MIZORAM -SONGBIRD OF THE NORTH EAST

Mizoram, land of the blue mountain, lies in the Southernmost outpost of the North Eastern states. Neighbours Manipur, Assam and Tripura bound this tranquil little state, but a part of it slips down between Myanmar and Bangladesh. Evergreen, flush with blooms of exotic flora, its hilly expanses are criss-crossed by gushing rivers and their tributaries , and a cobweb of silvery streams.

The forested Mizo hills with their thick bamboo jungles. running in north­south direction rise sharply from Cachar Plains in Assam Highest amongst its several peaks is the Phawngpui - the Blue Mountain. Rice is grown in a few plain areas in the state, such as the Vanlaiphai ,and the fertile Champhai Plains east of the capital Aizawl, extending to Myanmar.

Oral tradition reveals (there is no known recorded history) that the Mizo people migrating from their homelands in China about 3 centuries ago in search of new pastureland, settled in these remote mizo hills (Lushai hills). It was absorbed into British rule between 1891-95 and  in February 1987, it became the 23rd state of the Indian Union. From till' 19th century the Christian missionaries played a dominating role in the state and were greatly responsible for the westernisation of its social life. Today, the state has 87 per cent literacy and gender equality is promoted vigorously.

Clinging to their traditional roots, there has belen a concerted effort by the young to propagate their ancient cultural straills. It has also resulted in bringing back to limelight some of the most colourful  and joyous aspects of the gentle Mizo culture, which many vacationers have found most appealing.