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7
wonders of the ancient world
sulphur mountain, banff, web cam; one photo every ten minutes
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Mizoram
(one of the Seven Sisters region of north India): The
Mizos are a sturdy people. Their traditional society and culture have been characterised
by certain distinctive features: There
is little distinction between high and low. Although the chief had full political
authority over his subjects, in social life he was as much a commoner as others.
The land belonged to the community, not to individuals; and the crop was shared.
The term Mizo, which means highlander, refers
to a composite group of allied tribes. These tribes started moving back into their
present abode in India from the Chin hill tracts of Burma towards the beginning
of the 18th century. The Lushais, the most dominant group among them, were the
first to arrive. Other groups that followed the Lushai migration comprised the
Hmars, the Pawis, the Raltes, the Paites, and the Thadous, etc. The Lakhers came
somewhat later, and the Chakmas were the last to enter from the Chittagong tract.
Initially each tribe or clan was eager to maintain its distinctive identity in
respect of dialect, religious beliefs and social customs. But subsequently a process
of integration and assimilation came into play, and there has now developed among
them a common identity as Mizos. Although some of the major sub-tribes have retained
their separate dialects within themselves, the minor one have given up theirs
in favour of the Lushai dialect called Dulien. The Lushai hegemony has been accepted
in other socio-cultural fronts as well. An
inherent spirit of self-help was nurtured. Widespread acceptance
of Christianity and a high percentage of literacy have caused the Mizo society
to move pretty fast along the path of modernity. But there are many indications
to show that they are also not in favour of fully giving up traditional ways.
today
i saw again the mountain, |
Direct link to audience participation page. |
