Mizoram - Songbird of  North East India

         Mizoram, land of the blue mountains, lies in the southernmost outpost of the North Eastern State of India. Neighbors 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 north-south direction rise sharply from Cachar Plains in Assam. Highest among its several peaks is the Phawngpui- The Blue Mountain. Rice is grown in a few plain areas in the state.
        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 this remote Mizo Hills (Lushai Hills). It was absorbed into British rule between 1891-1895 and in February 1987, it became the 23rd state of the Indian Union. From the 19th Century, the Christians Missionaries played a dominating role in the State and were greatly responsible for the westernization of its social life. Today, the state has 87 percent literacy and gender equality is promoted vigorously.
      Clinging to their traditional roots, there has been a concerted effort by the young to propagate their ancient cultural strains. It has also resulted in bringing to limelight some of the most colorful and joyous aspects of the gentle Mizo culture, which many vacationers have found most appealing.
         Mizoram has an ancient and incredibly rich tradition and dance which reflects the amalgamation of centuries of cross-cultural inputs. The tradition of music proved to be an excellent vehicle for English evangelism in the late 1800s. The indigenous festivals mirror diverse heritage during the celebration of seasonal cycle of sowing and harvesting which is welcomed with unrestrained joy. The famous "Cheraw" or the bamboo dance is performed after the hard labour of jhumming during the Chapchar Kut festival. "Khual lam" is an auspicious dance celebrating  new beginnings and also a welcome dance for guest during community festivities. Merriment catches the breath as do the foamy delights of rice beer with the "Chheih lam", a community dance performed by both men and women. The war dance "Solakia", a prerogative of the male population of the community, is accompanied by rhythmic beating of the drums.
         Among the indigenous musical instruments used during these festivities as accompaniments are the "tingtang" (Guitar), a string instrument and the "Phenglawng" ( a flute). The revivalist movement of old traditions has been the reappearance of love songs and lullabies originating from the time of the great migrations from Burma. The Mizos are one of the finest Choir singers in the country, an expertise fine tuned by the deep influences of gospel songs of Christianity.  (see inside for more details)

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