Mizoram is a land of rolling hills, rivers and lakes. As many as 21 major hills ranges or peaks of different heights run through the length and breadth of the state with the highest peak 'Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) towering 2,065 metres above the sea level. The terrain has, perhaps, the most variegated topography among all hilly areas in this part of the country. The hills are extremely rugged and sleep and the ranges and leaving some plains scattered occasionally here and there.

Rivers: Although many rivers and streamlets drain the hill ranges the most important and useful rivers are the Tlawng (also known as Dhaleswari or Katakhal), Tut (Gutur), Tuirial (Sonai) and Tuivawl which flow through the northern territory and eventually join river Barak in Cachar.

The Koldoyne (Chhimtuipui) which originates in Myanmar, is an important river in the south Mizoram. It has four tributaries and the river is in patches. The Western part is drained by Karnaphuli (Khawthlang tuipui) and its tributaries. A number of important towns including Chittagong in Bangladesh is situated at the mouth of the river. Before Independence, access to other parts of the country was possible only through the river routes via Cachar in the north, and via Chittagong in the South. Entry through the later was sealed when the Sub-continents was partitioned and ceded to E.Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in 1947.

Lakes: Lakes are scattered all over the state. But the most important of them are Palak, Tamdil, Rungdil; and Rengdil. The Palak lake is situated in Chhimtuipui District in southern Mizoram and covers an area of 30 Ha. It is believed the lake was created as a result of an earthquake or a flood. The local people believe a village which was submerged still remains intact deep under the waters.
The Tamdil lake is a natural lake situated 110/85 kms from Aizawl. Legend has it there was once a huge mustard plant in this place. When the plant was cut off, jets of water sprayed from the plant created a pool of water, and thus the name Tamdil which means of 'Lake of Mustard Plant' was born. Today the lake is an important tourist attraction and a holiday resort.

Cultural and Historical Background

Mizoram was inhabited by the tribal groups of Tibeto-Burmese race. During the period 1750-1850 migrations led to settlements in the hills. The tribal groups were governed under a hereditary chieftainship. The Lushais are the most predominant tribe besides a few others like Panei, Lakher, Chakma, Riang. Agriculture is the main occupation of this region. During the British period, Mizoram became a part of the territory of the British India in 1891 though the administration of the villages were left to the local chieftains.  The influence of the British also extended to conversion into Christianity. After independence of India, Mizoram continued to be part of Assam. In 1966 the Mizos resorted to the use of armed struggle to put forth their demands to set up a homeland. It was in 1986 that peace was established and Mizoram joined the main stream with the Indian Union.

People

The inhabitants of  Mizoram are known by the generic name of Mizo, which literally means people (mi) of the hills (zo).  There are a number of separate tribes under the general ethnic broad group of Mizo.

Mizos included the following tribes - Ralte, Paite, Dulien, Poi, Sukte, Pankhup, Jahao, Fanai (Molienpui), Molbem, Taute, Lakher, Dalang, Mar, Khuangli, Falam (Tashous), Leillul and Tangur.

The three main sub groups are Lushais, Pawis and Lakhers. 

There has been a lot of speculation as to the meaning of the word Lushai.  It was, at one time, interpreted to mean head cutters ( 'Lu' in Lushai language means head and 'shai' means cutter). Some suggest the meaning of Lushai as persons with long heads (Shei meaning long), pertaining to the fact that  Lushais bind their hair in knots at the back of their head.

In the north Lushai Hills, the predominant tribes were the Lushais, Raltes and Pawis. The Raltes belonged to the Kuki tribe and were brought under subjugation by the Lushais, who migrated from the Chin Hills.  They had distinct social customs and marked differences in dialects.  They used to live in a separate portion of the village assigned to them. 

Physical features

The Lushais were described as short, sturdy and heavy people of Mongolian type.  Generally the height of men were between 162cm to 170cm and the women's height varied from 140cm to 160cm.  The complexion varied from dark brown to light yellow.

In the Lushai clans both the sexes are slight in build.  The colour of their skin varied from dark yellow, brown, dark olive, copper and yellow olive. Beards and whiskers were almost unknown and a Lushai, when he could grow a moustache, would pull out all the hairs except at two ends.  The hair was worn by both sexes in a knot over the nape of the neck, and carefully parted in the middle. The children's hair were left to grow freely till it was long enough to be tied in a knot.  The young men dressed their hair with much care using pig's fat.  Widows allowed their hair to hang loose.

An average woman bore five to ten children. However, infant morality being high, only two to three children in a family would survive to become adults. Both men and women could walk long distances and they were able to swim.  They also climbed hills with ease which was natural in the hilly terrain of the Lushai hills.

Some mental abnormalities were found in the people of Lushai Hills. There were common cases of transvestites, when some men would dress and live like women.  They were accepted as such in the society. One would also come across cases of lunacy rather frequently. Suicide, particularly amongst old people, was also quite common.

The difference between the clans was mostly evident in the different methods of performing the Sakhua sacrifice to the guardian spirit of the household. Some of the clans were not yet absorbed by the Lushais but  they were much influenced by the Lushais.  These tribes were the Fanai, the Ralte, the Paite and the Rangte.

Language

Although several languages were spoken in the Lushai Hills, the main language was Lushai.  Other languages of the Kuki-Chin groups spoken by the different tribes were Zahao, Lakher, Hmar, Paite, Lai and Ralte.  Many of the smaller tribes used their own language amongst themselves but used Lushai for conversation with persons of other tribes or with outsiders. Lushai language was a spoken language and did not have any written literature.

Climate

The state gets a good rainfall. During rains the climate in the lower hills is humid and enervating. Malarial fever was a common feature during and after rains particularly in the lower area. It is quite cool and pleasant on the higher hills, even during the hot season.  A special feature of the climate here is the occurrence of  violent storms during March-April. Heavy storms come from the north-west and they sweep over the hills in the entire state.

Rainfall is generally evenly distributed. The crops seldom suffer from drought. Mizoram, as a whole, gets an average rainfall of about 3,000 mm with Aizawal town having 2,380 mm and Lunglei 3,178 mm. 

Temperature in the state varies from  about 12^o C  in winter to about 30^oC in summer.  Winter is from  November to February.  There is generally no rain or very little rain during the winter months. Winter is followed by spring which starts at the end of February  and continues till the middle of April.  In April, storms occur and the summer starts.  In April and May temperature goes up to 30^oC.

The hills are covered by a haze.  Heavy rains start in June and continue upto August. September and October are the autumn months when the rains cease and the temperature is usually between 19^oC and 25^oC.

            The wild species biodiversity of Mizoram has a very taxonomic range, in proportion to the enormous diversity of ecosystems and geographical conditions, which these species inhabit. This diversity at the species, sub-species and variety level, is a result of evolutionary processes. However, in the last few decades, this diversity has faced increasing erosion. Habitat loss, hunting and over exploitation, introduction of exotic species in river ecosystems, poisoning and other factors including progressive disempowerment of local communities and destabilization of Mizo traditional management systems, have caused this loss. The dimensions of the loss are as yet unclear, as baseline data, research and monitoring are poorly developed in the State. Some elements of the loss, which have remained undetected or severely under-studied, include decline of the sub-species and varieties of a species. This silent erosion is not necessarily due to any anthropogenic factor, but often due to complex and less understood environmental factors. Thus, to arrive for the sound conservation of different varieties of fauna and flora and their habitat in Mizoram, it is imperative to have research from the beginning so as to scientifically classify different species for their sustainable management in future.

 Status of Forests

           According to Champion and Seth, the forests in Mizoram are classified under three types viz.

(1)       Tropical wet-evergreen forests

(2)       Tropical semi-evergreen forests

(3)       Montane sub-tropical pine forests

            The National Remote Sensing of India, Secunderabad (1979) classified the forest of Mizoram into six categories viz.

(1)       Sub-tropical evergreen forest

(2)       Tropical evergreen forest

(3)       Tropical moist deciduous forest

(4)       Bamboo forest

(5)       Quercus forest

(6)       Jhum land — current, old and abandoned

            According to the Botanical Survey of India, Eastern Zone, Kolkata (1992) the forest of Mizoram is classified as follows :-

(1)       Eastern Himalaya wet temperate forest

(2)       Cachar tropical semi-evergreen forest

(3)       Assam sub-tropical pine forest

(4)       Secondary moist bamboo forest

(5)       Tropical wet evergreen forest

(6)       Montane sub-tropical forest    

            A collaborative up-to-date survey work needs to be carried out to consolidate the actual present situation of forests in Mizoram.

            Of these types, the most important is tropical wet-evergreen forests, which is rich in valuable evergreen timber species in the top canopy in some places particularly in south and west Mizoram. Timber species in the top canopy are — Dipterocarpus turbinatus, Artocarpus chaplasha, Terminalia myriocarpa, Amoora wallichii, Michelia champaca, Mesua ferrea, etc. Bamboos also occur abundantly in the middle and lower storey in evergreen type and canes are conspicuously present in this type. Important Bamboos are Melocana bambusoides, Dendrocalamus strictus, Bambusa tulda, Dendrocalamus giganteus, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, etc.

The common species in the tropical semi-evergreen forests are Michelia champaca, Schima wallichii, Gmelina arborea, Cedrela toona, etc. Bamboos and canes are also abundant. Areas under semi-evergreen forests are central part of Mizoram, north, northwest and western part of the State. This type practically covers the major portion of Mizoram while the eastern fringes of the State bordering Chin Hills of Myanmar are higher in elevation and falls under Montane sub-tropical pine forests wherein the climate is also cooler and annual precipitation decreases.

            The common species of sub-tropical pine forests includes Pinus keseya, Quercus spp., Castanopsis spp., Schima wallichii, Rhododendron arboreum, Rhus semialata, etc.

            Mizoram has vast natural forest resources but due to age-old practice of shifting cultivation vast area comprising valuable timber trees and other forest resources have been converted into degraded land. In a study under taken by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), it is estimated that during 1987-97, an area of about 0.38 million ha. has been affected by shifting cultivation. Most of the dense forests are now located in difficult areas in small pockets.

            The forest cover, based on satellite data of Dec. 1998 is estimated as 18,338 sq. km. representing 86.99 % of State’s total geographic area. The dense forest is 3,786 sq. km. and open forest is 14,552 sq. km. A decrease of 437 sq. km. in forest has been observed in the present assessment compared to the previous one. Dense forest registered a decrease of 526 sq. km. While the open forest increased by 125 sq. km. State of Forest Report 1999 of FSI is given below.

1. Actual forest cover of Mizoram                            -                    18,338 sq. km.

2. Dense forests (crown density >40%)                    -                    3,786 sq. km.

3. Open forests (crown density >10% & <40%)       -                   14,552 sq. km.

4. Scrub forests                                                        -                    212 sq. km.

5. Non-forests                                                          -                    2,531 sq. km.

6. Decrease in forest cover over 1997 to 1999          -                    437 sq. km.

 Notified forests of Mizoram :

A. State Owned                                                                                    Area in sq. km.

1. Innerline Reserved Forests                                                                      570.00

2. Riverine Reserved Forests                                                                      1,833.00

3. Roadside Reserved Forests                                                                     97.20           

4. Other Reserved Forests                                                                          1,905.00

                                                                        Total :                                 4,405.77

5. Wildlife Protected Areas :

            (a) Dampa Tiger Reserve                                                      500.00

            (b) Murlen National Park                                                      150.00

            (c) Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary                                          35.00

            (d) Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary                                               80.00

            (e) Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary                                                      50.00

            (f) Palak Wildlife Sanctuary                                                      15.50

            (g) Thorang Wildlife Sanctuary                                                 50.00

            (h) Sazatlang Wildlife Sanctuary                                               15.00

            (i) Pualreng Wildlife Sanctuary                                                100.00

                                                                        Total :                        815.00

                                                                        G. Total :                5,400.00

B. District Council Forests : 

1. Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) :

(i) Wildlife Protected Areas

            (a) Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary                                               110.00

            (b) Phawngpui National Park                                                     50.00

                                                                        Total :                          160.00

(ii) Reserved Forests :

            (a) Safety Reserve                                                                            78.00

            (b) Supply Reserve                                                                           45.00

            (c) Protected Reserve                                                                       70.00

            (d) Roadside Reserve                                                                       27.00

            (e) Station Reserve                                                                           44.00

            (f) Revenue Reserve                                                                       612.00

                                                                        Total :                                876.00

                                                            Total (LADC) i.e. (i) + (ii) :       1,036.00

2. Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC) :

            (a) Safety Reserve                                                                102.00

            (b) Supply Reserve                                                               115.00

                                                                        Total :                          217.00

3. Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) :

            (a) Safety Reserve                                                                465.00

            (b) Supply Reserve                                                               904.00

                                                                        Total (CADC) :                    1,369.00

                                                                        Total of A & B :                    8,023.27

 Plant Species

              The State has diverse plant species. However, no systematic survey and documentation of the flora of Mizoram has yet been carried out. Occasional survey and some botanical collections had been carried out by A.T. Gage 1899, N.E. Parry 1927, Rev. W.J.L. Wenger 1932, Kajilal 1934, Fisher 1938, Deb & Dutta 1987, Botanical Survey of India (BSI) Shillong. The plant materials collected by them were deposited scantily in the herberia of KEW (London), CNH (Howrah) and Assam (Shillong). Dr. H. Lalramnghinglova, Botanist, Environment & Forests Department, Govt. of Mizoram, have had started botanical collections since 1991 and deposited around 400 mounted specimens in a small herbarium of the State Forest Department established for the first time in Mizoram and published Handbook of Forest Trees of Mizoram, Forest Resources of Mizoram 1997, etc. The Botanical Survey of India had undertaken the flora of Mizoram as one of its project since 1989 and the volume is expected to come out soon.

             An in-depth study of biodiversity hot spots and documentation of the forest wealth in different areas of disciplines (ecological assessment, socio-ecology, anthropology, ethnobotany, bio-chemistry, fauna & aves, microbiology, biomass production, etc.) need to be explored. According to Dr. H. Lalramnghinglova, more than 400 ethnomedicinal plants have been recorded in the State, of which it is found that about 230 species have medicinal value. Out of this, 65 species are categorized as rare and threatened species at the local (State) level only, and other 64 species are recorded as new ethnomedicinal plants. There are about 20 species of bamboo (table 1.4) reported in different patches of the forest in the State, occupying a large area of the forest, support numerous needs including a small scale and cottage industries. Bamboo also contributes a good amount of revenue to the State exchequer (table 1.5). Besides, the use of bamboo for construction of houses and agricultural implements (table 1.6), they are also used for making hats, mats, baskets, cots, spears, weaving implements, etc. In times of food scarcity, its seeds are use as food, substitutes by the poorer classes and young shoot of about four bamboos species are used by all classes as vegetables.

 List of bamboo species found in the forest of Mizoram

Revenue (in rupees) received from bamboo in Mizoram

 Consumption of bamboo (MT) in Mizoram

Source : Lalrinthangi F.C. (1990), Singh (1996), Progress Report Forestry (1990)

            Jhumming is detrimental to the growth and development of bamboo. But the practice is so common and extensive that a proper assessment of the damages actually caused by it in any particular area must be made carefully before the sustained yield for the said area is arrived at. The estimated results given by the State’s Forest Department are as follows :-

(i)         Area jhummed in North West zone                         -              25,000 ha

(ii)        Area jhummed in North East zone                          -                9,800 ha

(iii)       Total forest area of both the zone                            -           9,75,000 ha

(iv)       Intensity of jhummed area to total forest area :

                        North West zone                                -           Slightly over 2.5 %

                        North East zone                                 -           Slightly over 1%

Faunal

Animal species

        In the absence of proper enumeration or census the number, density and population of wildlife in the State can’t be ascertained. The State Environment & Forests Department have been undertaking animal census within the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks from time to time. The state avifauna was also not studied properly in the past due to remoteness of the region, difficult terrain, twenty years of insurgency, financial constraint and poor communication. However, according to Shri. Lalramthanga, I.F.S. and Shri. Lalmalsawma (1996), about 226 species of birds from 50 families have been recorded. Once Mizoram was the denizen of a number of wild animals. But the population dwindled at an alarming rate due mainly to the age old practice of shifting cultivation involving repeated cutting and burning of vegetation and excessive and uncontrolled hunting. Today only marginal and vanishing forms of fauna are left with us whose future is very deemed and uncertain due to wanton destruction of forests. This is the reason why the available wild animals live only in the interior forests to avoid unfriendly treatment from their superior creature. Zoological Survey of India and Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun at frequent intervals are carrying out faunal survey of the State and a picture of the studied areas is expected to come up with conservation strategies.

 Agriculture and Livestock

  The State Government gives a policy direction in the matter of land use with socio-economic and environmental orientation primarily with a view to rehabilitate the tribal jhummia families by weaning them away from shifting cultivation through an integrated approach. The agricultural food production of Mizoram is mainly dependent on jhumming; the production of principal crops in Mizoram is shown at table 1.7. Most of the milk production for adequate sustained supply will depend on the production of quality fodder, feeds and milch cattles. Number of domestic animals in Mizoram as per 1997 census is given at table 1.8.

Production of principal crops in Mizoram

Source : Statistical Handbook of Mizoram, 2000.

 Numbers of domestic animals in Mizoram (As per 1997 census)

Source : Statistical Handbook of Mizoram, 2000.

ECOSYSTEM OF MIZORAM

Mizoram can broadly be classified into two categories of ecosystem :-

Aquatic ecosystem

       The aquatic ecosystem has not properly studied yet in Mizoram, even the concerned department (i.e. Fisheries department) is not in a position to undertake survey or research to scientifically classify and identify the aquatic species due to lack of basic infrastructure. There are 14 major rivers mentioned below in the State, majority of which are rain fed, running in spate during the monsoon and almost dry during the summer months.

 Fourteen Major Rivers of Mizoram

             Besides these rivers, there are few wetlands, small lakes and ponds, viz. Tamdil, Palak and Rengdil.

Terrestrial ecosystem

 i) Natural forests :  Most of the forests of Mizoram are of seed origin. However, with the passage of time, these have become degraded with low stocking of economical species. These are confined to certain pockets scattered through out the State. Such forests are home to many diverse species of plants and animals. 

ii) Miscellaneous forests mixed with bamboos :  These forests are mostly open forests constituting major forest cover in the state. 

iii) Bamboo forests :  They are confined mainly to the low lying areas and non-clump forming bamboo (Melocanna sp.) dominate and jhumming is rampant in this areas. Bamboo area in Mizoram is the highest in the country with 49.1 % of the forest cover. 

iv) Man made forests :      These are forest plantations, both of government and private. They are mostly teak and are still below exploitable age. However, in some parts mature teak have been harvesting in small quantity to supplement timber requirement of the state. 

 Agricultural systems : 

        The major agricultural production of the state comes from jhumming, which is the main stay of the people of Mizoram. Paddy is the main crop under jhumming. Apart from paddy, many other crops such as maize, vegetables, spices, etc. are also grown in jhum areas. 

Land and water uses

      Management of land and forests vested with government. In District Council areas, management of land and forests vest with the District Councils. A system of grant of land passes by village councils existed earlier, and now grant of such passes vests with the Revenue Department under the control of the Deputy Commissioner. However, for jhumming under community land, the Village Council grant permit to the villagers for jhumming. Regular cadastral survey and record of rights are yet to be carried out in a systematic manner. In the absence of survey settlement, there are many unauthorized settlement and occupation both in reserved forests and unclassed forests, which need to be regularized. A proper land tenure system based on appropriate land use is absolutely essential to promote land based production activities in private, government and community sector, and this task has been carried out by the Revenue Department. So far, the Revenue Department has been undertaking cadastral land survey throughout Mizoram since 1999 and is expected to be completed in 2003. The present land use system is given at table 1.3. In regards to water use, the Public Health Engineering Department has responsibility for drinking water supply and water harvesting program has also been carried out in which 11,944 G.C.I. tanks have already been distributed to 138 villages so far, and during 2001-2002, the department is planning to distribute 446 G.C.I. tanks of 7,500 litres capacity each of 5 villages. Management of rivers is under the control of the State Environment & Forests Department. 

 Land use system in Mizoram

Source : Statistical Handbook of Mizoram, 2000.

Mizoram has a number of places which are of historical interest and are associated with folklore, legends and stories which are passed on from generation to generation.

Phawngpui

The Blue Mountain, which is the highest mountain peak in Mizoram, 2165m in height, is known as Phawngpui to the people of Mizoram.  It is situated close to the Burma border, on the curve of the river Kolodyne, in the Chhimtuipui district. It is famous for Orchids and rhododendrons.

The nearest  village is Sangau.  This is a very sacred peak, considered to be the abode of the Gods.  Once a year, ritual sacrifices are offered here. 

Commanding a majestic view over the hills and the valleys, this peak presents the most enchanting scenic beauty in Mizoram.  There is a semi-circular beautiful cliff in the western side called Thlazuang Khamm which has a sharp and deep fall. This is the habitat of the wild mountain goats. This cliff was believed to be haunted by spirits.

On the peak, there is a level ground about 200 hectares in area.  This place is surrounded by matted bamboo groves and other beautiful flora. Varieties of butterflies, including some rare species, are found here. On the east one can see a deep green forest. On the other side at a great distance, villages are silhouetted in a big canvas of wavy hills.

Sibuta Lung

This is a memorial stone found at Tachhip village, 20 Km from Aizawl town.  It was erected by a Palian chief about 300 years ago.  A young orphan, Sibuta, was adopted by the chief.  He killed his adoptive father and became the chief of over 2,000 houses.  But he failed in his love life and was jilted by a girl.  For having his revenge he put a young and beautiful girl, Darlai, in a big pit on which he wanted to erect a memorial for himself.  The huge rock was dragged with great pains from the bed of the Tlawng river, 10 Km away.  The stone was bathed with the blood of three human beings who were sacrificed.  The stone was erected putting Darlai alive on the pit below the stone.

Phulpui Grave

There are two graves at Phulpui village in Aizawl district. Zawlpala, Chief of Phulpui village, married the legendary beauty, Talvungi of Thenzawl.  She was subsequently married to the chief of Rothai, Punthia.  But she could not forget Zawlpala.  After many years when Zawlpala died, grief stricken Talvungi came to Phulpui, dug a pit by the side of Zawlpala's grave and induced an old woman to kill her and bury her in the grave.  The love story, the graves and other associated places at Phulpui are attractions  to visitors.

Memorial of Chhingpui

There is a memorial stone for a beautiful young woman called Chhingpui in a place between Baktawng and Chhingchhip village on the Aizawl-Lunglei road.  Chhingpui came from a noble family and was extraordinarily beautiful.  From among the many young men wanting to marry her. She  chose Kaptuanga and married him.  They were very happy.  But bad days came upon them when war broke out between the rival chiefs. Chhingpui was kidnapped and killed.  For days all the villagers mourned her death. Kaptuanga could not bear the loss and killed himself. Chhingpui's memorial has kept the love story alive among the people.

Pangzawl

Pangzawl village of Lunglei district is associated with the tragic folklore of Chawngungi.  She was a very beautiful girl sought for, by all young men.  But her mother demanded a very high bride price  which could not be afforded by anyone.  Ultimately, the Chief's son, Sawngkhara, won her by using a magic drug.  However, she died soon after the marriage.  Sawngkhara lived the rest of his life mourning the death of his beautiful, young wife.

Mangkahia Lung

At Champhai in Aizawl district, near the Burma border, there is a very large memorial stone called Mangkahia Lung( Mangkhaia's stone).  It is 5m high with heads of mithun engraved on it.  This was erected around AD 1700 in memory of Mangkhaia who was  a very prominent chief of the Ralte tribe.

Tomb of Vanhimailian

Vanhimailian Sailo was a great chief who ruled over Champhai.  A tomb was erected in his memory overlooking the vast Champhai plain.

Tualchang

Near Tualchang village in the eastern part of Aizawl district, there is a row of stone slabs.  The largest of the rocks is 3m wide 1m thick and 4.5m high.  It is the biggest monolith in the state.