Mizoram

Mizoram, state in northeastern India, bordered by Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) to the east and south, Bangladesh to the west, and by the states of Manipur, Assam, and Tripura to the north. Mizoram is the southernmost of India's hill states, so named because they occupy one of the country's hilliest areas. It covers an area of 21,081 sq km (8,139 sq mi).

Mizoram means “Land of the Highlanders” in the local language, Mizo. The Mizo Hills, which dominate the state's topography, rise to more than 2,000 m (6,600 ft) near the Myanmar border. Āīzawl, the state capital, is 1,200 m (4,000 ft) above sea level. The hill slopes are covered with dense evergreen forests rich in valuable timber trees, bamboo, wild banana, and flowers, including orchids, begonias, and geraniums. Narrow rivers run through gorges in the hills. The climate is moderate, with an annual average high temperature of about 29° C (84° F) in the summer, and an average low of 11° C (52° F) in the winter.

The population of Mizoram was 891,058 at the 2001 census, giving the state an average density of 42 persons per sq km (109 per sq mi). The people belong mostly to a group of tribes known as the Mizo (formerly the Lushai). Society is based largely around tribal villages. The chief's house and the zawlbuk (community house for young, single men) are the focus of village life. Mizo and English are the official languages. Unlike other Indian languages, Mizo is written in Roman script introduced by the British. In 2001 the literacy rate in Mizoram was 89 percent, one of the highest in India. More than 80 percent of the population are Christians; most people in the region were converted by missionaries during the 19th century. There are Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu minorities. The nomadic Chakmas practice a combination of Hinduism, Buddhism, and animism (the worship of nature deities and other spirits).

About three-quarters of the population of Mizoram earn their living from agriculture. Both terraced and shifting cultivation (also known as slash-and-burn agriculture) are common; rice, corn, and vegetables are the main crops. Small-scale irrigation projects are being developed to increase the crop yield. Mizoram's isolation and poor internal communications have inhibited the development of significant industry. However, sawmills, handwoven textiles, and handicrafts are important sources of income. The state has more than 5,000 km (3,100 mi) of roads and is connected by air to Kolkata and Silchar in Assam.

Mizoram has a single-chamber Legislative Assembly of 40 seats. The state sends two members to the Indian national parliament: one to the Rajya Sabha (upper house) and one to the Lok Sabha (lower house).

Little is known of Mizoram's early history. In the 18th century the Mizo tribes developed an autocratic political system based on hereditary chieftains. Britain formally annexed the area in the 1890s. It was incorporated into Assam as the Lushai Hills District in 1898. It remained part of Assam after Indian independence in 1947, and was renamed the Mizo Hills District in 1953. During this time the Mizo grew more dissatisfied, wanting greater autonomy. In 1966 an independence movement called the Mizo National Front emerged, and an armed rebellion began; this movement led the Indian government to take over administration of the Mizo Hills in 1972. Fighting continued until 1986, when the Mizoram Peace Accord was signed. Under the terms of the peace accord, Mizoram was granted statehood in February 1987.