Mizoram is an Indian state located in the northeast part of India. The capital of Mizoram is Aizawl. It got its statehood on 20th February 1987. Mizo and English are the official languages of the state.
History of Mizoram
The history of Mizoram starts from 18th and 19th century and the chieftains were very powerful at that time. In 1952, the Lushai Hills Autonomous District Council was formed to abolish the chieftainship. The recommendations of the State Reorganization Commission in 1954 did not satisfy the tribal leaders and so the Eastern India Tribal Union was formed in 1955. Another political party Mizo National Front was formed on 22nd October 1961 and the demand for new statehood of Mizoram grew stronger in 1971. The state of Mizoram was formally created on 20th February 1987.
Geography and Climate of Mizoram
Mizoram spreads over an area of 1,091,014 square kilometers. There are 21 hill ranges in the state and the average heights of these hills are 1000 meters. The highest peak of Mizoram is Phawngpui Tlang rising to a height of 6562 feet and the biggest river is Chhimtuipui. Other rivers that flow through the state are Tlawng, Tut, Tuirial and Tuivawl. The biggest lake in Mizoram is Palak Lake that covers 30 hectares. Tamdil Lake and Rih Dil Lake are other important lakes that serve as tourist attractions.
Mizoram has a mild climate that ranges between 20 degree Celsius and 29 degree Celsius in summer and 7 degree Celsius and 21 degree Celsius in winter. The rainy season lasts from May to September. The average annual rainfall of Mizoram is 2540 mm.
Mizoram State Map With Districts
There are 8 districts in Mizoram as of June 2012. Given below is the Mizoram state map with all 8 districts marked.
List of Districts of Mizoram
People and Culture of Mizoram
The total population of Mizoram is 1,091,014 with a density of 52 people per square kilometer as of 2011 census. The people of Mizoram are called Mizos. Mi means people and Zo means Hill. Some of the tribes living here are Tripuri, Chakma, Tanchangya, Arakanese and Bnei Menashe. Singing is an integral part of their culture. The young Mizos follow the latest western culture. About 87% of the people are Christians, 8.3% are Buddhists, 3.6% are Hindus and 1.1% is Muslims. So, Christmas is the biggest festival celebrated here. The people of Mizoram speak Mizo language and Hindi is taught compulsorily in all the schools. Chheih Lam is the traditional folk dance.
Economy of Mizoram
When compared with the other Indian states, Mizoram lags behind in its economical developments. The forest resources are the major resources of economy of Mizoram. The occupation of 70% of the people is agriculture. Various boards have been set up to promote the industries in Mizoram namely Zoram Industrial Development Corporation, Mizoram Khadi and Village Industry Board, Zoram Handloom and Handicraft Corporation Limited, Mizoram Food and Allied Industries Corporation Limited and Zoram Electronics Development Corporation.
There are more than 20 species of bamboo grown here and 30% of the state has bamboo forests. 40% of the total bamboo crop of India is harvested here. Jhum cultivation is in practice in many parts of the state. Food processing industry, handicrafts and tourism industry are other sources of economy of Mizoram.
Education in Mizoram
The literacy rate of Mizoram is 89.9%. Until 19th century, the state was highly illiterate as there was no written language. The first school was set up in 1898 and the literacy level in 1901 was only 0.9% which rose to 89.9% by 2005. This state ranks second in its literacy level next only to Kerala. The Mizoram University has more than 30 colleges under its hood. The National Institute of Technology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry and ICFAI Mizoram University are some of the important educational institutions here.
Mizoram Transportation
The state of Mizoram has a road network of 4000 kilometers and NH 54, NH 150 and NH 40 A connect it with other parts of India. It has an airport named Lengpui Airport near Aizawl and there are regular flights from Kolkata to Lengpui. There is a small railway station at Bairabi and the nearest prominent railway station is in Silchar in Assam which is about 180 kilometers from Aizawl.
Mizoram Tourism
There are many beautiful places in Mizoram and government is taking continuous steps to increase revenue through tourism. The inner line permit is essential for foreign tourists to visit the state and these could be obtained from the Indian missionaries. The Wild Water Buffalo, the Sumatran rhinoceros and wild elephants are found in Lushai Hills and Ngengpui wildlife sanctuary and Dampa wildlife sanctuary. Other places of cultural heritage are found in eastern part of the state such as Mizo Poets’ Square, Great Megaliths and Lamisal Cave.
