View source for Mizoram

{{Short description|State in northeastern India}}
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{{Use Indian English|date=March 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox Indian state or territory
| name = Mizoram
| official_name = 
| type = State
| image_seal = Seal of Mizoram.svg
| motto = [[Satyameva Jayate]] ([[Sanskrit]])<br/>
"Truth alone triumphs"
| anthem = [[List of Indian state symbols|Ro Min Rêlsak Ang Che]] ([[de facto]]) <br/>
"Be Thou Our Counsellor"
| image_skyline = {{Multiple image
| border                   = infobox
| total_width              = 300
| image_style              =
| perrow                   = 1/2/2/2/1
| image1 = Embossed Figures Kawtchhuah Ropui Vangchhia Mapuia Hnamte (1).JPG
| caption1 = [[Kawtchhuah Ropui|Kawtchhuah Ropui, Vangchhia]]
| image2 = Vantawng Khawhthla.jpg
| caption2 = [[Vantawng Falls]]
| image3 = Cheraw Mizoram.jpg
| caption3 = [[Cheraw (dance)|Cheraw dance]]
| image4 = Phawngpui national park.jpg
| caption4 = [[Phawngpui National Park]]
| image5 = Kolodyne castle in Mizoram.jpg
| caption5 = [[Lawngtlai district|Castle of Bawinu]]
| image7 = Solomon Temple Aizawl 2.jpg
| caption7 = [[Solomon's Temple, Aizawl]]
}}
| image_map = IN-MZ.svg
| coordinates = {{Coord|23.36|92.8|region:IN-MZ_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}}
| region = Northeast India
| before_was = [[Mizoram (union territory)|Union Territory]]
| formation_date1 = 
| formation_date2 = 
| formation_date4 = 20 February 1987
| capital = Aizawl
| largestcity = capital
| districts = [[List of districts of Mizoram|11]]
| Governor = [[V. K. Singh]]
| Chief_Minister = [[Lalduhoma]]
| party = [[Zoram People's Movement|ZPM]]
| judiciary = [[Gauhati High Court]]
| legislature_type = Unicameral
| assembly = [[Mizoram Legislative Assembly]]
| assembly_seats = 40 seats
| rajya_sabha_seats = 1 seat
| lok_sabha_seats = 1 seat
| area_footnotes = <ref name=MizoramCensusarea>{{Cite web |title=Area and Population – Statistical Year Book India 2017  |url=http://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/statistical_year_book_india_2015/Table%202.1_5.xls |website=Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation {{!}} Government Of India |access-date=9 February 2020 |archive-date=4 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804025424/http://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/statistical_year_book_india_2015/Table%202.1_5.xls |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| area_total_km2 = 21081
| area_rank = 24th
| elevation_m = 
| elevation_max_m = 2,157
| elevation_max_point = [[Phawngpui]]
| elevation_min_m = 
| elevation_min_point = [[Longai River]]
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite book | url=https://ruralindiaonline.org/en/library/resource/population-projections-for-india-and-states-2011-2036/ | title=Population Projections for India and States, 2011–2036 | date=July 2020 | access-date=25 March 2023 | archive-date=13 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313055356/https://ruralindiaonline.org/en/library/resource/population-projections-for-india-and-states-2011-2036/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
| population_total = {{IncreaseNeutral}} 1,264,000
| population_as_of = 2025
| population_rank = 27th
| population_urban = 55.52%
| population_rural = 44.48%
| population_density = 59.96
| 0fficial_Langs = {{Hlist|[[Mizo language|Mizo]]|[[English language|English]]}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://mizoramassembly.in/storage/Assembly/Gazette/EO/GZEO6ISS_043.pdf |title=The Mizoram Gazette 1977 |publisher=Mizoram Assembly |access-date=25 June 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region |title=Mizoram |url=https://mdoner.gov.in/about-north-east/mizoram |website=MDONER |location=India |publisher=Government of India |access-date=12 July 2025}}</ref>
| official_script = [[Latin script]]
| GDP_total = {{Increase}} $4.25 billion (nominal)<br/>{{Increase}} $17.88 billion (PPP)
| GDP_year = 2025–26
| GDP_rank = 32nd
| GDP_per_capita = {{Increase}} {{INRConvert|275633|lk=r}} (nominal)<br/>{{Increase}} $14,149 (PPP)
| GDP_per_capita_rank = 17th
| Growth_rate = 
| Growth_year = 
| HDI = {{Increase}}[[List of Indian states and union territories by Human Development Index|0.709]] {{Color|#0c0|High}}<ref name="snhdi-gdl">{{Cite web |title=Sub-national HDI – Area Database |url=https://ceda.ashoka.edu.in/hdi-how-states-fare-in-human-development/ |website=Global Data Lab |publisher=Institute for Management Research, Radboud University |access-date=25 September 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923120638/https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |archive-date=23 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| HDI_year = 2022
| HDI_rank = 10th
| literacy = 98.2%<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/publication_reports/AnnualReport_PLFS2023-24L2.pdf |title=Annual Report, Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) (July 2023 – June 2024) |date=23 September 2024 |publisher=National Sample Survey Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India |pages=A-10 |chapter=Appendix-A: Detailed tables, Table (7): Literacy rate (in per cent) of persons of different age groups for each State/UT (aged 7 & above, rural+urban)}}</ref>
| literacy_year = 2024
| literacy_rank = 1st
| sex_ratio = 976[[female|♀]]/1000 [[male|♂]]
| sexratio_year = 2025
| iso_code = IN-MZ
| registration_plate = MZ
| website = mizoram.gov.in
| mammal = [[Himalayan serow|Saza]]
| bird = [[Mrs. Hume's pheasant]]
| flower = [[Renanthera imschootiana]]
| tree = [[Mesua ferrea|Herhse]]
| image_highway = SH IN-MZ.png
| SH_numbers = [[List of state highways in Mizoram|SH 1- SH 11]]
| cm_first = Pu Lal Ch. Chhunga
}}

'''Mizoram'''{{Efn|{{IPAc-en|audio=Mizorampron.ogg|m|ɪ|ˈ|z|ɔːr|ə|m}}}} is a [[States and union territories of India|state]] in [[northeastern India]], with [[Aizawl]] as its [[Capital city|capital]] and largest city. It shares 722-kilometres (449 miles) of international borders with [[Bangladesh]] to the west, and [[Myanmar]] to the east and south, with domestic borders with the Indian states of [[Assam]], [[Manipur]], and [[Tripura]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dipr.mizoram.gov.in/page/about-mizoram |title=About Mizoram |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620093508/http://dipr.mizoram.gov.in/page/about-mizoram |archive-date=20 June 2014 |work=Directorate Of Information & Public Relations, Government of Mizoram |access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref>  It covers an area of 21,081 square kilometres<ref name=MizoramCensusarea/> (8,139 sq mi). Via satellite data forests cover 84.53% of Mizoram's area, making it [[Forest cover by state in India|the fourth most heavily forested state in India]].<ref name=FRI2021>{{cite web |date=2021 |title=India State of Forest Report 2021 |url=https://fsi.nic.in/forest-report-2021-details |website=Forest Survey of India |location=Uttarkhand |access-date=12 July 2025}}</ref> With an estimated population of 1.26 million in 2023, it is the [[List of states in India by past population|second least populated state]] in [[India]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://statisticstimes.com/demographics/india/indian-states-population.php|title=Indian states 2023 population estimates|date=1 December 2023|website=www.main.mohfw.gov.in|language=en-in|access-date=29 March 2024}}</ref> With an [[urbanisation rate]] of 51.5% it is the [[Urbanization in India|most urbanised state in northeast India]], ranking fifth in urbanisation nationwide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cdn.ihs.com/www/blog/india_map_and_urbanization_rates.pdf|title=India Map and Urbanization Rates|date=2011}}</ref> One of the two official languages and most widely spoken tongue is [[Mizo language|Mizo]],{{efn|the other language being English}} which serves as a [[lingua franca]] among various ethnic communities who speak a variety of other [[Tibeto-Burman languages|Tibeto-Burman]] or [[Indo-Aryan languages]].{{citation needed|date=July 2025}} Mizoram is home to the highest percentage of [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|scheduled tribes]] in India, with the [[Mizo people]] forming the majority.<ref name=2011Census>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-Documents/SCST%20Presentation%2028-10-2013.ppt |title=Census of India 2011, Primary Census Abstract (28 October 2013) |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923224617/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-Documents/SCST%20Presentation%2028-10-2013.ppt |date=23 September 2015 |archive-date=23 September 2015 |format=ppt |publisher=Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, Government of India}}</ref>

Early civilisations in Mizoram are believed to have thrived since around 600 [[Before Christ|BC]], with significant archaeological evidence uncovered in the [[Vangchhia]] region.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mizoramtourism.com/top-destination/66 | title=Mizoram Tourism|website=Mizoram Tourism}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/destination-of-the-week/the-discovery-of-vangchhia/ | title=The Discovery of Vangchhia | date=3 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.oknortheast.com/2018/06/city-of-dead-and-lost-civilization-of-mizoram.html | title=City of the dead and the lost civilization of Vangchhia – an unexplored heritage site in Mizoram}}</ref> Following this, Tibeto-Burman-speaking peoples gradually migrated from the [[Chin Hills]] in present-day Myanmar.<ref>{{cite book |last=Lloyd |first=J.M. |date=1991 |title=History of the Church in Mizoram: Harvest in the Hills |location=Aizawl |publisher=Synod Publication Board |page=2|oclc=29798339}}</ref> These groups formed [[Mizo Chieftainship|organised chiefdoms]] and adopted [[jhum |jhum agricultural practices]]. By the 18th century, various clans in the region united to form the Mizo identity, becoming the dominant inhabitants of the area, introducing the [[Mizo language]], [[Mizo culture|culture]], and the [[Mizo religion|Sakhua religion]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Lalthangliana |first=B. |date=2009 |title=Mizo Chanchin (Reprinted)|trans-title=Mizo History (reprinted) |location=Aizawl, Electric Veng |publisher=Gilzom Offset}}</ref> In the mid-19th century, the British conducted [[Chin-Lushai Expedition of 1889–90|a series of military expeditions]] to assert control over the region, [[British rule in the Lushai Hills|Mizoram was annexed by the British]] in 1895 and incorporated into the [[Assam Province]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pau |first1=Pum Khan |date=2007 |title=Administrative Rivalries on a Frontier: problem of the Chin-Lushai Hills |url=https://www.academia.edu/download/31992380/Administrative_Rivalries_on_a_Frontier.pdf |journal=Indian Historical Review |volume=34 |issue=187|pages=187–209 |doi=10.1177/037698360703400108|access-date=30 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vanlalhmangaihsanga |first=R. |date=June 2020 |title=Political History of Lushai Hills since the Pre-Colonial Era |url=http://mzuhssjournal.in/images/resources/v6n1/vanlalhmangaihsanga.pdf |access-date=25 January 2025 |website=mzuhssjournal.in}}</ref> Under British rule, the introduction of administrative reforms and the spread of [[Christianity in Mizoram|Christianity]] significantly impacted Mizo society.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Angom |first=Rebecca |date=31 January 2020 |title=Christianization and its Impact on Mizo Culture |url=https://al-kindipublisher.com/index.php/jhsss/article/view/232 |journal=Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Studies |language=en |volume=2 |issue=1 |pages=55–61 |issn=2663-7197}}</ref>

After India gained independence in 1947, Mizoram remained part of Assam as the [[Mizo District|Lushai Hills District]]. After the [[Government of Assam|Assamese Government]]'s negligence of the Mizos during the [[mautam|famine]], insurgency was led by the [[Mizo National Front]] in the 1960s which culminated in the signing of the [[Mizoram Peace Accord]] in 1986.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/politics/playing-the-piper/article5389646.ece |title=Playing the Piper |date=27 November 2013}}</ref> On 20 February 1987, Mizoram was granted full statehood, becoming the 23rd state of India.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Memorandum of Settlement (Mizoram Accord) |url=https://peacemaker.un.org/sites/peacemaker.un.org/files/IN_860630_Mizoram%20Accord.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709112754/https://peacemaker.un.org/sites/peacemaker.un.org/files/IN_860630_Mizoram%20Accord.pdf |archive-date=9 July 2024 |website=peacemaker.un.org |date=30 June 1986 |access-date=25 January 2025 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=History of Mizoram |url=https://mizoram.nic.in/about/history.htm |website=Mizoram NIC |location=Mizoram |publisher=Government of Mizoram |access-date=12 July 2025}}</ref>

Mizoram is predominantly [[Christianity in Mizoram|Christian]], with about 87% of the population practising [[Christianity]], mainly [[Protestantism|Protestant]] denominations such as [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian]] and [[Baptists|Baptist]]. It is one of the three states of India with a Christian majority (87%). Other religions such as [[Buddhism in Mizoram|Buddhism]] (8.51%), [[Hinduism in Mizoram|Hinduism]] (2.75%), and [[Islam in Mizoram|Islam]] (1.35%) are also practised in the state.<ref name=Census>{{Citation | url = http://censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_data_finder/C_Series/Population_by_religious_communities.htm | contribution = Mizoram | title = Population by religious communities | publisher = Census | place = [[India|IN]] | year = 2001 | access-date = 11 October 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100701214405/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_data_finder/C_Series/Population_by_religious_communities.htm | archive-date = 1 July 2010 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}.</ref> Mizoram's population is predominantly made up of Mizo or [[Zo people|Zo]] tribes, comprising about 83.4% of the state's population, with other significant communities including the [[Chakma people|Chakma]] (8.5%) and [[Tripuri people|Tripuri]] (3%). Due to the prolonged [[Myanmar conflict|civil conflict in Myanmar]], Mizoram has also seen an influx of [[Burmese community in India|Burmese communities]], especially from the [[Chin people|Chin]] ethnic group, which has sought refuge in the region.<ref>{{cite news |last=Agarwala |first=Tora |date=7 July 2025 |title=Thousands of refugees flee into India's Mizoram state after clashes in Myanmar |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thousands-refugees-flee-into-indias-mizoram-state-after-clashes-myanmar-2025-07-07/ |work=Reuters |publisher=Reuters |access-date=12 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |editor-last=Basu|editor-first=Sibaji Pratim|last=Bannerjee |first=Paula|chapter=Women, Trafficking and Statelessness |date=2009 |title=The Fleeing People of South AsiaL Selections from Refugee Watch |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HZOaEAAAQBAJ |location=New Delhi |publisher=Anthem Press|isbn=978-81-905835-7-2 |access-date=12 July 2025|page=345}}</ref>

Mizoram is a highly literate [[Agrarian society|agrarian economy]]. [[Slash-and-burn]] farming, also known as [[jhum]], is the most common form of farming in the state.<ref name=sapagri/> In recent years, the jhum farming practices have been steadily replaced with a significant [[horticulture]] and [[bamboo]] products industry.<ref name=agristat/><ref name=ibef2/> Mizoram's estimated gross state domestic product for 2025 was estimated at {{INRConvert|36089|c|lk=c}}.<ref>{{cite web |date=22 April 2025 |title=Mizoram Budget Analysis 2025–2026 |url=https://prsindia.org/files/budget/budget_state/mizoram/2025/Mizoram_Budget_Analysis_2025-26.pdf |website=PRS India|access-date=12 July 2025}}</ref> About 20% of Mizoram's population lives below the poverty line, with 35% [[rural poverty]] as of 2014.{{Update after|2025|7|12}} The state has about 871 kilometres of national highways, with NH–54 and NH–150 connecting it to Assam and Manipur respectively.{{citation needed|date=July 2025}} It is also a growing transit point for trade with Myanmar and Bangladesh.<ref name=ibef/>

==Etymology and names==
The name Mizoram is derived from two [[Mizo language|Mizo]] words: ''Mizo'' and ''ram''. ''[[Mizo people|Mizo]]'' refers to the native inhabitants of the region, with ''Mi'' meaning "human" or "civilian" and ''[[Zo people|Zo]]'' holding varied interpretations. Some suggest ''Zo'' signifies "highland" or "remote," drawing parallels to Willem van Schendel's concept of [[Southeast Asian Massif|''Zomia'']]<ref>{{cite journal |last1=van Schendel |first1=Willem |title=Geographies of knowing, geographies of ignorance: Jumping scale in Southeast Asia |journal=Environment and Planning D: Society and Space |date=2002 |volume=20 |issue=6 |page=653 (note 13) |doi=10.1068/d16s |bibcode=2002EnPlD..20..647V |s2cid=220080961 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/254901953 |access-date=16 April 2022}}</ref> Others associate it with the feeling of "cool" or "crisp," evoking the climate of the high-altitude region.{{sfn|Lalthangliana|1975|p=71}} The term Mizo has evolved into a broad ethnic classification, encompassing various subgroups and clans inhabiting the area, historically known as the [[Mizo Chieftainship|Lushai Hills]]. Many speakers of [[Central Kuki-Chin languages]] have also adopted the Mizo identity while others have not.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Pachuau |first1=Joy L. K. |last2=van Schendel |first2=Willem |year=2015 |title=The Camera as Witness |publisher=Cambridge University Press |pages=8–9 |isbn=978-1-107-07339-5}}</ref>

The second component, ''ram'', means "land" or "forest".  Together, Mizoram translates to "land of the Mizos" or simply "Mizo land."<ref>{{cite book |last=Sajnani |first=Manohar |date=2001 |title=Encyclopaedia of Tourism Resources in India|volume=1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vdMNBxOsvrUC |location=Delhi |publisher=Gran Publishing House |isbn=81-7835-017-3 |access-date=13 July 2025|page=241}}</ref>

The Lushais were known as the Ka Lin Kaw or the Kalinko ({{langx|my|ကလင်ကော}}) by the pre-modern [[Bamar people|Burmans]], though detailed etymological studies specific to this name are limited.<ref>{{cite book |last=Maung |first=Pusokhon |date=2014 |title=တိုင်းရင်းသားလူမျိုးများ အဘိဓာန်|trans-title=Dictionary of Ethnic Groups|page=109|language=Burmese}}</ref>

According to Lalthangliana, the term Mizo is believed to have originated from an early settlement in present-day Mizoram. When [[Lallula|Chief Lallula]] established the [[Lallula#Thalnrawn Massacre|Chiefdom of Zopui]] ('big town of the Zo") in the 1750s, he gained a formidable reputation through successful raids against the [[Chin people|Chins]] and the consolidation of his power. It is suggested that the term Mizo emerged as a way for the inhabitants of Zopui to distinguish themselves as descendants of this settlement under Chief Lallula.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Lalthangliana |first1=B. |title=History of Mizo In Burma |date=1975 |publisher=Arts and Science University Mandalay |location=Mandalay |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.ministry.14107/page/n3/mode/2up |access-date=9 February 2025}}</ref>

The widespread adoption of ''Mizo'' gained momentum by the 1961 census, with over 96% of the population identifying under the term. This surge in popularity is attributed to political developments, particularly the efforts of the [[Mizo Union]]. Founded to unify various tribes of the [[Lushai Hills]], the Mizo Union played a pivotal role in redefining regional identity. In 1954, the organisation successfully advocated for renaming the Lushai Hills District as the [[Mizo District]], further solidifying the term Mizo as a collective identity.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Roluahpuia |title=Nationalism in the Vernacular |date=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |doi=10.1017/9781009346061 |isbn=9781009346061 |url=https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009346061 |access-date=9 February 2025}}</ref>

Before gaining statehood in 1987, the region was historically had been known as the [[Mizo District|Lushai Hills District]] from British colonial rule and for the first 40 years of Indian independence. The term Lushai is an [[anglicised]] form of Lusei, one of the prominent clans among the Mizo people. Then, the new [[Government of Mizoram|state government of Mizoram]] replaced the old name with Mizoram to reflect the broader identity of the Mizo community.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.irjmsh.com/abstractview/336 | title=Historical Backdrop and Cultural Life of the Mizo Ethnic Tribe | date=16 February 2024 |last1=Adhikari|first1=Paresh}}</ref>

==History==
{{Main |History of Mizoram}}

===Prehistory (600 BC)===
[[File:Kawtchhuah Ropui Vangchhia Mapuia Hnamte (2).JPG|thumb|left|Vangchhia necropolis site]]
The prehistory and early history of Mizoram are marked by the presence of ancient human settlements, with evidence suggesting that people inhabited the region as early as 2,000 to 3,000 years ago. The archaeological evidence from the Vangchhia site has provided insights into the region's ancient past, with human remains, ornaments, [[pottery]], and burial practices dating back to 600 BC and extending up to AD 1750. Excavations at Vangchhia revealed a sophisticated culture with distinct socio-political structures of the Indo–Lushai cultural [[genus]]. This [[necropolis]] is considered one of the largest in the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/busted-myths-linked-to-vangchhia-burials/cid/1667396|title=Busted Myths Linked to Vangchhia Burials}}</ref><ref name="thebetterindia.com">{{Cite web|url=https://thebetterindia.com/72222/mysterious-menhirs-vangchhia-mizoram/|title="Their preliminary archaeological excavations suggested that the village could be one of the largest necropolis sites in the world"|date=19 October 2016 }}</ref>

Similar megalithic stones have been discovered in nearby villages like [[Farkawn|Fârkawn]], [[Lianpui]], [[Khankawn]], [[Khawbung]], and [[Vaphai]], suggesting a widespread culture. In addition, remnants of small, man-made cave dwellings, topped with towering [[menhir]]s, were found at the hilltop village of [[Dungtláng]]. These large stones, taller than an average grown man, raise intriguing questions about their purpose, the people who erected them, and how these massive boulders were transported up steep mountain slopes from the [[Tlawng|Tlawng valley]] below, possibly the region's only apparent stone quarry.<ref name="thebetterindia.com"/>

A unique discovery at Vangchhia is the {{lang|lus|Pipute Lamlian}} ({{translation|grandparents' big path}}), also known as the "Ancestors' Pathway," a footpath that traverses the site and branches out in three directions—north, south, and east. The path is lined with rocks engraved with images of [[gayal|{{lang|lus|sial|nocat=yes}}]] heads, flowers, and human figures, reminiscent of carvings found at [[Kawtchhuah Ropui]].<ref name="The Discovery of Vangchhia">{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/destination-of-the-week/the-discovery-of-vangchhia/|title=The Discovery of Vangchhia|date=3 April 2016 }}</ref> This suggests that the region's ancient societies developed their own unique cultural practices, separate from other civilisations, with [[Trade route|trade connections]] extending across the region, including [[Bangladesh]], [[Mainland India]], and [[Myanmar]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-news-analysis/kawtchhuah-ropuithe-heritage-site-mizoram|title=Kawtchhuah Ropui The Heritage Site Mizoram}}</ref>

Among the most significant findings is a 200-metre long [[pavilion|water pavilion]], a stone structure resembling those found in [[Mughal Empire|Mughal cities]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mizoramtourism.com/top-destination/66 | title=Mizoram Tourism }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://homegrown.co.in/homegrown-explore/a-lost-civilization-was-just-discovered-at-vangchhia-in-mizoram|title=A Lost Civilization Was Just Discovered At Vangchhia In Mizoram|date=8 June 2021 }}</ref> This water pavilion, likely used as a recreational arena, is surrounded by an elevated platform, suggesting its role in entertainment and social gatherings. The discovery of such a feature points to the possibility of a much larger, lost civilisation, and further excavation is essential to draw definitive conclusions about the site's full historical significance.<ref name="The Discovery of Vangchhia"/>

===Arrival of the Mizos (1500s)===
The Mizos, part of the [[Tibeto-Burman languages|Tibeto-Burman linguistic group]], are believed to have embarked on a southward journey between the 16th and 18th centuries, originating from areas in present-day [[China]] and [[Myanmar]].

The [[Sinlung|{{lang|lus|Chhînlung|nocat=yes}}]] origin legend, cherished in Mizo folklore, speaks of an ancestral homeland, often associated with a location near the [[Yalong River]] in China. Linguistic and anthropological evidence suggests that the Mizos passed migrated from the [[Chindwin River|Chindwin]] and [[Irrawaddy River]] regions before the 8th century AD through the [[Shan States]] of Myanmar, the [[Kabaw Valley]], settled in the [[Chin Hills]], then the Lusei tribe first crossed the [[Tyao River|Ṭiau river]] to settle in the [[Lushai Hills]] by the 1500s. Following the Luseis, the [[Hmar people|Hmâr]], [[Thadou people|Thado]], [[Lai people|Pawi]], [[Sukte clan|Suktê]], [[Mara people|Mara]], and other subgroups occupied different regions of Mizoram by the 1700s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zogam.com/articles/articles-ii/educational/2664-origin-and-migration-of-the-zo-people.html|title=Origin and Migration of the Zo People}}</ref><ref name="GrantSteve_2010">{{cite book | title = Rodent Outbreaks: Ecology and Impacts | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=yaI0NFQb36UC&pg=PA22 | editor1-first = Grant | editor1-last = Singleton | editor2-first = Steve | editor2-last = Belmain | editor3-first = Peter | editor3-last = Brown | editor4-first = Bill | editor4-last = Hardy | access-date = 28 August 2013 | year = 2010 | publisher = International Rice Research Institute | isbn = 978-971-22-0257-5 | pages = 22– | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131231142819/http://books.google.com/books?id=yaI0NFQb36UC&pg=PA22 | archive-date = 31 December 2013 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

[[File:First Shell Fired At Howsatta's Village - ILN 1889.jpg|thumb|upright|One of the many battles between British troops and British-aligned tribes of Mizoram against a Lusei clan in Mizoram.<ref name=cnun2/> This sketch is by Lieutenant Cole in 1889 titled "[[Lushai Expedition|Looshai expedition]]".]]
The people living in the Lushai Hills were generally referred to as the Cucis or [[Kukis]] by their neighbouring ethnic groups, which was also a term adopted by the British writers. The claim that 'The [[Kuki people|Kukis]] are the earliest known residents of the Mizo hills area,' must be read in this light.<ref name = "Suhas1994">{{cite book | first=Suhas | last=Chatterjee | title=Making of Mizoram: Role of Laldenga | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GI-1rMckfpEC&pg=PA1 | access-date=28 August 2013 | year=1994 | publisher=M.D. Publications | isbn=978-81-85880-38-9 | page=1 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231142843/http://books.google.com/books?id=GI-1rMckfpEC&pg=PA1 | archive-date=31 December 2013 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

===Chieftainship (1500s–1954)===
{{main|Mizo Chieftainship}}
[[File:Mizo-Village-Zawlbuk.jpg|thumb|[[Zawlbuk]], a Mizo traditional bachelor's dormitory]]
Historically, Mizo [[chiefdom]]s were primarily [[Subsistence economy|subsistence]]-based, practising slash-and-burn, locally called ''[[jhum cultivation|jhum]]'' cultivation,<ref>{{cite journal| last1=Ramakrishnan |last2= Patnaik | jstor=23002231 |title=Jhum: Slash and Burn Cultivation <!-- paywall snapshot: |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907082559/https://www.jstor.org/stable/23002231 |archive-date=7 September 2018--> |journal= India International Centre Quarterly|volume =19|number =1/2: Indigenous Vision: Peoples of India Attitudes to the Environment |date=Spring–Summer 1992|pages= 215–220}}</ref> but they also engaged in trade due to their proximity to ancient [[trade route]]s linking [[Yunnan]] to the [[Bay of Bengal]].<ref>John Shakespeare, {{Google book|N0PXAAAAMAAJ|The Lushei Kuki Clans}}, pages 60, 144–158, 200–220</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bin |first1=Yang|date=September 2004 |title=Horses, Silver and Cowries: Yunnan in Global Perspective |journal=Journal of World History|volume=15 |issue=3 |pages=281–322|doi=10.1353/jwh.2004.0039 <!-- requires url, but for the fans: |access-date=25 October 2024--> |id={{ProQuest|225236916}} }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Pachuau |first1=Joy|last2=Schendel|first2=Willem Van|date=2015 |title=The Camera as Witness: A social history of Mizoram, Northeast India|publisher=Cambridge University Press |page=168 |isbn=978-1-107-07339-5}}</ref> Chiefs often demanded tributes from neighbouring kingdoms in the plains and established a barter system within their chiefdoms.<ref name = "Suhas1995">{{cite book | first = Suhas | last = Chatterjee | title = Mizo Chiefs and the Chiefdom | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=YON9iVgsDRUC&pg=PA1 | access-date = 28 August 2013 | date = 1 January 1995 | publisher = M.D. Publications | isbn = 978-81-85880-72-3 | pages = 1–3 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160609201244/https://books.google.com/books?id=YON9iVgsDRUC&pg=PA1 | archive-date = 9 June 2016 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Larger transactions relied on the {{lang|lus|sial}} ([[gayal|tame bison]]) as a unit of wealth and compensation, while [[elephant tusks]] served as an alternative currency.<ref name=Suhas1995/> Mizo chiefs also employed ''karbari'' or "men of business", who acted as intermediaries between the chiefs and foreign traders. Skilled in jungle navigation and multiple languages, such as [[Bengali language|Bengali]], the ''karbari'' facilitated trade, particularly in South Lushai Hills.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Zou |first1=S. Thangboi |date=2019 |title=Riverine bazaars, trade and chiefs in the colonial Lushai Hills |journal=Asian Ethnicity |volume=22|issue=4 |pages=563–582 |doi=10.1080/14631369.2019.1687284 <!-- requires url, but for the fans: |access-date=13 November 2024-->}}</ref>

The forests of Mizoram provided valuable resources such as elephant hides and bones, which were highly sought after by merchants from [[Sylhet]] during the [[Mughal Empire]]. Elephant hides were used for shields in local infantry and cavalry, while the bones were crafted into luxury items and sword parts. Chiefs maintained a rudimentary system for measuring and sorting goods like rice, using specially shaped buckets.<ref>{{cite book|first=K. C. |last=Kabra|title=Economic Growth of Mizoram: Role of Business & Industry|year=2008|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|isbn=9788180695186|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0PcdaYllHNUC| page=17}}</ref> The first Mizo chief was [[Zahmuaka]] in the 16th century.<ref name="Suhas1995"/>

The [[Zawlbûk|{{lang|lus|zawlbûk|nocat=yes}}]] system was established during the chieftainship era as a cornerstone of Mizo society, blending governance, defence, and cultural education. Originating as a [[dormitory|bachelor dormitory]] for young men, it was situated at the village entrance to serve as both a sentinel hub and a training ground. Chiefs and elders implemented the Zawlbûk to prepare the youth for communal responsibilities, teaching them skills in warfare, agriculture, and social customs. This system fostered unity, discipline, and loyalty, ensuring that the village thrived under the collective effort and vigilance of its people.<ref>{{cite book |last=Parry |first=N.E |date=1928 |title= Lushai Custom: A monograph on Lushai Customs and Ceremonies |url=https://archive.org/details/lushaicustommono00parr/mode/2up |location=Shillong |publisher=Assam Government Press |pages=8–12}}</ref>

===Selesih Confederation (1700s)===
{{main|Selesih}}
The migration of the Lusei tribe from the neighbouring region, prompted by conflicts with the [[Chin people|Chins]] (or "[[Lai people|Pawi]]" in Mizo), led to the establishment of this significant site. Around 1720, the tribe, under the leadership of Chief Sailova’s sons, Chungnunga and Lianlula, created a refuge in Selesih,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mizoram Governor visits Falkawn, Aibawk, and Selesih |url=http://www.uniindia.com/news/east/governor-mizoram-visit/3295472.html |website=www.uniindia.com |date=1 October 2024 |access-date=25 January 2025}}</ref> forming a confederation of seven chiefs to defend their land. This confederation brought together a diverse range of tribes from the region, including the five major tribes and twelve minor tribes, creating a peaceful coexistence among them. The settlement, with a population estimated to be between 50,000 and 100,000, housed approximately 7,000 homes, making it one of the most prosperous and populous settlements in [[Mizo Chieftainship|ancient Mizoram]].<ref name="zo">{{Cite web|url=https://www.burmalibrary.org/docs12/Zo_History-Vumson.pdf|title=Zo History}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ganc.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/attachments/2024/04/fc99333413bbf1a3cf24c0ad364dac34/2024-3-a-report-on-the-study-tour-of-mizo-department.pdf|title=A Report On the Study Tour of Mizo Department}}</ref>

The Selesih Confederation began to decline in the late 18th century, mainly due to socio-political and environmental factors. One of the primary reasons for its fall was the unsustainable agricultural practices, particularly [[Slash-and-burn|shifting cultivation (jhum)]], which required regular migration to maintain fertile land.<ref name="zo" /> It is now located between [[South Khawbung]] and [[Zawlsei]] villages in [[Champhai district]].

===Rise of Lallula and the Sailo clan (1750s)===
{{main|Lallula}}
[[File:Lallula territory.png|thumb|Territory of the Sailo clan under the rule of Lallula before his death in 1803.]]
[[Lallula]] inherited the Confederation of Selesih. By the early 1750s, Selesih was home to multiple subtribes that had banded together to withstand the Zahâu and Hakha, the ruling tribes of the [[Chin people|Chins]] who regularly demanded tribute from the Lusei.<ref name="zo" />{{rp|98}}

Determined to free his people from this burden, Lallula devised a plan to end Zahâu domination. He invited their chief, Thanchhûma, along with three hundred Zahâu warriors, elders, and youth, under the pretence of a great feast. For three days, Lallula provided his guests with rice, [[Zu (beverage)|{{lang|lus|zû|nocat=yes}}]] (local [[rice beer]]), and meat, ensuring they felt welcome and unsuspecting. On the third night, while the Zahâu slept, Lallula and his warriors ambushed them in a massacre known as "''[[Lallula#Thlanrawn Rawt|Thlanrâwn Râwt]]''". Thanchhûma and another leader, Cherkuanga, were captured, while their [[Pasalṭha|champion fighter]], Thanghlianga, barely escaped to report the disaster.<ref name="zo" />{{rp|99}}

The victory was decisive—Lallula had broken the Zahâu's hold over the Lusei, freeing them from the annual [[tribute]] system and establishing himself as the dominant power in the region. Since his rule, the Lusei have used the [[Mizo language|Duhlián dialect]] as a common language and is the [[lingua franca]] of all Mizoram ethnicities till today.<ref name="zo" />{{rp|100}}

==={{lang|lus|Lal Sawi}}===
{{main|Lal Sawi}}
Following the conclusion of the {{lang|lus|Chhak Leh Thlang Indo}} ({{translation|East-West War}}) in the late 1880s the nature of chieftainship became unpopular among the Mizo populace. In the Eastern Lushai Hills, the village of Chief Lalkhûma plotted an uprising. The villagers pledged unity in their pursuit of ending their oppression. The villagers bloodlessly rounded up their chief and his councillors and made them, under duress, take a burnt piece of firewood to submerge in a basin of water and declare their chieftainship to be extinguished. The uprising spread throughout the Lushai Hills. The sons of Chief [[Vûta]] were affected first, followed by the southern Haulong chiefs under the influence of [[Bengkhuaia]] and the western chiefs who were sons of [[Suakpuilala]]. Some villages succeeded in abolishing chieftainship completely, while others forced their leaders to reform their regime or equity towards their subjects.<ref name=Sangkima>{{cite book |last=Sangkima|date=2004 |title=Essays on the History of the Mizos |location=Guwahati |publisher=Spectrum Publications|isbn=81-87502-77-0}}</ref>

However, the movement began to decline as villages without chiefs could not remain unified in the diverse tribes that were cohabiting together. Disputes over tribal legitimacy for leadership led to a dilemma, which encouraged the deposed chief to be reinstated. Chief [[Lianphunga]] with Lalhluma was tasked with putting down the rebellion in the village of Hmawngkawn. When threatened to keep away from the barricade, Lalhluma declared his name and lineage of Lallula and stepped inside. Two shots were fired which both missed him. As a result the village surrendered and the chief was reinstated. The news of Hmawngkawn further encouraged the return of the chiefs. The chiefs sought to punish the ringleaders but were unable to succeed on account of the beginning of the [[Chin-Lushai Expedition]] by the British to annex the Lushai Hills.<ref name=Sangkima/>

===British Lushai Hills (1898–1947)===
{{main|British rule in the Lushai Hills}}
[[File:Lushai woman reading western magazine.jpg|thumb|left|A Lushai woman reading an English magazine]]
Following the conclusion of the [[First Anglo-Burmese War]], the British solidified their presence in [[Colonial Assam|Assam]] and [[Bengal Presidency|Bengal]], bringing them closer to the Lushai Hills. The first Anglo–Lushai skirmishes occurred after the [[Lushai Expedition|Lushai Expedition in 1870–71]], prompted by the Lushai kidnapping of a British tea owner's daughter, [[Mary Winchester (Zoluti)|Mary Winchester]], during a major raid in Alexandrapur.<ref name=cnun2>C. Nunthara (2002), Mizoram: Society and Polity, {{ISBN|978-8173870590}}, pp 51–55</ref> Various Lushai chiefs invaded [[Chittagong Hill Tracts|Chittagong]], [[Cachar district|Cachar]], [[Tripura (princely state)|Tripura]], [[Sylhet Division|Sylhet]], and [[Manipur (princely state)|Manipur]] between the end of 1870 and the beginning of 1871. These were attributed to [[Vanhnuailiana]], [[Lalburha]], [[Bengkhuaia]] and [[Savunga]]. After the British retaliated, the region remained peaceful until 1888 when chiefs resumed raiding British enterprises and settlements, which saw the [[Chin-Lushai Expedition of 1889–90]].<ref name=cnun2/><ref>Lalrinnunga Hmar (2010), Migration and Social Formation of the Mizo, PhD Thesis (Awarded), The North Easter Hill University Shillong, Chapter 5, pages 115–140</ref> British historical records on the Mizo Hills state that similar inter-ethnic tribal raids continued for decades after the ''First British Invasion.'' Such raids would be to seek out loot, slaves, or retaliation for earlier lost battles.<ref name=misai/>

Following the [[Chin-Lushai Expedition]], the southern region of the Lushai Hills was occupied first in 1889 and was part of the [[Bengal Presidency]]. Its capitals were [[Hnahthial district|Fort Treagor]] (1889–1892) and [[Lunglei|Lung Leh]] (1892–1898).  Then, North Lushai Hills was occupied in 1891 and was part of the [[Assam Province]]. In 1898, both regions merged into the Lushai Hills of [[Assam Province]], with [[Aizawl|Aijal]] as the capital.<ref>Ved Prakash (2007), Encyclopaedia of North-East India, Vol. 1 ({{ISBN|978-81-269-0703-8}}), 4 ({{ISBN|978-81-269-0706-9}}) & 5 ({{ISBN|978-81-269-0707-6}})</ref><ref>[http://mizoram.nic.in/about/history.htm Mizoram History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721173040/http://www.mizoram.nic.in/about/history.htm |date=21 July 2011 }}, National Informatics Centre, Government of India (2012)</ref> At the time of the British conquest, there were around 60 chiefs.<ref name="Suhas1995"/>
{{main|Lushai Rising}}
[[File:Zakapa captured by Shakespear.jpg|thumb|[[Zakapa]] on the day he was captured by John Shakespear.]]
The annexation of the Lushai Hills sparked resistance from the chiefs across separate periods between 1890 and 1895. A western Lushai Rising was led by [[Kalkhama]] in 1890.<ref>{{cite book |last=Chatterjee |first=Suhas |date=1985 |title=British rule in Mizoram |location=New Delhi |publisher=Mittal Publications}}</ref> An Eastern Lushai Rising was led by [[Lalburha]] in 1892.{{sfn|Chatterjee|1985|p=109-112}} The southern chiefs such as [[Ropuiliani]] and [[Zakapa]] were also subdued.{{sfn|Chatterjee|1985|p=112-116,121–122}} The Zahau chief [[Nikuala]] was also captured and imprisoned by the British.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Sailo |first1=Ngurthankima |title=Nikaual (c 1939-1896) |journal=Historical Journal of Mizoram |date=2010 |volume=X |issue=1 |url=https://historicaljournalmizoram.in/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/historical-journal-mizoram-volume-XI-NOV-2010.pdf |access-date=31 August 2025}}</ref> Other chiefs opted for cooperation such as chieftainess [[Darbilhi]] who helped set up Fort Tregear.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Lianchhinga |first1=F. |title=Darbilhi: Chieftainess of Muallianpui(1841–1901) |journal=History Journal of Mizoram |date=2010 |volume=X |issue=1 |url=https://historicaljournalmizoram.in/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/historical-journal-mizoram-volume-XI-NOV-2010.pdf |access-date=30 August 2025}}</ref> Soon after the Lushai Rising, [[Dâra]] became the first non-noble person to be made a chief by the British. He was given control of Pukpui as a reward for his service in the Lushai Rising by Captain Shakespear's side.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Zorema |first1=James |title=The South Lushai Hills |date=2021 |publisher=Mittal Publications |location=Delhi}}</ref>

====World War I====
During [[World War I]], few Lushais initially enlisted, but social pressures and benefits like tax exemptions and travel opportunities boosted recruitment.<ref name = "Thorpe">{{cite podcast |url=https://www.westernfrontassociation.com/the-latest-wwi-podcast/ep-138-the-indian-labour-corps-in-the-first-world-war-pratap-chhetri/ |title=The Indian Labour Corps in the First World War – Pratap Chhetri |website=Western Front Association |publisher=WFA |host=Thomas Thorpe |date= |access-date=8 October 2024}}</ref> By April 1917, 2100 Lushai men joined the [[Indian Labour Corps|27th Indian Labour Corps]], serving in France, [[Mesopotamian campaign|Mesopotamia]], and other regions.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Jackson |first1=Kyle |date=February 2016 |title=Globalizing an Indian Borderland Environment: Aijal, Mizoram, 1890–1919 |journal=Studies in History |volume=32 |issue=1 |pages=39–71 [67] |doi=10.1177/0257643015616000 }}</ref> They faced challenges such as disease and casualties, with 71 deaths recorded. Exposure to foreign cultures influenced [[Modernization theory|modernisation]], introducing [[Culture of Europe|European styles]] and [[French cuisine|French culinary elements]]. Returning veterans joined Indian military units, and a memorial was built in [[Aizawl|Aijal]] to honour those who served.{{sfn|Jackson|2016|p=68}}

====First political movements====
Organised political movements in the Lushai Hills began in 1925 under Telela Raltê, seeking representation in the [[Government of Assam|Assam administration]].<ref name="Alexander p158">{{cite book |last=Alexander |first=Colin R  |date=August 2019 |title=Administering Colonialism and War: The Political Life of Sir Andrew Clow of the Indian Civil Service |url= |location=New Delhi |publisher= Oxford University Press|page=158 |isbn=9780199096954}}</ref>
Supported by Chawngbawia, a schoolteacher, and [[Khasi people|Khasi]] leader [[James Joy Mohan Nichols Roy|J.J.M. Nichols Roy]], the group advocated for administrative change but faced suppression, with arrests by the [[List of superintendents of Mizoram|Superintendent]] [[Nevill Edward Parry]] halting progress until after [[World War II]]. Concurrently, the [[Inner Line Permit|Inner Line Regulation]] was amended to restrict external influence, preserving cultural and land integrity while ensuring British dominion boundaries.<ref>{{cite book |last=Goswami |first=B.B|date=1979 |title=The Mizo Unrest: A study of politicisation of culture |location=Jaipur |publisher=Aalekh Publishers}}</ref>

During Superintendent [[Anthony Gilchrist McCall]]'s administration (1933–1943), significant initiatives such as [[British rule in the Lushai Hills#McCall's Developments of the Lushai Hills|Ten Point Code]] promoted cultural preservation and modernisation, while the Village Welfare System addressed public health and living conditions, managed by [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross]] committees. McCall also supported Lushai Hills Cottage Industries privately and established the Chief's Durbar to coordinate chiefs to prepare the Lushai Hills for self-governance and align them with British administrative policies.<ref name="Alexander p158"/>

Later, the rise of education and inspiration from the [[Young Men's Buddhist Association (Burma)|Young Men's Buddhist Association]] in [[British rule in Burma|Burma]] led to the formation of the [[Young Mizo Association|Young Lushai Association]] (YLA) in 1935, a cultural organisation initially composed of chiefs' sons but eventually dominated by commoners. The YLA opposed [[Mizo Chieftainship|Lushai chieftainship]], shaping the ideology of future political leaders like Vanlawma. McCall's progressive policies complemented the YLA's cultural influence, which transitioned to political activism with the founding of the [[Mizo Union]].<ref name="Suhas1994" />

====World War II====
[[File:Lushai chiefs allegience to the Union Jack.jpg|thumb|left|Lushai chiefs pledging allegiance to the [[Union Jack]] during World War II]]
[[File:Lushai recruits departing for enlistment.jpg|thumb|Lushai recruits departing for enlistment]]
In April 1942, during the [[Japanese occupation of Burma]], Superintendent [[Anthony Gilchrist McCall]] of the Lushai Hills implemented the Total Defence Scheme (TDS) to counter the threat of Japanese invasion.{{sfn|Alexander|2019|p=153}}  He secured the loyalty of 300 tribal chiefs to the British Crown and prepared for asymmetrical warfare, including guerrilla tactics, scorched earth measures, and strategic ambushes.{{sfn|Alexander|2019|p=158}} Despite McCall’s recall in 1943, the TDS, aided by Australian trainers like Colonel Parsons, successfully defended the region, contributing to the Japanese retreat from India’s borderlands by late 1944.{{sfn|Alexander|2019|p=163}}

====Pre-independence====
The Mizo Union, while largely supporting union with [[India]],{{sfn|Chatterjee|1994|p=98}} faced internal divisions as a [[Right-wing politics|right-wing]] faction emerged, favouring alternatives like Prof. [[Coupland Crown Colony Scheme|Coupland's Crown Colony Scheme]], which proposed a unified [[Crown colony|British colony]] for [[Zogam|Zo-Kuki-Chin areas]].{{sfn|Goswami|1979|p=132}} This faction later formed the United Mizo Freedom Organization (UMFO) under [[Mizo people in Myanmar|Burmese Mizo]] influence, led by Burmese ex-military officer Lalbiakthanga and Lalmawia Khiangte.{{sfn|Chatterjee|1994|p=98}} Known as {{lang|lus|Zalên Pawl}} ({{translation|Party of the Privileged}}), the UMFO struggled to gain significant support, failing to counteract the Mizo Union’s push for integration with India.<ref>{{cite book |last=Nag |first=Sajal|date=April 2016 |title=The Uprising: Colonial State, Christian Missionaries and Anti-Slavery Movement in North-East India (1908–1954) |url=https://academic.oup.com/book/10383 |location=New Delhi |publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-946089-2}}</ref>

===Post-independence===
{{main|Mizo District}}
[[File:Lushai chiefs having tea at superintendent's house.jpg|thumb|Lushai chiefs having tea at the superintendent's house]]
On 15 August 1947, India celebrated its [[Independence Day (India)|Independence Day]], but in the Lushai Hills District, no Indian flags were hoisted.{{sfn|Samuelson|1985|p=59}} This was due to strong opposition from rival factions of the Mizo Union (MU), which resisted recognising Mizoram’s accession to the [[India|Indian Union]].{{sfn|Zorema|2007|p=156}}

Later, the [[Mizo Union]] (MU) and [[United Mizo Freedom Organisation]] (UMFO) emerged as political rivals, with the UMFO losing support after Mizoram joined India. The MU opposed [[Mizo Chieftainship|chieftainship]], while Superintendent Leonard Lamb Peters supported the chiefs, leading to a [[civil disobedience movement]] in 1948. Protests intensified, with the Mizo Union demanding Peters' removal, resulting in mass arrests and crackdowns until Assam’s government mediated and replaced Peters in 1949 with [[Satyen Barkataki]]. Barkataki would be the first Indian superintendent of the district and would establish the Aizawl-Lungleh road via voluntary labour, which would be widely covered in Indian newspapers.

The Lushai Hills District gained autonomy in 1951, and by 1954, the institution of [[Mizo District#Chieftianship and village councils|chieftainship was abolished]], ending the chiefs' customary rights in exchange for compensation.<ref name="Suhas1995"/><ref name=misai/> On the same year, the district was renamed as the Mizo District.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://kanoongpt.in/bare-acts/the-lushai-hills-district-change-of-name-act-1954/section-3 | title=Section 3: Amendment of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution &#124; the Lushai Hills District (Change of Name) Act, 1954 }}</ref> The [[Mautam|1959 Mautam famine]] devastated the region, killing over a hundred people, which led to the formation of the Mizo National Famine Front, later evolving into the [[Mizo National Front]] (MNF), which spearheaded Mizoram’s separatist movement.

====1966 uprising====
[[File:Laldenga.jpg|thumb|Laldenga, then-president of the Mizo National Front]]
{{main|Mizo National Front uprising}}
{{see also|Bombing of Aizawl|Operation Accomplishment}}
On 1 March 1966, the Mizo National Front (MNF), led by [[Laldenga]], [[declaration of independence|declared independence]] from India, marking the beginning of the Mizo Uprising.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Goswami|first=Namrata|date=2009|title=The Indian Experience of Conflict Resolution in Mizoram|url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09700160902907118|journal=Strategic Analysis|language=en|volume=33|issue=4|pages=579–589|doi=10.1080/09700160902907118|s2cid=154851791 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>  The movement had been brewing for years, fuelled by grievances such as the 1959 Mautam famine and perceived neglect by the Assam government. Mizo leaders, having gained external support and arms from [[East Pakistan]] (now Bangladesh), meticulously planned a coordinated attack on government installations across the Mizo District. The MNF launched [[Mizo National Front uprising#Operation Jericho|Operation Jericho]], a surprise offensive targeting [[Assam Rifles]] posts, the Aizawl treasury, and key administrative buildings.{{sfn|Hluna|Tochhawng|2012|p=35}}

By dawn, MNF forces had seized control of [[Aizawl]], [[Lunglei]], [[Champhai]], and other towns, effectively cutting off Indian government authority. In their declaration of independence, they appealed to the [[United Nations]] for recognition and sought support from neighbouring countries, such as [[China]], [[United States]], [[Japan]], [[France]], [[Indonesia]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. However, none of the countries the MNF appealed via their embassies and conculs helped them.{{sfn|Nunthara|1996|p=211}}

[[File:IAF Ouragan surrender 1965.jpg|thumb|An Indian Air Force MD 450 Toofani, the jet used during the 1966 airstrikes on Aizawl, marking the only instance of India bombing its own territory.]]
The Indian government, caught off guard, responded with unprecedented military force, including the first and only aerial bombing of its own territory. Aizawl was targetted on 5 March 1966 in the [[Bombing of Aizawl]].<ref name="sahrdc_afspa">{{cite web|title=Armed Forces Special Powers Act: A study in National Security tyranny|url=http://www.hrdc.net/sahrdc/resources/armed_forces.htm|access-date=13 October 2010|publisher=South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre (SAHRDC)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410183225/https://www.hrdc.net/sahrdc/resources/armed_forces.htm|archive-date=10 April 2023|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Indian Air Force]] used [[Dassault Ouragan|Toofani]] and Hunter fighter jets to strafe and bomb rebel positions, forcing thousands of Mizos to flee into forests. The overwhelming military retaliation quickly regained control of Aizawl, and MNF forces retreated into the hills, continuing a [[Guerrilla warfare|guerrilla insurgency]] for the next two decades.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Phukan |first1=Mridula Dhekial |date= August 2013 |title= Ethnicity, Conflict and Population Displacement in Northeast India|url=https://www.academia.edu/36348465 |journal=Asian Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences |volume= 1 |issue= 2 |pages= 91–101 |via=[[Academia.edu]]}}</ref>

To respond to the ensuing insurgency, the army proposed [[Operation Accomplishment]] to demolish smaller villages and merge the populations to larger centres. The plan scheme was contributed with input from [[Sam Manekshaw]] and [[Sagat Singh]]. This was done in four stages between 1967–1969. The centres would be fitted with facilities for shops, roofing material, dispensaries, schools and food.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Nag |first1=Sajal |title=Government of Peace: Social Governance, Security and the Problematic of Peace |date=2016 |publisher=Taylor and Francis |location=Delhi |isbn=9781317125389 |pages=57–78 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ew2rCwAAQBAJ |access-date=8 November 2025|chapter=Disciplining Villages and Restoring Peace in the Countryside|editor-last=Samaddar|editor-first=Ranabir|url-access=limited}}</ref> The scheme oversaw numerous human rights abuses. The Indian army burnt down 21 villages, gutted 2133 houses and raped 54 women in the evacuations. A total of 17 churches were burnt down, and others were occupied with worship restricted.{{sfn|Hluna|Tochhawng|2012|p=}}{{pn|date=November 2025}} Despite the failure of the initial uprising, the MNF remained active, operating from bases in East Pakistan and [[Burma]], eventually leading to peace negotiations in the 1980s.

===Union Territory (1972–1987)===
{{main|Union Territory of Mizoram}}
Following years of unrest and insurgency, Mizoram was granted [[Union territory|Union Territory status]] on 21 January 1972, separating it from Assam. This move was part of a larger reorganisation in India's [[Northeast India|Northeast]], which also saw the creation of [[Meghalaya]] and [[Arunachal Pradesh]]. Although this provided Mizos with greater autonomy, it fell short of full statehood, and the Mizo National Front (MNF) continued its armed struggle for complete independence.<ref>Lodrick, D. O. (29 January 2024). Mizoram. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Mizoram</ref>

However, in 1973, the Indian central government expelled [[missionaries|foreign missionaries]], which unintentionally led to a revival of indigenous [[Mizo culture]]. One of the most notable revivals was [[Chapchâr Kût]], a traditional Mizo new harvest year festival that had faded under Christian influence. In 1973, the [[List of chief ministers of Mizoram|first Chief Minister]] [[Ch. Chhunga|Ch. Chhûnga]], wearing traditional Mizo attire, officially inaugurated the festival’s return. While Chapchar Kut was revived, it underwent [[Christianization]], with [[Zu (beverage)|{{lang|lus|zû|nocat=yes}}]] ([[rice beer]]) omitted and new elements like dance formations inspired by [[Star of David|David’s Star]] introduced.{{sfn| Pachuau|Schendel|2015|p=278-283}}

After years of diplomatic efforts, [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Rajiv Gandhi]] and MNF leader [[Laldenga]] signed the [[Mizoram Peace Accord]] on 30 June 1986. This historic agreement ended two decades of insurgency, with MNF leaders agreeing to disarm and join mainstream politics. As part of the accord, Mizoram was granted full statehood on 20 February 1987, becoming India’s 23rd state.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mizoram To Be 23rd State Of India, Tribal Customs Protected|url=https://apnews.com/3ad643fb331a404302e1b02172ded7b5|access-date=20 August 2012|newspaper=APN News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728192739/http://www.apnewsarchive.com/1986/Mizoram-To-Be-23rd-State-Of-India-Tribal-Customs-Protected/id-3ad643fb331a404302e1b02172ded7b5|archive-date=28 July 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name = "AlfredJuan2011">{{cite book | first1 =Alfred | last1 =Stepan | first2 =Juan J | last2 =Linz | first3 =Yogendra | last3 =Yadav | title =Crafting State-Nations: India and Other Multinational Democracies | url =https://books.google.com/books?id=kGUuOdeCiXQC&pg=PA105 | access-date =28 August 2013 | date =20 January 2011 | publisher =JHU Press | isbn =978-0-8018-9723-8 | pages =105– | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20131231142846/http://books.google.com/books?id=kGUuOdeCiXQC&pg=PA105 | archive-date =31 December 2013 | url-status =live | df =dmy-all }}</ref> Laldenga became the first Chief Minister of the State of Mizoram, and the state was given two seats in the [[Parliament of India|Parliament]], one each in the [[Lok Sabha]] and in the [[Rajya Sabha]], marking the beginning of a peaceful and democratic era.<ref>{{cite book|last=Baruah|first=Sanjib|title= Durable Disorder: Understanding the Politics of Northeast India|year=2007|publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[file:Tuirihiau falls, Mizoram 2.jpg|thumb|Tuirihiau falls]]
{{Main|Geography of Mizoram}}
Mizoram is a landlocked state in [[Northeast India|North East India]] whose southern part shares 722<ref name=ppimizo/> kilometres long international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, and northern part share domestic borders with Manipur, Assam and Tripura. It is the fifth smallest state of India with {{convert|21087|sqkm|sqmi|abbr=on}}. It extends from 21°56'N to 24°31'N latitudes, and 92°16'E to 93°26'E longitudes. The [[tropic of cancer]] runs through the state nearly at its middle. The maximum north–south distance is 285&nbsp;km, while maximum east–west stretch is 115&nbsp;km.<ref name=ripa>{{cite book |last=Pachuau |first=Rintluanga |date=2009 |title=Mizoram: A study in Comprehensive Geography |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MYaYKXgAwLwC |location=New Delhi |publisher=Northern Book Centre |isbn=978-81-7211-264-6 |access-date=16 July 2025|page=24}}</ref>

Mizoram is a land of rolling hills, valleys, rivers and lakes. As many as 21 major hill ranges or peaks of different heights run through the length and breadth of the state, with plains scattered here and there.{{sfn|Lalthangliana|2006|p=1}} The average height of the hills to the west of the state is about {{convert|1000|m|ft}}. [[Phawngpui|Phawngpui Tlang]] also known as the Blue Mountain, situated in the southeastern part of the state, is the highest peak in Mizoram at {{convert|2210|m|ft}}.<ref name=haba>{{cite book |last=Bareh |first=H.M |date=2000 |title=Eneccylopaedia of North-East India: Mizoram |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JlHhTlPpanIC |location=New Delhi |publisher=Mittal Publications |isbn=9788170997870 |access-date=17 July 2025|page=1}}</ref> The state is hilly and mountainous with various slope percentages. Low slopes are used for wet rice cultivation, slightly higher slopes in the 8-20% range function for terraced cultivation. Medium slopes from 20–50% are used for horticulture, and high-end slopes above 50% are used for forestry.{{efn|Percentages represent the gradient over 100m, 10% is a gradient of 10 over 100m.}}{{sfn|Singh|1996|p=95}} The largest valley in the state is located in Champhai with {{convert|1356.5|ha}} and an elevation of {{convert|1300|m|ft}}.{{sfn|Singh|1996|p=96}}

About 76% of the state is covered by forests, 8% is fallows land, 3% is barren and considered uncultivable area, while cultivable and sown area constitutes the rest.<ref>[http://power.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/hydro-power-policy-of-mizoram.pdf Hydro Electric Power Policy of Mizoram] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903093148/http://power.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/hydro-power-policy-of-mizoram.pdf |date=3 September 2014 }} Government of Mizoram (2010), page 2</ref>{{update after|2025|7|16}} [[Slash-and-burn]] or ''jhum'' cultivation, though discouraged, remains in practice in Mizoram and affects its topography.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Raman |first1=T.R. Shankar|date=June 2001 |title=Effect of Slash-and-Burn Shifting Cultivatggion on Rainforest Birds in Mizoram, Northeast India |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/3061448 |journal=Conservation Biology |volume=15 |issue=3 |publisher=Wiley |pages=685–698|doi=10.1046/j.1523-1739.2001.015003685.x |jstor=3061448 |access-date=16 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Grogan |first1=Paul |last2=Lalnunmawia |first2=F.|last3=Tripathi|first3=S.K. |date=February 2012 |title=Shifting cultivation in steeply sloped regions: a review of management options and research priorities for Mizoram state, Northeast India |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-011-9469-1 |journal=Agrofrestry Systms |volume=84 |issue=2 |publisher=ProQuest |pages=163–177 |doi=10.1007/s10457-011-9469-1 |bibcode=2012AgrSy..84..163G |access-date=16 July 2025|url-access=subscription }}</ref> A report by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2021 states that Mizoram has the highest forest cover as a percentage of its geographical area of any Indian state, being 84.53% forest.<ref>{{cite web |title=Forest Survey report 2021 released; increase of 2,261 sq km in the total forest and tree cover of the country in last two years. |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1789635 |website=pib.gov.in |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228161544/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1789635 |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{multiple image
| direction         = vertical
| align             = right
| width             = 225px
| footer            = Tlawng River (top) and Tuipui river of Mizoram
| image1            = Tlawng River.JPG
| image2            = Toipui, Tuipui river Mizoram India.jpg
}}

Mizoram terrain is, according to the Geological Survey of India, an immature topography, and the physiographic expression consists of several almost north–south longitudinal valleys containing series of small and flat hummocks, mostly anticlinal, parallel to sub-parallel hill ranges and narrow adjoining synclinal valleys with series of topographic highs. The general geology of western Mizoram consists of repetitive succession of Neogene sedimentary rocks of the Surma Group and Tipam Formation such as sandstone, siltstone, mudstone and rare pockets of shell limestone. The eastern part is the Barail Group.<ref name=gsi/> Mizoram lies in [[Earthquake hazard zoning of India|seismic zone V]], according to the India Meteorological Department; as with other northeastern states of India, this means the state has the highest risk of earthquakes relative to other parts of India. The risk of the seismic zone combined with diversity in geology, geomorphology, rapid urban growth and monsoon seasons has also made it significantly at risk of landslides. The Mizoram government classified 5 landslide hazard zones as a result. Aizawl is ranked first in landslide frequency followed by Lunglei.<ref name=MMH>{{cite book |editor-last1=Das|editor-first1=Jayanta|editor-last2=Bhattacharya|editor-first2=Sudip Kumar|last1=Barman |first1=Jonmenjoy|last2=Biswas|first2=Brototi|last3=Das|first3=Jayanta |date=2 December 2022 |title=Monitoring and Managing Multi-hazards: A multidisciplinary Approach |chapter=Mizoram, the Capital of landslide: A review of Articles Published on Landslides in Mizoram:India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VaKfEAAAQBAJ |location=West Bengal |publisher=Springer|isbn=978-3-031-15376-1|doi=10.1007/978-3-031-15377-8|access-date=16 July 2025|page=98}}</ref>

The biggest river by water volume in Mizoram is the [[Chhimtuipui]] ([[Kaladan]]) river. It originates in [[Chin state]] near Vanum village in Burma at an altitude of {{convert|2325|m}}. It enters Mizoram via Sabawngte village ([[Siaha district|Saiha]]) and flows north to the [[Lawngtlai district|Lawngtlai]] in the southern tip of Mizoram and forms the international boundary before merging back to the Tiau river flowing opposite it.<ref>{{cite book |last=Sati |first=Vishwambhar Prasad |date=2019 |title=Economic and Ecological Implications of Shifting Cultivation in Mizoram, India |series=Environmental Science and Engineering |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bKjDDwAAQBAJ |location=Germany |publisher=Springer Edition Publishing |isbn=978-3-030-36601-8|issn=2661-8222|doi=10.1007/978-3-030-36602-5 |access-date=16 July 2025|page=32}}</ref> Although many more rivers and streams drain the hill ranges, the most important and useful rivers are the [[Tlawng]], [[Tut River|Tut]], [[Tuirial River|Tuirial]] and [[Tuivawl River|Tuivawl]] which flow through the northern territory and eventually join the [[Barak River]] in [[Cachar District]]. The rivers have a gentle drainage gradient, particularly in the south.{{sfn|Sati|2019|p=27-34}}

===Climate===
Mizoram has a humid, [[subtropical]] climate with temperate to warm summers ranging from {{convert|20|to|30|C|F}}. Winters experience a cool and arid ambiance in a temperature range of {{convert|10|to|20|C|F}}. The region is influenced by [[monsoon]]s, raining heavily from June to September which sustains high humidity and lush forestry.<ref>{{cite book |editor-last1=Singh |editor-first1=Hukum|editor-last2=Kumar|editor-first2=Narendra |date=15 July 2025 |title=Forest Fire and Climate Change: Insights into Science |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZxlxEQAAQBAJ |location=Germany |publisher=Springer Nature |isbn=978-3-031-89967-6|doi=10.1007/978-3-031-89967-6 |access-date=16 July 2025|chapter=Evaluation of Forest Fire Susceptibility in Mizoram State utilizing analytical hierarchy processes and frequency ratios|last1=Babu|first1=K.V. Suresh|last2=Pillutla|first2=Rama Chandra Prasad}}</ref> The climate pattern is moist tropical to moist sub-tropical, with average state rainfall {{convert|254|cm|in}} per annum. In the capital Aizawl, rainfall is about {{convert|215|cm|in}} and in [[Lunglei]], another major centre, about {{convert|350|cm|in}}.<ref name=gsi>{{Cite report| title= Geology and mineral resources of Manipur, Mizoram, '''Nagaland''' and Tripura| url= http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/gsiImages/information/miscpub30-4-2_man-mizo-naga-tripura.pdf| publisher= Geological Survey of India, Government of India| series= Miscellaneous publication No. 30 Part IV| volume= 1 (Part-2)| year= 2011| access-date= 20 June 2014| url-status= dead| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130510091749/http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/gsiImages/information/miscpub30-4-2_man-mizo-naga-tripura.pdf| archive-date= 10 May 2013| df= dmy-all}}</ref> The state is in a region where cyclones and landslides can cause weather-related emergencies.<ref name=MMH/> The rainy season is the longest and lasts for six months, starting with violent storms beginning in the [[Bay of Bengal]] which accompany hailstorms, thunderstorms and cyclones.{{sfn|Singh|1996|p=97}}

{{Weather box
|collapsed= 
|open=  yes
|metric first=yes
|single line= yes
|location=  Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram

|temperature colour= <!-- Enter "pastel" for pastel temperature colours, remove this line for the standard colouring. -->

<!-- Average high temperatures -->
|Jan high F=  |Jan high C=20.4
|Feb high F=  |Feb high C=21.7
|Mar high F=  |Mar high C=25.2
|Apr high F=  |Apr high C=26.8
|May high F=  |May high C=26.3
|Jun high F=  |Jun high C=25.5
|Jul high F=  |Jul high C=25.3
|Aug high F=  |Aug high C=25.5
|Sep high F=  |Sep high C=25.7
|Oct high F=  |Oct high C=24.7
|Nov high F=  |Nov high C=23.0
|Dec high F=  |Dec high C=21.0
|year high F=  |year high C=
<!-- Average low temperatures -->
|Jan low F=  |Jan low C=11.4
|Feb low F=  |Feb low C=12.8
|Mar low F=  |Mar low C=15.6
|Apr low F=  |Apr low C=17.5
|May low F=  |May low C=18.1
|Jun low F=  |Jun low C=18.9
|Jul low F=  |Jul low C=19.1
|Aug low F=  |Aug low C=19.1
|Sep low F=  |Sep low C=19.2
|Oct low F=  |Oct low C=18.0
|Nov low F=  |Nov low C=15.1
|Dec low F=  |Dec low C=12.2
|year low F=  |year low C=
<!-- Total precipitation, this should include rain and snow. -->
|precipitation colour= <!-- Enter "green" for green precipitation colours, remove this line for blue colouring. -->
<!-- IMPORTANT: use only one unit type! -->
|Jan precipitation inch=  |Jan precipitation cm=  |Jan precipitation mm=13.4
|Feb precipitation inch=  |Feb precipitation cm=  |Feb precipitation mm=23.4
|Mar precipitation inch=  |Mar precipitation cm=  |Mar precipitation mm=73.4
|Apr precipitation inch=  |Apr precipitation cm=  |Apr precipitation mm=167.7
|May precipitation inch=  |May precipitation cm=  |May precipitation mm=289.0
|Jun precipitation inch=  |Jun precipitation cm=  |Jun precipitation mm=406.1
|Jul precipitation inch=  |Jul precipitation cm=  |Jul precipitation mm=320.4
|Aug precipitation inch=  |Aug precipitation cm=  |Aug precipitation mm=320.6
|Sep precipitation inch=  |Sep precipitation cm=  |Sep precipitation mm=305.2
|Oct precipitation inch=  |Oct precipitation cm=  |Oct precipitation mm=183.7
|Nov precipitation inch=  |Nov precipitation cm=  |Nov precipitation mm=43.2
|Dec precipitation inch=  |Dec precipitation cm=  |Dec precipitation mm=15.3
|year precipitation inch=  |year precipitation cm=  |year precipitation mm=

|source 1=<ref name="IMD">{{cite report |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=30 September 2016 |title=Climatology Data of Important Cities |url=https://www.data.gov.in/catalog/climatology-data-important-cities-0 |work=Open Government Data Platform India |publisher=OPen Government Data Platform India |access-date=16 July 2025}}</ref>
}}

===Soil===
The soil of Mizoram is young and consists of [[sedimentary]] formations. Generally, soils consist of properties of being loamy, deep, well-drained and acidic in reaction.{{sfn|Singh|1996|p=98}} Across the districts of Mizoram the soil is free of rocks with the exception of in the Southernmost areas. The consistency is considered satisfactory. Clay-like soil with poor drainage is typically found restricted to few valleys while loam is common on hills. Nutrition-wise, the soils are deficient due to high levels of forest cover, high rainfall and dense vegetation, leading to high organic carbon and nitrogen content. Phosphorus is also lacking up to as high as 40% of all soil due to the strong acidityand presence of exchangeable aluminium. Nitrogen deficiency is restricted to the western and southern borders of the state while potassium is lacking in the western areas of the state.{{sfn|Singh|1996|p=98}}

===Biodiversity===
{| class="toccolours" style="margin:1em; float:right; width:25%;"
|+ '''State symbols of Mizoram'''<ref>{{cite web|title=Mizoram at a glance|url=http://mizoram.nic.in/about/glance.htm|publisher=National Informatics Centre:Mizoram|access-date=5 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630154732/http://mizoram.nic.in/about/glance.htm|archive-date=30 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=SSM>{{cite book |last=Sivakumar |first=Akila |date=2017 |title=National and State Symbols |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-1pODwAAQBAJ |location= New Delhi|publisher=The Energy and Resources Institute |isbn=978-93-8653-006-6 |access-date=16 July 2025|page=36}}</ref>
|-
| '''Animal'''
| [[Serow]] (Saza) || [[File:Serow_Capricornis_sumatraensis.JPG|50px]]
|-
| '''Bird'''
| [[Mrs. Hume's pheasant]] (Vavu)|| [[File:Syrmaticus_humiae.jpg|50px]]
|-
| '''Tree'''
| [[Mesua ferrea|Indian rose chestnut]] (Herhse) || [[File:MesuaFerrea_IronWood.jpg|50px]]
|-
| '''Flower'''
| [[Red Vanda]] (Senhri)|| [[File:Wanda_blau.JPG|50px]]
|}
{{multiple image
 | direction = vertical
 | align = left
 | width =
 | footer = Vavu ([[Mrs. Hume's pheasant]]) is the state bird<ref>[http://mizoram.nic.in/about/glance.htm Mizoram at a glance] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630154732/http://mizoram.nic.in/about/glance.htm |date=30 June 2015 }} Government of India</ref><ref name=SSM/> (top) and Senhri ([[Renanthera imschootiana]]) the state flower of Mizoram.<ref>[http://www.dipr.mizoram.gov.in/press-release/state-flower State Flower] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106125602/http://www.dipr.mizoram.gov.in/press-release/state-flower |date=6 November 2014 }} Government of Mizoram</ref><ref name=SSM/>
 | image2 = 
 | image1 = Burmese Barred-backed Pheasant by George Edward Lodge.png
 }}
Mizoram has the fourth highest total forest cover with {{convert|17820|km2|sqmi}}, with a percentage area of 84.53% of forest cover in the 2021 forestry report.<ref name=FRI2021/> Tropical semi-evergreen, tropical moist deciduous, subtropical broadleaved hill and subtropical pine forests are the most common vegetation types found in Mizoram. Bamboo is common in the state, typically intermixed with other forest vegetation; about 9,245&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> (44%) of the state's area is bamboo bearing. The state and central governments of India have cooperated to reserve and protect 67% of the land covered by forests, and additional 15% by management. Only 17% of the land is non-forested area for cultivation, industry, mining, housing and other commercial human activity. Satellite data suggests 91% of state's geographical area is covered by forests.<ref name=fsi11>[http://www.fsi.org.in/cover_2011/mizoram.pdf 9.19 Mizoram] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126034506/http://www.fsi.org.in/cover_2011/mizoram.pdf |date=26 November 2013 }} India State of Forest Report 2011, Govt of India (2012)</ref>

Historically, Mizoram participated in [[jhum]] cultivation ([[shifting cultivation]]). During the 1970s and 80s, jhum cultivation decreased from {{convert|58000|ha}} to {{convert|40000|ha}} despite a population increase. In 1986, 70% of the total population participated in jhumming.{{sfn|Sati|2019|p=4}} In 1984, to deal with deforestation, the Mizoram government passed the New Land Use Policy (NULP). The act provided that all lands other than towns and land allotted for permanent cultivation would be classified as a natural and protected forest. Commercial feeling became prohibited with exceptions for home consumption. Lands were leased to rural families to practice jhumming.{{sfn|Maithani|2005|p=65}}

[[File:Neptunia oleracea-IMG 1661.jpg|thumb|Neptunia oleracea]]
Mizoram is host to numerous species of birds, wildlife and flora. About 640 species of birds have been identified in the state, many of which are endemic to the Himalayan foothills and southeast Asia. Of the birds found in Mizoram forests, 27 are on the worldwide threatened species lists and eight are on the critically endangered list.<ref name=avibase>[http://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/checklist.jsp?region=INneml&list=howardmoore Birds of Meghalaya] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122054357/http://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/checklist.jsp?region=INneml&list=howardmoore |date=22 January 2015 }} Avibase (2013)</ref> Prominent birds spotted in Mizoram include those from the families of [[Phasianidae]], [[Anatidae]], [[Ciconiidae]], [[Threskiornithidae]], [[Ardeidae]], [[Pelecanidae]], [[Phalacrocoracidae]], [[Falconidae]], [[Accipitridae]], [[Otididae]], [[Rallidae]], [[Heliornithidae]], [[Turnicidae]], [[Burhinidae]], [[Charadriidae]], [[Scolopacidae]], [[Jacanidae]], [[Laridae]], [[Columbidae]], [[Psittacidae]], [[Cuculidae]], [[Strigidae]], [[Caprimulgidae]], [[Apodidae]], [[Alcedinidae]], [[Meropidae]], [[Bucerotidae]], [[Ramphastidae]], [[Picidae]], [[Pittidae]], [[Laniidae]], [[Campephagidae]], [[Dicruridae]], [[Corvidae]], [[Paridae]], [[Hirundinidae]], [[Cisticolidae]], [[Pycnonotidae]], [[Sylviidae]], [[Timaliidae]], [[Sittidae]], [[Sturnidae]], [[Turdidae]], Dicaedae, [[Chloropseidae]], [[Ploceidae]], [[Motacillidae]], [[Fringillidae]], [[Nectariniidae]] and [[Muscicapidae]].<ref name=avibase/>

The state is also host to a variety of fauna, just like its sister northeastern Indian states. Mammal species observed in the Mizoram forests include [[Sunda slow loris|slow loris]] (''Nycticebus coucang''), [[red serow]] (''Capricornis rubidus''), which is the state animal, [[Himalayan goral|goral]] (''Nemorhaedus goral''), [[tiger]] (''Panthera tigris''), [[leopard]] (''Panthera pardus''), [[clouded leopard]] ("Neofelis nebulosi"), [[leopard cat]] (''Prionailurus bengalensis''), [[Bengal fox]] (''Vulpes bengalensis''), and [[Asiatic black bear]] (''Ursus thibetanus''). Primates seen include [[stump-tailed macaque]] (''Macaca arctoides''), hoolock gibbon (''Hylobates hoolock''), [[Phayre's leaf monkey]] (''Trachypithecus phayrei'') and [[capped langur]] (''Trachypithecus pileatus''). The state is also home to many reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.<ref>Pawar, S. and Birand, A. (2001), A survey of amphibians, reptiles and birds in Northeast India, CERC Technical Report 6, Centre for Ecological Research and Conservation, Mysore</ref><ref>Choudhury (2001), Primates in Northeast India: An overview of their Distribution and Conservation Status, In: ENVIS Bulletin: Wildlife and Protected Areas, Non-Human Primates of India. (Editor: Gupta) 1(1): 92–101</ref>

The state has two national parks (Blue Mountain (Phawngpui) National Park and [[Murlen National Park]]) and six wildlife sanctuaries ([[Dampa Tiger Reserve]] (largest), [[Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary]], and [[Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/page/wildlife-sanctuary.html |title=Wildlife Sanctuary |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718022426/http://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/page/wildlife-sanctuary.html |archive-date=18 July 2014 |work=Department of Tourism, Government of Mizoram |date=2013 |access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{Historical population
| source = [[Census of India]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html|title=Census of India Website: Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|website=www.censusindia.gov.in|access-date=11 March 2021|archive-date=10 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010234955/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 1901 | 82434
| 1911 | 91204
| 1921 | 98406
| 1931 | 124404
| 1941 | 152786
| 1951 | 196202
| 1961 | 266063
| 1971 | 332390
| 1981 | 493757
| 1991 | 689573
| 2001 | 888573
| 2011 | 1091014
| percentages=
}}
Mizoram has a population of 1,091,014 with 552,339 males and 538,675 females.<ref name=mizocensus>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2-vol2/data_files/Mizoram/Chapter_2.pdf|title=Chapter 2 Size, Growth Rate and Rural-Urban Distribution of Population in Mizoram|publisher=Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|access-date=20 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113201758/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2-vol2/data_files/Mizoram/Chapter_2.pdf|archive-date=13 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> This reflects a 22.8% growth since 2001 census; still, Mizoram is second least populated state of [[India]]. The sex ratio of the state is 976 females per thousand males, higher than the national ratio 940. The density of population is 52 persons per square kilometre.<ref name=mizocensus2>{{cite web|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/stock/profiles/en/IND015_Mizoram.pdf|title=Mizoram Profile|publisher=Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|access-date=20 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324140658/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/stock/profiles/en/IND015_Mizoram.pdf|archive-date=24 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[literacy rate]] of Mizoram in 2011 was 91.58 per cent,<ref name="Literacy">{{cite web |title=State of Literacy |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/india/Final_PPT_2011_chapter6.pdf |website=censusindia.gov.in |page=110 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113155245/https://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/india/Final_PPT_2011_chapter6.pdf |archive-date=13 November 2012 |access-date=11 June 2023}}</ref> higher than the national average 74.04 per cent, and second best among all the states of India. About 52% of Mizoram population lives in urban areas, much higher than India's average. Over one third of the population of Mizoram lives in [[Aizawl district]], which hosts the capital.<ref name=mizocensus/><ref>{{cite web|title= Classification of urban areas and rural areas in Mizoram|url= http://mizoram.nic.in/printing/508/227.pdf|publisher= The Mizoram Gazette|access-date= 27 August 2012|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130412010645/http://mizoram.nic.in/printing/508/227.pdf|archive-date= 12 April 2013|df= dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title = Alphabetical list of towns & their population, Mizoram| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/towns/miz_towns.pdf| publisher = Census| location = [[India]]| access-date = 27 August 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120927073924/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/towns/miz_towns.pdf| archive-date = 27 September 2012| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}}</ref>

===Largest cities or towns===
{{Largest cities
 | country      = Mizoram
 | stat_ref     = [https://www.census2011.co.in/]
 | list_by_pop  = 
 | div_name     = District
 | div_link     =

| city_1 = Aizawl
 | div_1 = Aizawl District{{!}}Aizawl
 | pop_1 = 415,000

| city_2 = Lunglei
 | div_2 = Lunglei District{{!}}Lunglei
 | pop_2 = 80,000

| city_3 = Champhai
 | div_3 = Champhai District {{!}}Champhai
 | pop_3 = 44,000

| city_4 = Saiha
 | div_4 = Saiha District{{!}}Siaha (Saiha)
 | pop_4 = 35,500

| city_5 = Kolasib
 | div_5 = Kolasib District{{!}}Kolasib
 | pop_5 = 34,200

| city_6 = Serchhip
 | div_6 = Serchhip District{{!}}Serchhip
 | pop_6 = 30,010

| city_7 = Lawngtlai
 | div_7 = Lawngtlai District{{!}}Lawngtlai
 | pop_7 = 29,400

| city_8 = Saitual
 | div_8 = Saitual district{{!}}Saitual
 | pop_8 = 16,300

| city_9 = Khawzawl
 | div_9 = Khawzawl district{{!}}Khawzawl
 | pop_9 = 15,500

| city_10 = Vairengte
 | div_10 = Kolasib District{{!}}Kolasib
 | pop_10 = 14,550
}}

===Ethnic groups===
{{see also|List of Mizo clans}}
The great majority of Mizoram's population consists of several ethnic tribes who are either culturally or linguistically linked. These ethnic groups are collectively known as [[Mizo people|Mizo]]s (''Mi'' means People, ''Zo'' meaning the name of a progenitor; Mizo thus is People of [[Zo people|Zo]] origin<ref name=misai>Michael Sailo (2006), Administration of Justice in Mizoram, {{ISBN|978-8183240598}}, Chapter 2</ref>).

Sometime in the 16th century, the first batch of Mizo crossed Tiau River and settled in Mizoram and they were called as [[Kuki people|Kukis]] by [[Bengalis]].<ref name=lsmgov/> The term Kuki mean the inhabitants of the interior and inaccessible mountain tracts. Sometimes grouped as [[Kuki-Chin-Mizo people|Kuki-Chin]] tribes, The First batch were called Old Kukis, which are the [[Biate people|Biate]], [[Ranglong]] and the [[Hrangkhol people|Hrangkhol]], and the second batch that followed include [[Lushei]] (or Lusei), [[Paite people|Paite]], [[Lai people|Lai]], [[Mara people|Mara]], [[Ralte people|Ralte]], [[Hmar people|Hmar]], [[Thadou people|Thadou]], Shendus, and several other.<ref name=lsmgov>[http://landrevenue.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/historical-evolution-of-mizoram.pdf The Land Systems of Mizoram] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714155933/http://landrevenue.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/historical-evolution-of-mizoram.pdf |date=14 July 2014 }}, Govt of Mizoram (2007)</ref>

The [[Bru people|Bru]] ([[Reang language|Reang]]), [[Chakma people|Chakma]], [[Tanchangya people|Tanchangya]] are some non-Kuki tribes of Mizoram, with some suggestion that some of these are [[Indo-Aryan peoples|Indo-Aryan]] in their origins.<ref name="lsmgov" /> The [[Bnei Menashe]] tribe claim [[Jews|Jewish]] descent.<ref name="mzote">Zote, Mona (2005), [https://www.jstor.org/stable/23006028 Heaven in Hell: A paradox] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913002342/https://www.jstor.org/stable/23006028 |date=13 September 2018 }}, India International Centre Quarterly, Vol. 32, No. 2/3, pp 203–212.</ref>

The diversity of tribal groups reflects the historical immigration patterns. Different tribes and sub-tribes arrived in the present Mizoram, in successive waves and settled down in different parts of the state. Further, as they arrived, there were raids, fear of raids and intertribal feuds. The resulting isolation and separation created numerous tribes and sub-tribes.<ref name=lsmgov/>

Other than tribal groups, other ethnic groups inhabit Mizoram including [[Bengalis]] and [[Nepalis]].<ref name="Lang2011"/><ref name="Bareh"/> [[Gurkha|Nepali Gorkhas]], for example, were encouraged to settle in [[Aizawl]] area and other parts of Mizoram during the British colonial times. Thousands of their descendants are now residents of Mizoram.<ref name="Bareh">Hamlet Bareh, Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Mizoram, Volume 5, {{ISBN|8170997925}}, pp 260–261</ref>

===Protected demographic category===
[[File:Mizo girls in Mizo traditional dress.jpg|thumb|[[Mizo people|Mizo]] girls in Lushei tribe traditional dress.]]
According to 2011 census, Mizoram had 1,036,115 people (nearly 95% of total) classified as [[Scheduled Tribe]], the highest concentration of protected tribal people in all states of India.<ref name=tribalmizo>[http://www.tribal.gov.in/WriteReadData/CMS/Documents/201306110208002203443DemographicStatusofScheduledTribePopulationofIndia.pdf Demographic Status of Scheduled Tribe Population of India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903101121/http://www.tribal.gov.in/WriteReadData/CMS/Documents/201306110208002203443DemographicStatusofScheduledTribePopulationofIndia.pdf |date=3 September 2013 }} Table 1.1, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt of India (2013)</ref><ref>[http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/planrel/fiveyr/10th/volume2/v2_ch4_2.pdf SCHEDULED TRIBES Chapter 4.2] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616053238/http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/planrel/fiveyr/10th/volume2/v2_ch4_2.pdf |date=16 June 2015 }} Planning Commission, Govt of India (2012)</ref> This demographic classification, given to [[List of Scheduled Tribes in India|Mizoram tribes]] since the 1950s, has provided reservations and extra resources in education and government job opportunities, a preferential treatment as a means to accelerate their integration with mainstream society.<ref>[http://www.tribal.nic.in/Content/IntroductionScheduledTribes.aspx Scheduled Tribes] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620031439/http://tribal.nic.in/Content/IntroductionScheduledTribes.aspx |date=20 June 2014 }} Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt of India (2013)</ref>

===Languages===
{{Main|Mizo language}}

{{Pie chart
| thumb = right
| caption = Languages of Mizoram in 2011<ref name="Lang2011">{{Cite web|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10215/download/13327/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1500.XLSX |title=Census of India Website: Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|last=ORGI|website=www.censusindia.gov.in|access-date=9 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815035759/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16.html|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=C-1 Population By Religious Community |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1500.XLSX |website=census.gov.in |access-date=3 January 2021 |archive-date=12 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112015704/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1500.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref>
|label1 = [[Mizo language|Mizo]] | value1 = 73.13 | color1 = red
|label2 = [[Chakma language|Chakma]] |value2 = 8.51 | color2 = purple
|label3 = [[Mara language|Mara]] |value3 = 3.84 |color3 = lightcoral
|label4 = [[Kokborok language|Tripuri]] |value4 = 2.99 |color4 = gold
|label5 = [[Hakha Chin language|Pawi]] |value5 = 2.62 |color5 = green
|label6 = [[Paite language|Paite]] |value6 = 2.04 |color6 = dodgerblue
|label7 = [[Hmar language|Hmar]] |value7 = 1.65 |color7 = pink
|label8 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]] |value8 = 1.37 |color8 = darkcyan
|label9 = Other |value9 = 3.85 |color9 = powderblue
}}

[[Mizo language|Mizo]] and English are the official languages of the state.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2 November 2021|title=Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region, Mizoram State Information|url=https://mdoner.gov.in/about-north-east/mizoram|access-date=9 November 2021|website=[[Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region]]|archive-date=11 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111092907/https://mdoner.gov.in/about-north-east/mizoram|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Religion===
{{Pie chart
| thumb = right
| caption = Religion in Mizoram (2011)<ref name= "census2011">{{cite web|title=Population by religion community – 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>
| label1 = [[Christianity in Mizoram|Christianity]]
| value1 = 87.16
| color1 = Red
| label2 = [[Buddhism in Mizoram|Buddhism]]
| value2 = 8.51
| color2 = gold
| label3 = [[Hinduism in Mizoram|Hinduism]]
| value3 = 2.75
| color3 = darkorange
| label4 = [[Islam in Mizoram|Islam]]
| value4 = 1.35
| color4 = green
| label5 = Other or not religious
| value5 = 0.23
| color5 = White
}}

The majority (87%) of Mizos are [[Christians]] in various denominations, predominantly [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian]]. Mizoram has a significant [[Theravada Buddhist]] population of 8.5%, who are mainly [[Chakma people]], making them the largest religious minority in the region, followed by [[Hindus]] at 2.7% according to the 2011 census.<ref name = "census2011"/> There are several thousand people, mostly ethnic Mizo, who have converted to [[Judaism]] claiming to be one of the lost Judaic tribe group [[Bnei Menashe]], with descent from the biblical [[Manasseh (tribal patriarch)|Manasseh]].<ref name=mzote/>

====Christianity====
{{Main|Christianity in Mizoram}}

[[File:Solomon's Temple on a cloudy day.jpg|thumb|left|[[Solomon's Temple, Aizawl]]]]
The major Christian denomination is the [[Mizoram Presbyterian Church]], which was established by the Welsh missionary [[David Evan Jones (missionary)|David Evan Jones]] starting in 1894.<ref>T Raatan, Encyclopaedia of North-east India: Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram; {{ISBN|978-8178350684}}</ref> By the time [[India]] gained independence from [[British Empire]], some 80% of [[Lushei]] tribe people had converted to [[Christianity]].<ref name=cnun>C. Nunthara (2002), Mizoram: Society and Polity, {{ISBN|978-8173870590}}, pp 59–63</ref> The Mizoram Presbyterian Church is one of the constituted bodies of the [[Presbyterian Church of India|General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of India]] at [[Shillong]] in [[Meghalaya]]; it became the dominant Christian group in north Mizoram hills. In the southern hills of Mizoram, the [[Baptist Church of Mizoram|Baptist Church]] had the dominant following.<ref name=cnun/>

====Buddhism====
{{Main|Buddhism in Mizoram}}

According to 2011 census report, there are 93,411 people (8.51%) who follow [[Buddhism]] in Mizoram.<ref name= "census2011"/> The [[Chakma people|Chakmas]] and [[Tanchangya people|Tanchangya]] have been Buddhist for many centuries<ref>{{cite book |last1=Pu C. |first1=Chawngkunga |title=Chakma Settlement in Mizoram |publisher=State Central Library, Aizawl, Mizoram |pages=11, 12 |url=https://indianculture.gov.in/ebooks/chakma-settlement-mizoram |language=en |access-date=12 March 2023 |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328170937/https://indianculture.gov.in/ebooks/chakma-settlement-mizoram |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Hinduism====
{{Main|Hinduism in Mizoram}}

According to the 2011 census, there were 30,136 [[Hindu]]s in Mizoram or about 2.75% of the population.<ref name= "census2011"/> 

====Islam====
{{Main|Islam in Mizoram}}

According to the 2011 census, there were 14,832 [[Muslim]]s in Mizoram or about 1.35% of the population in which 29% are tribals.<ref name= "census2011"/>

====Others====
{{see also|Mizo religion}}
There are also a few Mizos who practice [[Judaism]] (866 according to the 2001 census) and a modernised traditional Mizo religion called ''Hnam sakhua'', which places a special emphasis on Mizo culture and seeks to revive traditional Mizo values while opposing the influence of [[Christianity]] on Mizo people.<ref name="Government of Mizoram">{{Cite web|url=https://www.panchayatportals.gov.in/web/department-of-panchyati-raj-mizoram/hidden/-/asset_publisher/h7cmn7e306iI/content/about-mizoram|title=About Mizoram|publisher=Dept of Panchayati Raj, Government of Mizoram|access-date=28 March 2019|archive-date=28 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328052720/https://www.panchayatportals.gov.in/web/department-of-panchyati-raj-mizoram/hidden/-/asset_publisher/h7cmn7e306iI/content/about-mizoram|url-status=live}}</ref>

A total of 1,367 people practised the Mizo religion according to the 2001 census. This number included, in addition to the original Mizo religion (755 people), adherents of other tribal religions such as Lalchhungkua (279), Lalhnam (122), and Nunna Lalchhungkua (211).<ref>Table ST-14a, Indian Census 2001</ref>

==Politics==
{{Main|Politics of Mizoram|Government of Mizoram}}

[[File:Mizoram Assembly House (front entrance).jpg |thumb|Mizoram Assembly House]]
Originally village land, locally called ''ram'', was the property of the tribal chief. The institution of [[chieftainship]] began in the 16th century. Each village behaved like a small state, and the chief was called ''Lal''. The rule was hereditary, and there were no written laws (the first script for Mizo language was developed by [[Christian Missionaries]] Lorraine and Savidge about 1895).<ref name=misai/>

After annexation by the [[British Empire|British]] in the 1890s, the northern part of Mizoram was administered as the [[Lushai Hills]] district of [[Assam]], while southern Mizoram was part of [[Bengal]]. In 1898, the southern part was transferred from Bengal to Assam. The colonial power retained the chiefs and Mizo customs, including the socially stratified hereditary transfer of political power. In 1937, under Section 6 of the Scheduled District Act, the British administration<ref name=misai/> consolidated executive and legislative political power to the [[Deputy Commissioner (India)|Deputy Commissioner]] and [[District magistrate]]s, with village chiefs in advisory role. The political and judiciary powers of chiefs were neither final nor exclusive, thereafter. Rulings could be appealed to courts staffed with British officials. After India gained independence from the colonial rule, the region was granted autonomous status in 1952, where Mizo people formulated their own laws and delivered judicial decisions. The region was renamed as Mizo District within Assam State in April 1954 and in that year, the institution of hereditary chieftainship was abolished, and instead village courts/council were set up.<ref name=misai/>

The representatives of the Lushai Hills Autonomous District Council and the [[Mizo Union]] pleaded with the [[States Reorganisation Commission]] (SRC) to integrate the Mizo-dominated areas of [[Tripura]] and [[Manipur]] with the District Council in Assam. The tribal leaders in the northeast were unhappy with the final SRC recommendations and met in Aizawl in 1955 to form a new political party, [[Eastern Indian Tribal Union|Eastern India Tribal Union (EITU)]].<ref name=dommen>Dommen, A. J. (1967). Separatist Tendencies in Eastern India. Asian Survey, Vol. 7, No. 10 (Oct. 1967), 726–739</ref>

[[File:Mizoram University Entrance.JPG|thumb|left|Mizoram Peace Accord was signed in June 1986. The Accord granted political freedoms by making Mizoram a full state of India, and included infrastructure provisions such as a High Court and establishment of Mizoram University (shown).<ref>[http://peacemaker.un.org/india-mizoram-accord86 Memorandum of Settlement (Mizoram Accord)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013222318/http://peacemaker.un.org/india-mizoram-accord86 |date=13 October 2016 }}, United Nations</ref>]]
In the 1950s, the fears of [[Assamese people|Assamese]] hegemony and perceived lack of government concern led to growing discontent among the Mizos. The Mizos were particularly dissatisfied with the government's inadequate response to the 1959–60 [[mautam]] famine. The Mizo National Famine Front, a body formed for famine relief in 1959, later developed into a new political organisation, the [[Mizo National Front]] (MNF) in 1961.<ref name="Braja1998">{{cite book | first=Braja Bihārī | last=Kumāra | title=Small States Syndrome in India | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nKqF_AgDd4gC&pg=PA75 | access-date=28 August 2013 | date=1 January 1998 | publisher=Concept | isbn=978-81-7022-691-8 | pages=75 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231142829/http://books.google.com/books?id=nKqF_AgDd4gC&pg=PA75 | archive-date=31 December 2013 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> The Front sought sovereign independence for the Mizo territory, staging an armed insurrection with the [[March 1966 Mizo National Front uprising|28 February 1966 uprising]] against the government.<ref name=dommen/> The revolt was suppressed by the government of India, which carried out airstrikes in Aizawl and surrounding areas.<ref>{{cite book|last = Lalchungnunga |title= Mizoram politics of regionalism and national integration|year= 1994|publisher=Reliance}}</ref><ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.newslink.in/2007/03/06/memories-of-inferno-still-remain-fresh | title = Memories of inferno still remain fresh | date = 6 March 2007 | newspaper = News link | place = IN | access-date = 17 April 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303171951/http://www.newslink.in/2007/03/06/memories-of-inferno-still-remain-fresh | archive-date = 3 March 2016 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}.</ref>

Assam state was split, re-organised into multiple political regions, Mizo hills area was declared Mizoram after the insurgency, and it received status as a Union Territory in 1972.<ref name=misai/> A Peace Accord was signed between central government and insurgent groups of Mizoram on 30 June 1986. Per the accord, insurgents surrendered their arms and Mizoram became the 23rd state of India in 1986, formalised the following year. The first election of Mizoram Legislative Assembly was held on 16 February 1987.<ref name=misai/> Elections have been held at 5-year intervals since then. [[2023 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|Elections were held]] for 40 seats of legislative assembly in 2023, ZPM won the elections.<ref>{{cite web |title=Assembly Elections December 2013 Results |work=ECI |publisher=Election Commission of India |url=http://eciresults.ap.nic.in |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215221429/http://eciresults.ap.nic.in/ |archive-date=15 December 2013 |url-status=dead |access-date=4 May 2017 }}</ref>

[[V. K. Singh]] is the governor of Mizoram since December 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kumar |first1=Ajay |date=24 December 2024 |title=Ajay Kumar Bhalla Appointed as Manipur Governor, Ex-Army Chief VK Singh as Mizoram Guv |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/former-home-secretary-ajay-bhalla-appointed-manipur-governor-ex-army-chief-vk-singh-as-mizoram-guv-arif-mohammed-bihar-article-116637481 |work=Times Now |access-date=24 December 2024}}</ref>

==Administration==
{{Main|List of districts of Mizoram}}

{| class="wikitable floatleft" style="text-align: center;"
|-
!District<ref>[http://mizoram.nic.in/ Districts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040130015404/http://mizoram.nic.in/ |date=30 January 2004 }} Government of Mizoram</ref>
!Population<br/>(2011)
!Population Density<br/>per km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| [[Aizawl district|Aizawl]]
| 400,309
| 117
|-
| [[Lunglei district|Lunglei]]
| 161,428 
| 35
|-
| [[Champhai district|Champhai]]
| 125,745
| 37
|-
| [[Lawngtlai district|Lawngtlai]]
| 117,894
| 39
|-
| [[Mamit district|Mamit]]
| 86,364
| 29
|-
| [[Kolasib district|Kolasib]]
| 83,955
| 56
|-
| [[Serchhip district|Serchhip]]
| 64,937
| 47
|-
| [[Siaha district|Saiha]]
| 56,574
| 52
|-
| [[Khawzawl district|Khawzawl]]
| 36,381
| 36
|-
| [[Hnahthial district|Hnathial]]
| 28,468
| 27
|-
| [[Saitual district|Saitual]]
| 11,619
| 
|}
[[File:Districts of Mizoram (2021).png|thumb|right|Districts of Mizoram (2021)]]

The Mizoram State Legislative Assembly has 40 seats and the Village Councils are the [[grassroots]] of democracy and leadership in Mizoram. The state has a chief minister, council of ministers with a portfolio of ministries responsible for different priorities and role of the government.<ref>[http://mizoram.nic.in/gov/minister.htm Council of Ministers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140624163948/http://mizoram.nic.in/gov/minister.htm |date=24 June 2014 }} Govt of Mizoram</ref>

There are eleven districts in Mizoram. A district of Mizoram is headed by a [[Deputy Commissioner]] who is in charge of the administration in that particular district. The Deputy Commissioner is the executive head of the district, responsible for implementing government regulations, the law and order situation in the district, as well as being responsible for tax collection for the government.<ref name="distgov" />

A Superintendent of Police is responsible for the police administration of each district.<ref name=distgov>[http://www.mizoram.gov.in/web/guest/districts Districts in Mizoram] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006040655/http://www.mizoram.gov.in/web/guest/districts |date=6 October 2013 }} Govt of Mizoram (2012)</ref>

The Capital city of Aizawl is managed by [[Aizawl Municipal corporation|Aizawl Municipal Corporation]] and the Lunglei town is managed by [[Lunglei Municipal Council]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=3 April 2023 |title=Opposition ZPM sweeps Lunglei civic polls in major setback to Mizoram's ruling MNF |url=https://theprint.in/india/opposition-zpm-sweeps-lunglei-civic-polls-in-major-setback-to-mizorams-ruling-mnf/1494470/ |access-date=5 April 2023 |work=ThePrint |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405062847/https://theprint.in/india/opposition-zpm-sweeps-lunglei-civic-polls-in-major-setback-to-mizorams-ruling-mnf/1494470/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The state has 3 autonomous district councils for ethnic minorities- [[Chakma Autonomous District Council]], [[Lai Autonomous District Council]] and [[Mara Autonomous District Council]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Centre To Form 3-Member Committee To Look Into NE Autonomous Councils' Demands, Issues To Be Addressed In A Month |url=https://northeastlivetv.com/around-ne/centre-to-form-3-member-committee-to-look-into-ne-autonomous-councils-demands-issues-to-be-addressed-in-a-month/ |work=Northeast Live |date=25 July 2024 |access-date=3 October 2024}}</ref> Additionally, the local body [[Sinlung Hills Council]] was formed for Hmar minority.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Sinlung Hills Council elections on November 5 |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/mizoram/sinlung-hills-council-elections-on-november-5-3217943 |website=Deccan Herald |agency=PTI |date=3 October 2024 |access-date=3 October 2024}}</ref>

==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Mizoram}}

[[File:View of the ridgetop city of Aizawl, state capital of Mizoram.jpg|left|thumb|Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram]]
Mizoram [[gross state domestic product]] (GSDP) in 2011–2012 was about {{INRConvert|69.91|b}}.<ref name=ppimizo/> The state's gross state domestic product (GSDP) growth rate was nearly 10% annually over 2001–2013 period. As of 2019, the states's provisional GSDP was expected to be {{INRConvert|251.4857|b}}.<ref>{{cite report |author=Government of Mizoram|date=February 2022 |title=Economic Survey of Mizoram (2021–2022) |url=https://planning.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/attachments/2022/02/5040f97f2c404c9c2bce7c6866f333e9/economic-survey-of-mizoram-2021-22.pdf|publisher=Planning and Programme Implementation Department (Research & Development Branch) |page=2|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> With international borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar, it is an important trade state for [[southeast Asia]]n imports to India, as well as exports from India.<ref name=ibef/>

The biggest contributors to state's GSDP growth are [[agriculture]], [[public administration]], and [[construction work]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Mizoram GSDP a thang chak NLUP inrêlbawlna sum a tam lo | url = http://vanglaini.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13838:mizoram-gsdp-a-thang-chak-nlup-inrelbawlna-sum-a-tam-lo-pl-thanga&catid=99:tualchhung&Itemid=2 | access-date = 24 August 2012 | newspaper = Vanglaini | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131017165537/http://www.vanglaini.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13838:mizoram-gsdp-a-thang-chak-nlup-inrelbawlna-sum-a-tam-lo-pl-thanga&catid=99:tualchhung&Itemid=2 | archive-date = 17 October 2013 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref> [[Tertiary period|Tertiary]] sector of service sector continued to have the contribution to the GSDP with its share hovering between 58% and 60% during the past decade.<ref name=ibef/><ref>{{cite news|title= Mizoram per capita income|url= http://www.indianexpress.com/news/mizoram-per-capita-income-rs-50-021/768758/|access-date= 20 August 2012|newspaper= Indian Express|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110406031208/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/mizoram-per-capita-income-rs-50-021/768758/|archive-date= 6 April 2011|url-status= live|df= dmy-all}}</ref>

As of 2013, according to the [[Reserve Bank of India]], 20.4% of the state population is below [[poverty line]], about the same as the 21.9% average for India. [[Rural poverty]] is significantly higher in Mizoram, with 35.4% below the poverty line compared to India's rural poverty average of 25.7; while in [[Mizoram#Demographics#Largest cities or towns|urban areas of Mizoram]], 6.4% are below the poverty line.<ref name=rbipov>{{cite web|url=http://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=15283 |title=See 2012 data in 3rd set of Table 162, Number and Percentage of Population Below Poverty Line |publisher=Reserve Bank of India, Government of India |year=2013 |access-date=20 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407102043/http://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=15283 |archive-date= 7 April 2014 }}</ref>

Mizoram has a highly literate work force, with [[literacy rate]] of nearly 90% and widespread use of English. The state has a total of 4,300 kilometres of roads of which 927 kilometres are high quality [[National highways of India|national highways]] and 700 kilometres of [[State highways in India|state highways]]. The state is developing its [[Kaladan River|Kolodyne River]] ({{lang|lus|Chhimtuipui lui}}) for [[navigation]] and [[international trade]]. [[Lengpui Airport|Mizoram's airport]] is at the capital city of [[Aizawl]]. The state is a power deficit state, with plans to develop its [[Hydroelectricity|hydroelectric]] potential. After agriculture, the major employer of its people include [[handloom]] and [[horticulture]] industries. [[Tourism in Mizoram|Tourism]] is a growth industry. In 2008, the state had nearly 7,000 registered companies. The state government has been implementing [[special economic zone]]s (SEZs) to encourage economic growth.<ref name=ibef2>[http://www.ibef.org/download/Mizoram_190111.pdf Mizoram Economy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303233831/http://www.ibef.org/download/Mizoram_190111.pdf |date=3 March 2016 }} IBEF, New Delhi (2010)</ref>

===Agriculture===
[[File:Serchhip Zawlpui.jpg|thumb|A paddy field in Zawlpui, Serchhip]]
Between 55% and 60% of the working population of the state is annually deployed on agriculture.<ref name=sapagri/><ref name=agristat>[http://agriculturemizoram.nic.in/Documents/Agriculture_Statiscal_Abstract_2012_13.pdf Agriculture Statistical Abstract 2012–2013] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808052945/http://agriculturemizoram.nic.in/Documents/Agriculture_Statiscal_Abstract_2012_13.pdf |date=8 August 2014 }} Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Mizoram (2013)</ref> The sector's contribution to the gross state domestic product was 30% in 1994, just 14% in 2009 due to economic growth of other sectors.<ref name=birthal>Birthal, Unlocking the potential of Agriculture in northeastern hill region of India, Ind. Journal of Agri. Econ., Vol 65, No. 3, July–Sept 2010, pp 335</ref>

Agriculture has traditionally been a subsistence profession in Mizoram. It is seen as a means for generate food for one's family, ignoring its potential for commerce, growth and prosperity. Rice remains the largest crop grown in Mizoram by gross value of output.<ref>Dikshit, K. R., & Dikshit, J. K. (2014), Agriculture in North-East India: Past and Present, In North-East India: Land, People and Economy (pp. 587–637), {{ISBN|978-94-007-7054-6}}, Springer Netherlands</ref> Fruits have grown to become the second largest category, followed by condiments and spices.<ref name=birthal/>

;Jhum practice
{{main|Jhum}}

Before 1947, agriculture in Mizoram predominantly used to be slash-and-burn driven ''[[shifting cultivation|Jhum]]'' cultivation. This was discouraged by the state government, and the practice has been slowly declining.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mizoram to implement new land use policy|url=http://www.sify.com/news/mizoram-to-implement-new-land-use-policy-news-national-kdrtkededhc.html|access-date=20 August 2012|newspaper=Sify News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510071435/http://www.sify.com/news/mizoram-to-implement-new-land-use-policy-news-national-kdrtkededhc.html|archive-date=10 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> A 2012 report<ref name=goswami/> estimates the proportion of shifting cultivation area in Mizoram to be about 30% – predominant part of which was for rice production (56% to 63% depending on the year). Despite dedicating largest amount of labour, jhum cultivated and non-jhum crop area to rice, the yields are low; Mizoram average rice yields per acre is about 70% of India's average rice yield per acre and 32% of India's best yield. Mizoram produces about 26% of rice it consumes every year, and it buys the deficit from other states of India.<ref name=agristat/>

The crop area used for jhum cultivation rotates in Mizoram; that is, the area slashed and burnt for a crop is abandoned for a few years and then ''jhumias'' return to slash and burn the same plot after a few years of non-use. The primary reasons for cyclical jhum cultivation includes, according to Goswami et al.<ref name=goswami>Goswami, K., Choudhury, H. K., & Saikia, J. (2012), ''Factors influencing farmers' adoption of slash and burn agriculture in North East India'', Forest Policy and Economics, 15, pp 146–151</ref>

;Horticulture
[[File:Oil palm in Mamit.JPG|thumb|upright|Oil palm in Mamit]]
In horticulture and floriculture, Mizoram is a significant producer and global exporter of ''[[Anthurium]]'' (over 7 million a year) and roses. It is also a significant producer and domestic supplier of banana, ginger, [[turmeric]], passion fruit, orange and [[Chayote|chowchow]].<ref name=ibef2/> Mizoram has accomplished this horticulture success and exports in 2009, with just 6% of its cultivated land dedicated to horticulture and floriculture, indicating a large potential for further growth and economic integration with other Indian states as well export driven economy.<ref>[http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/Speeches/PDFs/MIZSP19122013.pdf Economic and Financial Developments in Mizoram] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140406213724/http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/Speeches/PDFs/MIZSP19122013.pdf |date=6 April 2014 }} Reserve Bank of India (2013)</ref> In 2013, the area dedicated to horticulture and floriculture increased to 9.4% of 1.2&nbsp;million hectares potential.<ref name=ppimizo>[http://www.mizoram.gov.in/documents/19/1e418678-5683-4eb0-a809-42c143257876 Economic Survey, Mizoram 2012–13] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428073027/http://www.mizoram.gov.in/documents/19/1e418678-5683-4eb0-a809-42c143257876 |date=28 April 2015 }} Planning & Programme Implementation, Department Government of Mizoram (2013)</ref>

The agricultural productivity is very low in Mizoram.<ref name=kumof/> The state gets a lot of rain, but its soil is porous and irrigation infrastructure very inadequate; this has affected it crop yield and reliability.<ref name=sapagri>[http://agriculturemizoram.nic.in/sap.html State Agriculture Plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716135331/http://agriculturemizoram.nic.in/sap.html |date=16 July 2014 }} Agriculture Department, Government of Mizoram (2013)</ref> The yield issue that can be addressed by building irrigation infrastructure and adoption of better crop technologies. The state also has very low consumption of fertiliser and pesticides, which scholars<ref name=kumof>Kumar et al. (2013), ''Prospects of organic agriculture in eastern himalayan region-A case study of Mizoram'', Progressive Agriculture, Vol 13, Issue 2, pp 139–150</ref> suggest offers an opportunity for organic farming particularly of vegetables and fruits.

===Forestry, fisheries and sericulture===
Mizoram is one of the leading producers of bamboo in India, has 27 species of bamboo, and supplies 14% of India's commercial bamboo.<ref name=ppimizo/><ref name=ibef/> Forest products contribute about 5% to the state's gross product. The state produces about 5,200 metric tonnes of fish a year, about 12% of potential that can be sustainably achieved.<ref name=ppimizo/> Sericulture is an important handicraft industry engaged by nearly 8,000 families in over 300 Mizo villages.<ref name=ibef>[http://www.ibef.org/states/Mizoram.aspx Mizoram Snapshot] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702191426/http://www.ibef.org/states/Mizoram.aspx |date=2 July 2014 }} IBEF India</ref>

[[File:אנטוריום1.JPG|thumb|Mizoram produces over 7 million tonnes of Anthurium (shown), supplying the domestic market as well as exporting it to UAE, UK and Japan. The majority of producers and income earners from this business are Mizoram women.<ref name=ibef2/><ref>Singh and Punitha, ''Entrepreneurship Development through Anthurium Flower – A Case Study of Mizoram, North-East India'', Indian Res. J. Ext. Edu. 12 (3), September 2012, pp 74–78</ref>]]

===Industry===

Mizoram has two industrial estates at Zuangtui and Kolasib.<ref name=ibef/> Another software technology park is being established in Mizoram University campus.<ref>{{cite news|title=Northeast's fourth software technology park in Mizoram|url=http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=may0612/at0153|access-date=20 August 2012|newspaper=Assam Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716234449/http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=may0612%2Fat0153|archive-date=16 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The state government has acquired 127 acres of land in Khawnuam for development of the Indo-Myanmar border trade township.<ref name=ibef/>

===Energy infrastructure===
Mizoram is not self-sufficient in power. In 2012, the state had a demand for 107 MW of power, but had an effective installed capacity of only 29.35 MW. To bridge the gap, it purchased electricity from the national grid.<ref name=mizopow>[http://power.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/annual-report-2011-12.pdf Annual Report For 2011–12] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428072850/http://power.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/annual-report-2011-12.pdf |date=28 April 2015 }} Power & Electricity Department, Government of Mizoram (2013)</ref>

The hydroelectric power potential of Mizoram was assessed to be about 3600 MW in 2010,<ref name=mizopow2>[http://power.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/hydro-power-policy-of-mizoram.pdf Hydro Electric Power Policy Of Mizoram – 2010] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903093148/http://power.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/hydro-power-policy-of-mizoram.pdf |date=3 September 2014 }} Govt of Mizoram</ref> and about 4500 MW in 2012.<ref name=mizropow3>[http://power.mizoram.gov.in/page/hydro-power-potential-its-development.html Hydro Power Potential & its Development] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428073205/http://power.mizoram.gov.in/page/hydro-power-potential-its-development.html |date=28 April 2015 }}, Power & Electricity Department, Government Of Mizoram</ref> If even half of this is realised, the state could supply all its citizens and industry with 24/7 electricity, as well as earn income by selling surplus power to the national grid. The topography of Mizoram hydroelectric resources is ideal for power projects. The following rivers are suited for hydel projects with minimal impact on its biosphere – [[Tuivai River|Tuivai]], Tuivawl, Tlawng, Tut, Serlui, Tuirial, Kolodyne, Tuichang, Tuipui, [[Tiau River|Tiau]] and Mat. Beyond the major rivers, Mizoram has many small but perennial streams and rivulets with ideal condition for developing micro/mini and small hydroelectric projects.<ref name=mizopow2/> The state has proposed projects to attract private investments on Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis with financial assistance in rehabilitating its citizens were they to be affected by the project. The largest proposed project is expected to be on Kolodyne (460 MW), and there are dozens of small to micro projects that have been identified.<ref name=mizopow2/>

The main energy infrastructures in Mizoram are:
*[[Tuirial Dam]] 60 MW.<ref>{{cite news |title=PM Modi inaugurates Tuirial hydropower project, says Mizoram is power-surplus state |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-inaugurates-tuirial-hydropower-project-says-mizoram-is-power-surplus-state/story-RvSQLyHREstFlz6FP1nZAN.html |access-date=2 June 2023 |work=Hindustan Times |agency=PTI |date=16 December 2017 |language=en |archive-date=2 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602125537/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-inaugurates-tuirial-hydropower-project-says-mizoram-is-power-surplus-state/story-RvSQLyHREstFlz6FP1nZAN.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[Serlui B Dam]] 12 MW.<ref>{{cite news |title=Serlui B A Milestone in the Power Sector |url=http://www.easternpanorama.in/index.php/cover-story/61-2010/september/1130-serlui-b-a-milestone-in-the-power-sector |access-date=2 June 2023 |work=Eastern Panorama |date=5 September 2010 |language=en-gb |archive-date=5 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505112533/http://www.easternpanorama.in/index.php/cover-story/61-2010/september/1130-serlui-b-a-milestone-in-the-power-sector |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[Vankal Solar Park]] 20 MW.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bawitlung |first1=Mala |title=Mizoram enters India's solar map, becomes first in Northeast to house largest solar park |url=https://www.indiatodayne.in/mizoram/story/mizoram-enters-indias-solar-map-becomes-first-in-northeast-to-house-largest-solar-park-549340-2023-04-27 |access-date=2 June 2023 |work=India Today NE |date=27 April 2023 |language=en |archive-date=15 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615062901/https://www.indiatodayne.in/mizoram/story/mizoram-enters-indias-solar-map-becomes-first-in-northeast-to-house-largest-solar-park-549340-2023-04-27 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Transport infrastructure==
{{multiple image
| direction         = vertical
| align             = right
| width             = 
| footer            = The winding roads of Mizoram (top), and a close up of a road near Aizawl.
| image2            = 
| image1            = 
}}

*'''Road network''': In 2012, Mizoram had a road network of around {{convert|8500|km|mi}} including unsurfaced village roads to surfaced national highways; and there were 106,000 registered motor vehicles.<ref name=ppimizo/> The village roads are primarily single lane or unmetalled tracks that are typically lightly trafficked. Mizoram had 871 kilometres of national highways, 1,663 kilometres of state highways and 2,320 kilometres of surfaced district roads. All of Mizoram's 23 urban centres and 59% of its 764 villages are connected by all weather roads. However, landslide and weather damage to these roads is significant in parts.<ref>[http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=oct1413/oth06 Dilapidated roads snap Mizoram lifeline] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707200500/http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=oct1413%2Foth06 |date=7 July 2015 }} The Assam Tribune</ref>
[[File:Lengpui Airport Building.JPG|thumb|Lengpui Airport Building]]

*'''Airport''': Mizoram has an airport, [[Lengpui Airport]] (IATA: AJL), near Aizawl and its runway is 3,130 feet long at an elevation of 1,000 feet.<ref>[http://www.theairdb.com/airport/AJL.html Aijawl airport] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017140307/http://theairdb.com/airport/AJL.html |date=17 October 2012 }} The Air Database (2011)</ref>
*'''Helicopter''': A Helicopter service by [[Pawan Hans]] has been started which connects the Aizawl with [[Lunglei]], [[Lawngtlai]], [[Saiha]], [[Chawngte]], [[Serchhip]], [[Champhai]], [[Kolasib]], [[Khawzawl]], [[Mamit, India|Mamit]] and [[Hnahthial]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Mizorama helicopter service Tur chief minister in Hawng |url=http://dipr.mizoram.gov.in/press-release/mizorama-helicopter-service-tur-chief-minister-in-hawng |publisher=Mizoram DIPR |access-date=14 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212015939/http://dipr.mizoram.gov.in/press-release/mizorama-helicopter-service-tur-chief-minister-in-hawng |archive-date=12 December 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Nilaini atangin 'Helicopter Service|url=http://www.thezozamtimes.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5455:nilaini-atangin-helicopter-service&catid=43:news&Itemid=63|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923163051/http://www.thezozamtimes.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5455:nilaini-atangin-helicopter-service&catid=43:news&Itemid=63|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 September 2015|access-date=20 August 2012|newspaper=The Zozam Times}}</ref>
*'''Water ways''': Mizoram is in the process of developing water ways with the port of Akyab [[Sittwe]] in Burma along its biggest river, Chhimtuipui. It drains into Burma's Rakhine state, and finally enters the Bay of Bengal at [[Akyab]], which is a popular port in [[Sittwe]], Burma. The Indian government considers it a priority to set up inland water ways along this river to trade with Burma. The project is known as the Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project.<ref>[http://mdoner.gov.in/content/introduction-1 Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628080601/http://mdoner.gov.in/content/introduction-1 |date=28 June 2014 }} Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region, Govt of India</ref> India is investing $103&nbsp;million to develop the Sittwe port on Burma's northern coast, about {{convert|160|km|mi}} from Mizoram. [[State Peace and Development Council]] of Burma has committed $10&nbsp;million for the venture.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=153748 | title = Govt to spend $100&nbsp;million on linking Mizoram to Burma | newspaper = Financial Express | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070218035330/http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=153748 | archive-date = 18 February 2007 | df = dmy-all }}.</ref> The project is expected to be complete in 2015, and consists of two parts.<ref name=ntww/> First, river Kaladan (or Kolodyne, Chhimtuipui) is being dredged and widened from the port at Sittwe to Paletwa, in Chin province, adjacent to Mizoram. This 160&nbsp;km inland waterway will enable cargo ships to enter, upload and offload freight in Paletwa, Myanmar; this is expected to be complete in 2014. As second part of the project, being constructed in parallel, includes a 62&nbsp;km two-lane highway from Paletwa (also known as Kaletwa or Setpyitpyin) to Lomasu, Mizoram. Additionally, an all weather multilane 100&nbsp;km road from Lomasu to Lawngtlai in Mizoram is being built to connect it with the Indian National Highway 54. This part of the project is slated to be complete by 2015. Once complete, this project is expected to economically benefit trade and horticulture exports of Mizoram, as well as improve economic access to 60 million people of landlocked northeast India and Myanmar.<ref name=ntww>Nava Thakuria, [https://thediplomat.com/2014/01/northeast-india-anticipates-seaport/ Northeast India Anticipates Seaport] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525032542/https://thediplomat.com/2014/01/northeast-india-anticipates-seaport/ |date=25 May 2014 }}, The Diplomat (20 January 2014)</ref>

==Education==
[[File:ATC, Mizoram.jpg|thumb|left|Aizawl Theological College]]
{{main|Education in Mizoram}}

{{See also|List of institutions of higher education in Mizoram}}

[[File:SHSS building.jpg|thumb|left|A school campus in Mizoram]]
The first primary school was set up in 1898 at [[Aizawl|Aijal]] by Christian missionaries. The state has long enjoyed higher literacy rates than average literacy rates for India. In 1961, the literacy was 51%.<ref>C. Nunthara (2002), Mizoram: Society and Polity, {{ISBN|978-8173870590}}, pp 37–39</ref> By [[2011 census of India|2011 census]], it had reached 92%, compared to 74% average for India.<ref name=ppimizo/> Mizoram is second only to [[Kerala]].<ref>{{cite web|last=India Gov|title=India 2010 – A Reference Annual|url=http://india.gov.in/knowindia/profile.php?id=13|publisher=India Gov Website|access-date=10 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927023601/http://india.gov.in/knowindia/profile.php?id=13|archive-date=27 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

There were 3,894 schools in Mizoram as of 2012. Of these, 42% are publicly owned and managed by Central/State governments, 28% are private without government subsidies, 21% are private with government subsidies, and the rest are primary and middle schools that are government-financed by run by three Autonomous District Councils of Mizoram. The teacher-pupil [[ratio]] is about 1:20 for primary, 1:9 for middle School, 1:13 for high, and 1:15 for higher secondary schools.<ref name=ppimizo/>

There are several educational establishments under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education, including universities, colleges, and other institutions. Within [[Mizoram University]], there are 29 undergraduate departments including two professional institutions affiliated with the university. The state had 22 other colleges, and the total college enrolment was approximately 10,600 students in 2012.<ref name=ppimizo/> Other well known institutes are [[National Institute of Technology Mizoram]], [[ICFAI University, Mizoram]], [[College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram]] and [[Regional Institute of Paramedical and Nursing Aizawl]].

==Culture==
{{main|Mizo culture}}

The growth of Christianity, scholars state,<ref>Z. Hlawndo, a Study of the Cultural Factors in the Foreign Missions Thinking of the Mizoram Presbyterian Church, PhD Thesis (Awarded), University of Birmingham (2011)</ref> was shaped from a foundation of cultural, religious and socio-political structure.

A consequence of Hnatlang was the culture of [[Tlawmngaihna|{{lang|lus|Tlâwmngaihna|cat=no}}]], which does not have a direct English translation. {{lang|lus|Tlâwmngaihna}} as cultural concept incorporates behaviour that is self-sacrificing, self-denying, doing what an occasion demands unselfishly and without concern for inconvenience caused, persevering, stoical, stout-hearted, plucky, brave, firm, independent, loath to lose one's good reputation.<ref>James Dokhuma, "Tlawmngaihna" in Meichher, Vol XI, No. 11, April 1976</ref><ref name=nepa>Nevill Parry, {{Google books|ZZsJAQAAIAAJ|Lushai Custom: A monograph on customs and ceremonies}}</ref><ref>K. Thanzauva, ''Mizo Tlawmngaihna and Nishkama Karma'', in United Theological College Magazine, 1984.</ref>

Several other cultural elements of [[Mizo Chieftainship|ancient Mizo tribes]], some of which became less prevalent after arrival of Christianity, included:<ref name=nepa/><ref name=sucha>Suhas Chatterjee (1995), Mizo Chiefs and the Chiefdom, {{ISBN|978-8185880723}}</ref>
*''Zawlbuk'': a place near the chief's home, which served as defence camp in times of war, as well as "bachelor house" where the youth gathered and centre of village life.<ref name=nepa/><ref name="sucha"/>
*''Pathian'': the term for god, to whom prayers and hymns were recited. The evil spirits were called ''ramhuai''.<ref name=sucha/>
*''Nula-rim'': the method of courtship in ancient culture. Courtship, pre-marital sex and polygamy were accepted. The man and the woman could have many partners. If the woman got pregnant, the man was required either marry or pay a substantial sum called ''sawnman''. If the woman's parents discover the relationship, they had a right to demand a payment called ''khumpuikaiman''. While pre-marital sex was accepted, a woman who was virgin at marriage was more highly esteemed than one who was not.<ref name=nepa/>
*''Pathlawi'': a divorced man.<ref name=nepa/>
*''Ramri lehkha'': a boundary drawing that identified a chief's tenured land called ''ram''. Only the chief owned the land, and this ownership was hereditary. The tribe and village worked and harvested the land.<ref name=nepa/><ref name=sucha/>

===Traditional festivals===
[[File:Zamluang.jpg|thumb|Darkhuang, Zamluang or jamluang – a traditional musical instrument found in Mizoram.Other instruments include khuang (drum), dar (cymbals), as well as bamboo-based phenglawng, tuium and tawtawrawt.<ref>Thanmawia [http://www.dipr.mizoram.gov.in/article/heritage-of-mizo-traditional-music-(an-overview) Heritage of Mizo Traditional Music (An Overview)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428073505/http://www.dipr.mizoram.gov.in/article/heritage-of-mizo-traditional-music-(an-overview) |date=28 April 2015 }} Government of Mizoram</ref>]]
Traditional festivals in Mizoram often revolved around stages of jhum cultivation or the seasons.<ref name=ripac>Rintluanga Pachuau, Mizoram: A Study in Comprehensive Geography, {{ISBN|81-7211-264-5}}, pp 8–10</ref> Community festivals were called ''kut'' in the local language, and there were major and minor kuts such as [[Chapchar Kut]], Thalfavang Kut, [[Mim Kut]] and [[Pawl Kut]]. [[Chapchar Kut]] was the festival of spring (February/March), just before jhum started and land was cut-and-burnt for a new crop. Chapchar Kut was most anticipated by youth, a major festival and involved dancing and feasts. Thalfavang Kut celebrated completion of weeding of the jhum crop fields.<ref>[http://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/page/thalfavang-kut.html Thalfavang Kut] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718023958/http://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/page/thalfavang-kut.html |date=18 July 2014 }} Department of Tourism, Mizoram Government</ref>

[[Chapchar Kut]] was reintroduced and revived in 1973 by Mizo people to celebrate their heritage. Before Christianity arrived in Mizoram, home-brewed alcohol and many meat delicacies were part of the Chapchar celebrations. Now, with Mizoram's state law as a dry state, the youth busy themselves with music and community dancing.<ref>[http://mizoram.nic.in/about/chapcharkut.htm Chapchar Kut] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627011510/http://mizoram.nic.in/about/chapcharkut.htm |date=27 June 2014 }} Government of Mizoram</ref> Along with reviving traditional festivals, the community has been reviving the traditional dances at these festivals, for example, dances such as Cheraw, Khuallam, Chheihlam and Chai.<ref>[http://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/page/chapchar-kut.html CHAPCHAR KUT] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718022416/http://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/page/chapchar-kut.html |date=18 July 2014 }} Dept of Tourism, Govt of Mizoram</ref>

==Performing arts==
[[File:Chapchar Kut cheraw dance 2014.webm|thumb|left|[[Chapchar Kut]] [[cheraw dance]] in Mizoram. Chapchar Kut festival is celebrated during March after completion of their most arduous task of Jhum operation i.e., jungle-clearing (clearing of the remnants of burning).]]
Mizoram has many traditional dances, such as:
*''[[Cheraw dance|Cheraw]]'' – a dance that involves men holding bamboo close to the floor. They tap the sticks open and close with the rhythm of the music. Women in colourful dresses dance on top, stepping in between and out of the bamboo with the music. It requires coordination and skill.<ref name=nepa/>
*''[[Khual Lam]]'' – a mixed-gender dance that traditionally celebrated successfully hunting with swaying cloth with singing and music.<ref>Kurian, J. C., & Varte, R. T. (1995), Crerow and Khuallam Dances of Mizos, Encyclopaedic Profile of Indian Tribes, Vol 1, {{ISBN|978-8171412983}}, Chapter 8</ref>
[[File:Dance of Mizoram.jpg|thumb|Dance of Mizoram]]
*''[[Chheih Lam]]'' – typically performed over cool evenings with rice beer, people sit in a circle with two or more dancers in the centre; they sing with impromptu often humorous compositions about recent events or guests between them with music and dancers keeping up. The song was called ''Chheih Hla''. Mizo people have tried to introduce the Chheih Lam during church sermons with controversy.<ref>Zama, Margaret (2006), [http://indianfolklore.org/journals/index.php/IFL/article/view/311/329 Globalization and the Mizo Story] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423165709/http://indianfolklore.org/journals/index.php/IFL/article/view/311/329 |date=23 April 2015 }}, Indian Folklife, No 22, pp 10–11</ref>
*''Chai Lam'' – an important dance at the [[Chapchar Kut]], this places the musicians in the centre while men and women in colourful dresses alternate and form a circle; the women held the men at their waist, while men held the women at their shoulders; they step forward to move in circles while swaying left and right with the music. A song may be sung which is also called ''Chai''.<ref name=nepa/>

===Sports===
[[File:Lammual Stadium.jpg|thumb|left|Lammual Stadium]]
{{Main|Sports in Mizoram}}

Mizoram's first football league debuted in October 2012. The Mizoram Premiere League had eight teams during the 2012–2013 season and is the highest level league in Mizoram. The eight clubs include Aizawl, Chanmari, Dinthar, FC Kulikawn, Luangmual, Mizoram, RS Annexe, and Reitlang. The season starts each year in October and wraps up with the finals in March.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khanna |first=Rakesh |title=Mizoram with Rakesh Khanna: Wandering through the busy streets of the capital of Mizoram—its colourful neighbourhoods leaning jauntily on the steep hillsides, with hardly a piece of litter in sight—you will realise that there's a lot going on in the city |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1285445467 |publisher=Living Media India, Limited |id={{ProQuest|1285445467}} |access-date=25 May 2022 |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406070006/https://www.proquest.com/docview/1285445467 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[Aizawl FC]] is an Indian professional football club that competes in the [[I-League]], the second tier of [[Indian football league system]].

==Tourism==
[[File:Kawpi Waterfall - panoramio.jpg|thumb|upright|Kawpi Waterfall]]
{{Main|Tourism in Mizoram}}

{{see also|Tourism in North East India}}

===Domestic tourists===

The state requires Indian citizens to have an [[Inner Line Permit]]. This is available from the [[Liaison officer]], [[government of Mizoram]] in [[Kolkata]], [[Silchar]], [[Shillong]], [[Guwahati]] and [[New Delhi]]. Those arriving by air can obtain a 15-day visit pass at [[Lengpui Airport|Lengpui airport, Aizawl]] by submitting photographs and paying the fee of {{INRConvert|120}}.<ref name=visitmizo>[http://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/page/entry-formalities.html ENTRY FORMALITIES] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718021705/http://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/page/entry-formalities.html |date=18 July 2014 }} Department of Tourism, Govt of Mizoram</ref>

===International tourists===

Almost all foreign nationals can get the required Protected Area Permit on arrival, and face the same requirements as domestic tourists. However, they additionally have to register themselves with state police within 24 hours of arrival, a formality that most resorts can provide. Citizens of [[Afghanistan]], [[China]] and [[Pakistan]] and foreign nationals having their origin in these countries are required to get the pass through the Indian consulate or from the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] in New Delhi, before they arrive in Mizoram.<ref name=visitmizo/>

===Attractions===
Mizoram is a place with flora and fauna rich landscape and pleasant climate.<ref>Choudhury, A.U. (2008) '' A pocket guide to the birds of Mizoram''. Gibbon Books & The Rhino Foundation for Nature in North East India, Guwahati, [[India|IN]]. 122pp. [Supported by Oriental Bird Club, UK]</ref>

The state is a bird watcher's destination. For [[Mrs. Hume's pheasant]] (''Syrmaticus humiae''), Mizoram is a stronghold.<ref>Choudhury, A.U. (2002). ''Survey of Mrs Hume's pheasant in North East India''. Technical Report No. 5. The Rhino Foundation for Nature in NE India, Guwahati, [[India|IN]]. 30pp. [Final report to the Oriental Bird Club, UK]</ref> [[Wild water buffalo]], [[Sumatran rhinoceros]], [[elephant]]s and other mammals have been spotted in the past.<ref>{{Citation | last = Choudhury | first = AU | year = 1997 | title = The status of the Sumatran rhinoceros in north-eastern India | journal = Oryx | volume = 31 | issue = 2 | pages = 151–52 | doi=10.1017/s0030605300022043| doi-access = free }}.</ref><ref>Choudhury, A.U. (2010). ''The vanishing herds: wild water buffalo''. Gibbon Books & The Rhino Foundation for Nature in NE India, Guwahati, [[India|IN]]. 184pp. [Supported by CEPF & Taiwan Forestry Bureau]</ref><ref>{{Citation | last = Choudhury | first = AU | year = 2001 | title = The wild elephant ''Elephas maximus'' in Mizoram | journal = J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. | volume = 98 | number = 3 | pages = 439–41}}.</ref>

==Issues==
===Chakmaland===
{{main|Chakma people}}

Having an estimated population of more than 100,000 per [[2011 Indian census]], the Chakmas have been demanding to convert the existing [[Chakma Autonomous District Council]] in Mizoram into a Union territory.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Taba Ajum |date=21 September 2017 |title=SC verdict on Chakmas, Hajongs could prove catastrophic for Arunachal |newspaper=Arunachal Times |url=https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2017/09/21/sc-verdict-on-chakmas-hajongs-could-prove-catastrophic-for-arunachal/ |access-date=11 March 2021 |archive-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518090422/https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2017/09/21/sc-verdict-on-chakmas-hajongs-could-prove-catastrophic-for-arunachal/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Alcohol prohibition===
In 1996, the government of Mizoram banned liquor. The church leaders (Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee) argue that state government should keep the ban and not seek to amend the law, while others argue prohibition should be lifted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/India/20090606/1269373.html|title=Mizoram Church no to liquor ban Act amendment Aizawl|date=6 June 2009|work=webindia123|publisher=Suni Systems|access-date=25 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524145549/http://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/India/20090606/1269373.html|archive-date=24 May 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> However, it has been difficult to enforce the ban due to the high demand for alcohol.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Mizoram-likely-to-lift-liquor-ban-draft-bill-in-house-soon/articleshow/30206676.cms Mizoram likely to lift liquor ban] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214160447/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Mizoram-likely-to-lift-liquor-ban-draft-bill-in-house-soon/articleshow/30206676.cms |date=14 February 2014 }} The Times of India</ref>

In 2008, the Mizoram Excise and Narcotics (Wine) Rules amended the ban of 1996 to allow the manufacture, export, sale, possession and consumption of [[wine]] in Mizoram made from [[grapes]] and [[guava]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://police.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/mltp-act-wine-rules.pdf |title=The Mizoram Excise & Narcotics (Wine) Rules, 2008 |access-date=12 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707024127/https://police.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/mltp-act-wine-rules.pdf |archive-date=7 July 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> which would help the economy of the state, reduce fruit waste from farms, and encourage large scale commercialisation. In 2011 the bill was amended to include [[apple]], [[ginger]], [[passion fruit]], [[peach]] and [[pear]] wine.<ref>[http://www.theshillongtimes.com/2011/07/29/mizoram-amends-liquor-law-for-more-wine/ Mizoram amends liquor law] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522123909/http://www.theshillongtimes.com/2011/07/29/mizoram-amends-liquor-law-for-more-wine/ |date=22 May 2014 }} ''The Shillong Times''</ref>

In 2013, the state assembly unanimously passed a resolution to study the impact of liquor prohibition.<ref>[http://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/mizoram-assembly-clears-liquor-prohibition-amendment-bill-113072300400_1.html Mizoram Assembly clears Liquor Prohibition (Amendment) Bill] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022221948/http://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/mizoram-assembly-clears-liquor-prohibition-amendment-bill-113072300400_1.html |date=22 October 2014 }} Business Standard (23 July 2013)</ref> In 2014, the state's narcotics minister noted that the liquor ban had produced some serious problems in Mizo society due to the drinking of spurious and unhealthy (locally made) liquor, known as ''[[Zu (beverage)|zu]]''. The government suggested it would introduce an amended liquor bill allowing retail shops to operate in Aizawl and other district headquarters to sell liquor – but not in bars. Furthermore, they would not consult the powerful church on the issue.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com"/>

The Mizoram Liquor Prohibition and Control bill of 2014 was repealed on 20 March 2019 with the Mizoram Liquor Prohibition Bill 2019,<ref>{{cite web |title=Mizoram passes Bill for total prohibition |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/mizoram/mizoram-passes-bill-for-total-prohibition-5636784/ |website=indianexpress |access-date=21 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321110341/https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/mizoram/mizoram-passes-bill-for-total-prohibition-5636784/ |archive-date=21 March 2019 |url-status=live |date=21 March 2019 }}</ref> it was a legislation promised by the [[Mizo National Front]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Mizoram goes dry again as Assembly passes Liquor Prohibition Bill 2019 |url=https://nenow.in/north-east-news/mizoram-goes-dry-again-as-assembly-passes-liquor-prohibition-bill-2019.html |website=nenow |date=20 March 2019 |access-date=21 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321110102/https://nenow.in/north-east-news/mizoram-goes-dry-again-as-assembly-passes-liquor-prohibition-bill-2019.html |archive-date=21 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Rat problems===
{{main|Mautam}}

Every 50 years, the [[Mautam]] bamboo blooms and its high-protein seeds lead to an explosion in the [[black rat]] population in the jungle, also referred to as the rat flood, which has historically destroyed entire villages' food supplies after rats move on to farm fields and devour crops. The 1958–59 plague provoked a rural uprising during which the indigenous Mizo people launched a violent 20-year rebellion against the central government. The dispute only saw final resolution in 1986.<ref>{{Citation | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1550612/Indian-farmers-braced-for-rat-plague.html | title = Indian farmers braced for rat plague | newspaper = The daily Telegraph | place = [[United Kingdom|UK]] | date = 3 May 2007 | last1 = Foster | first1 = Peter | access-date = 5 April 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171003070549/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1550612/Indian-farmers-braced-for-rat-plague.html | archive-date = 3 October 2017 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}.</ref> The 48-year rat problem recurred in Mizoram in 2006–08.<ref>[http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/03/photogalleries/bamboo-rat-plague-missions/ PHOTOS: Rat Attack in India Set Off by Bamboo Flowering] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524133254/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/03/photogalleries/bamboo-rat-plague-missions/ |date=24 May 2014 }} National Geographic (March 2009)</ref> The crops suffered massive damage, with yields at 30-year lows; the crop yields recovered sharply to pre-mautam levels in 2009 after the mautam flowering.<ref>Aplin, K., & Lalsiamliana, J. (2010), Chronicles and impacts of the 2005–09 mautam in Mizoram, in [http://books.irri.org/9789712202575_content.pdf Rodent outbreaks: Ecology and Impacts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604004129/http://books.irri.org/9789712202575_content.pdf |date=4 June 2015 }}, International Rice Research Institute, {{ISBN|978-971-22-0257-5}}, pp 13–48</ref>

==Media and communication==
:''See also [[Mizo language#Newspaper|Newspapers in Mizoram]].''
Mizoram's media is growing quickly. Internet access is average, and private television cable channels are popular.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.panchayatportals.gov.in/web/department-of-panchyati-raj-mizoram/hidden/-/asset_publisher/h7cmn7e306iI/content/about-mizoram|website= Department of Panchayati Raj | date=2019 | title= About Mizoram |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328052720/https://www.panchayatportals.gov.in/web/department-of-panchyati-raj-mizoram/hidden/-/asset_publisher/h7cmn7e306iI/content/about-mizoram|archive-date=28 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Doordarshan]], the national television service of India provides terrestrial broadcasting services and [[All India Radio]] broadcast programmes related to the indigenous culture and local news. Broadband access is available. In addition to these, there are several websites in local dialects. Print journalism remains a popular news medium in Mizoram; local newspapers include [[Vanglaini]] and [[Zalen]]. [[The Mizoram Post]], an [[Indian English|English-language]] daily newspaper published from [[Silchar]] ([[Assam]]) was the most circulated newspaper in Mizoram, in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|title=Silchar's The Mizoram Post is Mizoram's "largest" paper|url=http://www.misual.com/2007/01/18/silchar%E2%80%99s-the-mizoram-post-is-mizoram%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%9Clargest%E2%80%9D-paper/|website=misual.com|date=18 January 2007|access-date=22 December 2020|archive-date=12 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112033225/http://www.misual.com/2007/01/18/silchar%e2%80%99s-the-mizoram-post-is-mizoram%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9clargest%e2%80%9d-paper/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Notable people==
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦---> 
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by FIRST NAME ♦♦♦---> 
* [[C. Rokhuma]] - Mizo scientist and founder of the Anti-Famine Campaign Organisation.
* [[Chuauṭhuama]] - Mizo Presbyterian minister, biblical scholar and theologian. 
* [[Darchhawna]] – Mizo author of Hindi literature.
* [[James Dokhuma]] – Mizo academic, writer, and former insurgent.
* [[Jeje Lalpekhlua]] – Mizo footballer. Player at the Indian Super League (ISL) and Hero I-League. Former Captain of the [[India men's national football team|India national football team]].
* [[Jeremy Lalrinnunga]] – Mizo weightlifter who win Gold in International Weightlifting event.
* [[Jerry Mawihmingthanga]] – Mizo footballer who plays as a midfielder or winger for Odisha in the [[Indian Super League]].
* [[Laldenga]] (d.1990) – Mizo [[Separatism|separatist]], former party leader of the Mizo National Front (MNF) and 4th Chief Minister of Mizoram.  
* [[Lalduhoma]] – politician and party leader of the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM). Former Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) for Mizoram. 6th and current [[Chief Minister of Mizoram]]. Also served as secret service for [[Indira Gandhi]] and [[Indian Police Service]][IPS].
* [[Lallianzuala Chhangte]] – Mizo footballer who plays as a midfielder or winger for Mumbai in the [[Indian Super League]].
* [[Lalremsiami]] – hockey player representing India in several International Hockey Events.
* [[Lalrindika Ralte]] – Mizo Footballer. Player at the [[Indian Super League]] (ISL) and Hero I-League. Currently the captain of [[East Bengal F.C.]]
* [[Lalsangzuali Sailo]] (d.2006)- a singer, songwriter, poet, [[All India Radio]] "A" grade artist and a recipient of [[Padma Shree]] Award.
* [[Lalsawma]] – Indian social worker, missionary and peace negotiator during the [[Mizo unrest]].
* [[Lal Thanhawla]] – former Chief Minister of Mizoram and leader of the [[Indian National Congress|Mizoram Congress Party]].
* [[Nuchhungi Renthlei]] (d.2002) – founder of Girls' Auxiliary, a poet, a singer and a school teacher, the first Mizo woman to receive the Padma Shri award
* [[Robert Lalthlamuana]] – Mizo footballer. Player at the Indian Super League (ISL) and Hero I-League.
* [[Sangthankima]] – Mizo social worker and humanitarian. Founder of Thutak Nunpuitu Team.
* [[Shylo Malsawmtluanga]] – Mizo footballer. Former player at the Hero I-League. Current player of the Mizoram Premier League (MPL).
* [[Ziona]] (d.2021) – a polygamous man with 38 wives and numerous children and grandchildren. His family holds the record for the World's Largest Family.
* [[Zoramthanga]] – former Chief Minister of Mizoram and current party leader of the Mizo National Front (MNF).*

===Chiefs===
* [[Lallula]] (d.1807) – Established the Sailo dynasty in the Lushai Hills.
*[[Lalsavunga]] – Founded the original site of [[Aizawl]].
* [[Khalkam]] (d.1891) – Son of Sukpilal, organiser of the [[Lushai Rising|Western Lushai Rising]].
* [[Lalbura]] (1843–1933) – Son of Vanhnuailiana, organiser of the [[Lushai Rising|Eastern Lushai Rising]]
* [[Mângpawrha]] – Son of Lallula, consolidated Sailo rule in the western Lushai Hills.
* [[Pâwibâwia]] (1852–1892) – Anti-British chief during Lushai Expedition and Lushai Rising.
* [[Sibuta]] – Infamous chief and patron of the Sibuta Lung.
* [[Suakpuilala]] (d.1881) – First and only chief to sign a sunnad with the British under Sir [[John Ware Edgar]].
* [[Ropuiliani]] (d.1895) – Mizo chieftainess who fiercely resisted [[British rule in the Lushai Hills|British colonial rule]].
* [[Rothangpuia]] – Friendly chief and ally of [[Thomas Herbert Lewin]] who participated in the [[Lushai Expedition]] together.
* [[Vanhnuailiana]] (d.1871) – Famous Eastern Mizo chief.
* [[Laltheri]] – Mizo princess and poet, known as a figure of a love tragedy.
* [[Zakapa]] (d.1914) – Organiser of the [[Lushai Rising|Southern Lushai Rising]], his actions and legacy led to the creation of the Zakapa award for women's achievements.

===Pasalṭha (warriors)===
* [[Khuangchera]] (d.1890) – Mizo [[Pasalṭha]] and (declared) Indian freedom fighter. 
* [[Taitesena]] (d.1904) – Mizo [[Pasalṭha]] known for volunteering and hunting.
* [[Saizahawla]] (b.1858) – Mizo [[Pasalṭha]] known for wrestling and athleticism.
* [[Chawngbawla]] – Mizo [[Pasalṭha]] known for fighting in the [[North-South War of the Lushai Hills]]
* [[Zampuimanga]] – Mizo [[Pasalṭha]] known for serving [[Lalsavunga]] and hunting tigers. 
* [[Vana Pa]] – Mizo [[Pasalṭha]] known as a tactician and counsellor. Vanapa Hall has been named in his honour.

==See also==
{{Portal|Geography|Asia|India}}
* [[Outline of India]]
* [[Bibliography of India]]
* [[Mizo Hlakungpui Mual]]
* [[Mizo music]]
* [[Insurgency in Northeast India]]
* [[1997 ethnic violence and displacement of Bru-Reang]]
{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
*{{cite book |last1=Hluna |first1=John V.|last2=Tochhawng |first2 = Rini |title=The Mizo Uprising: Assam assembly debates on the Mizo Movement. 1966–1971 |date=2012 |publisher=Cambridge University press |isbn=978-1-4438-4042-2 |url=https://archive.org/details/mizouprisingassa0000hlun/mode/2up |access-date=24 February 2025}}
*{{cite book |last=Lalthangliana |first=B. |date=2006 |title=Culture and Folklore of Mizoram |url=https://archive.org/details/culturefolkloreo00lalt|location=Aizawl |publisher=Publications Division Ministry of Information and Broadcasting|isbn=978-81-230-2658-9}}
*{{cite book |last=Maithani |first=B.P. |date=2005 |title=Shifting Cultivation in North-East India: Policy Issues and Options |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WKRKSys8KpsC |location=New Delhi |publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=81-8324-029-1 |access-date=17 July 2025}}
*{{cite book |last=Nunthara |first=C |date=1996 |title=Mizoram: Society and Polity |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jksn3c85KOkC&dq=mizo+chief&pg=PA24 |location=New Delhi |publisher=Indus Publishing Company |page=42 |isbn=81-7387-059-4}}
* {{cite book |last=Samuelson |first=Ramchuani Sena|date=1985 |title=Love Mizoram|location=Imphal |publisher=Goodwill Press}}
*{{cite book |last=Zorema |first=J. |date=2007 |title=Indirect Rule in Mizoram: 1890–1954 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BYwpt38dYIIC&dq=bawi+lushai&pg=PR7 |location=New Delhi |oclc=271837683 |ol=48056042M |publisher=Mittal Publications |isbn=978-81-8324-229-5}}
*{{cite book |last=Singh |first=Daman |date=1996 |title=The Last Frontier: people and forests in Mizoram |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HXuCEAAAQBAJ&q=mizo+history |location=India |publisher=Tata Energy Research Institute|isbn=81-85419-17-5}}

==Further reading==
#B. Hamlet, Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Mizoram, Volume 5, {{ISBN|8170997925}}
#C. Nunthara, Mizoram: Society and Polity, {{ISBN|978-8173870590}}
#T. Raatan, Encyclopaedia of North-east India: Arunachal Pradesh Manipur Mizoram, {{ISBN|978-8178350684}}
#Zoramdinthara, Mizo Fiction: Emergence and Development, {{ISBN|978-93-82395-16-4}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
'''Government'''
* {{official website}} 
* [https://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/ Official Tourism Site of Mizoram] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230225929/https://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/ |date=30 December 2017 }}

'''General information'''
* {{osmrelation-inline|2029046}}

{{Geographic location
|Centre = Mizoram
|North = [[Assam]]
|Northeast = [[Manipur]]
|East = Chin State, [[Myanmar]]
|Southeast =
|South =
|Southwest = [[Chittagong Division]], Bangladesh
|West = [[Tripura]]
|Northwest =
}}

{{Mizoram}}
{{North East India}}
{{States and territories of India}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Mizoram| ]]
[[Category:States and union territories of India]]
[[Category:Northeast India]]
[[Category:Countries and territories where English is an official language]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1987]]
[[Category:Tourism in Northeast India]]