladesh on its west, apart from the tiny state of Tripura. The northern border of Mizoram is shared by two neighboring states, Assam and Manipur.

Physical Features

The state is covered from north to south by high mountains that measure approximately 2000 meters high. The highest mountain peak of the state is the majestic Blue Mountain that reaches to a height of 2165 meters. A number of important rivers flow through the state include the Sonai, Tlwanag, Kolodine and Kamaphuli.

Climate

The climate of the state is characterized by a warm and humid feeling. As the tropic of cancer runs through the state, the climate is temperate but pleasant. The monsoon brings heavy rains to Mizoram.

Flora and Fauna

The state of Mizoram is a storehouse of exotic flora and fauna. The hills here could be seen covered with bamboo and banana trees along with wonderful pine trees. The forests here also house some of the rare varieties of orchids that are found only in this region of the country.

HISTORY

Not much is known about the early history of Mizoram. It is believed that the Mizos migrated to this region hundreds of years ago. However, as per later records, the state of Mizoram used to be a district of Assam. The British entered the hills in 1891 and took possession of the Lushai hills in 1898. The district was carved out of Assam under the reorganization act of 1971 and raised to the status of a union territory on January 21, 1972. In 1987, Mizoram became the 23rd full-fledged state of the country.

PEOPLE

Ethnicity

The native people of the state are called Mizos, meaning the highlanders. They are of Mongolian origin, believed to have migrated from northwestern China. With the passage of time, a number of people with their own culture and tradition and belonging to diverse ethnicity have made the state their home.

Arts and Crafts

Mizo art and craft items are worth treasuring. Mizo women are born weavers and the intricate designs created by them are a treat to the eyes. The choice of bright color in everything is a unique facet of Mizo art and crafts. The exclusive cane and bamboo furniture of Mizoram is marked by innovative designs.

Music and Dance

The music and dance of Mizoram differs from community to community. The most popular of the dances is the Cheaw Dance, performed on bamboo checks and requires a very smooth rhythm between the dancers and the instrumentalists. There are other dances like the Khuaflam, Solkia, Chheih Iam, etc., that are quite popular.

Attire

The attire of the people here is unique. In the case of women, the upper portion of the body is covered with fine woven cloth in the form of a shirt or blouse and the lower portion is covered by a finely woven and intricately designed sarong. The sarongs sometimes are very heavy due to its design work on the borders. The men generally wear a colorful shirt and a wraparound piece of cloth around their waist similar to a dhoti.

Cuisine

The gastronomy of the state differs from the rest of the country. People here are mostly non-vegetarian and prefer to eat meat. Moreover, the usual meal is not so spicy but plain in taste retaining the nutritive value of the food. The locally made wine is a favorite of all.

ECONOMY

Infrastructure

Industry

Although the potential for some of the unconventional industries is high, Mizoram is not a highly industrialized state. The tourism and handloom industries have a very good prospect here.

Agriculture

Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy of the state. The jhum (shifting) cultivation of the state produces a number of varieties of agricultural products ranging from pineapples to paddy.

Incentives

• Capital subsidy of 25%, up to Rs 25 lakh, of fixed assets in the region
• Incentives for units in backward areas
• Incentives for agro-and forest-based industries, handlooms, and electronics industry

TOURIST CENTERS

Mizoram has many picturesque sites to visit. The Museum and Mini Zoological Garden at Aizawl, Bung (picnic spot), and Paikhai are worth a visit. Besides, the Tamdil natural lake (located 60 km away from Aizawl), Vantawng falls (137 km) and Champai (204 km) are some other picnic sites of the state.

HOW TO REACH

By Air

Mizoram’s only airport in Aizawl connects the state with Guwahati and Calcutta by regular flights.

By Rail

Mizoram is not connected by rails and the nearest railhead is at Silchar in Assam.

By Road

The state is well connected by a good network of roads. The state transport corporation runs regular buses to various places within and outside the state.